ninyi
In Swahili, the phrase "you (plural)" is expressed as ninyi.
ninyi is the pronoun used to address a group of two or more people.
Which one should you use?
Use ninyi to address a group, whereas wewe is used to address only one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using a verb with ninyi, the subject prefix is m-, as in mnakula (you all are eating).
Did you know?
- The word ninyi is often omitted entirely in a sentence because the verb prefix m- already tells the listener that the subject is 'you (plural)'.
- Unlike French or Spanish, Swahili has no distinct 'formal' plural 'you', so ninyi is used for both a group of toddlers and a panel of judges.
- In highly respectful settings, a speaker might avoid using ninyi altogether to address a group of elders, opting instead for honorific titles to show deference.
Examples in context
- Nyinyi mnafanya kazi kubwa.You all are doing a great job.
- Nyinyi mnakula chakula kizuri.You all are eating good food.
- Ninyi ni marafiki zangu.You are my friends.
- Ninyi mnatoka wapi?Where are you all from?
- Ninyi mnatakiwa kufanya kazi.You are required to work.
Example conversation
Neema is asking Said and his friends if they want to eat.
- NeemaNinyi mnataka kula leo?Do you all want to eat today?
- SaidNdiyo, sisi tunasikia njaa.Yes, we are feeling hungry.
- NeemaSawa, ninyi mkae hapa.Okay, you all sit here.
- SaidAsante sana, Neema.Thank you very much, Neema.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ninyi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
