Baba atanununulia baiskeli mpya ambayo itakuwa rahisi kuliko pikipiki kwa safari fupi.

to be

Breakdown of Baba atanununulia baiskeli mpya ambayo itakuwa rahisi kuliko pikipiki kwa safari fupi.

• mpya: new
• baba: the father
• kununua: to buy
• kwa: for
• pikipiki: the motorcycle
• baiskeli: the bicycle
• ambayo: which
• kuliko: than
• safari: the trip
• fupi: short

Questions & Answers about Baba atanununulia baiskeli mpya ambayo itakuwa rahisi kuliko pikipiki kwa safari fupi.

What does the verb atanununulia mean, and how is it formed?

The verb atanununulia comes from the root verb nunua (to buy). The prefix ata- marks the future tense (“will buy”), while the infix -uni- serves as the benefactive marker, indicating that the purchase is for “me.” In context, with Baba as the subject, it means “Father will buy (for me).”

Why is the relative pronoun ambayo used instead of ambaye?

Swahili relative pronouns must agree with the noun they modify. Baiskeli (bicycle) is an inanimate object belonging to a noun class that takes ambayo. In contrast, ambaye is typically used for people. That’s why ambayo is chosen to introduce the clause describing the bicycle.

What does the adjective rahisi mean in this sentence?

Rahisi translates as “easy” or “convenient.” In this sentence, it describes the bicycle by stating that it is easier (or more convenient) for short journeys compared to a motorcycle.

How is the comparison structured in the sentence?

The sentence makes its comparison using the word kuliko, which means “than.” It follows the adjective rahisi to directly compare the bicycle with a motorcycle, highlighting that the bicycle is easier for short trips.

What does the phrase kwa safari fupi indicate?

Kwa safari fupi literally means “for a short journey” or “for short trips.” It specifies that the comparative ease of the bicycle is relevant particularly for short distances.

How is the future tense expressed in this sentence?

The future tense is marked by the prefixes ata- in atanununulia and ita- in itakuwa. These prefixes clearly indicate that both buying the bicycle and its being easier are actions expected to happen in the future.

Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence?

The sentence consists of a main clause and a relative clause. The main clause, Baba atanununulia baiskeli mpya, means “Father will buy me a new bicycle.” The relative clause, introduced by ambayo as in ambayo itakuwa rahisi kuliko pikipiki kwa safari fupi, adds descriptive detail by comparing the bicycle’s ease of use for short trips to that of a motorcycle.

Why doesn’t the sentence include an explicit pronoun for the recipient of the bicycle?

In Swahili, object markers are commonly incorporated directly into the verb. In atanununulia, the segment -uni- functions as the indirect object marker (“for me”), which eliminates the need for a separate pronoun.