Learn Hardcore Swahili: Mimi na Juma tuna mradi mpya.

Because the subject is compound—Mimi na Juma—it is plural. In Swahili the verb agrees with the subject, so the first-person plural prefix tu- along with the present tense marker -na creates tuna, which means we have.

How is the verb tuna constructed in Swahili?

The verb tuna is built by combining the subject prefix tu- (indicating we) with the present tense marker -na. This structure is standard in Swahili: for example, nina (I have), una (you have), ana (he/she has), and then tuna (we have).

How do adjectives function in Swahili, as seen with mradi mpya?

In Swahili, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe. In this sentence, mradi means project and mpya means new, so together mradi mpya directly translates to new project.

Why isn’t there an article like “a” or “the” before mradi?

Swahili does not use articles such as a or the. Nouns stand on their own, and any definiteness or indefiniteness is understood from context.

Is it necessary to include subject pronouns like Mimi in Swahili sentences?

Not always. Swahili verbs include subject prefixes that indicate who is performing the action, so subject pronouns are optional. However, when creating compound subjects or for added clarity and emphasis—as in this sentence—they are often included.

Can the order of names in the compound subject be reversed, for example saying Juma na Mimi instead of Mimi na Juma?

Yes, the order can be reversed without changing the meaning or grammatical correctness. That said, cultural conventions (such as mentioning oneself last) might influence the preferred order, but grammatically both orders are acceptable.