Learn Hardcore Swahili: Msamaha huo ulileta amani, na sasa wanashirikiana shambani mara kwa mara. - That forgiveness brought peace, and now they cooperate on the farm often.

huo is the class 3 demonstrative meaning “that” for something a bit farther or already mentioned. Swahili has three degrees: • huu – this (very near)
• huo – that (near or just mentioned)
• ule – that over there (far)
Here huo refers back to a previously discussed act of forgiveness.

Why does ulileta have a u- prefix, and what does li mean?

Swahili verbs agree with their subject’s noun class. msamaha (forgiveness) is class 3, so: • u- is the class 3 subject marker (“it” = the forgiveness)
• -li- is the past-tense marker
• -leta is the verb root “bring”
Put together, ulileta = “it brought.”

Who is the subject of wanashirikiana, and why isn’t it stated separately?

The subject is included in the verb:
• wa- is the class 2 subject marker (they)
• -na- is the present/progressive marker
• shirikiana is the verb root + -ana (denoting mutual action)
Swahili often drops separate pronouns because the verb prefix already tells you who’s doing the action.

What does the -ana suffix in shirikiana do?

The -ana suffix makes the verb reciprocal. shirikiana means “they share or cooperate with one another,” not just one person doing it to someone else.

Why is there a -ni at the end of shambani?

The -ni suffix marks the locative case, giving the meaning “in/at/on the farm.”
• shamba = “farm”
• shambani = “on the farm” or “at the farm.”

What does mara kwa mara mean, literally and idiomatically?

Literally mara kwa mara means “time by time.” Idiomatically, it means “frequently,” “from time to time,” or “regularly.” It’s an adverbial phrase indicating repetition.