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Swahili Loanwords in English

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From safari to jumbo, explore the Swahili words that have journeyed into everyday English!

15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓

The word 'safari' is commonly associated with Swahili. What does 'safari' mean in Swahili?

About Swahili Loanwords in English

From safari to jumbo, explore the Swahili words that have journeyed into everyday English! Swahili Loanwords in English packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

  1. 1. The word 'safari' is commonly associated with Swahili. What does 'safari' mean in Swahili?

    Answer: Journey or expedition

  2. 2. Which English word meaning 'large' or 'huge' may derive from the Swahili 'jambo' (meaning 'hello' or 'big')?

    Answer: Jumbo

  3. 3. The word 'bongo' (a type of drum) has connections to Swahili. Bongo drums are associated with which musical traditions?

    Answer: Afro-Cuban and Latin American music

  4. 4. Which English word for a type of large African antelope comes from Swahili?

    Answer: Impala

  5. 5. The Swahili word 'simba' (meaning 'lion') became famous through which popular Disney film?

    Answer: The Lion King

Frequently asked questions

Is Swahili Loanwords in English free to play?

Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Swahili Loanwords in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.

How long does Swahili Loanwords in English take?

Most players finish Swahili Loanwords in English in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.

What's a good follow-up after Swahili Loanwords in English?

If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.

Can I print Swahili Loanwords in English?

Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.

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