Learn Hardcore Swahili: Alikuja na bodaboda, kwa sababu basi lilikuwa limejaa abiria. - He/She came by motorcycle taxi, because the bus was full of passengers.

Bodaboda refers to a motorcycle taxi—a common mode of transport in many East African countries. In this context, it indicates that the person arrived on a motorcycle taxi.

How is the verb alikuja constructed, and what does it mean?

The verb alikuja is formed by combining the subject marker ali- (indicating third-person singular in the past tense) with the infinitive kuja (meaning “to come”). Together, they mean “he/she came.”

What role does the word na play in this sentence?

In Swahili, na functions as a connector meaning “with” or “by.” Here, it shows that the person came using a bodaboda as their means of transportation.

What is the meaning of the phrase kwa sababu in this context?

Kwa sababu translates to “because” in English. It introduces the reason for the action stated earlier—that the bus was full.

How is the bus described in basi lilikuwa limejaa abiria, particularly with lilikuwa?

Basi means “bus.” The form lilikuwa comes from the verb kuwa (“to be”) with the subject marker li- that agrees with basi. This construction indicates a past state, so lilikuwa means “it was.” The phrase together shows that the bus was in a state of being full of passengers.

How is limejaa formed, and what does it express?

Limejaa is formed by attaching the perfect marker lime- to the verb root jaa (meaning “to become full”). It expresses that the bus had already become full, emphasizing a completed state.

Why aren’t there any articles like “a” or “the” before nouns such as bodaboda and basi?

Swahili does not use definite or indefinite articles. The nouns stand on their own, and context or additional grammatical markers are used to clarify whether the meaning is singular or plural.