Mimi sipendi kukata tamaa.

I do not like to give up.

Breakdown of Mimi sipendi kukata tamaa.

• mimi: I
• kupenda: to like
• kukata tamaa: to give up

Questions & Answers about Mimi sipendi kukata tamaa.

What does Mimi mean in this sentence?

Mimi is the Swahili pronoun for “I.” Although Swahili verbs already show the subject through their conjugation, including Mimi emphasizes who is speaking and adds clarity.

How is the negative formed in the verb sipendi?

The verb sipendi comes from penda (meaning “to like”) by adding the negative prefix si- for the first person singular. Thus, sipendi translates to “I do not like.” This is a common way to form negatives in Swahili.

What role does kukata play in this sentence?

Kukata is the infinitive form of the verb kata (which literally means “to cut”). Here, it functions as the direct object of sipendi and, when combined with tamaa, forms the idiomatic expression meaning “to give up hope.”

What does tamaa signify in this context, and why is it paired with kukata?

In this sentence, tamaa is a noun that means “hope.” When paired with kukata to form kukata tamaa, the phrase idiomatically expresses “losing hope” or “giving up hope.” Even though kata literally means “to cut,” in this context it conveys a figurative meaning common in Swahili idioms.

Why is the subject Mimi explicitly stated even though the verb form indicates the subject?

In Swahili, the subject pronoun like Mimi is often unnecessary because the verb conjugation already shows who is performing the action. However, including it can add emphasis, provide clarity, or convey a more personal tone, which can be helpful for learners.

How does the sentence structure here compare to how negatives with infinitives are expressed in English?

Much like in English, this Swahili sentence uses a negative verb followed by an infinitive to communicate a dislike for performing an action. Mimi sipendi parallels “I do not like,” and kukata tamaa works much like “to give up hope.” Both languages use similar constructions, although the formation of negatives (with the si- prefix) is distinctly Swahili.

Is there any significance to using the infinitive form kukata after sipendi?

Yes, in Swahili, when one verb expresses a preference or a feeling (such as liking or disliking), it is common to follow it with another verb in the infinitive form. Kukata serves as the standard way to say “to [do something],” making kukata tamaa the natural construction for “to give up hope” in this context.