Breakdown of Kitasa hiki kimeharibika, tunahitaji fundi atusaidie kukibadilisha.
kusaidia
to help
hiki
this
kuharibika
to be broken
fundi
the repairman
kubadilisha
to replace
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Questions & Answers about Kitasa hiki kimeharibika, tunahitaji fundi atusaidie kukibadilisha.
What noun class does kitasa belong to, and how does that influence the choice of hiki?
In Swahili, kitasa belongs to the Ki-/Vi- noun class, which is used for many inanimate objects. Because it is in the Ki- (singular) class, the demonstrative hiki (“this”) is used to agree with that class. Swahili adjectives and demonstratives must match the noun class, so hiki correctly refers to kitasa.
How does the verb kimeharibika indicate the current state of kitasa?
The verb kimeharibika is formed with the subject marker ki- (matching kitasa), the perfect aspect marker -me-, and the root haribika. Together, they indicate that the action of breaking has been completed and that kitasa is currently in a broken state.
Can you explain the structure of kukibadilisha and the role of its object marker?
Certainly. Kukibadilisha is an infinitive that begins with ku- (the infinitive marker). Immediately following is the object marker ki-, which refers back to kitasa (consistent with its noun class). The verb root badilisha means “to change” or “to replace.” This construction makes it clear that the intended action—changing or repairing—is directed at kitasa.
Why is the form atusaidie used when referring to needing assistance, and what does its structure tell us?
Atusaidie is a request form. The initial a- is the subject marker for the third person singular, matching fundi (technician). The infix -tu- represents “us” (the object), and the final form -aidie is in the subjunctive mood, which is commonly used to make polite requests or express hopes. This combination shows that a technician is being asked to help “us” with the task.
What function does the word fundi serve in this sentence?
Fundi means “skilled worker” or “technician.” Its role in the sentence is to specify the kind of professional help that is needed to address the problem with the broken kitasa. It emphasizes that the repair or change requires technical expertise.
Why is the sentence divided by a comma, and how does that structure affect its meaning?
The comma separates two distinct but related ideas. The first part, "Kitasa hiki kimeharibika," states the problem—that kitasa is broken. The second part, "tunahitaji fundi atusaidie kukibadilisha," explains what needs to be done—namely, that a technician is needed to help change or repair it. This clear separation helps the listener understand the cause (the broken state) and the appropriate response (seeking professional help).