Learn Hardcore Swahili: Sisi tutajaribu kukabiliana na tatizo.

“Sisi” means “we” and explicitly identifies the subject. In Swahili, the subject is often indicated by the prefix attached to the verb, but including “Sisi” adds clarity or emphasis.

How is the future tense formed in the word “tutajaribu”?

The word “tutajaribu” is constructed by combining the subject prefix tuta- (indicating “we will”) with the base verb jaribu (meaning “try”). This prefix marks the verb in the future tense, showing that the action is expected to occur later.

What does “kukabiliana” mean, and why is it in the infinitive form?

“Kukabiliana” translates to “to deal with” or “to confront”. It is in the infinitive form, created by adding the marker ku- to the root verb. In this sentence, it follows tutajaribu to specify the action that is being attempted.

Why is the preposition “na” used before “tatizo”?

The preposition “na” functions much like the English “with”, linking the verb kukabiliana to its object tatizo (meaning “problem”). This construction, kukabiliana na tatizo, expresses the idea of dealing with or confronting the problem.

How does the overall sentence structure help convey the intended meaning?

The sentence “Sisi tutajaribu kukabiliana na tatizo.” follows a clear structure where the subject (Sisi) is followed by a future tense verb (tutajaribu) that describes the intended action. The action is then detailed by an infinitive (kukabiliana) paired with a prepositional phrase (na tatizo), which specifies the object of that action. This structure effectively communicates that “we will try to deal with the problem.”