Question Words

1. Yintoni?

   What?

   Usage

   Works on its own; point at the thing as you say it

2. Phi?

   Where?

   Usage

   Ask for a place; add a place or object name in front to make a sentence

3. Nini?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times and opening hours

4. Ngubani?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who is in charge or whose something is

5. Kutheni?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; in some languages it sounds blunt, so smile

6. Njani?

   How?

   Usage

   For how to get somewhere or how to use something

7. Zingaphi?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks a count; hold up fingers to confirm the number

8. Yimalini?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The core shopping question; ask them to show the figure on a calculator

9. Yeyiphi?

   Which one?

   Usage

   When you need someone to pick from several options

10. Yintoni le?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at an unfamiliar item in a market or eatery

11. Iphi indlu yangasese?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used travel questions — memorise it whole

12. Lithini ixesha?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Ask the time; having them show a clock face avoids number confusion

13. Unayo?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or vacancy; put it after the name of the thing

14. Ungakwazi?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Checks whether a request is possible; also opens a price negotiation

15. Kufuneka ndihlawule?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    For luggage storage, Wi-Fi, or entry — check before you use it

16. Simahla?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirm that a sample, a bottle of water, or a service costs nothing

17. Kulungile?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Akulungile?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Uphilile?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Kulungile?" which asks permission

20. Yinyani?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Uvela phi?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

22. Ngubani igama lakho?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. Uneminyaka emingaki?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age can feel intrusive depending on the person. Best used once you know someone better

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