Kumbuka, ni muhimu kufika mapema sokoni.

Remember, it is important to arrive early at the market.

Breakdown of Kumbuka, ni muhimu kufika mapema sokoni.

• ni: to be
• kwenye: at
• soko: the market
• mapema: early
• muhimu: important
• kumbuka: to remember
• kufika: to arrive

Questions & Answers about Kumbuka, ni muhimu kufika mapema sokoni.

What role does kumbuka play here, and is it used as a command?

Kumbuka means remember or keep in mind. Its function in this sentence is imperative, guiding the listener or reader to remember something important. In Swahili, using kumbuka on its own acts like telling someone directly, “Remember!”

Why is the verb kufika in the infinitive form instead of a conjugated form?

In Swahili, the infinitive marker ku- often shows the general act or concept of an action (in this case, fika = arrive). The sentence states a general importance: it is important to arrive early, so kufika stays in the infinitive to emphasize the idea of arriving rather than a specific conjugated form directing a single person.

Is ni muhimu the standard way of saying it is important in Swahili?

Yes. Ni muhimu is a common phrase to express that something has importance or necessity. You could think of it similarly to English expressions like it’s vital or it’s crucial.

What does mapema specifically mean in this context?

Mapema translates roughly to early. It suggests arriving sooner rather than later—often so you don’t miss out on the best selection of goods or to avoid crowds.

Why is sokoni used instead of soko?

In Swahili, -ni at the end of a noun often indicates to or at that place. Soko is market, while sokoni can mean at the market or to the market. Here, sokoni clarifies the location where you should arrive early.