Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ninataka kubandika picha hii kwenye kitabu changu cha kumbukumbu. - I want to attach this picture in my memory book.

The verb kubandika means “to paste” or “to stick.” In Swahili, when a verb like taka (“want”) is used, it is followed by another verb in its infinitive form, which is marked by the prefix ku-. Thus, ninataka kubandika translates to “I want to paste” or “I want to stick.”

How does ninataka indicate the subject and the idea of “I want”?

In ninataka, the prefix ni- represents “I” in Swahili, and taka means “want.” Swahili typically incorporates the subject into the verb itself, so instead of a separate pronoun, the subject is embedded within ninataka to mean “I want.”

What is the role of picha hii in the sentence?

Picha translates to “picture” or “photo,” and hii is a demonstrative adjective meaning “this.” Together, picha hii specifies exactly which picture is meant—“this picture.”

Why is kwenye used in the phrase kwenye kitabu changu cha kumbukumbu, and what does it express about location?

Kwenye is a preposition used to indicate location on a surface or in a less enclosed space. Here, it shows that the action of pasting the picture is taking place on the book, rather than inside it (which might require a different preposition such as katika). It tells us that the picture is to be affixed on the surface of the book.

Can you explain the possessive structure found in kitabu changu cha kumbukumbu?

Certainly! Kitabu means “book” and is a noun that falls into a specific noun class (class 7). For class 7 nouns, the first-person singular possessive form is changu, meaning “my.” The word cha is a relative concord used in possessive constructions to link kitabu to its descriptor kumbukumbu (meaning “memory” or “remembrance”). So, kitabu changu cha kumbukumbu literally means “my book of memory,” which is best understood as “my scrapbook.”