Meaning
Asking for confirmation.
Cultural Background
In Tanzania, 'Una uhakika?' is often followed by 'Kweli kabisa!' (Absolutely true!) if the person is very confident. It's part of a rhythmic style of speaking. In Nairobi, you might hear 'Uko sure?' which blends Swahili 'Uko' (You are at/in a state) with English 'sure'. While common, 'Una uhakika?' is considered better Swahili. Because of the strong Arabic influence, you might hear more formal variations or the use of 'Hakika' as an intensifier in responses. Respect for elders is paramount. When asking an elder 'Una uhakika?', it is common to soften it with 'Samahani' (Excuse me) or 'Tafadhali' (Please).
The 'Na' Rule
Always remember that 'na' means 'with'. You are asking if the person is 'with certainty'.
Singular vs Plural
Don't forget to use 'Mna' if you are talking to more than one person. It's a common giveaway of a beginner.
Meaning
Asking for confirmation.
The 'Na' Rule
Always remember that 'na' means 'with'. You are asking if the person is 'with certainty'.
Singular vs Plural
Don't forget to use 'Mna' if you are talking to more than one person. It's a common giveaway of a beginner.
Intonation Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question. A flat intonation with 'Nina' makes it a strong statement.
Polite Doubt
Use 'Una uhakika?' to gently correct someone without being rude.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask 'Are you sure?'
___ uhakika?
'Una' is the second person singular form (You have).
Which of these is the most formal way to ask the question?
Choose the formal version:
The particle 'Je' adds a formal tone to questions in Swahili.
Complete the dialogue with the correct response.
A: Safari ni kesho saa kumi. B: ________? A: Ndiyo, nimeona tiketi.
B is asking A for confirmation.
Match the Swahili phrase to the English context.
Match 'Mna uhakika?'
'Mna' is the plural 'you' prefix.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ uhakika?
'Una' is the second person singular form (You have).
Choose the formal version:
The particle 'Je' adds a formal tone to questions in Swahili.
A: Safari ni kesho saa kumi. B: ________? A: Ndiyo, nimeona tiketi.
B is asking A for confirmation.
Match 'Mna uhakika?'
'Mna' is the plural 'you' prefix.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in very casual settings with friends, but 'Una uhakika?' is safer for learners.
You can say 'Nina uhakika wa asilimia mia moja' or 'Nina uhakika kabisa'.
It's not wrong and is very common in speech, but 'uhakika' is the standard noun form.
'Uhakika' is certainty; 'Kweli' is truth. You ask 'Una uhakika?' to check confidence, and 'Ni kweli?' to check if a fact is true.
Say 'Ndiyo, nina uhakika' (Yes, I'm sure) or 'Hapana, sina uhakika' (No, I'm not sure).
Yes, but it's better to say 'Je, una uhakika?' to be more respectful.
In Kenya, people say 'Uko sure?'. In Tanzania, 'Uhakika!' is often used as a slang agreement meaning 'Exactly!'.
The 'u-' prefix turns the root into an abstract noun (certainty).
Yes, just follow it with the verb: 'Una uhakika unataka kwenda?'.
Usually no, but your tone of voice matters. A sharp tone can sound like you are calling someone a liar.
Related Phrases
Sina uhakika
contrastI am not sure
Hakika
similarCertainly / Truly
Kuhakikisha
builds onTo make sure / To verify
Kweli?
similarTrue? / Really?
Bila shaka
similarWithout doubt
Nina wasiwasi
contrastI am worried / I have doubts
