Mimi ninadumisha heshima kwa marafiki.

I

Breakdown of Mimi ninadumisha heshima kwa marafiki.

• rafiki: the friend
• kwa: for
• heshima: the respect
• kudumisha: to maintain

Questions & Answers about Mimi ninadumisha heshima kwa marafiki.

What does Mimi mean in this sentence?

Mimi translates to I in English. It is the explicit subject pronoun, emphasizing that the speaker is the one performing the action.

How is the verb ninadumisha structured?

Ninadumisha is composed of three parts: the prefix ni- indicating the subject “I”, the infix na which designates the present tense (often implying a habitual action), and the root dumisha meaning “to maintain” or “to keep.” Together, they mean I maintain or I keep.

Why is the subject pronoun Mimi used when the verb already includes ni-?

In Swahili, the subject pronoun is often omitted because the verb’s prefix already identifies who is acting. However, including Mimi adds emphasis or clarity, ensuring there is no ambiguity about who is performing the action.

What function does the preposition kwa serve in the sentence?

The preposition kwa translates as with or for in English. In the sentence, it connects heshima (honor/respect) to marafiki (friends), indicating that the respect or honor is being maintained towards friends.

How does the overall sentence convey the speaker’s behavior?

The sentence Mimi ninadumisha heshima kwa marafiki communicates that the speaker consistently maintains or upholds honor (or respect) when interacting with friends, highlighting an ongoing commitment to respectful behavior within those relationships.