Latest / Learn Swahili with Fexingo / Swahili for Buying Spices at Market
Transcript
- Lucas: Welcome back to Learn Swahili with Fexingo. I am Lucas. Luna: And I am Luna. We are back for Episode 246. Lucas: Last time we talked about travel essentials like backpacks and maps. Luna: Right. But today we are staying put. We are going to the kitchen. Lucas: Specifically, the spice corner of the local market. Luna: I love the smell of spices. It feels so warm and inviting. Lucas: It does. And knowing the names of these spices is very useful. Luna: Yes. I always forget the word for turmeric when I am there. Lucas: That is what we will fix today. Let us start with the first phrase. Luna: Okay. What is the first phrase we need to learn? Lucas: We want to ask what a specific spice is called. Luna: So I point to a yellow powder and ask... Mchujio ni nini? Lucas: Exactly. Mchujio ni nini? It means 'What is turmeric?' or sometimes just asking about the item. Luna: Let me try. Mchujio ni nini? Lucas: Good. Now say it again slowly. Mchujio ni nini? Luna: Mchujio ni nini? Okay, I think I have that down. Lucas: Perfect. Now imagine you know what it is, but you want some. Luna: I would say, Ninataka mchujio kidogo. Lucas: Yes. Ninataka mchujio kidogo. 'I want a little turmeric.' Luna: Kidogo means a little bit. That is helpful so I do not buy too much. Lucas: It is. Let us practice that together. Ninataka mchujio kidogo. Luna: Ninataka mchujio kidogo. Got it. Lucas: Now let's move to another common spice. Cumin. Luna: Oh, cumin is great for stews. How do I ask for that? Lucas: The word for cumin is Karuwa. Luna: Karuwa. That sounds nice. So I can say Karuwa ni nzuri. Lucas: Yes. Karuwa ni nzuri. 'The cumin is good.' Or you are complimenting the quality. Luna: Karuwa ni nzuri. I like saying that. It feels polite. Lucas: It is. Now, let's talk about heat. Chili powder. Luna: Oh no. I love chili but I get shy asking for it loudly. Lucas: No need to shout. Just ask where it is. Pili pili iko wapi? Luna: Pili pili iko wapi? 'Where is the chili?' Lucas: Exactly. Pili pili iko wapi? Try it for me. Luna: Pili pili iko wapi? There. Is that clear enough? Lucas: Very clear. Now, one more essential item. Cloves. Luna: Cloves are small but powerful. The word is Karafuu? Lucas: Yes. Karafuu. And if you want them, you say Tafadhali nipe karafuu. Luna: Tafadhali nipe karafuu. 'Please give me cloves.' Lucas: Spot on. Tafadhali nipe karafuu. Repeat it once more. Luna: Tafadhali nipe karafuu. I feel like a real chef now. Lucas: You definitely do. Let's review what we have learned so far. Luna: We have Mchujio ni nini? Ninataka mchujio kidogo. Karuwa ni nzuri. Pili pili iko wapi? And Tafadhali nipe karafuu. Lucas: That is five great phrases for any spice market. Luna: I really want to try making pilau with these words in my head. Lucas: That sounds delicious. Before we continue our market tour... Luna: Yes? Lucas: If Fexingo has been helping you make actual progress with this language... Luna: Yeah, it has been really steady for me. Lucas: A handful of listeners chip in monthly through buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo... Luna: And that is literally what funds making this many of these episodes. Lucas: It keeps us ad-free and focused on your learning pace. Luna: If you can support us, it helps us keep going. If not, no worries at all. Lucas: Thank you for listening either way. Now back to the spices. Luna: Let's imagine we are standing in front of the stall owner. Lucas: Good idea. You see some beautiful red chilies. Luna: Okay, I will ask: Pili pili iko wapi? Lucas: The owner points to a jar. He says the cumin is fresh. Luna: Then I tell him: Karuwa ni nzuri. Yes, the cumin looks good. Lucas: He smiles and asks if you want turmeric. Luna: I say: Ninataka mchujio kidogo. Just a little turmeric. Lucas: He packs it up. Then he offers cloves. Luna: I take them and say: Tafadhali nipe karafuu. Please give me the cloves. Lucas: Perfect interaction. You sounded very natural. Luna: I felt confident. It is easier when I visualize the scene. Lucas: Visualization is key. Let's try the turmeric question again. Luna: Mchujio ni nini? I am pointing at the yellow powder. Lucas: Correct. And if you want a small amount... Luna: Ninataka mchujio kidogo. Small amount. Got it. Lucas: Now for the chili location question. Luna: Pili pili iko wapi? Where is the chili? Lucas: Excellent. And finally, requesting the cloves. Luna: Tafadhali nipe karafuu. Please give me cloves. Lucas: You are mastering these quickly. One last review of the cumin comment. Luna: Karuwa ni nzuri. The cumin is good. Lucas: Beautifully said. These phrases will serve you well. Luna: I can already imagine my next cooking trip to the market. Lucas: It will be fun. Practice these until we chat again. Luna: Thanks for teaching me, Lucas. See you next time. Lucas: See you next time. Keep practicing.