jina
/ˈʄi.nɑ/singular
The Swahili word for "name" is jina.
As a noun, jina refers to a word or phrase that indicates a particular person, place, class or thing. It can also function as a verb meaning to give a name to something or to designate something for a role.
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun jina belongs to the JI-MA noun class. Because of this, the plural form is majina, which uses the ma- prefix. For the specific phrase "one name", you would say jina moja.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈʄi.nɑ/.
Did you know?
- In some East African traditions, children are given a jina based on the specific time or circumstances of their birth, such as the weather or a family event.
- The word jina comes from the Proto-Bantu root *ìjínà, which is the ancestral source for the word in many languages across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Swahili possesses a distinct word for 'surname' or 'family name' called jina la ukoo, which literally translates to 'name of the clan'.
Examples in context
- Jina lako ni nani?What's your name?This sentence is useful for asking someone for their name using jina.Tatoeba #4622550 by ecorralest101, translation #408293 by CK
- Jina langu ni John.My name is John.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself by stating your name with jina.Tatoeba #3173925 by ecorralest101, translation #1098122 by cntrational
- Je, unakumbuka jina lake?Do you remember her name?This sentence is useful for asking if someone remembers a specific person's name using jina.Tatoeba #3173531 by ecorralest101, translation #2818773 by sundown
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Bakari and Neema are looking at a letter.
- BakariJe, unajua jina la mtu huyu?Do you know this person's name?
- NeemaHapana, sijui jina lake.No, I don't know his name.
- BakariJina lake lipo kwenye barua.His name is on the letter.
- NeemaAh, nimeona sasa.Ah, I see now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name” translations and entries jina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
