Signification
Asking for the identity of a person.
Contexte culturel
The 'Hodi' culture is strongest here. You must never enter a house without hearing 'Karibu' after your 'Hodi' and 'Ni nani?' exchange. Politeness is highly valued. Using 'Ni nani mwenzangu?' on the phone is a sign of good upbringing (upole). In fast-paced Nairobi, 'Ni nani?' is often shortened to just 'Nani?' or 'Nani huyo?' in Sheng (slang). Identity is often tied to family. When asked 'Ni nani?', people often reply with their father's name or their role in the village.
Rising Tone
Always use a rising tone at the end to make it a question, otherwise it sounds like a statement.
Don't use for things
Never use 'nani' for a dog or a car unless you are being poetic/personifying them.
Signification
Asking for the identity of a person.
Rising Tone
Always use a rising tone at the end to make it a question, otherwise it sounds like a statement.
Don't use for things
Never use 'nani' for a dog or a car unless you are being poetic/personifying them.
The 'Mwenzangu' Trick
If you want to sound like a native on the phone, always add 'mwenzangu'.
Wait for the answer
In Swahili culture, asking 'Ni nani?' is a serious inquiry. Wait for the person to identify themselves before opening the door.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask 'Who is it?'
Hodi! ____ nani?
'Ni' is the copula meaning 'is'.
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask who is on the phone?
Choose the best option:
'Mwenzangu' (my companion) adds a layer of politeness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hodi! B: Ni nani? A: ____ mimi, Juma.
The response 'Ni mimi' means 'It is I'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a group of people you don't recognize.
'Akina' is used for groups of people.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Interrogatives
People
- • Nani?
Things
- • Nini?
Place
- • Wapi?
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHodi! ____ nani?
'Ni' is the copula meaning 'is'.
Choose the best option:
'Mwenzangu' (my companion) adds a layer of politeness.
A: Hodi! B: Ni nani? A: ____ mimi, Juma.
The response 'Ni mimi' means 'It is I'.
You see a group of people you don't recognize.
'Akina' is used for groups of people.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, 'Wewe ni nani?' can be blunt. Use 'Ni nani mwenzangu?' to be extra polite.
Yes, in very informal settings or if you are surprised, but 'Ni nani?' is better for learners.
Reply with 'Ni mimi, [Your Name]' (It is I, [Name]).
No, 'ni' stays the same for 'is', 'am', and 'are' in this context.
'Nani' is for people (Who), 'nini' is for things (What).
Usually no, use 'Ni nini?'. But if the pet is like a family member, some might say 'Ni nani?'.
Use 'Alikuwa nani?' for a person or 'Ilikuwa nani?' for a voice.
Yes, very common when a new number messages you on WhatsApp.
It means 'who' in the plural sense, like 'who all' or 'which group of people'.
'Hodi' is the announcement of arrival; 'Ni nani?' is the host's response to identify the visitor.
Expressions liées
Jina lako ni nani?
builds onWhat is your name?
Ni nini?
contrastWhat is it?
Nani huyo?
similarWho is that?
Akina nani?
specialized formWho (plural)?
