kí ni?
The English phrase "what is it?" is translated into Yoruba as kí ni?
The phrase kí ni? is used to ask for the identity or nature of an object or a situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
kí ni? is the standard way to ask "what is it?" or "what is?" in Yoruba.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, asking kí ni? to an elder or someone of higher status can be seen as blunt. To be polite, speakers often add a greeting or a soft opening to avoid appearing demanding.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the pitch of the words in kí ni? changes the meaning entirely. Using the wrong tone could turn your question into a different statement.
- When kí ni? is used as an exclamation of surprise or disbelief, it functions similarly to the English phrase 'What is this!' rather than a request for information.
Example conversation
Tunde sees a strange object on the table.
- TundeFolake, kí ni?Folake, what is it?
- FolakeÓ jẹ́ quàlùIt is a gift.
- TundeTí ẹni wo ló fún ẹ?Who gave it to you?
- FolakeÒrẹ́ mi ló fún mi.My friend gave it to me.
