Learn Hardcore Swahili: Mvuvi huyo alisema mtego wake unahitaji matengenezo ili kushika samaki wengi zaidi. - That fisherman said his trap needs repairs to catch more fish.

Mvuvi translates to fisherman, and huyo is a demonstrative adjective referring to a specific or already mentioned person. Together, Mvuvi huyo means that fisherman (or simply the fisherman).

How is possession indicated in the phrase mtego wake?

In mtego wake, mtego means trap and wake is the possessive pronoun meaning his. The pronoun agrees with the subject (the fisherman), so this phrase means his trap.

What does matengenezo mean, and are there any nuances to its translation?

Matengenezo means repairs or maintenance. In this context, it suggests that the trap requires some fixing or servicing to improve its performance.

What function does the word ili serve in this sentence?

Ili is a purpose marker in Swahili that can be translated as in order to. It connects the need for repairs to the intended outcome, explaining that the repairs are necessary to catch more fish.

How does the infinitive kushika work in expressing purpose here?

Kushika is the infinitive form of the verb to catch. Positioned after ili, it completes the purpose clause ili kushika samaki wengi zaidi, meaning that the trap needs repairs in order to catch more fish.

What tense is alisema and how is it constructed?

Alisema is in the past tense. It is formed by combining the subject prefix a- (third person singular) with the past tense marker -li- and the verb root sema (to say). Thus, alisema translates directly as he said.