Breakdown of Ustadi ukiongezeka, wanafunzi watajenga roboti rahisi.
mwanafunzi
the student
kujenga
to build
kuongezeka
to increase
rahisi
simple
ustadi
the skill
roboti
the robot
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Swahili grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Ustadi ukiongezeka, wanafunzi watajenga roboti rahisi.
What does ukiongezeka mean and how is it constructed?
ukiongezeka literally breaks down as:
- u- subject prefix (class 11 for ustadi)
- -ki- tense marker indicating when/if/as
- verb root ongezeka (to increase)
- final vowel -a
Together, ukiongezeka = when/if it increases.
Why isn’t there a separate word for when or if in the sentence?
Swahili often uses the -ki- suffix attached to a subject prefix and verb to express when, if, once, or as. You don’t need a standalone conjunction as in English.
How do I know the subject of ukiongezeka is ustadi?
In Swahili, subject prefixes agree with noun classes. The prefix u- on ukiongezeka matches the noun class of ustadi, so u- refers back to ustadi.
How is the future tense formed in watajenga?
watajenga breaks down as:
- wa- subject prefix for class 2 (plural human, wanafunzi)
- -ta- future tense marker
- verb root jenga (to build)
- final vowel -a
So watajenga = they will build.
Why is there no article like a or the before roboti rahisi?
Swahili does not use definite or indefinite articles. Nouns appear without a/the, and context provides specificity.
Why does rahisi come after roboti and does it change form to agree?
Adjectives in Swahili generally follow the noun. Many adjectives, like rahisi (easy/simple), are invariable—they don’t change form across noun classes.
What noun classes appear in this sentence and how do they affect prefixes?
- ustadi (class 11 abstract) → subject prefix u- on ukiongezeka
- wanafunzi (class 2 plural human) → subject prefix wa- on watajenga
- roboti (class 9 loanword) → no class-change to rahisi (adjective)
Noun classes control agreement on verbs and adjectives via prefixes.
Can I place the conditional clause after the main clause instead?
Swahili typically puts -ki clauses before the main clause for clarity. Placing it after (e.g., wanafunzi watajenga roboti rahisi ukiongezeka ustadi) sounds awkward. To express after, use baada ya:
• Wanafunzi watajenga roboti rahisi baada ya ustadi kuongezeka.