Log inSign up

Jarida hili ninalolisoma linazungumzia mabadiliko ya tabianchi.

Jarida hili ninalolisoma linazungumzia mabadiliko ya tabianchi.
This magazine that I am reading talks about climate change.
FromLesson 13inHardcore Swahili
……

Breakdown of Jarida hili ninalolisoma linazungumzia mabadiliko ya tabianchi.

kusoma
to read
hili
this
ya
of
badiliko
the change
jarida
the magazine
kuzungumzia
to talk about

Questions & Answers about Jarida hili ninalolisoma linazungumzia mabadiliko ya tabianchi.

What does jarida hili mean in this sentence?
Jarida translates as magazine (or sometimes newspaper), and hili is a demonstrative adjective meaning this. So, jarida hili means this magazine.
How is ninalolisoma constructed, and what does it mean?

Ninalolisoma means that I am reading. It is formed by combining three parts:
• nina- – the first-person singular subject prefix meaning I (am),
• -lo- – a relative marker chosen to agree with the noun jarida (which belongs to a specific noun class), and
• soma – the verb to read.
Combined, these elements describe the magazine as the one that I am reading.

Why doesn't the sentence use a separate relative pronoun like "that" as in English?
In Swahili, relative clauses are integrated into the verb form by using a relative marker (in this case, -lo-) that attaches to the subject prefix. This marker performs the role of the English relative pronoun "that," linking the clause directly to jarida. Consequently, there is no need for an extra word to serve that purpose.
What does linazungumzia mean, and how is it formed?

Linazungumzia translates to is discussing or is talking about. It consists of:
• lina- – the subject prefix that agrees with jarida (matching its noun class), and
• zungumzia – the verb meaning to discuss or to talk about.
Together, the form indicates that the magazine is engaged in discussing something.

What is the meaning of the phrase mabadiliko ya tabianchi, and how is it structured?
Mabadiliko means changes, and ya is a possessive or genitive marker meaning of. Tabianchi means climate. Thus, mabadiliko ya tabianchi literally translates to changes of climate, which is understood as climate change.
How does noun class agreement function in this sentence?

Swahili grammar relies on noun class agreement, and this sentence is a good example. The noun jarida belongs to a specific noun class, which influences several other elements:
• The demonstrative hili agrees with jarida to mean this magazine.
• The relative marker -lo- in ninalolisoma is chosen to match the noun class of jarida.
• The subject prefix lina- in linazungumzia also reflects the noun’s class.
All of these agreements ensure that the sentence is grammatical and that each part correctly reflects its relation to jarida.

More from this lesson

kiongozikuhamasishaKiongozi wetu anahamasisha maendeleo katika kijiji hiki.serikalitoauwezekanokupanuaBaba anapanua nyumba.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Swahili grammar?”
Swahili grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Swahili

Master Swahili — from Jarida hili ninalolisoma linazungumzia mabadiliko ya tabianchi to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.

  • ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Swahili freeBrowse the full course