njani
The Xhosa word for "how" (in what manner) is njani.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Ndingakunceda njani? (How can I help you?) is more commonly used in the Eastern Cape.
Did you know?
- The common response to Unjani? (How are you?) is Ndiphilile, which literally means 'I am alive'.
- Using the variant Nganjani? can signal that the speaker is skeptical or confused rather than just seeking an explanation.
- The nj sound in njani is a palatal nasal, a sound produced by pressing the middle of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Examples in context
- Uyithanda njani ikofu yakho?How do you like your coffee?This sentence shows how to use njani to ask about someone's preference for coffee.Tatoeba #1783212 by wwkudu, translation #62247 by CK
- Uziva njani namhlanje?How do you feel today?This sentence shows how to use njani to ask about a person's feelings today.Tatoeba #1767721 by wwkudu, translation #54489 by CK
- Unjani?How are you?
- Ndiphilile, wena unjani?I'm fine, how about you?
- Uza kuya njani?How are you going to go?
Example conversation
Lwazi and Siyabonga are discussing a new phone.
- LwaziSiyabonga, isebenza njani le fonu?Siyabonga, how does this phone work?
- SiyabongaYenza ngokulula kakhulu.It works very simply.
- LwaziAndiqondi ukuyisebenzisa njani.I don't understand how to use it.
- SiyabongaNdizakukubonisa ngoku.I will show you now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
