Huyu ni mpishi mzuri, lakini kifaa chake cha kupikia kimeharibika, hivyo ana wasiwasi kubomoa jiko lake lote.

This is a good cook, but his cooking tool is broken, so he is worried about demolishing his entire stove.

Breakdown of Huyu ni mpishi mzuri, lakini kifaa chake cha kupikia kimeharibika, hivyo ana wasiwasi kubomoa jiko lake lote.

• ni: to be
• kuwa na: to have
• lakini: but
• mzuri: good
• hivyo: so
• huyu: this
• wasiwasi: the worry
• jiko: the stove
• kifaa: the tool
• kuharibika: to break
• mpishi: the cook
• kupikia: to cook
• kubomoa: to demolish

Questions & Answers about Huyu ni mpishi mzuri, lakini kifaa chake cha kupikia kimeharibika, hivyo ana wasiwasi kubomoa jiko lake lote.

What does the demonstrative “Huyu” indicate in this sentence?

“Huyu” is used to refer to a specific person who is nearby, similar to saying “this person” in English. It helps pinpoint the individual being discussed.

What does the noun “mpishi” mean and how is it structured with its adjective?

“Mpishi” means “cook” or “chef.” In Swahili, adjectives like “mzuri” (good) typically follow the noun they describe, so “mpishi mzuri” directly translates to “a good cook.”

How is possession expressed in the phrase “kifaa chake”?

Possession is shown by using a possessive pronoun that agrees with the noun’s class. In “kifaa chake,” “chake” means “his/her” and follows “kifaa” (appliance or tool) to indicate ownership.

Why is “cha kupikia” added after “kifaa chake” and what does it mean?

“Cha kupikia” means “for cooking” and serves as a descriptive modifier that specifies the appliance’s purpose. It agrees with “kifaa” according to the noun class system in Swahili, reinforcing that it is a cooking tool.

What does “kimeharibika” mean and how is it formed?

“Kimeharibika” means “has become damaged” or “is broken.” It is constructed by using the perfect tense marker “me-” attached to the verb root “haribika,” with a subject prefix that corresponds to the noun’s class.

What role does “lakini” play in the sentence?

“Lakini” means “but” and is used to introduce a contrast; while the cook is described as good (“mpishi mzuri”), his cooking appliance is noted as damaged.

How does “hivyo” function in this sentence?

“Hivyo” means “therefore” or “thus” and connects the clause about the damaged appliance with the result that follows, indicating a logical consequence.

Can you break down the final clause “ana wasiwasi kubomoa jiko lake lote”?

Certainly. “Ana” means “he has” (or “he is” in the context of having a feeling), and “wasiwasi” means “worry” or “concern.” “Kubomoa” is the infinitive form meaning “to demolish.” “Jiko” translates as “stove” (or another cooking appliance), while “lake” is the possessive meaning “his,” and “lote” means “entire.” Altogether, the clause conveys that he is worried about demolishing his entire stove. The use of the infinitive after “wasiwasi” is a common Swahili construction for expressing concern about a potential action.