Breakdown of Ninapokimbia, nachoka na kuhisi pumzi yangu inakuwa fupi.
yangu
my
na
and
fupi
short
kuhisi
to feel
kukimbia
to run
kuwa
to become
kuchoka
to get tired
pumzi
the breath
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Questions & Answers about Ninapokimbia, nachoka na kuhisi pumzi yangu inakuwa fupi.
What does Ninapokimbia mean, and why is the -po- inserted into the verb?
Ninapokimbia translates to “when I run” or “as I run.” In Swahili, inserting -po- into the present tense (between nina- and the verb root) creates a relative clause that specifies timing. Without -po-, the verb would simply mean “I run.”
What is the meaning of nachoka in this sentence?
Nachoka means “I get tired” or “I become tired.” The subject marker is built into the verb, so it shows that the speaker becomes tired during the activity mentioned in the first clause.
How does the conjunction na function in this sentence?
The word na serves as a conjunction meaning “and.” It connects the two outcomes of running: becoming tired (nachoka) and feeling that one’s breath becomes short (kuhisi pumzi yangu inakuwa fupi).
What is conveyed by the phrase kuhisi pumzi yangu inakuwa fupi?
This phrase translates to “I feel that my breath becomes short.” Here, kuhisi means “to feel,” pumzi yangu means “my breath,” and inakuwa fupi means “becomes short.” It describes the physical sensation experienced while running.
How is possession expressed in pumzi yangu?
Possession in Swahili is shown by following the noun with a possessive adjective. In pumzi yangu, pumzi means “breath” and yangu means “my,” together forming the phrase “my breath.”