Learn Hardcore Swahili: Mimi nina dada zangu.

Mimi translates to I in English. In Swahili, the subject pronoun is often used to emphasize the speaker, even though the verb conjugation might already indicate the subject.

How is the verb nina constructed, and what does it mean?

Nina is made up of the subject prefix ni- (meaning I) attached to the verb root with the present marker -na. Together, it means I have (or is equivalent to saying I have when referring to possession). It shows both the subject and present tense aspect.

What does dada mean, and how is it used here?

Dada means sister. In this sentence, it functions as a noun that is being possessed by the speaker. Although it appears in a plural context here, the specific plurality is indicated by the possessive adjective that follows.

Why is zangu used, and what does it tell us about possession and number?

Zangu is a possessive adjective that means my in a plural sense. In Swahili, possessive adjectives must agree with the noun in number and noun class. Here, zangu is used with dada (sisters) to indicate that the speaker is referring to her or his multiple sisters. The ending -angu is specifically the form used when referring to plural nouns in the first person singular possessive form.