Learn Hardcore Swahili: Umeme umekatika ghafla, tunahitaji kuwasha kandili usiku huu. - The electricity has gone out suddenly, we need to light a lantern tonight.

Umekatika is in the present perfect tense. It starts with the subject prefix u- (referring to umeme, “electricity”), followed by the perfect marker -me-. Then comes the verb root kata- (meaning “to cut off” or “to be cut”), and finally the suffix -ka, which often indicates a change of state or sudden occurrence. Altogether, it expresses that the electricity has suddenly been cut off.

How does the adverb ghafla function within the sentence?

Ghafla means “suddenly” and acts as an adverb modifying the verb umekatika. Its placement after the verb emphasizes that the interruption of electricity occurred unexpectedly. This use of adverbs to modify the verb is typical in Swahili for expressing the manner in which an action happens.

How is the subject we expressed in the clause tunahitaji kuwasha kandili usiku huu?

In Swahili, subject pronouns are incorporated into the verb. The prefix tu- in tunahitaji indicates “we.” This incorporation means that the subject does not need to be stated separately; the verb’s conjugation clearly shows who is performing the action (in this case, “we need”).

What does the word kuwasha mean, and how is it constructed?

Kuwasha means “to light” or “to turn on.” It is formed by adding the infinitive marker ku- to the verb stem washa. Infinitives in Swahili typically begin with ku-, so here it indicates the basic action that needs to be carried out—lighting a candle or lamp.

What is the meaning of kandili, and why is it used in this context?

Kandili translates to “candle” (or sometimes “lamp”). In the context of the sentence, since the electricity has been cut off, a kandili is needed as an alternative source of light. It reflects a common scenario where non-electric lighting is resorted to during a power outage.

How is usiku huu structured, and what does it signify?

Usiku means “night,” and the demonstrative huu means “this.” Together, usiku huu translates to “this night” or “tonight.” In Swahili, adjectives and demonstratives must agree with the noun in terms of class, and here huu is in agreement with usiku.

Why is there a comma between the two parts of the sentence?

The comma separates two closely related independent clauses. The first clause, Umeme umekatika ghafla, tells us that the electricity has been cut off suddenly. The second clause, tunahitaji kuwasha kandili usiku huu, describes the necessary response to that situation. Although punctuation in Swahili can be flexible, using a comma here helps clarify the progression from the problem to the solution.