yini
The English phrase "what" is translated into Tsonga as yini.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Did you know?
- Tsonga is a tonal language, meaning the high or low pitch used when saying yini can distinguish a question from a statement of confusion.
- In Tsonga, the word yini is often used as a standalone exclamation to express shock or disbelief, similar to how an English speaker might say 'What!' when surprised.
- The word yini shares a linguistic root with other Bantu languages, such as Zulu and Xhosa, reflecting a vast cultural and linguistic network across Southern Africa.
Examples in context
- U ri yini?What do you say?This sentence shows how to use yini to ask someone what they are saying.Tatoeba #13654318 by ecorralest101, translation #1174872 by CK
Example conversation
Hlongwane and Mbalane are talking about a gift.
- HlongwaneMbalane, i yini leyi?Mbalane, what is this?
- MbalaneI nyiko ya mina.It is my gift.
- HlongwaneU ri xavile kwihi?Where did you buy it?
- MbalaneNi ri xavile exari.I bought it in town.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
