Learn Hardcore Swahili: Wakazi wa pwani wanasema kimbunga kikubwa kitatokea kesho, hivyo wanahitaji kujiandaa mapema. - Coastal residents say a big storm will happen tomorrow, so they need to prepare early.

Wanasema means “they say” or “are saying.” Although it’s in the present tense, it is often used in Swahili to report statements or hints about future events, much like English speakers might use the simple present for scheduled events or common predictions.

How do the words kimbunga kikubwa show adjective-noun agreement in Swahili?

In Swahili, adjectives must agree with their corresponding nouns in terms of noun class. Kimbunga (storm) belongs to a noun class that requires adjectives to use a matching prefix. Hence, kikubwa (“big”) adopts the same prefix to agree with kimbunga, resulting in “big storm.”

How is the future tense expressed in the word kitatokea?

Kitatokea is constructed by taking the subject prefix ki- (referring back to kimbunga), adding the future marker -ta-, and then the verb tokea (“to occur” or “happen”). The resulting form means “will occur” or “will happen.”

What does kesho mean and how is it used in this sentence?

Kesho means “tomorrow.” It indicates the time when the big storm is expected to happen.

How does hivyo function in the sentence?

Hivyo translates to “therefore” or “so” and serves as a conjunction linking the prediction of the storm with the resulting need; it indicates that because the storm is expected, action must be taken.

Why is the structure wanahitaji kujiandaa mapema used and what does each part mean?

In wanahitaji kujiandaa mapema: • Wanahitaji means “they need” or “require.” • Kujiandaa is the infinitive form of the verb meaning “to prepare” (literally, “to prepare oneself”). • Mapema means “early.” This construction shows that the coastal residents need to prepare early, implied by the impending storm.