Meaning
Asking for the cost of an item.
Cultural Background
Bargaining is common in markets. Always start with a smile. In Nairobi, 'Bei gani' is used everywhere from supermarkets to street vendors. The influence of Arabic trade makes this phrase essential in the Stone Town markets. Swahili is widely understood in markets, and this phrase is perfectly acceptable.
Smile!
Always smile when asking. It makes the vendor more likely to give you a good price.
Bargaining
Don't accept the first price. It's part of the culture to negotiate.
Meaning
Asking for the cost of an item.
Smile!
Always smile when asking. It makes the vendor more likely to give you a good price.
Bargaining
Don't accept the first price. It's part of the culture to negotiate.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask for the price.
______ gani kofia hii?
'Bei gani' is the phrase for 'how much'.
Which phrase is correct for asking the price?
Choose the correct option.
'Bei gani' is the standard word order.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Match: Bei gani? | Nani? | Wapi?
Bei gani is how much, Nani is who, Wapi is where.
Complete the dialogue.
Vendor: Karibu! You: ______?
You are at a market, so you ask for the price.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises______ gani kofia hii?
'Bei gani' is the phrase for 'how much'.
Choose the correct option.
'Bei gani' is the standard word order.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Bei gani is how much, Nani is who, Wapi is where.
Vendor: Karibu! You: ______?
You are at a market, so you ask for the price.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is the standard way to ask for a price.
Yes, but prices are usually fixed there.
No, 'Bei gani' stays the same.
Related Phrases
Bei ya mwisho
builds onFinal price
Pesa ngapi?
synonymHow much money?
Ghali sana!
contrastToo expensive!
Punguza bei
builds onLower the price
