Questions & Answers about Upepo mkali unavuma sokoni.
Why does the adjective mkali come after the noun upepo in this sentence, whereas in English adjectives typically come before the noun?
In Swahili, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify. Here, mkali (meaning "strong" or "fierce") follows upepo ("wind"), which is a standard word order in Swahili even though it contrasts with English structure.
How is the verb unavuma structured, and what does each part of it signify?
The verb unavuma comes from the infinitive kuvuma (to blow). It is composed of three parts:
• u- is the subject prefix corresponding to upepo (wind), ensuring subject-verb agreement.
• na- is a present tense marker that indicates the action is happening now or habitually.
• vuma is the root meaning "to blow."
Together, they mean "is blowing."
What role does the suffix -ni play in the word sokoni?
The suffix -ni is used to indicate location in Swahili. When attached to soko (market), it becomes sokoni, which means "at the market" or "in the market," specifying where the action occurs.
How does the subject prefix in unavuma demonstrate agreement with the noun upepo?
In Swahili grammar the verb must agree with its subject. The prefix u- in unavuma matches (a class 5 noun), clearly linking the verb to its subject without needing an additional pronoun.