Some popular Kiswahili words you’ve probably heard!

 JENGA – (verb) 1. build, construct; make.

2. develop: ~ taifa build/develop a nation; ~ hoja make one’s point 

SIMBA – (noun) lion: Mtoto wa ~ lion cub 

HAKUNA MATATA – This is a phrase which means “no troubles.” 

hakuna (adjective) none
matata (noun) [ya-] trouble, disturbance, fix: Tia mtu ~ni get sb into a fix

JASIRI – (adjective) brave, venturesome, audacious, bold, dauntless: Mtu ~ bold brave/ venturesome/audacious person.       

RAFIKI – (noun) friend; comrade. 

AMANI – (noun) peace. 

NIA – (noun) intention, aim, purpose, objective. 

MALAIKA – (noun) angel. 

JABALI – (noun) rock, outcrop; cliff; crag; megalith. 

MWALIMU – (noun) teacher. 

Source: TUKI (2001), Kamusi Ya Kiswahili-Kiingereza; Swahili-English Dictionary. Published by Taasisi ya Uchunguzi wa Kiswahili (TUKI), Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.