kwani

How to say it

Meaning

because, since, or (as a question word) why.

Good to know

Introduces a reason or a rhetorical/challenging question; in fast speech often shortened to kwa'.

Examples

• Sikuja kwani nilikuwa mgonjwa.I did not come because I was sick.
• Kwani wewe ni nani?Who do you think you are, anyway?
• Kwani hukusikia nilichosema?Didn't you hear what I said?
• Alikasirika, kwani alisubiri kwa muda mrefu.He got angry, since he had waited a long time.

The same word in