Mimi nina pesa kidogo.

I have little money.

Breakdown of Mimi nina pesa kidogo.

• mimi: I
• kuwa na: to have
• pesa: the money
• kidogo: little

Questions & Answers about Mimi nina pesa kidogo.

What is the literal translation of Mimi nina pesa kidogo?

It translates to "I have little money." In this sentence, Mimi means "I," nina is the verb meaning "have" (derived from kuwa na), pesa means "money," and kidogo means "little" or "small." The sentence conveys that the speaker has only a small amount of money.

Why is the subject pronoun Mimi explicitly stated even though nina implies that subject?

In Swahili, verb conjugations already show the subject (here nina implies I), so including Mimi is optional. It can be used for emphasis, clarity, or to avoid ambiguity, especially in contexts where contrasting subjects might be discussed.

How does kidogo function in this sentence?

Kidogo serves as an adjective that describes the noun pesa. It specifies that the amount of money is small. In Swahili, adjectives like kidogo typically follow the noun they modify, which is why it comes after pesa.

Is pesa considered singular or plural in Swahili?

Pesa is a mass noun in Swahili and does not change form between singular and plural. Much like the English word money, it always appears as pesa regardless of the amount being referenced.

How would you form a negative sentence to express “I have no money” in Swahili?

To form the negative, you change the verb to its negative form. For example, "Mimi sina pesa" means "I have no money." Notice that kidogo is omitted in the negative, as it specifies a small amount—not the absence of money.