意思
Asking about the time of an event.
文化背景
In coastal culture, 'Lini' is often answered with 'Inshallah' (God willing). It is considered slightly arrogant to state a future time with absolute certainty without acknowledging divine will. In Nairobi, 'Lini' is frequently used in Sheng. You might hear 'Lini utashow up?' (When will you show up?), blending English and Swahili. Tanzanians often use 'Lini' followed by 'tena' (again) to show warmth and a desire to repeat a pleasant encounter. In rural areas, 'Lini' might be answered in relation to agricultural cycles or prayer times rather than calendar dates.
The End Rule
Always try to put 'Lini' at the end of your sentence. It will make you sound much more like a native speaker.
Not for 'When I...'
Never use 'Lini' to mean 'When I was a child'. Use 'Wakati' or the '-po-' tense marker instead.
意思
Asking about the time of an event.
The End Rule
Always try to put 'Lini' at the end of your sentence. It will make you sound much more like a native speaker.
Not for 'When I...'
Never use 'Lini' to mean 'When I was a child'. Use 'Wakati' or the '-po-' tense marker instead.
Expect 'Inshallah'
If you ask 'Lini?' and get 'Inshallah' as an answer, don't be frustrated. It's a cultural norm, not an evasion.
Lini vs Saa Ngapi
If the answer is a day (Monday), use Lini. If the answer is a time (3 PM), use Saa Ngapi.
自我测试
Fill in the blank with the correct word to ask 'When is the party?'
Sherehe ni ___?
'Lini' is the word for 'when'. 'Nini' is what, 'Gani' is which, and 'Wapi' is where.
Which sentence correctly asks 'When did you arrive?'
Choose the correct translation:
'Ulifika lini?' uses the past tense marker -li- and places 'lini' at the end.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Safari yetu ni kesho. B: ___?
Since Person A already said 'Kesho' (tomorrow), Person B is likely asking for the specific clock time, which is 'Saa ngapi?'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to know since when your friend has been waiting.
'Tangu lini' means 'Since when'.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Lini vs. Saa Ngapi
练习题库
4 练习Sherehe ni ___?
'Lini' is the word for 'when'. 'Nini' is what, 'Gani' is which, and 'Wapi' is where.
Choose the correct translation:
'Ulifika lini?' uses the past tense marker -li- and places 'lini' at the end.
A: Safari yetu ni kesho. B: ___?
Since Person A already said 'Kesho' (tomorrow), Person B is likely asking for the specific clock time, which is 'Saa ngapi?'.
You want to know since when your friend has been waiting.
'Tangu lini' means 'Since when'.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
12 个问题It is neutral and appropriate for all settings, from the street to the parliament.
No, for duration use 'Muda gani?'. 'Lini' is only for a point in time.
It means 'When again?' and is used to ask for a repeat of an event or to clarify a forgotten date.
No, 'Lini' is an adverb and remains the same regardless of the noun it refers to.
'Lini' is more common and direct. 'Wakati gani' is slightly more formal and literally means 'At what time/period'.
Yes, for emphasis, but the end of the sentence is more natural in Swahili.
Use 'Tangu lini?'. It can also be used to express surprise.
Use 'Hadi lini?' or 'Mpaka lini?'.
Yes, it is used frequently, often mixed with English verbs like 'Utakam lini?' (When will you come?).
Common answers include 'Leo' (Today), 'Kesho' (Tomorrow), or 'Baadae' (Later).
Yes, e.g., 'Ulikuja lini?' (When did you come?).
It can be seen as impatient. Adding 'tafadhali' (please) or 'hasa' (exactly) can soften or clarify the tone.
相关表达
Saa ngapi?
similarWhat time (on the clock)?
Muda gani?
similarWhat period/How long?
Tangu lini?
builds onSince when?
Hadi lini?
builds onUntil when?
Wakati gani?
synonymAt what time?
