Learn Hardcore Swahili: Msimbo huo uliundwa upya jana, na wageni wote wataupokea bila malipo. - That code was recreated yesterday, and all guests will receive it for free.

msimbo = “code” (noun class 3)
huo = “that” for class 3 nouns
In Swahili, demonstratives follow the noun and agree in class, so msimbo huo = “that code.”

Can you break down the verb uliundwa?

uliundwa =
• u- = subject prefix for noun class 3 (msimbo)
• li- = past tense marker (simple past)
• und- = verb root “create”
• -wa = passive voice marker
Altogether, u-li-und-wa = “it was created.”

Why is it uliundwa (passive) instead of uliunda (active)?

The suffix -wa makes the verb passive:
• uliunda = “it created” (active; implies the code did the creating)
• uliundwa = “it was created” (passive; someone created it)
Since the code didn’t create itself, we need the passive form uliundwa.

What does upya mean and why does it follow the verb?

upya = “anew,” “again,” or the prefix “re-.”
Adverbs like upya typically follow the main verb in Swahili:
• uliundwa upya = “was re-created.”

What is the function of jana at the end of the clause?

jana = “yesterday.”
It’s a time adverb that often appears at the end (or beginning) of a clause:
• Msimbo huo uliundwa upya jana = “That code was re-created yesterday.”

Why is na used before wageni wote, and what does it mean here?

na = “and” (a conjunction)
It links two clauses:
1) Msimbo huo uliundwa upya jana
2) (Na) wageni wote wataupokea bila malipo
So here na simply means “and.”

How is wataupokea constructed? What does each part do?

wataupokea =
• wa- = subject prefix for noun class 2 (plural; wageni)
• ta- = future tense marker
• u- = object prefix for noun class 3 (refers back to msimbo)
• pokea = verb root “receive”
Together, wa-ta-u-pokea = “they will receive it.”

Why is there a u in wataupokea? Why not just watapokea?

The u is the object infix standing for “it” (msimbo).
• watapokea = “they will receive” (no object specified)
• wataupokea = “they will receive it” (object msimbo included)

What does wageni wote mean, and why is wote placed after wageni?

wageni = “guests” (class 2 plural of mgeni)
wote = “all” (for persons/plurals)
Quantifiers like wote follow the noun in Swahili:
• wageni wote = “all guests.”

What does bila malipo literally mean, and why is it translated as “free of charge”?

bila = “without”
malipo = “payments” or “charges” (noun class 6)
Literally “without payments,” hence “free of charge.” It’s a common fixed phrase for “free.”

Could you use kwa bure instead of bila malipo? What’s the difference?

Yes. kwa bure = “for free” (literally “by nothing”).
Both expressions are interchangeable; bila malipo is a bit more formal.