unakwenda wapi?
The English phrase "where are you going?" is translated into Swahili as unakwenda wapi?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their destination. While it literally asks for a location, it is often used as a standard greeting or a way to initiate conversation when seeing someone in transit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase u-na-kwenda wapi? breaks down into the subject prefix u- (you), the tense marker -na- (present continuous), the verb kwenda (go) and the interrogative wapi (where).
Which one should you use?
The form unakwenda wapi? is used when addressing a single person. If you are asking more than one person where they are going, you should use mnakwenda wapi? by changing the subject prefix from u- to m-.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb kwenda can be shortened to enda in many dialects and contexts, which makes unaenda wapi? a very common alternative to unakwenda wapi?
When do people say it?
When someone asks this question, a standard response starts with the prefix ni- (I) and the tense marker -na- (present continuous), such as Ninaenda [destination].
Did you know?
- While the phrase asks for a destination, a common polite response in some regions is to say ninazurura, which means 'I am wandering' or 'I am strolling'.
- In some contexts, if you respond too directly to unakwenda wapi? by stating your specific destination, it can actually come across as being defensive or suspicious.
- Asking unakwenda wapi? to a stranger in a busy market can be a way of establishing a rapport before starting a negotiation. It functions as a 'social lubricant' to soften the interaction.
Examples in context
- Sasa hivi unakwenda wapi?Where are you off to now?
- Habari yako? Unaenda wapi?How are you? Where are you going?
- Samahani, unakwenda wapi?Excuse me, where are you going?
Example conversation
Bakari meets Aisha on the street during the afternoon.
- BakariHujambo Aisha, unakwenda wapi?How are you Aisha, where are you going?
- AishaSijambo Bakari, ninaenda sokoni.I am fine Bakari, I am going to the market.
- BakariJe, unanunua mboga?Are you buying vegetables?
- AishaNdiyo, ninaenda kununua matunda pia.Yes, I am going to buy fruit too.
