Meaning
A common question used to ask for someone's name.
Cultural Background
In Tanzania, it is common to be asked for three names: your first name, your father's name, and your grandfather's name. This is for official records. In urban Kenya, 'Unaitwa nani?' is often preferred over 'Jina lako nani?' as it feels slightly more dynamic and modern. On the coast, greetings are long. Never ask 'Jina lako nani?' until you have exchanged at least two or three rounds of 'Habari' and 'Salama'. Nicknames (majina ya utani) are very common. If someone gives you a name that sounds like a word (e.g., 'Simba' meaning Lion), it is likely a nickname.
The 'Who' Rule
Always remember that in Swahili, names are people. Use 'nani' (who), not 'nini' (what).
Greeting First
Never ask a name without saying 'Habari' or 'Hujambo' first. It's the most important rule of Swahili etiquette.
Meaning
A common question used to ask for someone's name.
The 'Who' Rule
Always remember that in Swahili, names are people. Use 'nani' (who), not 'nini' (what).
Greeting First
Never ask a name without saying 'Habari' or 'Hujambo' first. It's the most important rule of Swahili etiquette.
Plural for Respect
If you want to be extra polite to an elder, say 'Jina lenu nani?'. The plural 'lenu' acts as a formal singular.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the question.
Jina ____ nani?
'Jina' is a Class 5 noun, which requires the 'l-' prefix for possessives.
Fill in the missing question word.
Jina lako ____?
In Swahili, we ask 'who' (nani) a name is.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Habari! B: Njema. A: _________? B: Jina langu ni David.
The response 'Jina langu ni...' indicates the question was asking for a name.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
1. Jina lako nani? 2. Jina langu ni... 3. Unaitwa nani?
These are the standard translations for these introductory phrases.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJina ____ nani?
'Jina' is a Class 5 noun, which requires the 'l-' prefix for possessives.
Jina lako ____?
In Swahili, we ask 'who' (nani) a name is.
A: Habari! B: Njema. A: _________? B: Jina langu ni David.
The response 'Jina langu ni...' indicates the question was asking for a name.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these introductory phrases.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Swahili, names are considered personal attributes of a human being, so we use the personal interrogative 'who' (nani).
It is neutral. It's safe to use with friends, strangers, and in most professional settings.
You can say 'Jina langu ni [Name]' or simply 'Naitwa [Name]'.
No, that is very rude. It's like saying 'Who are you?!' in an aggressive way.
If you just say 'Jina nani?', people will understand you, but it sounds like 'Name who?' and is grammatically incomplete.
You can say 'Jina lako ni nani?', but most native speakers drop the 'ni' in casual conversation.
'Jina' is your given name, 'Jina la ukoo' is your family name or surname.
Yes, it is perfectly normal, provided you have greeted her politely first.
Use 'Jina lake nani?' for 'What is his/her name?'.
It means 'your', specifically for nouns in the JI-MA class like 'jina'.
Related Phrases
Unaitwa nani?
synonymWhat are you called?
Jina langu ni...
builds onMy name is...
Wewe ni nani?
similarWho are you?
Naitwa...
builds onI am called...
