Greetings
Shikamoo
shee-ka-MOH
Respectful greeting to anyone older or senior. The reply is 'Marahaba'. Using it correctly changes how you are received in Tanzania.
Habari za asubuhi
ha-BA-ree za a-soo-BOO-hee
Good morning — literally 'news of the morning'. Tanzanians greet at length before getting to business.
Social
Karibu / Karibu sana
ka-REE-boo
Welcome, and also 'you're welcome'. Said constantly and meant.
Asante sana
a-SAN-teh SA-na
Thank you very much.
Pole
PO-leh
Sorry / I sympathise — said for any misfortune, including a long day. 'Pole na kazi' is said to someone working.
Hamna shida
HAM-na SHEE-da
No problem. The Tanzanian everyday version, more common than the tourist-facing 'hakuna matata'.
Daily life
Pole pole
PO-leh PO-leh
Slowly, gently. A genuine cultural instruction as much as a phrase — Dar does not reward hurrying.
Bei gani?
bay GA-nee
How much? Essential at Kariakoo and for negotiating a bajaji fare.
Bajaji
ba-JA-jee
The three-wheeled auto-rickshaw. The workhorse of short trips in Dar, cheaper than a taxi and cooler than a boda.
Daladala
DA-la-DA-la
The shared minibuses. Cheap, crowded, and how most of the city commutes.
Food
Chipsi mayai
CHIP-see ma-YA-ee
Chips cooked into an omelette. The national comfort food, sold on every corner after dark.
Emergency
112
one-one-two
Emergency and police. 114 for fire, 115 for an ambulance.
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