Learn Hardcore Swahili: Kabla ya kupika, hakikisha kidole kilichojeruhiwa kimefungwa vizuri usipate uchafu. - Before cooking, make sure the injured finger is well wrapped so you do not get it dirty.

Kabla ya means "before", and kupika means "cooking." Together, kabla ya kupika translates to "before cooking" and serves as a time clause indicating that the instruction which follows must be carried out prior to starting the cooking process.

What is the role of the word hakikisha in the sentence?

Hakikisha is an imperative verb that means "make sure" or "ensure." It functions to command the listener to verify that the condition described later in the sentence is satisfied.

How is the relative clause kidole kilichojeruhiwa constructed, and what does it mean?

Kidole means "finger." The word kilichojeruhiwa is a relative clause modifying kidole. It is formed by attaching the relative marker ki- (which agrees with kidole) along with the tense marker li and the passive verb form derived from jeruhi (meaning "to injure"). Together, kidole kilichojeruhiwa translates to "the finger that has been injured."

What does kimefungwa vizuri indicate in this context?

Kimefungwa means "has been tied" or "secured," and vizuri means "well" or "properly." In this sentence, kimefungwa vizuri tells us that the injured finger has been properly bandaged or secured, reinforcing the need for proper care before cooking.

What does the phrase usipate uchafu advise, and how is it structured linguistically?

Usipate uchafu is a negative imperative instruction. Usipate means "do not get" or "avoid acquiring," while uchafu means "dirt" or "contamination." Together, the phrase advises the listener to "avoid contamination." The negative prefix usi- combined with the verb in the imperative mood structures the command in a way that warns against the consequence of improper treatment of the wound.