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Questions & Answers about Mimi natuma barua kwa rafiki.
Why is the pronoun mimi included even though the verb already shows the subject?
In Swahili the subject is often indicated with the verb’s subject marker, so natuma already implies “I send.” Including mimi (meaning “I”) adds extra emphasis or clarity, which is especially helpful for learners.
What does the verb natuma mean and how is it formed?
Natuma comes from the root verb tuma ("to send") with the prefix na-, which marks the present tense. Thus, natuma translates as “I send” or “am sending,” with the subject “I” implicitly indicated by both the verb and, optionally, the pronoun mimi.
How is the indirect object expressed in the sentence and why is kwa used?
The preposition kwa is used to indicate the recipient of the action. In this sentence, kwa rafiki means “to a friend,” showing that the letter is being sent to that friend.
Is it necessary to always include mimi when forming similar sentences?
No, it isn’t necessary. Since the verb conjugation already indicates the subject, native speakers often omit the subject pronoun. However, including mimi can provide emphasis or clear identification, which is useful for learners or in contexts that require extra clarity.
What role does barua play in the sentence and why is it used without an article?
Barua means “letter” and serves as the direct object of the sentence. Swahili does not use articles like “a” or “the,” so nouns such as barua are used without any additional words to mark definiteness.