Ways to say it
| Swahili |
|---|
| mbona |
| kwaje |
In Swahili, different words for "why" are used depending on whether you are seeking a neutral reason or expressing an emotional reaction. While kwa nini is the standard, neutral way to ask for a reason, mbona is used as a particle at the beginning of a sentence to question the logic of an action or to express surprise, indignation or disbelief regarding a situation that seems odd or wrong.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on your intent and the level of formality. mbona is used colloquially to express surprise or reproach. For a standard, neutral inquiry into a reason, use kwa nini.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mbona can function as a particle at the beginning of a sentence to set a tone of questioning the logic of an action or disbelief.
Did you know?
- Because mbona carries a sense of indignation, using it in a formal business meeting to ask for a reason might be perceived as a direct challenge to someone's authority.
- The word kwa nini literally breaks down into kwa meaning 'for' and nini meaning 'what'.
- Using mbona at the start of a sentence can transform a simple question into a reprimand, often used by elders to question the behavior of younger people.
Examples in context
- Mbona mlikuwa mnachukua watu?Why were you picking up guys?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of mbona to question an action.Tatoeba #10827341 by ecorralest101, translation #413773 by Scott
- Mbona usiingie ili tunywe chai?Why don't you come in and have a cup of coffee?This sentence shows how mbona can be used to make a suggestion or question a behavior.Tatoeba #10848069 by ecorralest101, translation #2210591 by CK
- Mbona Bill alirarua barua iwe vijikaratasi?Why did Bill tear the letter into pieces?This sentence demonstrates using mbona to question why something was done in a certain way.Tatoeba #10809158 by ecorralest101, translation #34538 by Swift
- Kwa nini ulifanya uamuzi huu?Why did you make this decision?
- Sababu gani ulifika kuchelewa?What is the reason behind your lateness?
- Ni kwa nini una maoni hayo?Why do you have those opinions?
- Mbona ulifuta mipango?Why did you cancel the plans?
- Kwa nini ulifanya kosa hilo?Why did you make that mistake?
- Mbona ulinunua gari ghali?Why did you buy an expensive car?
- Kwani ulichelewa?Why were you late?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juma and Aisha are discussing a late arrival.
- JumaMbona umechelewa leo, Aisha?Why are you late today, Aisha?
- AishaNilichelewa kwa sababu ya msongamano.I was late because of the traffic.
- JumaMbona hukunipigia simu?Why didn't you call me?
- AishaSimu yangu ilizima chaji.My phone ran out of battery.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries mbona, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
