Swahili readings / Beginner 1 / Travel Basics

At the Matatu Stop

Kwenye Kituo cha Matatu

Yusuf anasimama kwenye kituo cha matatu asubuhi. Anaangalia ratiba ndogo na kusikiliza dereva akipiga honi. Watu wengine wamesimama karibu, wanaongea taratibu, na wanabeba mifuko ndogo. Matatu moja inafika polepole, rangi yake ni nyekundu na nyeupe. Kondakta anasema, Naenda mjini, nauli ni mia mbili. Yusuf anaangalia pochi yake, anatoa pesa, na anashika tiketi. Anauliza, Je matatu inasimama sokoni? Kondakta anajibu kwa sauti wazi, Ndiyo, inasimama pale mbele. Yusuf anahisi utulivu. Anapanda ndani, anaketi karibu na dirisha, na anaona mitaa, maduka, na watu wakitembea. Safari inaanza, na Yusuf anatabasamu. Anapumua polepole na kufurahia jua la asubuhi.

English Translation

Yusuf stands at the matatu stop in the morning. He looks at a small schedule and listens to the driver honking the horn. Other people are standing nearby, they speak softly, and they carry small bags. One matatu arrives slowly, its color is red and white. The conductor says, I am going to town, the fare is two hundred. Yusuf looks at his wallet, takes out money, and holds a ticket. He asks, Does the matatu stop at the market? The conductor answers in a clear voice, Yes, it stops there ahead. Yusuf feels calm. He boards, sits near the window, and sees streets, shops, and people walking. The journey begins, and Yusuf smiles. He breathes slowly and enjoys the morning sun.