Planning a trip to Malawi? Want to brush up on your Chichewa to interact with locals and make the most of your experience. Read our post and get practising!
So, without further ado, here are a few of the most common Chichewa words or phrases that you are going to need to fully embrace Malawi:
Welcome – Takulandirani
Hello, how are you? – Muli bwanji?
I’m fine and you? – Ndili bwino, kaya inu?
I’m fine – Ndili bwino
How are you? (informal) – Boh boh? – Response: Boh
Thank you – Zikomo
My friend – Achimwene
Please – Chonde
Water – Madzi
Beer – Mowa
Meat – Nyama
Chicken – Nkhuku
Fish – Nsomba
Car – Galimoto
Belongings/luggage – Katundu
Lake – Nyanja
I am going to… – Ndikupita ku…
I want – Ndikufuna
I don’t want – Sindikufuna
How much is it? – Ndalama zingati?
Money – Ndalama
Where is… (person)? – Ali kuti… (person)?
Where is… (something)? – Chili kuti… (something)?
Enough – Basi
See you later – Tiwonana
Today – Lero
Tomorrow – Mawa
Yesterday – Dzulo
Lion – Mkango
Elephant – Njobvu
Buffalo – Njati
Leopard – Kambuku
Rhino – Chipembere
Hippo – Mvuu
Dog – Galu
What’s great about Chichewa is that it is entirely phonetic, so everything is written just as it sounds. Another thing to note is that ‘R’s and ‘L’s kind of sound the same, so often ‘Gabriella’ can become ‘Gablierra’, ‘Chloe’ becomes ‘Chroe’ and ‘Rory’ becomes ‘Loly’!
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with a few of these words and phrases or print out this page to keep on hand for when the time comes.
A little bit of effort goes a long way and shows a level of respect for the country you are travelling in and its people. Connect with the Malawians around you on your holiday, it will enhance your experience in the best way and you will leave with a full heart, treasured memories and a few more Facebook friends!
If you would like to learn more about Malawi, check out our Malawi safari travel guide!