Question Words

1. Chiyani?

   What?

   Usage

   Also works as "pardon?" when you did not catch something

   Grammar Note

   "chiyani" is "what" with the class 7 prefix; other classes change the prefix.

2. Kuti?

   Where?

   Usage

   A one-word "where?"; in full sentences it usually comes last

   Grammar Note

   "kuti" means "where" and also works as the conjunction "that".

3. Liti?

   When?

   Usage

   A one-word "when?"; usually placed at the end of a sentence

   Grammar Note

   An interrogative adverb that does not change form.

4. Ndani?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person; the same word as in "Dzina lanu ndani?"

   Grammar Note

   "ndani" is the question word used only for people.

5. Chifukwa chiyani?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, literally "because of what"

   Grammar Note

   "chifukwa" is class 7, so the question word takes the class 7 form "chiyani".

6. Bwanji?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks about manner or condition, as in "Muli bwanji?"

   Grammar Note

   An interrogative adverb, placed after the verb as in "Muli bwanji?".

7. Zingati?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks how many; the form depends on the noun class being counted

   Grammar Note

   "-ngati" takes the class prefix: "zingati" for classes 8 and 10, "angati" for class 6.

8. Ndalama zingati?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   Ask while pointing; the answer is usually a number of kwacha said in English numerals

   Grammar Note

   "ndalama" is class 10, so "-ngati" takes the matching "zi-".

9. Ichi ndi chiyani?

   What is this?

   Usage

   Point at something unknown and ask what it is

   Grammar Note

   "ndi" is the linking word "is/are" and is not an ordinary verb.

10. Chimbudzi chili kuti?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    The standard question. "chimbudzi" also means faeces, so never pair it with "I want"

    Grammar Note

    "chimbudzi" is class 7, so the verb is "chili". Men's and women's toilets are "chimbudzi cha amuna" and "chimbudzi cha akazi".

11. Ndi nthawi yanji?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the time; the answer is usually an English number plus "koloko", such as "seveni koloko"

    Grammar Note

    "yanji" is "which/what" agreeing with class 9. Clock times use English numbers followed by "koloko". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

12. Kodi mungathe?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether the other person is able to do something

    Grammar Note

    mu- (you, polite) + -nga- (can) + -the (be able).

13. Kodi ndi zaulere?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Asks whether something, such as entry or a drink, is free of charge

    Grammar Note

    "zaulere" is "free" agreeing with class 8/10; for a single item the prefix changes (e.g. "chaulere"). Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

14. Kodi ndi zoona?

    Really?

    Usage

    A reaction of surprise or a request for confirmation

    Grammar Note

    "zoona" means "the truth"; it takes the class 10 prefix.

15. Muli ndi zaka zingati?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asks for someone's age; use it with children or friends, as it can seem forward to elders

    Grammar Note

    "-li ndi" means "have"; age is expressed as the number of years one has.

16. Mukupita kuti?

    Where are you going?

    Usage

    Also used as a casual greeting when you meet someone on the road

    Grammar Note

    mu-ku-pit-a: "you are going now".

17. Mukufuna chiyani?

    What do you want?

    Usage

    What a shopkeeper or host asks a customer

    Grammar Note

    The root is -funa "want, need".

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