When you start learning Swahili, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is, “Unafanya kazi gani?” (What work do you do?).
Whether you are a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, being able to describe your role—and the roles of those around you—is essential. Because these are all people, they almost exclusively fall into the A-WA noun class.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of Swahili occupations and titles, categorized by industry.
🏥 The Medical Field (Huduma za Afya)
Swahili medical terms often revolve around the root word Daktari.
- Daktari: Doctor
- Daktari wa meno: Dentist
- Daktari wa macho: Optician / Eye specialist
- Nesi / Mkunga: Nurse / Midwife
- Tabibu / Mganga: Healer / Physician
Note on Health Status: You may also encounter words describing patients or conditions, such as Mjamzito(Pregnant woman) or Kiziwi (Deaf person). Even though these start with different prefixes, they follow the A-WA verb rules!
🏛️ Law, Politics, and Leadership (Sheria na Uongozi)
From the village elder to the President, leadership titles are a huge part of the language.
- Rais / Raisi: President
- Gavana: Governor
- Waziri: Minister / Cabinet Secretary (e.g., Waziri wa Afya – Health Secretary)
- Mbunge: Member of Parliament / Senator
- Diwani: Council person
- Wakili / Mwanasheria: Lawyer
- Hakimu: Judge (or Kadhi for Islamic law)
- Shahidi (Plural: Mashahidi): Witness
🎓 Education and Research (Elimu na Utafiti)
Academic titles vary depending on the level of seniority.
- Mwalimu: Teacher
- Mhadhiri: Lecturer
- Profesa / Ustadh: Professor
- Mtafiti: Researcher
- Mkutubi: Librarian
- Mkuu wa chuo: University President / Chancellor
🌾 Artisans, Farmers, and Manual Labor (Kazi za Mikono)
These titles often start with the M- prefix, indicating the “person who does” the action.
- Mkulima: Farmer
- Mfugaji: Livestock farmer
- Mvuvi: Fisherman
- Mjenzi: Construction worker
- Mwashi: Mason
- Seremala: Carpenter
- Mhunzi: Blacksmith
- Mfinyanzi: Potter
- Mchongaji: Sculptor
🚢 Transport and Navigation (Uchukuzi)
Whether by land, air, or sea, here is how you get around.
- Dereva: Driver
- Rubani: Pilot
- Nahodha: Sea Captain
- Baharia: Sailor
- Utingo / Tanboi: Luggage manager (very common in matatus!)
💼 Business and Trade (Biashara)
- Mfanyibiashara: Businessman
- Mhasibu: Accountant
- Dalali: Auctioneer
- Mchuuzi: Retailer
- Muuzaji: Salesperson
🕵️ Security and Investigation
- Ofisa wa polisi / Askari: Police officer
- Mpelelezi / Jasusi: Detective / Spy
- Jemadari: Commander in Chief
⚠️ A Note on Character and Status
Language isn’t just about jobs; it’s about how we describe people. Swahili has specific terms for character traits and life stages:
- The Good & Bad: Mwizi (Thief), Msaliti (Traitor), or Mwongo (Liar).
- Life Stages: Kijana (Youth), Mzee (Old person/Elder), and Mjane (Widow).
🎯 Learn More
If you want to hear the correct pronunciation for these titles, and learn more Kiswahili check out our web app at letslearnswahili.