Question Words

1. Eng?

   What?

   Usage

   Works alone while pointing at the thing

   Grammar Note

   The question word stays in place in the sentence (Ke eng? = What is it?)

2. Kae?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; put a place or object name in front to form a sentence

   Grammar Note

   Used as "O kae?" (where are you) or "Pese e kae?" (where is the bus)

3. Neng?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times and opening hours

   Grammar Note

   "Ke nako mang?" asks for the clock time

4. Mang?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who is in charge or whose something is

   Grammar Note

   "Ke mang?" (who is it) and "O mang?" (who are you)

5. Goreng?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; it can sound blunt, so smile

   Grammar Note

   "goreng" stands at the start of the question

6. Bjang?

   How?

   Usage

   For how to get somewhere or how to use something

   Grammar Note

   Placed after the verb, e.g. "O ikwa bjang?" (How do you feel?). Not Setswana "jang" or Sesotho "jwang"

7. Tše kae?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks a count; hold up fingers to confirm

   Grammar Note

   For people: "Ba bakae?". The form agrees with the noun class

8. Ke bokae?

   How much is it?

   Usage

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

   Grammar Note

   Ask them to show the price in digits (R50)

9. Ke efe?

   Which one?

   Usage

   When you need someone to pick from several options

   Grammar Note

   "efe" changes with the noun class

10. Naa se ke eng?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at an unfamiliar item in a market or eatery

    Grammar Note

    "naa" marks a question and "se" is this

11. E kae ntlwana ya boithomelo?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    "e kae" means where is it, and "ntlwana ya boithomelo" is the toilet. "Ke kgopela ntlwana ya boithomelo" means I need the toilet, please

12. Ke nako mang?

    What time is it?

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    Can also be said "Ke nako mang gonabjale?" (gonabjale = now)

13. O na le yona?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    "yona" changes with the noun class

14. O ka e dira?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    A regularly composed sentence

15. A go na le tefo?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    A regularly composed sentence

16. A ke mahala?

    Is it free?

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    A regularly composed sentence

17. A go lokile?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission or confirmation; pair it with pointing

    Grammar Note

    A regularly composed sentence.

18. A ga go dumelelwe?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

    Grammar Note

    A regularly composed sentence

19. O ikwa bjang?

    Are you OK? (How do you feel?)

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing

    Grammar Note

    Ask about heat or cold with "O kwa go fiša?" and "O kwa go tonya?"

20. Ke nnete?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

    Grammar Note

    A regularly composed sentence

21. O tšwa kae?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

    Grammar Note

    To several people: "Le tšwa kae?"

22. Leina la gago ke mang?

    What is your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

    Grammar Note

    Answer: "Leina la ka ke ..." (My name is ...)

23. O na le mengwaga e mekae?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age can feel intrusive; best once you know the person better

    Grammar Note

    "Ke na le mengwaga ye ..." (I am ... years old) and "ba na le mengwaga e mekae?". A regularly composed sentence

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