Learn Hardcore Swahili: Katika jaribio hili la ujenzi, tunahitaji zana bora ili kazi iwe rahisi. - In this construction attempt, we need good tools so that the work becomes easier.

Jaribio translates to trial or test. In this context, it refers to a trial run or experiment in construction—essentially, an attempt to build or evaluate a building process.

Why is the demonstrative hili used after jaribio?

In Swahili, demonstrative adjectives must agree with the noun they modify. Hili is correctly paired with jaribio based on its noun class. This agreement shows that the speaker is referring specifically to this trial, much as in English you’d say “this test.”

How is the phrase la ujenzi structured, and what does it add to the sentence?

The word la is a genitive marker that connects jaribio to jenzi. Ujenzi means construction or building, so together the phrase jaribio la ujenzi means construction trial or building experiment. It clarifies the context—indicating that the trial is related to construction.

How does the verb tunahitaji function in this sentence?

Tunahitaji means we need. The prefix tu- indicates that the subject is first-person plural (we), and the root -nahitaji conveys the need. This shows that the speaker and their group require something, in this case, good tools.

Why does the adjective bora come after the noun zana?

In Swahili, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe. Zana means tools and bora means good or best—so zana bora naturally translates to good tools. This word order is a standard feature of Swahili grammar.

What is the structure and purpose of the clause ili kazi iwe rahisi?

The clause ili kazi iwe rahisi is a purpose clause. Ili means so that or in order that, introducing the desired outcome. Kazi stands for work, and iwe is the subjunctive form of kuwa (to be), which is used after ili to indicate intention. Rahisi means easy. Altogether, the clause means so that work becomes easy, explaining why good tools are needed.