English to Swahili translation
English to Swahili translation is a specialised combination: Swahili has around 15.4M speakers and is official in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Swahili is a Bantu language with noun classes that drive agreement; widely used as a lingua franca in East Africa.
Indicative freelance rates for african languages languages run from about $0.08 to $0.20 per word for general commercial work; specialised, certified and urgent jobs cost more, and literary translation is usually paid per 1,000 words.
In the US, 343,853 people speak Swahili at home and 110,995 speak English less than "very well", which drives steady demand for Swahili–English translation and interpreting in healthcare, legal and public services.
Indicative rates
Per-word band for general commercial work in the african languages group. Real quotes depend on subject, volume, deadline and experience.
Translation cost calculatorEstimate a quote by language, word count, subject and deadline.
Open calculator →Tips for English → Swahili projects
- Allow 15–30% extra space for the Swahili text in designs, subtitles and printed books.
- Swahili is official in 4 countries — specify the target market (Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania…) so vocabulary and conventions match.
- Send reference material and a glossary of brand or series terms; it saves revision rounds and money.
Frequently asked questions
How much does English to Swahili translation cost?
Typical freelance rates are about $0.08–$0.20 per word, depending on subject, deadline and the translator's experience.
How long does it take to translate English to Swahili?
A professional translator typically produces 2,000–3,000 words a day, plus time for revision by a second linguist.
Is Swahili longer than English?
Usually yes: text typically changes by +15% to +30% when translated from English into Swahili.