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Questions & Answers about Mimi ninataka kulima shambani.
What does Mimi mean in this sentence?
Mimi means "I". It is the first-person singular pronoun in Swahili, used to indicate that the speaker is referring to themselves.
Why is the subject pronoun Mimi included when the verb ninataka already shows the subject?
Although ninataka includes the subject prefix ni- (indicating I), native speakers often include Mimi for emphasis, clarification, or contrast. This practice is common in Swahili and can help learners get used to the language's style.
What does ninataka mean and how is it constructed?
Ninataka translates to "I want". It is constructed by taking the subject prefix ni- (meaning I) and adding the verb taka (meaning to want), adapted to the present tense. This shows who is doing the wanting and what is wanted.
Why is the verb kulima in its infinitive form after ninataka?
In Swahili, when one verb follows another (especially when the first verb expresses a desire, wish, or plan), the second verb is typically put in the infinitive form. So, kulima (meaning "to farm") is used after ninataka (meaning "I want") to indicate the intended action.
What does shambani mean, and how is it formed?
Shambani means "in the farm". It is formed by taking the noun shamba (meaning farm or field) and adding the locative suffix -ni, which indicates location. This suffix tells us where the action (farming) is taking place.