What Language Do They Speak in Malawi?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Malawi has 2 official languages: Chewa, English. Chewa is also an official language in 1 other country worldwide.
Learn some Chewa before you go
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Chewa Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Malawi at a glance
| Official languages | Chewa, English |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 2 |
| Countries on this site where Chewa is official | 2 |
| People (demonym) | Malawian |
| Capital | Lilongwe |
| Internet domain | .mw |
Other countries where Chewa is official
Chewa is also an official language in 1 other country covered here:
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Mozambique | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Tanzania | Swahili, English |
| Zambia | English |
Malawi in context
- Malawi covers 118,484 km², making it the 98th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 175 people per km² ranks 56th of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 3 countries: Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia.
- Malawi is landlocked, with no direct coastline.
- With 20,734,262 people, Malawi holds about 4.7% of the population of Eastern Africa.
- With 2 official languages, Malawi has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Malawi is a member state of the United Nations.
Useful phrases for visitors to Malawi
Everyday Chewa phrases you will hear and use in Malawi:
| English | Chewa |
|---|---|
| Hello | Moni |
| Thank you | Zikomo |
| Please | Chonde |
| Yes | Inde |
| No | Ayi |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Malawi — FAQ
What language do they speak in Malawi?
The official languages of Malawi are Chewa and English.
How many official languages does Malawi have?
Malawi has 2 official languages: Chewa, English.
Is Chewa spoken anywhere else?
Chewa is also an official language in 1 other country.
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