jiunge
In Swahili, the English phrase 'join' is expressed as jiunge.
The word jiunge is used when a person joins a group or an entity. When you specify what or whom you are joining, you typically follow the verb with the preposition na (with), forming the phrase jiunge na.
Meaning: to combine more than one item into one, to put together (verb)
Which one should you use?
While jiunge refers to a person joining a group, the verb kuunganisha is used when the action involves physically or conceptually joining, connecting or combining two or more objects together. Additionally, kuungana is a formal option meaning to join or to unite.
How does it change in a sentence?
jiunge is the imperative or command form of the verb, used to tell someone to join. When specifying the entity being joined, use the construction jiunge na.
Did you know?
- The root unga in jiunge literally means 'to tie' or 'to bind'. This implies that joining a group is conceptually similar to being tied to other people.
- In Swahili, the act of joining two things together is often linked to the word kiungo, which means both 'a joint' in the body and 'a link' in a chain.
- The verb kuunganisha is used not only for joining objects but also for 'connecting' a phone call or 'linking' a website.
Examples in context
- Ikiwa huwezi kuwashinda, jiunge nao.If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.This sentence shows how to use jiunge in a common idiom.Tatoeba #10863409 by ecorralest101, translation #3501279 by CK
- Ninapenda kujiunga na kikundi cha sanaa.I would like to join the art group.
- Tunataka kuungana na nchi jirani kwa maendeleo yetu.We want to join (unite with) neighboring countries for our development.
- Unataka kuingia katika timu yetu?Do you want to join our team?
- Nakualika kushiriki chakula cha jioni nasi.I invite you to join us for dinner.
Example conversation
Zuwena is inviting Said to a community project.
- ZuwenaSaid, tunafanya usafi wa mtaa leo.Said, we are cleaning the street today.
- SaidSawa, nataka kusaidia jamii yangu.Okay, I want to help my community.
- ZuwenaBasi jiunge na sisi sasa hivi.Then join us right now.
- SaidNitakuja baada ya dakika tano.I will come after five minutes.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
