In the age of globalization, knowing how to discuss technology and the internet in various languages is an invaluable skill. As Swahili continues to grow as a major African language, grasping tech-related vocabulary in Swahili can be particularly useful, whether you’re traveling, conducting business, or exploring digital content in East Africa. This article will guide you through essential technology and internet-related vocabulary in Swahili, complete with Swahili phrases to practice.

Basic Technology Terms in Swahili

Computer in Swahili is “kompyuta”. This is a loan word from English, which is common in technological vocabulary. As you discuss computers in Swahili, you might want to know how to say laptop, which is “kompyuta mpakato”.

“Ninahitaji kununua kompyuta mpakato mpya.” – I need to buy a new laptop.

For those interested in the internal parts of a computer, the word for software is “programu”, and hardware is “vifaa vya kompyuta”.

“Programu yako inahitaji kusasishwa.” – Your software needs to be updated.

Internet Connectivity

The term internet itself is directly borrowed as “intaneti” in Swahili. To talk about connecting to the internet, the verb “kuunganisha” is used, which means “to connect”.

“Nina matatizo ya kuunganisha kwenye intaneti.” – I am having problems connecting to the internet.

Another essential term is wifi, which remains “wifi” in Swahili, and router is referred to as “routa”.

“Je, wifi imeunganishwa?” – Is the wifi connected?

Email and Social Media

Email in Swahili is “barua pepe”, which translates literally to ‘mail dust’. As email becomes a standard mode of communication, knowing this term can be very helpful.

“Nimetuma barua pepe kuhusu mkutano wa kesho.” – I have sent an email about tomorrow’s meeting.

For social media, Swahili uses the term “mitandao ya kijamii”. Each social media platform typically retains its English name, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

“Ninatumia mitandao ya kijamii kukuza biashara yangu.” – I use social media to grow my business.

Smartphones and Apps

The word for smartphone in Swahili is “simu janja”, where “simu” means phone and “janja” denotes cleverness or smartness.

“Simu yangu janja imeharibika, naipenda sana.” – My smartphone is broken, I really like it.

When discussing apps, you can use the word “programu tumizi”, which could be translated as ‘application for use’.

“Nimepakua programu tumizi mpya za kusaidia kujifunza Kiswahili.” – I have downloaded new apps to help learn Swahili.

Discussing Technology Problems

It’s not uncommon to encounter technology issues, and being able to discuss them in Swahili can be very helpful. The word for problem is “tatizo”.

“Tatizo la mtandao linaendelea.” – The network problem continues.

For more specific issues like virus, Swahili uses “virusi”, and bug is often referred to as “mdudu” in software context.

“Kompyuta yangu ina virusi, inahitaji antivirus.” – My computer has a virus, it needs antivirus.

Navigating E-commerce

Online shopping, or e-commerce, is gaining popularity in Swahili-speaking regions. The term for it is “biashara mtandaoni”.

“Ninanunua vitabu kupitia biashara mtandaoni.” – I am buying books through online business.

Whether you’re discussing the latest smartphones, connecting to wifi, or sending emails, understanding this vocabulary will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Swahili in a tech-savvy world. Dive into these phrases, practice them, and you’ll find yourself navigating tech discussions in Swahili with greater ease.