Jina langu ni Rahma.

to be

Breakdown of Jina langu ni Rahma.

• jina: the name
• Rahma: Rahma

Questions & Answers about Jina langu ni Rahma.

What does Jina mean in this sentence?

Jina translates to name. In this context, it introduces the subject about which the sentence is speaking.

How is langu used here, and what does it indicate?

langu is a possessive adjective that means my. It follows the noun Jina to indicate ownership, so Jina langu literally means name my or, more naturally in English, my name.

Why is the word ni included in the sentence?

ni functions as the copula in Swahili, similar to the verb is in English. It connects the subject (Jina langu) to its complement (Rahma) in an equative sentence.

How does the word order in Jina langu ni Rahma compare to English?

Swahili typically places the noun first, followed by its possessive modifier. Thus, Jina langu ni Rahma literally orders as name my is Rahma. In English, we reorder it to the more familiar My name is Rahma. This difference highlights that adjectives or possessives often come after the noun in Swahili.

Are there any notable grammatical points regarding noun classes or agreement in this sentence?

Yes. Swahili nouns belong to specific noun classes that affect the form of adjectives and possessive markers. In this sentence, Jina is part of a particular noun class, and langu is adjusted to agree with it. Additionally, the use of ni as a linking verb is standard in equative constructions across the language.