Mimi ninataka kukamilisha kazi leo.

I

Breakdown of Mimi ninataka kukamilisha kazi leo.

• kutaka: to want
• leo: today
• kazi: the work
• kukamilisha: to complete

Questions & Answers about Mimi ninataka kukamilisha kazi leo.

What is the English translation of Mimi ninataka kukamilisha kazi leo?

It translates to I want to complete work today. In this sentence, Mimi means “I”, ninataka means “I want”, kukamilisha is the infinitive form for “to complete”, kazi means “work” (or “task”), and leo means “today”.

Why is the pronoun Mimi included even though the verb ninataka already implies “I”?

In Swahili the subject is often clear from the verb conjugation since ninataka already indicates the first-person singular. However, including Mimi adds emphasis or clarity, especially for learners or when contrasting with other subjects.

How is the verb ninataka constructed and what does it express?

Ninataka is built from the verb kutaka (to want). The prefix ni- specifies the first-person singular (“I”), and -nataka indicates the present tense. Together they express “I want” or “I am wanting.”

Why is the infinitive form kukamilisha used after ninataka?

In Swahili, when expressing a desire or intention using a verb like kutaka (“to want”), it is followed by another verb in the infinitive form. Kukamilisha is the infinitive form of “to complete” (with the prefix ku- marking the infinitive), which is why it follows ninataka.

What is the overall word order and structure of this sentence?

The sentence follows a standard Swahili structure:
• Mimi – the subject (“I”)
• ninataka – the main verb (“I want”)
• kukamilisha – the infinitive verb acting as the object of desire (“to complete”)
• kazi – the direct object (“work”)
• leo – an adverbial phrase indicating time (“today”)

This Subject-Verb-Object structure, along with the time modifier, is quite similar to English, helping learners connect the two languages.