Nataka unisaidie kutundika chandarua juu ya kitanda ili nisiumwe na mbu usiku.

I want you to help me hang the mosquito net over the bed so that I do not get bitten by mosquitoes at night.

Breakdown of Nataka unisaidie kutundika chandarua juu ya kitanda ili nisiumwe na mbu usiku.

• kutaka: to want
• usiku: the night
• kusaidia: to help
• kitanda: the bed
• ili: so that
• juu ya: over
• kuumwa: to be bitten
• na: by
• mbu: the mosquito

Questions & Answers about Nataka unisaidie kutundika chandarua juu ya kitanda ili nisiumwe na mbu usiku.

What does the phrase Nataka unisaidie mean, and how is it constructed?

Nataka means “I want,” and unisaidie translates as “you help me.” The word unisaidie is formed by attaching the object prefix uni- (meaning “me”) to the verb saidie (the subjunctive form of saidia, “to help”), creating a polite request.

Why is the infinitive kutundika used after unisaidie, and what does it mean?

In Swahili, verbs that express a request or a desire are often followed by an infinitive to specify the action desired. Kutundika means “to spread” or “to apply.” So, unisaidie kutundika means “help me to spread/apply.”

What is chandarua, and what role does it play in the sentence?

Chandarua refers to an insect repellent or a substance used to keep insects away. In this sentence, it is the item to be applied on the bed to ward off mosquitoes.

How do the words juu ya kitanda break down, and what do they mean?

Juu ya kitanda literally translates to “on the bed.” Here, juu means “on” or “above,” ya functions as a possessive/prepositional link, and kitanda means “bed.”

What purpose does the word ili serve in the sentence?

Ili is used to introduce a purpose clause. It translates as “so that” or “in order that,” and it connects the action of applying the repellent to the desired outcome of not being disturbed by mosquitoes at night.

Could you explain how nisiumwe is formed and what it conveys?

Nisiumwe is a subjunctive form that expresses a desired state. The prefix ni- refers to “I,” and the form as a whole means “I am not disturbed” or “I don’t experience” the unwanted effect. In this sentence, it indicates that the speaker wants to avoid being bothered by mosquitoes.

Why is this sentence structured with two clauses, and what is the overall meaning?

The sentence is split into two parts: the first part, “Nataka unisaidie kutundika chandarua juu ya kitanda,” is a request for help in applying insect repellent on the bed. The second part, “ili nisiumwe na mbu usiku,” explains the purpose of that request—to ensure that the speaker is not disturbed by mosquitoes at night. This structure clearly ties the action to its intended outcome.