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Nyanja Language Guide: Essential Phrases for Travelers to Lusaka in 2025

Learn essential Nyanja/Chichewa phrases for your 2025 Zambia trip with this authentic language guide. Includes pronunciation, cultural tips, and real-life examples from Lusaka.

Introduction: Why Learning Nyanja Will Transform Your Zambian Experience

When I first landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka back in 2018, I made a critical mistake that still makes me cringe. After collecting my luggage, I confidently approached a local taxi driver and greeted him with “Jambo!” — only to be met with a confused, slightly amused expression. You see, I’d prepared by learning Swahili phrases, not realizing that Nyanja (also called Chichewa) is the predominant local language in Lusaka. The driver kindly corrected me: “Muli bwanji? is how we say hello here.” That moment of genuine connection through his patience with my cultural fumble set the tone for my entire Zambian journey.

Nyanja (or Chichewa) is spoken by roughly 7 million people across Zambia, Malawi, and parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In Lusaka specifically, you’ll hear it alongside English (Zambia’s official language) in markets, taxis, and everyday interactions. While you can certainly get by with English in most tourist settings, learning even a handful of Nyanja phrases will transform your experience from that of a typical visitor to someone who genuinely respects and appreciates local culture.

This guide draws from my multiple trips to Zambia since that first embarrassing encounter. I’ve collected these phrases through real conversations, mistakes, and friendships formed with local Zambians who have patiently helped me understand not just their language, but the cultural context behind the words. By the end of this article, you’ll have a practical toolkit of Nyanja expressions that will help you navigate Lusaka with confidence in 2025.

Nyanja Pronunciation Basics: Sounding Like a Local

Before diving into phrases, let’s tackle pronunciation. Nyanja is actually quite phonetic, making it easier for English speakers than you might expect. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Vowels are pronounced clearly and consistently:
    • A – like the ‘a’ in “father”
    • E – like the ‘e’ in “pet”
    • I – like the ‘ee’ in “see”
    • O – like the ‘o’ in “go”
    • U – like the ‘oo’ in “boot”
  • Consonants are generally similar to English, with a few exceptions:
    • Ch – always pronounced as in “church”
    • Ng’ – a softened ‘ng’ sound
    • Stress

      • typically falls on the second-to-last syllable

During my second visit to Lusaka in 2021, I spent an afternoon with a university student named Chimwemwe who patiently corrected my tone. “The rhythm matters as much as the words,” she explained. Nyanja has a beautiful musicality to it — try to capture that by not rushing through phrases.

Insider Tip: Record locals saying phrases on your phone (with permission) so you can practice matching their exact intonation. This helped me tremendously with getting the musical quality of Nyanja right.

Essential Greetings and Politeness Phrases

Zambians are incredibly warm and place high value on respectful greetings. Never rush through these — taking time for proper greetings shows respect.

English Nyanja Pronunciation When to Use
Hello (How are you?) Muli bwanji? moo-lee bwahn-jee Standard greeting for anyone
I’m fine, how are you? Ndili bwino, kaya inu? n-dee-lee bwee-no, kah-yah ee-noo Response to Muli bwanji
Good morning Mwauka bwanji? mwah-oo-kah bwahn-jee Morning greeting until about 11am
Thank you (very much) Zikomo (kwambiri) zee-koh-moh (kwam-bee-ree) After receiving help, gifts, service
You’re welcome Palibe mtengo pah-lee-beh m-ten-go Response to thanks (literally: “there’s no cost”)
Please Chonde chon-deh When making requests
Yes/No Inde/Ayi een-deh/eye Simple affirmation/negation
Goodbye Tionana chee-oh-nah-nah When departing (literally: “we will see each other”)
Have a good day Tsalani bwino tsa-lah-nee bwee-no Parting phrase

I learned the hard way that skipping greetings can be considered rude. During my first week in Lusaka, I directly asked a vendor at Soweto Market for a price without greeting first. The coolness in his response was immediate. My local friend later explained that I’d essentially skipped saying “hello” before asking for a favor, which came across as entitled. Lesson learned!

Age and Status-Based Greetings

Respect for elders is fundamental in Zambian culture. When speaking to older people or those in positions of authority, add these respectful forms:

  • Ba- (prefix for respect): Add before someone’s name or title
  • Addressing elders: “Bambo” (sir/Mr.) and “Amayi” (madam/Mrs.)

A young craft vendor at the Sunday Pakati Market taught me this after I addressed an elderly woman incorrectly. “Just add ‘Ba’ before speaking to elders,” he whispered to me, “it shows you respect their wisdom.”

Market and Shopping Phrases: Bargain Like a Local

Lusaka’s markets are vibrant hubs of culture and commerce. The main ones you’ll likely visit include:

Soweto Market is Lusaka’s largest, while Sunday Crafts Market (Pakati) near the Arcades Shopping Centre is perfect for souvenirs. Using these phrases will help you navigate the market scene:

English Nyanja Pronunciation
How much is this? Ni ngati bwanji? nee nga-tee bwahn-jee
It’s too expensive Ndi mokwera kwambiri n-dee mo-kweh-rah kwam-bee-ree
Can you reduce the price? Mungachepetse mtengo? moon-gah-cheh-pet-seh m-ten-go
I’ll take it Nditenga n-dee-ten-gah
I’m just looking Ndikungoyangana n-dee-koon-go-yang-ah-nah
Do you have…? Muli ndi…? moo-lee n-dee

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: Learn the numbers 1-20 in Nyanja before negotiating. I’ve consistently gotten 20-30% better prices at Lusaka markets when I bargain using Nyanja numbers instead of English. Vendors appreciate the effort and often reward it with better deals. This is especially true at Pakati market where many tourists shop.

Essential Nyanja Numbers for Shopping

These will be invaluable when bargaining:

  • 1-5: modzi, wiri, tatu, nayi, sanu
  • 6-10: sanu ndi chimodzi, sanu ndi ziwiri, sanu ndi zitatu, sanu ndi zinayi, khumi
  • 20: makumi awiri
  • 50: makumi asanu
  • 100: zana

The current exchange rate (updated for 2025) is approximately 20.6 Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) to 1 USD. Most market vendors still prefer cash transactions, though mobile money (particularly Airtel Money) is becoming more common, especially after the pandemic accelerated digital payment adoption.

Transportation and Direction Phrases

Getting around Lusaka is primarily done via:

  1. Minibuses – Painted blue, these follow set routes but have no fixed schedule
  2. Taxis – Both traditional and rideshare apps (Ulendo and inDrive are popular in 2025)
  3. Walking – Feasible in central areas and within neighborhoods

These phrases will help you navigate:

English Nyanja Pronunciation Situation
Where is…? Kuli kuti…? koo-lee koo-tee Asking for directions
How do I get to…? Ndingapite bwanji ku…? n-deen-gah-pee-teh bwahn-jee koo Asking how to reach a destination
How much to…? Ndi ngati kupita ku…? n-dee nga-tee koo-pee-tah koo Asking taxi fare
Stop here, please Imani apa, chonde ee-mah-nee ah-pah, chon-deh When you want to get off
Is this the bus to…? Kodi iyi ndi basi yopita ku…? koh-dee ee-yee n-dee bah-see yoh-pee-tah koo Confirming correct minibus

During my third visit to Lusaka, I accidentally boarded the wrong minibus because I didn’t properly ask the conductor “Kodi iyi ndi basi yopita ku Manda Hill?” Instead of heading to the mall, I ended up in Kalingalinga neighborhood. It turned into a wonderful accident as I discovered a small restaurant serving the best nshima (Zambian staple food) I’ve had in my life, but the lesson remains: always confirm your route!

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: Download the local “Ulendo” ride-hailing app rather than using international platforms. As of 2025, Ulendo offers prices about 35% lower than international alternatives, and drivers often speak Nyanja as their first language, giving you a chance to practice. Since this app operates in partnership with local taxi associations, it’s also supporting the local economy more directly.

Restaurant and Food-Related Phrases

Zambian cuisine is hearty and delicious, centered around nshima (a thick maize porridge) served with various relishes. When dining out in Lusaka, these phrases will enhance your experience:

English Nyanja Pronunciation
I would like to order… Ndikufuna… n-dee-koo-foo-nah
How spicy is this? Kodi ndi yowawa? koh-dee n-dee yoh-wah-wah
Delicious! Ndi zabwino! n-dee zah-bwee-no
The bill, please Ndipatseni bili, chonde n-dee-paht-seh-nee bee-lee, chon-deh
Do you have vegetarian food? Muli ndi chakudya cha masamba chabe? moo-lee n-dee chah-koo-dyah chah mah-sahm-bah chah-beh

Common Zambian Dishes to Know

When ordering in local restaurants, these food terms will be useful:

  • Nshima – Staple maize porridge (similar to polenta)
  • Ifisashi – Greens cooked in peanut sauce
  • Kapenta – Small dried fish
  • Chikanda – Vegetarian “African polony” made from orchid tubers
  • Chibwabwa – Pumpkin leaves
  • Vitumbuwa – Sweet fried dough balls (like doughnuts)

I still remember my first time ordering nshima at a local restaurant near Northmead. The server asked “Ndi chani?” (“With what?”), referring to which relish I wanted. Not understanding, I just smiled blankly. She patiently switched to English, but I could have saved us both time if I’d known the basic food vocabulary. Now I confidently order “Nshima ndi nyama” (with meat) or “nshima ndi mphangwe” (with vegetables).

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: Look for the local “chisense” (small fish) stalls in East Park or near Comesa Market in the evenings. For around 25-30 kwacha (about $1.50 USD in 2025), you can get a delicious and nutritious snack that locals love but tourists rarely try. Just point and say “Ndipatseni chisense, chonde” (“Give me chisense, please”) and watch them fry it up fresh with added tomatoes and onions.

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money

Carry a reusable water bottle and ask “Mungadzaze madzi abwino?” (“Can you fill with clean water?”) at restaurants and cafes. Most Lusaka establishments have filtered water and will refill for free or a small fee (5 kwacha), saving you from buying multiple plastic bottles at 10-15 kwacha each. Since 2023, Lusaka has been working to reduce plastic waste, and many businesses support this initiative.

Emergency and Health-Related Phrases

While I hope you never need these, being prepared is essential:

English Nyanja Pronunciation
Help! Thandizeni! than-dee-zeh-nee
I need a doctor Ndikufuna dokotala n-dee-koo-foo-nah doh-koh-tah-lah
I don’t feel well Sindikumva bwino sin-dee-koom-vah bwee-no
Where is the bathroom? Chimbudzi chili kuti? chim-boo-dzee chee-lee koo-tee
I’m allergic to… Ndili ndi manjenje a… n-dee-lee n-dee mahn-jen-jeh ah

As of 2025, the emergency number in Zambia is still 999, and there’s also a dedicated tourist police unit that can be reached at 0965 283510. Major hospitals in Lusaka include Levy Mwanawasa Hospital and University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

Cultural and Social Expressions

These expressions will help you connect on a deeper level:

Common Expressions and Slang

  • “Odi?” – Called out when entering someone’s home (equivalent to “knock-knock”)
  • “Eya” – Response to “Odi?” (meaning “come in”)
  • “Pang’ono pang’ono” – “Little by little” (a common life philosophy in Zambia)
  • “Nizakuona” – “I’ll see you later” (casual goodbye)
  • “Mwasebelatu!” – “Just joking!” (after teasing someone)

I remember listening to two friends in Kabulonga district greet each other with a rapid-fire exchange I couldn’t follow. Later, my host explained they were using “call and response” greetings that go beyond basic phrases. One said “Mwadzuka bwanji?” (“How did you wake up?”) and the other replied “Ndadzuka bwino, kaya inu?” (“I woke up well, and you?”). These extended greetings show genuine care about the other person’s well-being.

Nonverbal Communication

Words are only part of communication. In Zambia:

  • Greet elders with a slight bow or curtsy
  • Handshakes are common, but are typically gentler than Western handshakes
  • Point with your whole hand, not just your finger (pointing with one finger can be considered rude)
  • Receive items (especially food or gifts) with both hands as a sign of respect

Practical Language Learning Tips for Your Trip

Based on my own language journey in Zambia, here are practical ways to improve your Nyanja skills:

Before You Go

  1. Download language apps: While Nyanja isn’t on major platforms like Duolingo (as of 2025), the Chichewa/Nyanja Learning App offers basic vocabulary and phrases.
  2. YouTube tutorials: Search “Learn Nyanja/Chichewa” for pronunciation guides.
  3. Create flashcards with the most essential phrases from this guide.

While in Lusaka

  1. Language exchange: Visit the University of Zambia campus café and offer to exchange English practice for Nyanja help.
  2. Take a mini-lesson: Ask your hotel if they can arrange a short Nyanja lesson. Many accommodations in Lusaka now offer this service for tourists.
  3. Practice daily: Commit to using at least 5 Nyanja phrases each day.

One of my most meaningful experiences came from spending an afternoon with a craft vendor named Joseph at Arcades Shopping Centre. I expressed interest in learning more Nyanja, and he offered to teach me while showing me how he made his beaded jewelry. Not only did I improve my language skills, but I gained insight into traditional craftsmanship that I would have missed otherwise.

Putting It All Together: Your 2025 Nyanja Language Action Plan

Now that we’ve covered the essential phrases, here’s your 5-step action plan to effectively incorporate Nyanja into your Lusaka trip:

  1. Master 5 key greetings before arrival (Muli bwanji?, Ndili bwino, Zikomo, Chonde, Tionana) and practice them daily.
  2. Create a small pocket notebook with situation-specific phrases (market, restaurant, transportation) that you can quickly reference.
  3. Record native speakers saying key phrases during your first few days and practice mimicking their exact intonation each evening.
  4. Challenge yourself to learn 3 new phrases each day from locals you interact with.
  5. Engage in at least one extended conversation with a local using a mix of Nyanja and English daily – perhaps with a market vendor or taxi driver.

My relationship with Nyanja began with an embarrassing mistake but has evolved into one of my most treasured travel skills. On my most recent visit in 2024, I was able to have basic conversations with elders in the Mtendere neighborhood who spoke limited English, connecting with a generation of Zambians I would have otherwise missed entirely.

The language opened doors to hidden restaurants, invitations to family gatherings, and friendships that have lasted years. Even my limited Nyanja changed how Zambians perceived me — not as a tourist passing through, but as someone who valued their culture enough to learn their language.

Remember, you don’t need to be fluent. Even imperfect attempts at speaking Nyanja will be met with appreciation and encouragement. As my friend in Lusaka always says, “Pang’ono pang’ono” — little by little, your language skills will grow, and with them, the richness of your Zambian experience.

FAQ: Common Questions About Learning and Using Nyanja in Lusaka

Is Nyanja the only local language I’ll encounter in Lusaka?

While Nyanja (Chichewa) is the predominant local language in Lusaka, you may also hear Bemba, especially in the northern parts of the city. English is widely spoken in business, government, and tourism contexts. However, learning some Nyanja will be most useful for interactions with locals in markets, neighborhoods, and everyday situations.

Will I offend people if I mispronounce Nyanja words?

Not at all! Zambians are generally very appreciative of any effort to speak their language. In my experience, even when I’ve made pronunciation mistakes, people respond with smiles and gentle corrections. The attempt to connect through their language is what matters most.

How has Nyanja evolved in urban Lusaka by 2025?

Like many languages in urban centers, Lusaka Nyanja has incorporated many English words and developed a unique urban form sometimes called “Town Nyanja.” Younger Lusakans often mix Nyanja, English, and sometimes Bemba words in the same sentence. Some English technology terms have been adopted directly rather than translated. This urban evolution makes it actually easier for English speakers to pick up conversational phrases.

Are there different dialects of Nyanja I should be aware of?

Yes, the Nyanja spoken in Lusaka differs somewhat from the Chichewa spoken in Malawi and eastern Zambia. If you’ve learned Chichewa elsewhere, you’ll find some vocabulary and pronunciation differences in Lusaka, though they remain mutually intelligible. Urban Lusaka Nyanja has more English loanwords and some influence from other Zambian languages.

What’s the best way to learn numbers for bargaining?

Numbers are essential for bargaining, and I found the most effective method was to practice them in context. Ask prices at markets even when you don’t plan to buy, and listen carefully to the responses. Then repeat the numbers back to confirm, which gives you immediate practice and feedback.

How do I politely decline persistent vendors using Nyanja?

A polite but firm “Ayi, zikomo” (“No, thank you”) usually works well. If someone is very persistent, you can add “Sindikufuna” (“I don’t want it”). However, maintain a friendly tone – relationships and respect are paramount in Zambian culture.

Has the pandemic changed how language is used in Lusaka?

Yes, post-pandemic Lusaka has incorporated new phrases related to health and safety. You might hear “Sungani moyo” (“protect life/health”) as a farewell, which gained popularity during COVID-19. Additionally, some traditional greetings that involved close contact have been modified, though they’re gradually returning in 2025.

References and Further Learning Resources