Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ni vizuri kuheshimu kila mtu unayekutana naye, hata ikiwa ana mtazamo tofauti. - It is good to respect everyone you meet, even if he has a different perspective.

Ni vizuri translates to “It is good.” In Swahili, when an adjective describes the quality of an action (here, the action of respecting), the adjective takes an adverbial form. That’s why “vizuri” is used instead of “nzuri,” which is reserved for describing inherent qualities of nouns.

Why is the verb kuheshimu in its infinitive form following ni vizuri?

When expressing general opinions or values in Swahili, the structure “Ni [adjective] [infinitive]” is common. In this case, kuheshimu (meaning “to respect”) follows ni vizuri to indicate that the act of respecting is considered good in a general sense.

How is the relative clause unayekutana naye structured, and what does it mean?

Unayekutana naye means “whom you meet.” Here, the clause modifies kila mtu (“every person”). The part una- is the present tense subject prefix for “you,” and -yekutana is the verb form structured as a relative clause. The pronoun naye refers back to mtu (person), indicating “with him/her.” Together, the clause specifies that the statement applies to every person you encounter.

What does kila mtu mean in this sentence?

Kila mtu translates literally to “every person” or “each person.” Kila means “every” or “each,” and mtu means “person.” This phrase emphasizes that the advice applies universally to everyone one meets.

What do the expressions hata ikiwa and ana mtazamo tofauti convey?

Hata ikiwa means “even if,” and ana mtazamo tofauti translates to “he/she has a different perspective.” In this part of the sentence, the speaker is conveying that respect should be given to every person regardless of whether they hold a viewpoint different from yours. Ana is the present tense form of “to have” for he or she, mtazamo means “perspective,” and tofauti means “different.”