kungani
The English phrase "why" is translated into Ndebele as kungani.
The word is an interrogative adverb used to ask for the reason.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Which one should you use?
kungani is the standard form, while Kanti yini? is an alternative used specifically in informal contexts.
Did you know?
- Ndebele shares many linguistic roots with Zulu, meaning a speaker of Zulu can often understand kungani even if they have never studied Ndebele.
- When asking kungani?, the speaker's tone and facial expressions are just as important as the word itself to avoid sounding aggressive or confrontational.
- The phrase kanti yini uses the word kanti, which often acts as a conjunction meaning 'whereas' or 'but' in other contexts.
Examples in context
- Kungani ufika manje?Why are you arriving now?
- Kungani ukhala kakhulu?Why are you crying so much?
Example conversation
Mbuso and Nomusa are talking about a missed meeting.
- MbusoNomusa, kungani ungakafiki?Nomusa, why haven't you arrived yet?
- NomusaIbheyisi belilambile, Mbuso.The bus was slow, Mbuso.
- MbusoKungani ungangizwisisa?Why didn't you let me know?
- NomusaUcingo lwami alusebenzi.My phone is not working.
