Mimi ninaandika barua kwa Kiswahili.

I am writing a letter in Swahili.

Breakdown of Mimi ninaandika barua kwa Kiswahili.

• mimi: I
• kuandika: to write
• barua: the letter
• kwa: in
• Kiswahili: the language

Questions & Answers about Mimi ninaandika barua kwa Kiswahili.

What does Mimi mean, and why is it explicitly stated in the sentence?

Mimi translates to I. Although the verb ninaandika already includes a subject marker (through the prefix ni-), including Mimi can add clarity or emphasis—especially helpful for beginners learning Swahili.

How is the verb ninaandika constructed, and what tense does it represent?

The verb ninaandika is made up of the subject prefix ni- (meaning I), the present tense marker na-, and the verb root andika (meaning write). Together, this construction expresses the present continuous sense, equivalent to I am writing.

Why does Swahili combine the subject and tense information into one word like ninaandika instead of using an auxiliary verb?

In Swahili, the subject and tense are integrated directly into the verb. The prefix ni- already indicates who is performing the action, while na- shows that the action is happening in the present. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary verbs, unlike English.

What is the meaning of barua in this context?

Barua means letter (as in a written letter). It functions as the object of the verb ninaandika, telling us what is being written.

What does the prepositional phrase kwa Kiswahili indicate in the sentence?

The phrase kwa Kiswahili translates to in Swahili. Here, kwa acts as a preposition meaning in or by means of, and Kiswahili identifies the language being used, clarifying that the letter is written in Swahili.

Is it necessary to include both the subject pronoun (Mimi) and the subject prefix in the verb form?

No, it isn’t strictly necessary. Swahili verb conjugations already convey the subject, so the pronoun Mimi is often omitted. It is typically included for added emphasis or clarity, particularly for learners or in contexts where the subject needs to be stressed.