una miaka mingapi?
The Swahili phrase for "how old are you?" is una miaka mingapi?
The phrase una miaka mingapi? is a question used to ask someone about their age.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you have how many years?" The word una combines the subject prefix u- (you) and the verb na (to have). The word miaka is the plural form of mwaka (year). The word mingapi means "how many" and is used specifically for countable nouns in the m-mi noun class, such as miaka.
How does it change in a sentence?
To answer the question, use the first-person form nina (I have) followed by the number of years, as in nina miaka [number].
Did you know?
- Asking an elder una miaka mingapi? can be perceived as quite blunt or even rude in many East African social contexts. It is often more polite to ask about their wellbeing or status than their specific age.
- The root of miaka can be traced back to Proto-Atlantic-Congo, linking the Swahili word for 'year' to a massive linguistic family spanning much of Africa.
- If you were to ask about your age in a very formal setting, you might use the respectful subject prefix m- instead of u-, even if talking to one person. This elevates the tone of the conversation.
Examples in context
- Samahani, una miaka mingapi?Excuse me, how old are you?
Example conversation
Two people are getting to know each other at a social event.
- FatumaHabari yako, Omari?How are you, Omari?
- OmariNzuri sana, Fatuma.Very well, Fatuma.
- FatumaUna miaka mingapi?How old are you?
- OmariNina miaka ishirini.I am twenty years old.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries miaka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
