In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!
Table of Contents
- 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili
- Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
- Infographic & Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
- Video Lesson: ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
- How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You
So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili? You can learn easily! Below, SwahiliPod101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Swahili speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.
1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili
1- Thank you.
Asante.
The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!
2- That’s very kind of you.
Hivyo ni vizuri sana kwako.
This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.
3- Thanks for your kind words!
Shukrani kwa ajili ya maneno yako mazuri!
Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!
4- Thank you for coming today.
Asante kwa kuja leo.
This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Swahili speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Swahili guests!
5- Thank you for your consideration.
Asante kwa kunifikiria kwako.
This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.
6- Thanks a lot!
Asante sana!
This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Swahili. Use this in an informal setting with your Swahili friends or teachers.
7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.
Walimu kama wewe si rahisi kupatikana.
Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your SwahiliPod101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!
8- Thank you for spending time with us.
Asante kwa kutumia muda na sisi.
Any host at a gathering with Swahili speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Swahili language teacher for her time.
9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.
Asante kwa kuwa na subira na kunisaidia kujiboresha.
This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Swahili teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in Kenya, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!
10- You’re the best teacher ever!
Wewe ni mwalimu bora milele!
This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!
11- Thank you for the gift.
Asante kwa zawadi.
This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.
12- I have learned so much thanks to you.
Nimejifunza sana shukrani kwako.
What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.
2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
Wherever your destination may be, manners are a must! Kenya is no different. So in our very first lesson, we’ll be teaching you a simple phrase that is bound to come in handy throughout your trip to Kenya.
1- Asante.
In Swahili, “Thank you” is Asante. The word asante literally means “thanks”, you can emphasize Asante by adding sana, which means literally “a lot” or “so much.” That makes Asante Sana, which would be equivalent to “Thank you so much,” a politer expression than just Asante.
2- Shukrani.
There will be occasions when you will really want to show your appreciation and politeness. On these occasions, you should use the expression shukran. In daily life, however, people use shukrani. So “Thanks” in Swahili is Shukrani and “Many thanks” is Shukrani Sana. The first word is shukrani, which means something like “thanks.” The second word, sana (“a lot”), is used to make the phrase more polite.
Cultural Insights
Quick Tip 1
By far, Asante is the most common way to say “Thanks.” Use the more polite version shukrani sana sparingly, in very special situations, like when you have been helped a lot by somebody. Remember: when in doubt, keeping it simple is always your safest bet. You don’t have to worry about formal or informal situations; Asante can be used with just about anyone, anywhere, and anytime. You say Asante when the waiter brings your food or drinks, when the clerk in the hotel takes your luggage to your room, and when somebody welcomes or congratulates you. No matter what the person’s profession or age, Asante will always be an appropriate response.
On the run to Kenya? Wait! You can’t go without some basic language phrases under your belt! Especially if you’re heading to meet your prospective employer! Either in person or online, knowing how to say ‘Thank you’ in the Swahili language will only improve their impression of you! SwahiliPod101 saves you time with this short lesson that nevertheless packs a punch. Learn to say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili in no time!
3. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Swahili, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Swahili in Kenya!
Click Here to Listen to the Free Audio Lesson!
At SwahiliPod101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Swahili that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in Kenya, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Swahili’ again…!
4. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.
5. Why would SwahiliPod101 be the perfect choice to learn Swahili?
However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Swahili – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Swahili friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!
SwahiliPod101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases
With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At SwahiliPod101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.
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Best of all is that you’re never alone! We believe that practice is the holy grail of learning any new language, and we gear our courses to ensure lots of it. Enroll with us, and you gain immediate access to our lively forum where we meet and greet, and discuss your burning questions. Our certified teachers are friendly and helpful, and you are very likely to practice your first ‘Thanks!’ in Swahili on him/her, AND mean it! Hurry up, and sign up now – you will thank us for it.
