Kabla ya kuondoka nyumbani, ninahitaji kupangusa kioo dirishani.

Before leaving home, I need to wipe the mirror on the window.

Breakdown of Kabla ya kuondoka nyumbani, ninahitaji kupangusa kioo dirishani.

• nyumba: the home
• kwenye: at
• kabla ya: before
• dirisha: the window
• kuondoka: to leave
• kuhitaji: to need
• kioo: the mirror

Questions & Answers about Kabla ya kuondoka nyumbani, ninahitaji kupangusa kioo dirishani.

What does the phrase kabla ya mean, and how is it used in this sentence?

Kabla ya translates to “before”. It introduces the condition or time frame in which the subsequent action occurs. In this sentence, "kabla ya kuondoka nyumbani" means “before leaving home”, indicating that the action to follow happens prior to departing.

How is the ku- prefix in kuondoka significant?

The ku- prefix is the infinitive marker in Swahili. In "kuondoka", it turns the verb into its base or “to‐form,” meaning “to leave.” This formation is essential for linking actions, particularly when used after phrases like kabla ya.

Why is nyumbani used without any additional preposition?

Nyumbani means “home” or “at home” and functions as an adverbial expression indicating location. It is derived from nyumba (house) and, in its adverbial form, does not require an extra preposition. This makes it a common and concise way to denote one’s home.

How is ninahitaji formed, and what does it convey?

Ninahitaji is made up of the subject prefix ni- (for “I”) and the verb nahitaji (meaning “need” or “require”). Together, they form “I need”, expressing necessity. In the sentence, it leads into the action that the speaker must perform.

What is the meaning of kupangusa, and what can you tell me about its structure?

Kupangusa is the infinitive form meaning “to wipe” (or “to clean by wiping”). The ku- marker indicates the infinitive, and the root pangusa describes the specific action of wiping. It neatly follows the expression of need, telling us exactly what must be done.

Can you explain the construction kioo dirishani and the role of the suffix -ni?

Certainly. Kioo typically refers to the “glass” aspect of an object (often the window glass), while dirisha means “window.” The suffix -ni is a locative marker added to dirisha, converting it to dirishani, which means “at the window.” Combined, kioo dirishani specifies the object (the glass) and its location (at the window)—in other words, it tells us what needs to be wiped and where.