Learn Hardcore Swahili: Anaonyesha ustadi mkubwa anapocheza mpira wa mikono. - He/She shows great skill when playing handball.

"Anaonyesha" comes from the infinitive kuonyesha ("to show" or "to demonstrate"). It is built with the subject prefix a- (indicating "he" or "she"), the present tense marker na-, and the verb root onyesha. This construction means "he/she demonstrates."

What does the phrase "ustadi mkubwa" indicate, and why is the adjective placed after the noun?

"Ustadi" means "skill," and "mkubwa" means "big" or "great." In Swahili, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. Thus, "ustadi mkubwa" translates to "great skill."

How is the subordinate clause "anapocheza mpira wa mikono" formed, and what role does the -po- element play?

The clause "anapocheza" is formed by combining the subject prefix a-, the present tense marker na-, and the inserted relative marker -po- before the verb stem cheza ("to play"). The -po- signals a relative or contextual clause, so "anapocheza" conveys the sense of "when he/she plays." This clause, followed by "mpira wa mikono", means "handball" or "the ball of the hands," describing the activity during which the skill is demonstrated.

What does "mpira wa mikono" mean, and how does it show possession in Swahili?

"Mpira" means "ball," and "wa mikono" literally translates as "of the hands." In Swahili, the particle wa functions as a possessive marker, linking mpira with mikono (the plural form of mkono, meaning "hand"). Together, the phrase refers to the sport of handball or the idea of playing with one’s hands.

Why is the subject marker a- repeated in both the main clause and the subordinate clause?

In Swahili, each clause generally requires its own subject marker for clarity and correct verb conjugation. Although both "anaonyesha" and "anapocheza" refer to the same person, repeating a- in each clause ensures that every verb is properly marked for subject and tense.

How do the components of this sentence work together to convey the complete meaning?

The sentence is divided into two parts. The main clause, "anaonyesha ustadi mkubwa," means "he/she demonstrates great skill." The subordinate clause, "anapocheza mpira wa mikono," (with -po- indicating the relative context) means "when playing handball." Together, they clearly express that the person’s impressive skill is being shown during the act of playing handball.