Learn Hardcore Swahili: Siku imeisha; sasa tutaenda nyumbani.

Siku means day and imeisha is formed from the verb isha (to finish/end) plus the perfect tense marker ime-, which shows that the action is completed. So, the phrase literally translates to "The day has ended."

How is the future tense expressed in sasa tutaenda nyumbani?

In this sentence, the future tense is shown in the word tutaenda. This word is built by combining the subject prefix tu- (indicating we) with the future marker ta- attached to the verb root enda (to go). Together, tutaenda means "we will go."

What does nyumbani mean, and why doesn't it require a preposition like "to" as in English?

Nyumbani translates to "home." In Swahili, when referring to going home, nyumbani is used directly without a preposition. The language treats it as an adverbial noun that inherently expresses the idea of going to or being at home, unlike in English where we typically say "go to home" (though in English we naturally say "go home" without the preposition).

What is the role of sasa in the sentence?

Sasa means "now" and functions as a temporal adverb. It indicates that the action described in the latter part of the sentence (tutaenda nyumbani) is taking place immediately after the day has ended, linking the two clauses in a logical, sequential order.

Is the semicolon in Siku imeisha; sasa tutaenda nyumbani necessary, or can it be replaced by another punctuation mark?

The semicolon here connects two closely related independent clauses. You could also replace it with a period to form two separate sentences (Siku imeisha. Sasa tutaenda nyumbani.), which is grammatically correct. However, the semicolon emphasizes the immediate connection between the completion of the day and the subsequent action of going home.