Question Words

1. Ang'o?

   What?

   Usage

   The basic question word for things.

   Grammar Note

   A question word used on its own or in a sentence.

2. Kanye?

   Where?

   Usage

   Question word for place.

   Grammar Note

   Can stand alone as a place question.

3. Karang'o?

   When?

   Usage

   Question word for time.

   Grammar Note

   Can stand alone as a time question.

4. Ng'a?

   Who?

   Usage

   Question word for a person.

   Grammar Note

   Question word for people. ng' is one sound.

5. Nikech ang'o?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason.

   Grammar Note

   nikech (because of) + ang'o (what).

6. Nade?

   How?

   Usage

   Question word for manner or state.

   Grammar Note

   Often placed at the end of a sentence.

7. Adi?

   How many?

   Usage

   Question word for number; placed after the noun.

   Grammar Note

   Placed after the noun, as in makati adi? (how many loaves).

8. Mano en ang'o?

   What is this?

   Usage

   Ask about something in front of you.

   Grammar Note

   Composed: mano (this) + en (is) + ang'o (what).

9. Nyingi ng'a?

   What is your name?

   Usage

   Asks someone's name. Literally 'your name is who'.

   Grammar Note

   nying (name) + -i (your) + ng'a (who).

10. Ia kanye?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    Asks one person where they come from.

    Grammar Note

    ia (you come from) + kanye (where).

11. In ja-higni adi?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asks someone's age.

    Grammar Note

    ja- (one of) + higni (years) + adi (how many).

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