Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ili kupita kizuizi hicho, tunapaswa kuchimba mfereji mdogo wa kupitisha maji. - To get past that obstacle, we should dig a small ditch to drain the water.

Ili means “in order to” and is used to introduce a purpose clause. It sets the context by indicating that the following action is intended to overcome the obstacle.

Why is the verb kupita used after Ili and what does it indicate?

Kupita is the infinitive form meaning “to pass” or “to overcome.” In this sentence, it follows Ili to clearly express the intended purpose: to get past or overcome the obstacle (kizuizi hicho).

Why does the sentence use kizuizi hicho instead of, for example, kizuizi hii?

Swahili demonstratives must agree with the noun’s class. The noun kizuizi belongs to a specific noun class that requires the demonstrative hicho rather than hii, ensuring grammatical consistency.

What is the difference between kupita and kupitisha in this context?

Although both verbs share a similar root, kupita means “to pass” (referring to overcoming the obstacle), whereas kupitisha means “to channel” or “to direct” (referring to the act of channeling water). They denote two distinct actions within the sentence.

How is the phrase tunapaswa kuchimba mfereji mdogo wa kupitisha maji structured grammatically?

The phrase breaks down as follows:
• Tunapaswa means “we should,” with tuna- serving as the first-person plural subject prefix and paswa indicating necessity.
• Kuchimba is the infinitive meaning “to dig.”
• Mfereji mdogo translates to “small canal/trench,” where mdogo is an adjective agreeing with the noun mfereji.
• Wa kupitisha maji functions as a modifier that explains the purpose of the canal—“for channeling water,” with maji meaning “water.”

How do noun class agreements affect adjectives and demonstratives in this sentence?

In Swahili, adjectives and demonstratives must match the noun they modify according to its noun class. For example, kizuizi takes the demonstrative hicho based on its class, and mfereji is paired with the adjective mdogo in an agreeing form. This agreement ensures clarity and proper grammatical structure throughout the sentence.