Mimi ninatumia faili kwa kazi.

I use a file for work.

Breakdown of Mimi ninatumia faili kwa kazi.

• mimi: I
• kazi: the work
• kwa: for
• kutumia: to use
• faili: the file

Questions & Answers about Mimi ninatumia faili kwa kazi.

What does Mimi mean in this sentence, and why is it explicitly stated even though the verb already shows the subject?

Mimi means "I". In Swahili, the subject is usually indicated by the verb’s prefix (in this case, ni-), so it’s not always necessary to include the subject pronoun. However, writing Mimi explicitly can add emphasis or clarity, which is especially helpful for learners.

How is the verb ninatumia constructed, and what does each part represent?

The verb ninatumia is made up of three parts:
• ni- is the first-person singular subject prefix, meaning "I".
• -na- is a tense marker indicating a present or habitual action.
• tumia is the root verb meaning "use".
Together, they convey the idea "I am using" or "I use".

What does the word faili mean in this context?

Faili means "file". It is a borrowed term from English, used in Swahili to refer to a computer file or even a physical document file.

What is the function of kwa kazi in the sentence?

In the phrase kwa kazi, kwa functions as a preposition meaning "for" or "with", and kazi means "work" or "job". Combined, they indicate that the file is used "for work."

What is the typical sentence structure observed in Mimi ninatumia faili kwa kazi?

Swahili sentences typically follow a Subject-Verb-Object order, with additional information like prepositional phrases coming afterward. In this sentence:
• Mimi is the explicit subject,
• ninatumia is the verb (which already includes the subject and tense markers),
• faili is the object,
• kwa kazi is a prepositional phrase indicating purpose.
This structure helps to clearly communicate the intended meaning while incorporating Swahili’s unique verb construction.