unafanya nini?
unafanya nini? is the Swahili way to say "what are you doing?"
This phrase is used to ask someone about the activity they are currently performing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase unafanya nini? is composed of the subject prefix u- (you), the tense marker -na- (present continuous), the verb stem -fanya (do/make) and the interrogative nini (what).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the -na- tense marker to indicate an action currently in progress. If you are addressing more than one person, the subject prefix u- changes to m- to form mnafanya nini?
Did you know?
- In the street slang known as Sheng, the phrase unafanya nini? is often replaced by phrases like ni nini inajipa?, which literally asks 'what is giving itself?'
- If you are asking a person of much higher social status or an elder, you would typically avoid the 'u-' prefix and use the respectful 'm-' prefix instead, even if you are only talking to one person.
- The verb stem -fanya is a loanword from the Arabic word 'fa'ala', which means 'to do' or 'to make'.
Examples in context
- Samahani, unafanya nini?Excuse me, what are you doing?
Example conversation
Said walks into the room and finds Aisha busy with a task.
- SaidAisha, unafanya nini?Aisha, what are you doing?
- AishaNinapika chakula cha jioni.I am cooking dinner.
- SaidSawa, nitakusaidia.Okay, I will help you.
- AishaAsante sana, Said.Thank you very much, Said.
