Bibi anauliza, “Umri wako ni miaka mingapi sasa?”

to be

Breakdown of Bibi anauliza, “Umri wako ni miaka mingapi sasa?”

• sasa: now
• wako: your
• kuuliza: to ask

Questions & Answers about Bibi anauliza, “Umri wako ni miaka mingapi sasa?”

What does Bibi mean here? Does it always mean grandmother?

Bibi most commonly means grandmother, and in this sentence it clearly refers to someone’s grandma.

However, it can also mean:

• “Ma’am” / “Madam” / “Lady” – a polite way to address an older woman.
• In some contexts (especially written as Bi.), it can function like “Mrs.” before a woman’s name, e.g. Bi. Amina.

Context usually tells you whether bibi = grandmother or just an older woman / madam.

How is the verb anauliza formed, and what tense is it?

Anauliza comes from the verb root -uliza (to ask).

It breaks down as:

• a- = subject prefix for he / she
• -na- = present tense marker (“is/does” in a present ongoing/general sense)
• -uliza = verb root “ask”

So anauliza literally means “he/she is asking” or “he/she asks”.

In this sentence: Bibi anauliza = Grandma is asking / Grandma asks.

Why is it Umri wako and not Umri yako for “your age”?