Mimi nina uhitaji wa kupumzika.

I have a need to rest.

Breakdown of Mimi nina uhitaji wa kupumzika.

• mimi: I
• kuwa na: to have
• wa: of
• kupumzika: to rest
• uhitaji: the need

Questions & Answers about Mimi nina uhitaji wa kupumzika.

Why is the pronoun Mimi included in the sentence when the verb nina already indicates the subject?

Although the verb nina (derived from kuwa na) already implies that the subject is “I,” including Mimi explicitly adds emphasis or clarity. In Swahili, subject pronouns are often optional because the verb conjugation shows the subject; however, using them can help stress who is performing the action, especially in situations where emphasis or unambiguous reference is needed.

What does the phrase nina uhitaji mean in English?

The phrase nina uhitaji literally breaks down as nina (“I have”) and uhitaji (a noun meaning “need” or “requirement”). Together, they express the idea “I have a need” which naturally translates into “I need” in everyday English.

What function does the linking particle wa serve in this sentence?

The particle wa works as a possessive or genitive connector. It links the noun uhitaji (need) with the following verb in its infinitive form, kupumzika (to rest). This connection indicates that the need is for the action of resting—effectively translating the structure to “a need for rest.”

Why is kupumzika used in its infinitive form in this construction?

In Swahili, the infinitive form is created with the prefix ku- (here forming kupumzika from pumzika). This form functions like a verbal noun and is commonly used after nouns to indicate the action related to the noun. In the sentence, kupumzika acts as the object of the noun uhitaji, thus conveying the meaning “to rest.”

Can this sentence structure be adapted to express other needs? Could you provide an example?

Yes, the structure Mimi nina uhitaji wa [infinitive] is quite flexible. For instance, if you want to say “I need to eat,” you could say: Mimi nina uhitaji wa kula. Similarly, “I need to study” can be expressed as Mimi nina uhitaji wa kusoma. Note that in everyday conversation, many speakers might simplify these phrases to ninahitaji kula or ninahitaji kusoma without the explicit mention of uhitaji wa.