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Tutakusaidia kupakia masanduku ili tusichelewe.

Tutakusaidia kupakia masanduku ili tusichelewe.
We will help you load the boxes so that we are not late.
FromLesson 25inHardcore Swahili
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Breakdown of Tutakusaidia kupakia masanduku ili tusichelewe.

kusaidia
to help
ili
so that
kuchelewa
to be late
sanduku
the box
kupakia
to load
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Questions & Answers about Tutakusaidia kupakia masanduku ili tusichelewe.

What are the components of the verb tutakusaidia and what does it mean?
tutakusaidia = tu (we) + -ta- (future tense) + -ku- (you singular, object) + saidia (help). So it means we will help you.
Why is the verb kupakia in the infinitive form?
After saidia (help), Swahili requires the next verb to be in the infinitive. The infinitive marker is ku-, so kupakia means to pack.
Could we say tutakupakia masanduku instead? How would that change the meaning?
Yes. tutakupakia masanduku means we will pack the boxes for you. But tutakusaidia kupakia masanduku means we will help you pack the boxes (you do the packing, we assist).
What does masanduku mean and why is there a ma- prefix?
sanduku is box (class 7 singular). Its plural is class 6, formed with ma-, so masanduku = boxes.
What role does ili play in the sentence?
ili is a conjunction meaning so that or in order that, introducing a purpose clause.
Why is the final verb tusichelewe and how is it formed?

After ili, Swahili uses the subjunctive mood. tusichelewe is the negative subjunctive of chelewa (to be delayed):

  • tu- (we)
  • si- (negative)
  • chele- (root be late)
  • -w- (passive extension)
  • -e (subjunctive ending)

Together they mean that we not be delayed.

What is the difference between tusaidia and tutakusaidia?
tusaidia is present tense (we help). tutakusaidia adds the future marker -ta- and means we will help.