Walimu wanasisitiza wanafunzi kuwa makini wanapojibu maswali magumu.

Teachers emphasize that students be careful when answering difficult questions.

Breakdown of Walimu wanasisitiza wanafunzi kuwa makini wanapojibu maswali magumu.

• mwanafunzi: the student
• kuwa: to be
• mwalimu: the teacher
• makini: careful
• kujibu: to answer
• swali: the question
• kusisitiza: to emphasize
• magumu: difficult

Questions & Answers about Walimu wanasisitiza wanafunzi kuwa makini wanapojibu maswali magumu.

What does walimu mean in this sentence?

Walimu means teachers. It is the plural form of mwalimu (teacher).

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

Wanasisitiza is built from the root sisitiza, which means to emphasize or to insist, combined with the subject prefix wana‑ (indicating third person plural). Thus, it translates as “they emphasize” or “they strongly urge”—in this case, referring to what teachers do.

What does wanafunzi mean in this context?

Wanafunzi means students. It is the plural of mwanafunzi, and here it serves as the object of what the teachers emphasize.

What is the meaning and role of the phrase kuwa makini?

Kuwa makini translates as “to be careful”. Kuwa is the infinitive form of “to be”, and makini is an adjective meaning “careful” or “attentive.” In the sentence, teachers instruct or emphasize that students should be careful.

How is the subordinate clause wanapojibu maswali magumu constructed, and what does it express?

The clause is formed by wanapojibu, which breaks down into the subject prefix wana‑ (they), the relative/conditional marker ‑po‑ (indicating “when” or “as”), and the verb root jibu (to answer). Maswali means questions, and magumu means difficult. Thus, the clause wanapojibu maswali magumu means “when [they] answer difficult questions” and provides the context in which the emphasized action (being careful) is expected.

Can you explain the overall word order and structure of the sentence?

Certainly! The main clause “Walimu wanasisitiza wanafunzi kuwa makini” follows a Subject-Verb-Object pattern: walimu (teachers) are doing the action (wanasisitiza; emphasize), directed toward wanafunzi (students) with the instruction “kuwa makini” (to be careful). The sentence is then completed by the subordinate clause “wanapojibu maswali magumu” which uses the ‑po‑ marker to introduce a time or condition—explaining that this carefulness is needed “when answering difficult questions.” This structure is common in Swahili, where the main statement is supplemented by a subordinate clause that adds context or specifies conditions.