mimi ni
The English phrase "i am" is translated into Swahili as mimi ni.
mimi ni is used to identify yourself, describe your own state or state your characteristics. Including the pronoun mimi before ni adds emphasis to the subject, often used to contrast oneself with someone else.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun mimi (I) and the copula ni (is/am/are).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ni is invariant and does not change its form to agree with different subjects like 'I', 'you' or 'he/she'.
Did you know?
- The word ni was not originally a word meaning 'to be', but was actually a tool used to point attention to a specific part of a sentence.
- In some contexts, ni can be used as a prefix to create different words, which is entirely distinct from its use in mimi ni.
- Using mimi ni can sometimes feel slightly more formal or emphatic than the abbreviated versions used in casual street Swahili.
Examples in context
- Mimi ni Mfaransa na yeye ni Mamerika.I am French and she is American.This sentence is useful for showing how to use mimi ni when contrasting your nationality with another person's.Tatoeba #8999001 by Nyambura, translation #9014368 by liztrigger
- Mimi ni mwalimu wa Kiingereza.I am an English teacher.This sentence is useful for using mimi ni to state your profession.Tatoeba #13838353 by ecorralest101, translation #2811861 by robbieheslop
- Mimi ni mwanaume wa maonjo ya kawaida.I am a man of modest tastes.This sentence is useful for using mimi ni to describe a personal characteristic.Tatoeba #10881006 by ecorralest101, translation #5945189 by mailohilohi
- Mimi ni Jane.I am Jane.
- Jina langu ni David.My name is David.
- Ninaitwa Susan.I am called Susan.
- Mimi ndio mgeni.I am the guest.
- Naitwa Joseph.I am called Joseph.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omari and Neema are meeting for the first time at a social event.
- OmariMimi ni Omari.I am Omari.
- NeemaNimefurahi kukutana nawe, Mimi ni Neema.Nice to meet you, I am Neema.
- OmariJe, wewe ni mwanafunzi?Are you a student?
- NeemaNdiyo, mimi ni mwanafunzi wa udaktari.Yes, I am a medical student.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
