Nataka tujaribu kuvuka daraja hili kesho.

I want us to try to cross this bridge tomorrow.

Breakdown of Nataka tujaribu kuvuka daraja hili kesho.

• kutaka: to want
• kesho: tomorrow
• hili: this
• kujaribu: to try
• kuvuka: to cross
• daraja: the bridge

Questions & Answers about Nataka tujaribu kuvuka daraja hili kesho.

What does nataka mean in this sentence?

It means I want. Nataka is the first-person singular form of the verb kutaka (to want), expressing the speaker's desire.

Why is tujaribu used instead of kujaribu, and what does the tu- prefix indicate?

Tujaribu is a subjunctive form of the verb jaribu (to try) with the tu- prefix. This prefix implies that the speaker is suggesting a joint action, similar to saying "let's try." It indicates an inclusive intention involving both the speaker and possibly the listener.

What role does kuvuka play in the sentence?

Kuvuka is the infinitive meaning "to cross." It follows tujaribu to specify the action that the speaker wishes to attempt—namely, crossing the bridge.

How does the demonstrative hili function when used with daraja?

In Swahili, adjectives and demonstratives must agree with the noun they modify. Hili means "this" and agrees with daraja (bridge), resulting in "this bridge."

What does kesho mean?

Kesho translates directly to "tomorrow." It indicates when the action (crossing the bridge) is supposed to take place.

How is the sentence structured to convey both intention and action?

The sentence begins with nataka (expressing desire: "I want"), then uses tujaribu (suggesting a joint action: "let's try"), and follows with kuvuka (defining the action: "to cross"). Finally, daraja hili specifies the object ("this bridge") and kesho tells us the time ("tomorrow"). This stacking of verbs is typical in Swahili to outline an intention followed by the intended action.

How can this sentence be naturally translated into English?

A natural translation would be "I want to try crossing this bridge tomorrow." Alternatively, to emphasize the inclusive suggestion from tujaribu, you might say "I want us to try to cross this bridge tomorrow."