KISWAHILI FOR BEGINNERS: The word “jina”

The word “jina” in Swahili translates to “name” in English.

Meaning in English:Jina = Name It refers to a word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, called, or referred to.

Origin of the Word “Jina”:”Jina” comes from Arabic: the word “ism” means “name” in Arabic, but the structure and use in Swahili follow Bantu grammar.Swahili has borrowed many words from Arabic because of historical contact along the East African coast (trade, religion, etc.).

Examples of Usage in Sentences:Swahili English Translation

Jina lako nani?   What is your name?

Jina langu ni Amina.        My name is Amina.

Andika jina lako hapa.    Write your name here.

Kila mtu ana jina.             Everyone has a name.

Grammatical Note:”Jina” is a noun, class 5 in Bantu noun classes.Its plural is majina (names).

Example:Majina ya wanafunzi yameandikwa.

The students’ names are written.

We will proceed next time