ni

copula

am; is; are, linking a subject to what it is.

Use ni to identify someone or something with a noun, as in a statement that someone is a teacher.

Origins

The word’s earlier history is still under review.

KIKO: Unit 1 Grammar
A present-tense linking word, as in I am a father or you are a mother.; Are, in a statement such as you are a mother.; Am, in a statement such as I am a father.; Yeye ni mzee means he is an old man.; Is, in a statement identifying or describing someone.

Examples

Mimi ni msafiri.
I am a traveler.
Wewe ni mwalimu.
You are a teacher.
Yeye ni dereva.
He or she is a driver.
Mimi ni mgeni.
I am a visitor.
Wewe ni mwanafunzi.
You are a student.
Yeye ni rafiki.
He or she is a friend.
Hii ni tiketi.
This is a ticket.
Hii ni kalamu.
This is a pen.
Hii ni hoteli.
This is a hotel.