Breakdown of Mimi ninatafuta maelekezo ya kuandaa keki hii vizuri.
mimi
I
ya
of
kuandaa
to prepare
hii
this
vizuri
well
keki
the cake
kutafuta
to look for
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Swahili grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Mimi ninatafuta maelekezo ya kuandaa keki hii vizuri.
What does Mimi mean in this sentence?
Mimi is the first-person singular pronoun in Swahili, and it means "I". Although the verb form already indicates the speaker, including Mimi can add emphasis or clarity.
How is the verb ninatafuta formed and what does it tell us about the subject?
Ninatafuta is derived from the verb kutafuta (to look for or to search for). It is conjugated in the present continuous form with the prefix nina-, which indicates "I am". This conjugation shows that the subject is first person singular, meaning "I am looking for". Because the verb ending clearly indicates the subject, the pronoun Mimi is technically redundant, though often used for emphasis.
What is the function of the linking word ya in maelekezo ya kuandaa keki hii vizuri?
The word ya serves as a possessive/linking marker that connects maelekezo (instructions) with the infinitive phrase kuandaa keki hii vizuri. It indicates that the instructions relate specifically to the action of preparing this cake. In English, this is similar to using "for" or "of" to show association.
What role does the infinitive kuandaa play in the sentence?
Kuandaa is the infinitive form of the verb that means "to prepare". It specifies the purpose of the instructions—namely, that they are for preparing (kuandaa) the cake. It forms part of the extended noun phrase that describes exactly what kind of instructions the speaker is seeking.
Why does the demonstrative hii appear after keki, and what does it mean?
In Swahili, adjectives and demonstratives typically follow the noun they modify. Hii means "this", so when it comes after keki (cake), it forms keki hii, which translates as "this cake". This word order contrasts with English, where demonstratives generally precede the noun.
What is the function of the adverb vizuri at the end of the sentence?
Vizuri is an adverb meaning "well" or "properly". It modifies the action expressed by the infinitive kuandaa, indicating that the cake should be prepared correctly or in a good manner. In Swahili, like in many languages, adverbs often follow the verb or verbal phrase they modify.