Welcome to this guide on how to say the word “what” in various African languages! Africa is an immensely diverse continent with over 2,000 recognized languages, each with its unique culture, history, and linguistic nuances. In this guide, we’ll explore some commonly spoken African languages and discover how to ask “what” in both formal and informal contexts. While it’s impossible to cover every language spoken across Africa, we’ll focus on a few major languages and regions to give you a flavor of the linguistic diversity found on the continent.
Table of Contents
Southern Africa
Zulu – South Africa
In Zulu, one of the most widely spoken languages in South Africa, the word for “what” is:
Kungenxa yini?
This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts. “Kungenxa” means “what,” and “yini” represents “reason” or “cause.” So when combined, it literally translates to “what is the reason?” or “what is the cause?”
Shona – Zimbabwe
Speaking of Southern Africa, let’s explore how to say “what” in Shona, an official language of Zimbabwe:
Zvaunoda here?
“Zvaunoda” means “what” in a formal sense, while “here” represents a question marker. Together, the phrase “Zvaunoda here?” translates to “What do you want?”
Eastern Africa
Swahili
Moving on to Eastern Africa, Swahili is a lingua franca widely spoken in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. To ask “what” in Swahili, you can say:
Nini?
It’s a simple and versatile word that works in both formal and informal contexts. You can use it as a standalone question or combine it with other words to inquire further. For example:
- What is your name? – Jina lako ni nani?
- What are you doing? – Unafanya nini?
Western Africa
Yoruba – Nigeria
Yoruba, a language spoken primarily in Nigeria, offers an interesting perspective on how to say “what.” Here’s how you would ask “what” in Yoruba:
Ki ni?
“Ki ni” serves as the equivalent of “what,” and you can include additional words to provide context. For instance:
- What is your name? – Kini oruko e?
- What are you doing? – Kini o nse?
Northern Africa
Arabic
Arabic is a widely spoken language in Northern Africa. The way to say “what” in Arabic depends on the dialect. In Modern Standard Arabic, also known as Fus’ha, you would say:
Maa-tha?
On the other hand, in Moroccan Arabic, you would use:
Ashnu?
These phrases can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Conclusion
Africa’s linguistic diversity embodies the continent’s rich cultural tapestry. In this guide, we’ve explored how to say “what” in various African languages, covering Southern, Eastern, Western, and Northern Africa. Remember that this is just a glimpse into the countless languages spoken across the vast African continent. Language variations may exist within individual countries and regions as well, so it’s always ideal to learn greetings and key phrases specific to the place you’re visiting. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and language. By doing so, you’ll forge deeper connections, gain respect, and have a more fulfilling experience in any African country you visit.
