Jina lako nani?
The Swahili phrase for "what is your name?" is Jina lako nani?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone for their name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Jina lako nani? literally translates to "Name your who?"
When do people say it?
When someone asks you this, a standard way to respond is Jina langu ni [Name], which means "My name is [Name]."
Did you know?
- In Swahili, the word nani specifically asks 'who', whereas nini asks 'what'. Using nani treats the name as a person rather than a thing.
- In some formal settings, it is more polite to start by asking Habari? ('How are things?') before asking someone's name.
- The word jina is inherited from the Proto-Bantu root *ìjínà, meaning the term has remained remarkably stable across hundreds of languages in Africa.
Examples in context
- Jina langu ni Fatima.My name is Fatima.
- Naitwa Ali.I'm called Ali.
- Salama! Jina langu ni Mohammed.I'm fine! My name is Mohammed.
- Samahani, jina lako nani?Excuse me, what is your name?
Example conversation
Juma and Zuwena meet for the first time at a community event.
- JumaHujambo! Jina lako nani?Hello! What is your name?
- ZuwenaSijambo. Jina langu ni Zuwena.I am well. My name is Zuwena.
- JumaMimi naitwa Juma. Nafurahi kukutana nawe.I am called Juma. I am happy to meet you.
- ZuwenaAsante, Juma. Nafurahi pia.Thank you, Juma. I am happy as well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jina, nani, CC BY-SA 4.0.
