Ni vyema usubiri kidogo, ili huzuni ipungue kabla ya kuzungumza naye.

to be

Breakdown of Ni vyema usubiri kidogo, ili huzuni ipungue kabla ya kuzungumza naye.

• kabla ya: before
• ili: so that
• kidogo: little
• vyema: good
• huzuni: the sadness
• usubiri: the wait
• kupungua: to decrease
• kuzungumza: to speak

Questions & Answers about Ni vyema usubiri kidogo, ili huzuni ipungue kabla ya kuzungumza naye.

What does Ni vyema mean in this sentence?

Ni vyema translates to "it is good" or "it is better." In this context, it expresses that waiting a bit is the preferred or advisable action before speaking with the person.

How does the adjective kidogo function in usubiri kidogo in terms of Swahili word order?

In Swahili, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. Here, kidogo means "a little" or "short," and it comes after usubiri (“waiting”), indicating that a small amount of waiting is recommended.

What role does ili play in this sentence?

Ili functions as a purpose marker, equivalent to "so that" in English. It introduces the clause that explains the intended result of the waiting—namely, that the sadness should lessen before engaging in conversation.

How is the phrase huzuni ipungue constructed, and what does the verb form indicate?

The phrase huzuni ipungue means "that the sadness may lessen." The verb ipungue is in the subjunctive mood, which is used to express a desired or potential outcome. It indicates that the speaker hopes or intends for the sadness to decrease as a result of waiting.

What does kabla ya kuzungumza naye mean, and what are the roles of kabla ya, kuzungumza, and naye?

Kabla ya kuzungumza naye translates to "before talking to him/her." Here, kabla ya means "before," kuzungumza is the infinitive form of "to talk" or "to speak," and naye is a pronoun meaning "with him/her." Together, they set the sequence of events, indicating that the conversation should occur after the sadness has been reduced.

Why is the pronoun naye used at the end of the sentence, and what does it refer to?

Naye is a pronominal suffix used to refer to a person previously mentioned. In this sentence, it clearly identifies the individual with whom one is expected to speak. Its use after the infinitive kuzungumza helps ensure that the listener understands who the subject of the conversation will be.