Mtihani huu ni ngumu.

to be

Breakdown of Mtihani huu ni ngumu.

• huu: this
• mtihani: the exam
• ngumu: difficult

Questions & Answers about Mtihani huu ni ngumu.

What does the word mtihani mean in this sentence, and what role does it play?

Mtihani means exam or test. It is the subject of the sentence, referring to the specific exam being discussed.

What is the function of huu in the sentence, and why is this form used?

Huu is a demonstrative adjective meaning this. It specifies which exam is being talked about and agrees with the noun mtihani in terms of its noun class—a crucial aspect of Swahili grammar.

Why is the copula ni included in the sentence, and what does it represent?

Ni functions as the linking verb, equivalent to is in English. It connects the subject (mtihani huu) to the predicate adjective (ngumu), forming a complete descriptive statement.

How does the adjective ngumu function in the sentence, and what should be noted about its placement?

Ngumu means difficult (or hard) and serves as the predicate adjective describing the exam. In Swahili, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, and they must agree with the noun’s class, as seen here.

Is the sentence structure in Mtihani huu ni ngumu typical of Swahili descriptive sentences, and how does it compare to English?

Yes, it is. The structure follows a common Swahili pattern: (Noun) + (Demonstrative) + (Copula) + (Adjective). This is similar to English in meaning—"This exam is difficult"—but Swahili requires specific noun–adjective agreement and places the demonstrative immediately after the noun.