Log inSign up

Mimi nina idadi ya marafiki.

Mimi nina idadi ya marafiki.
I have a number of friends.
FromLesson 11inHardcore Swahili
…

Breakdown of Mimi nina idadi ya marafiki.

mimi
I
rafiki
the friend
kuwa na
to have
ya
of
idadi
the number
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Swahili grammar?”
Swahili grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Swahili

Master Swahili — from Mimi nina idadi ya marafiki to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.

  • ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Swahili freeBrowse the full course

More from this lesson

kikapuNiletee kikapu hiki, tafadhali.Tunatumia kikapu kubeba mboga kutoka sokoni.kuchaguaMimi ninachagua kitabu kipya.Ni muhimu kuchagua muda mwafaka wa kupumzika.stareheMama anapata starehe baada ya kufagia chumba.

Questions & Answers about Mimi nina idadi ya marafiki.

What does each word in Mimi nina idadi ya marafiki mean?
Each word breaks down as follows: Mimi means I; nina is the present tense form of have (with ni- indicating I and -na marking the present tense); idadi means number or quantity; ya functions as a possessive connector (similar to of in English); and marafiki is the plural of rafiki meaning friend(s). Altogether, the sentence translates as I have a number of friends.
Why does the verb appear as nina instead of a separate word for have like in English?
In Swahili, subject pronouns and tense markers are incorporated directly into the verb. The prefix ni- signifies the subject I, while the infix/suffix -na indicates the present tense. This combined form, nina, succinctly means I have, eliminating the need for a separate word for have as is required in English.
Is it necessary to include the pronoun Mimi even though the verb nina already implies the subject?
No, including Mimi is not strictly necessary because the verb’s prefix already identifies the subject. However, beginners often include the full pronoun for added clarity and emphasis, especially while still mastering Swahili’s verb conjugation system.
What role does ya play in the sentence?
ya serves as a genitive or possessive connector that links idadi (number) to marafiki (friends). This construction shows that the number describes or belongs to the friends, similar to how we say number of friends in English.
How is plurality indicated in the noun marafiki?
Swahili uses a system of noun classes to express plurality. In this sentence, marafiki is the plural form of rafiki (friend), achieved by the appropriate class prefix. This noun class system is essential for correctly forming singular and plural versions of nouns in Swahili.