Mimi nina kifua kikubwa.

I have a big chest.

Breakdown of Mimi nina kifua kikubwa.

• mimi: I
• kuwa na: to have
• kubwa: big
• kifua: the chest

Questions & Answers about Mimi nina kifua kikubwa.

Why is the subject pronoun Mimi explicitly included in the sentence?

In Swahili, the subject is often indicated by the verb’s prefix, so it is usually not necessary to state it separately. However, including Mimi (meaning I) can add emphasis or clarity, ensuring that the speaker’s identity is unmistakable.

What does nina mean and how is it formed?

Nina translates to I have. It is formed by combining the first-person singular prefix ni- with the present tense marker -na, derived from the verb phrase kuwa na (to have). This construction efficiently conveys possession in a single word.

What does the noun kifua refer to?

Kifua means chest in English. It is a noun that carries the ki- prefix, which not only identifies it as belonging to a specific noun class but also affects agreement with any accompanying adjectives.

Why does the adjective for “big” appear as kikubwa instead of simply kubwa?

In Swahili, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in terms of noun class. Since kifua belongs to a noun class that uses the ki- prefix, the adjective “big” also takes on the corresponding form kikubwa to match that class.

How does the word order in this sentence compare to English?

The word order in Swahili typically places the adjective after the noun, unlike in English, where adjectives usually come before the noun. That’s why the sentence is structured as Mimi nina kifua kikubwa, with kikubwa following kifua.

Can the subject pronoun Mimi be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence?

Yes, it can be omitted because the verb nina already indicates that the subject is first-person singular. However, including Mimi can provide extra emphasis or clarity, especially useful for beginners who are still getting comfortable with Swahili sentence structure.