Mimi nafanya kazi ili nipate mali.

I

Breakdown of Mimi nafanya kazi ili nipate mali.

• kazi: the work
• ili: so that
• kufanya: to work

Questions & Answers about Mimi nafanya kazi ili nipate mali.

What does Mimi mean, and why is it explicitly stated at the beginning of the sentence?

Mimi translates to "I" in English. In Swahili, while subject pronouns are often included for emphasis or clarity, the verb conjugation already implies the subject. Here, stating Mimi clearly identifies who is performing the action.

What does nafanya kazi mean, and how is it structured?

Nafanya kazi means "I work." The verb fanya means "to do" or "to work," and the prefix na- indicates the present tense. Together with Mimi, this construction explicitly tells us that the speaker is currently working.

How is the word ili used in this sentence?

Ili functions as a purpose marker, equivalent to "in order to" or "so that" in English. It connects the first clause (the action) with the second clause (the goal), explaining why the speaker works.

Why is the verb in the second clause written as nipate instead of a simple present tense form?

Nipate is the first person singular form of pata used with a subjunctive nuance. The prefix ni- refers to "I," and pate is in a form that expresses a desired or potential outcome. This usage, triggered by ili, indicates that the working is done with the intention or wealth.