jina langu
In Swahili, "my name" is said as jina langu.
The phrase jina langu is used to refer to the name that belongs to the person speaking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun jina (name) and the possessive pronoun langu (mine/my).
Did you know?
- While jina langu means 'my name', Swahili speakers often introduce themselves by saying Naitwa, which literally means 'I am called'.
- In some coastal Swahili traditions, a person's name may be changed during their lifetime to reflect a change in status or a spiritual rebirth.
- Swahili lacks a single word for 'surname', so to specify a last name, speakers often say jina la ukoo, which means 'the name of the clan'.
Examples in context
- Jina langu ni John.My name is John.This example shows how to introduce yourself using jina langu.Tatoeba #3173925 by ecorralest101, translation #1098122 by cntrational
- Jina langu linasemeka vibaya.My name sounds bizarre.This example uses jina langu to describe how a name sounds.Tatoeba #10874656 by ecorralest101, translation #4985096 by Airvian
- Ikiwa ninabadilisha jina langu ili niepuke maoni ya ubaguzi wa kirangi, kwa nini pia nisibadilishe rangi ya ngozi yangu?If I change my name in order to avoid racist comments, then why don't I change the color of my skin as well?This sentence uses jina langu within a complex discussion about identity.Tatoeba #10843092 by ecorralest101, translation #1817328 by Amastan
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Neema and Juma are meeting for the first time at a social gathering.
- NeemaHabari, jina langu ni Neema.Hello, my name is Neema.
- JumaNafurahi kukufahamu, Neema. Jina langu ni Juma.Nice to meet you, Neema. My name is Juma.
- NeemaNi vizuri kukutana nawe, Juma.It is good to meet you, Juma.
- JumaAsante sana, Neema.Thank you very much, Neema.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
