Signification
Asking for clarification.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, politeness is highly valued. You will often hear 'Eti' used before 'unasema nini' to soften the question or to express a sense of 'Is that so?'. In Kenya, especially in urban areas like Nairobi, the phrase is often shortened to 'Ati?' in casual conversation. It can also be used at the end of a sentence to mean 'Right?'. Zanzibari Swahili is often considered more 'pure' or 'classical'. You might hear more formal variations like 'Naomba urudie' even in semi-casual settings. In Eastern Congo, Swahili (Kingwana) might use different intonations, and 'Unasema nini?' might be followed by French loanwords for clarification.
Tone Matters
Use a rising intonation at the end to make it a clear question. A flat tone can sound like a statement.
Elder Respect
Always add 'Samahani' (Excuse me) when using this with someone older than you.
Signification
Asking for clarification.
Tone Matters
Use a rising intonation at the end to make it a clear question. A flat tone can sound like a statement.
Elder Respect
Always add 'Samahani' (Excuse me) when using this with someone older than you.
The 'Ati' Shortcut
If you're in Kenya, a quick 'Ati?' is the fastest way to sound like a local, but keep it for casual friends.
Active Listening
Swahili speakers often use small sounds like 'Eee' or 'Aha' to show they are listening. If you stop doing this, they might ask YOU 'Unasema nini?' thinking you've disconnected.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to ask 'What are you saying?'
U___sema nini?
The marker '-na-' is used for the present continuous tense (actions happening now).
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask a teacher to repeat themselves?
How do you ask a teacher for clarification?
Adding 'Samahani' and using 'unasemaje' is the most respectful form for a classroom setting.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a loud concert and can't hear your friend.
This is the standard phrase for asking for clarification when you can't hear.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Shilingi elfu tano. B: ________? Sikusikii.
The context of 'Sikusikii' (I don't hear you) requires a clarification question.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Clarification vs. Opinion
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesU___sema nini?
The marker '-na-' is used for the present continuous tense (actions happening now).
How do you ask a teacher for clarification?
Adding 'Samahani' and using 'unasemaje' is the most respectful form for a classroom setting.
You are at a loud concert and can't hear your friend.
This is the standard phrase for asking for clarification when you can't hear.
A: Shilingi elfu tano. B: ________? Sikusikii.
The context of 'Sikusikii' (I don't hear you) requires a clarification question.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot inherently, but it can be abrupt. Use 'Samahani' to be safe.
'Nini' means 'what' (things), 'nani' means 'who' (people).
Yes, but only with very close friends. It's like saying 'What?' instead of 'Pardon?'.
Use 'Ulisema nini?'.
Yes, it is standard across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
It's a casual Kenyan variation of 'What?' or 'That...'.
Use 'Unasemaje?' or 'Unaonaje?'.
Swahili question words usually follow the verb they refer to.
It's better to use 'Samahani, naomba urudie' for a more professional tone.
It means both, depending on the context.
Yes, 'u-' is the subject prefix for the second person singular.
Change 'u-' to 'wa-': 'Wanasema nini?'.
Expressions liées
Unasemaje?
similarHow do you say? / What do you think?
Rudia tena
builds onRepeat again
Sielewi
similarI don't understand
Ati?
specialized formWhat? / Really?
Eti?
specialized formListen / Is it that...?
