Learn Hardcore Swahili: Utulivu husadia watoto kulala usiku.

Husadia comes from the verb kusaidia (to help). The hu- prefix is used with subjects belonging to certain noun classes—often abstract or inanimate ones like utulivu—to indicate a habitual or general truth in the present tense. In this sentence, it means that calmness habitually helps children sleep.

Why is kulala used in its infinitive form without any subject marker?

In Swahili, when a verb like saidia (to help) introduces another action, the second verb is used in its infinitive form. Kulala (to sleep) thus acts as the complement that explains what the children do. This is similar to English phrases like “helps children sleep,” where the infinitive follows the main verb directly.

What role does watoto play in the sentence?

Watoto means children and serves as the direct object in the sentence. It is the group that benefits from the action—calmness helps the children to sleep.

Why is the time expression usiku placed at the end of the sentence?

Usiku translates to “at night” or “nighttime” and functions as a time adverbial. In Swahili, temporal expressions typically come at the end to specify when the action takes place. Here, it tells us that the children sleep at night.

Can you break down the overall structure of the sentence "Utulivu husadia watoto kulala usiku"?

Certainly. The sentence is structured as follows:
• Utulivu is the subject (calmness or tranquility).
• Husadia is the verb meaning “helps.” The hu- prefix agrees with the subject’s noun class and denotes habitual action.
• Watoto is the object (children) that receive the help.
• Kulala is the infinitive form of the verb “to sleep,” acting as a complement to explain what is being helped.
• Usiku is a time adverbial indicating when the children sleep (at night).