Learn Hardcore Swahili: Mimi nilipata alama nzuri katika mtihani.

Nilipata = ni- (1st person singular subject marker “I”) + -li- (past tense marker) + pata (verb root “get/obtain”). So nilipata literally means “I got” or “I obtained.”

What’s the difference between nilipata and nimepata?

Nilipata is the simple past tense (“I got”).
Nimepata uses the present perfect (“I have gotten”), placing more emphasis on the current relevance of the result.

Why is mimi used if nilipata already indicates “I”?

The subject marker ni- in nilipata already shows the subject is “I.” Including mimi is optional and serves to emphasize or contrast (“I myself got …”).

Why does nzuri come after alama rather than before?

In Swahili, adjectives normally follow the noun they describe. So alama nzuri is literally “marks good,” i.e. “good marks.”

Does nzuri change form to agree with the noun class of alama?

Most adjectives in Swahili take a noun-class prefix, but some quality adjectives—like nzuri (“good”)—are invariable and do not change form across classes.

What does katika mean, and can I use a different preposition?

Katika means “in,” “inside,” or “during.” A common alternative is kwenye, which also means “at/in,” so katika mtihani and kwenye mtihani are both used.

Why isn’t there a word for “the” or “a” before mtihani?

Swahili does not have articles. Nouns appear without “a,” “an,” or “the,” and context determines definiteness.

How do I tell if mtihani is singular or plural?

Mtihani is a class-3 noun (singular). Its plural is mitihani (class-4). Here it’s singular, meaning “(the) exam.”