Learn Hardcore Swahili: Kila mwanafunzi lazima asome masharti ya ushindani kabla ya kujisajili. - Every student must read the competition conditions before registering.

kila means “each” or “every.” It always pairs with a singular noun, so even though you’re talking about more than one student, mwanafunzi stays singular (“each student”).

Why is lazima used here, and what does it do in the sentence?

lazima is a modal verb meaning “must” or “have to.” It expresses necessity and sits between the subject and the verb it governs.

Why is the verb asome in the subjunctive form instead of the infinitive or indicative?

After lazima, Swahili requires the following verb to be in the subjunctive. That’s why you see -e on asome rather than the infinitive kusoma or indicative anasoma.

How is asome built from smaller parts?

It breaks down as follows:
• a- = third-person singular subject prefix (“he/she/it”)
• -som- = verb root “read”
• -e = subjunctive suffix

Why does masharti ya ushindani use ya instead of wa or za between the two nouns?

masharti is a class 5/6 noun (prefix ma-). Class 5/6 plurals use the genitive connector ya before another noun.

Why is kabla ya followed by kujisajili (the infinitive) rather than a finite verb?

kabla ya (“before”) is a prepositional phrase that must link to a noun or an infinitive verb form. Hence kujisajili (“to register oneself”) is used.

What’s the difference between kusajili and kujisajili?

kusajili means “to register” (someone else), while kujisajili adds the reflexive prefix ji-, so it means “to register oneself.”

Could I start the sentence with lazima instead of kila mwanafunzi?

Yes. Both orders are fine in Swahili. You can say “Lazima kila mwanafunzi asome masharti …” or “Kila mwanafunzi lazima asome masharti …” without changing the meaning.