Learn Hardcore Swahili: Pengine unaweza kutafsiri barua hii ili bibi yetu aielewe. - Perhaps you can translate this letter so that our grandmother understands it.

The phrase is made up of two parts:
• Unaweza – This is the conjugated form of kuweza meaning "you can" or "are able to." Notice that the subject "you" is not stated explicitly since it’s incorporated into the verb form.
• Kutatfsiri – This is the infinitive form of the verb "to translate."
Together, they form a polite request for the listener’s ability to perform the act of translating.

Why does the noun barua appear with hii following it?

In Swahili, demonstrative adjectives like hii (meaning "this") come after the noun they modify. So barua hii literally translates to "letter this," which in proper English word order becomes "this letter."

What role does ili play in this sentence?

Ili is used to introduce a purpose clause. It means "so that" or "in order that." In the sentence, it indicates that the translation of the letter is intended to help bibi yetu understand it.

What does bibi yetu mean, and are there any nuances to the term bibi?

Bibi yetu translates to "our grandmother" or sometimes "our aunt," depending on context. Typically, bibi is understood to mean grandmother in many Swahili dialects. The context of the situation usually makes the intended meaning clear.

Why is the verb aielewe used in a form that might seem unfamiliar compared to the basic verb form?

Aielewe is the subjunctive form of the verb meaning "to understand." In Swahili, when expressing purpose—introduced by words like ili—the verb is placed in the subjunctive mood to indicate a desired outcome. The prefix a- refers to the third person singular subject (in this case, bibi yetu), and the form as a whole expresses that she should understand as a result of the translation.