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Questions & Answers about Mimi ninapenda kufariji watoto.
What does "Mimi" mean in this sentence, and is it always necessary to include it?
"Mimi" means "I" in Swahili. Although the verb "ninapenda" already shows that the subject is "I" (through its prefix), including "Mimi" can add emphasis or clarity. In everyday speech, native speakers might sometimes omit "Mimi" unless they want to stress the subject.
How is the verb "ninapenda" formed and what does each part indicate?
"Ninapenda" is built from a subject prefix and the verb root: "ni-" stands for "I", "na-" is the present ongoing or habitual marker, and "penda" means "to love/like". Together, they communicate "I love" or "I like", describing a general or habitual sentiment.
Why is the verb "kufariji" in its infinitive form after "ninapenda"?
In Swahili, when expressing likes, wants, or preferences with verbs like "penda", the second verb is typically in the infinitive form. Here, "kufariji" (with the "ku-" infinitive marker) means "to comfort", showing the action that the speaker likes to perform.
What does "watoto" mean and what role does it serve in the sentence?
"Watoto" is the plural form of "mtoto" and translates to "children". It serves as the direct object of the sentence, indicating who is being comforted.
Could the sentence be constructed without the explicit subject "Mimi"?
Yes. Since the verb "ninapenda" already includes the first-person singular marker ("ni-"), it is grammatically correct to say just "Ninapenda kufariji watoto". However, adding "Mimi" can be useful for clarity or emphasis, especially for beginners.