Asking questions is one of the first skills beginners want to learn in Kiswahili.
Once you know the basic patterns, you can ask questions confidently and understand answers.
Common Question Words
Here are the most important question words for beginners:
- Nani – Who
- Nini – What
- Wapi – Where
- Lini – When
- Kwa nini – Why
- Je – A particle often used at the start for yes/no questions
How Questions Are Structured
Kiswahili questions often follow this structure:
Question word + Subject + Tense + Verb + Object
Example:
- Nani anasoma kitabu? – Who is reading the book?
- Je, unakula chakula? – Are you eating food?
However, the question word can also come at the end, with the following structure:
Subject + Tense + Verb + Object + Question word
- Unaenda wapi? – Where are you going?
- Anasoma kitabu gani? – Which book is he/she reading?
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Forgetting to use the subject prefix
- Mixing up question words
- Translating word-for-word from English
Practice Questions
Try forming questions from these statements:
- Anasoma kitabu – She is reading a book
- Wanakula chakula – They are eating food
- Unakimbia – You are running
Learn Kiswahili Step by Step
If you want to form questions correctly:
- Start with question words
- Practice with simple verbs and nouns
- Study patterns, not memorization
- Learn at your own pace
👉 Start learning Kiswahili here
Final Tip
Questions unlock conversation. Start small, practice daily, and your confidence will grow.
Usikate tamaa! (Don’t give up!)