Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ninataka kuoga mapema, kisha nitavaa viatu vizuri kabla ya kutoka. - I want to bathe early, then I will wear good shoes before leaving.

“Ninataka” translates to “I want.” It’s formed by the subject prefix ni- (meaning “I”) attached to the verb taka (meaning “to want”). In Swahili, personal subjects are incorporated into the verb, which makes separate subject pronouns unnecessary in many cases.

Why is the infinitive “kuoga” used after “ninataka”?

In Swahili, when a verb of desire like taka (“to want”) is used, it is followed by another verb in its infinitive form. Here, kuoga means “to bathe.” So, the structure ninataka kuoga directly mirrors the English “I want to bathe.”

What role does the adverb “mapema” play in the first part of the sentence?

Mapema means “early.” It modifies the action kuoga (“to bathe”), indicating the time at which the action is expected to occur. This is similar to how adverbs work in English, by describing when or how something happens.

How does the word “kisha” function in this sentence?

Kisha means “then” and is used to connect two actions in sequence. It shows that the action following it (putting on shoes) happens after the bathing.

How is the future tense formed in “nitavaa viatu vizuri”?

The future tense in nitavaa is created by the subject prefix ni- (for “I”) combined with the future marker ta- and the verb root vaa (meaning “to wear” or “to put on”). Thus, nitavaa translates to “I will wear.” The entire phrase indicates that the action of wearing shoes will happen later.

What does the phrase “kabla ya kutoka” mean, and how is it structured grammatically?

Kabla ya kutoka means “before leaving.” The phrase is structured with kabla ya acting as a prepositional phrase equivalent to “before,” and kutoka is the infinitive form meaning “to leave.” In Swahili, ya links the preposition kabla to the following infinitive, creating a smooth transition similar to how “before” is used in English.

How do adjectives and adverbs appear in this sentence, particularly with “vizuri” modifying “viatu”?

In the phrase nitavaa viatu vizuri, viatu is a noun meaning “shoes,” and vizuri is an adverb meaning “properly” or “well.” The adverb vizuri explains how the shoes are to be worn. Unlike English, where the adjective form might be used differently, Swahili clearly indicates the manner of the action by placing the adverb after the noun phrase, modifying the verb’s action.