Swahili · Question Words
nini
What
Beginnerpronoun
Definition
Used to ask about things.
Example
Hii ni nini?
What is this?
Etymology
'Nini' stems from the Proto-Bantu linguistic roots questioning the nature or identity of objects. It has maintained its interrogative form over centuries within the Swahili language.
How & Where It’s Used
'Nini' is used primarily in informal spoken language when asking questions about things or concepts. It is widely recognized and used across all Swahili-speaking areas.