Learn Hardcore Swahili: Gereji iko karibu na barabara kuu.

Iko is the third-person singular locative form of ku-kuwa (to be) using the ko set. It’s used to state where something is located. Ni is the generic copula for identification (e.g. Mimi ni John). Yuko is the locative form for class 1 (people). Since gereji is class 9, we use iko.

Why is there na after karibu? Doesn’t na mean “and”?

Besides “and,” na also functions as “with” or “to.” When paired with karibu (“near”), karibu na means “near to.” Without na, karibu can mean “welcome” or “dear.”

What noun class is gereji, and how do you form its plural?

Gereji is a borrowed word treated as a class 9 noun (singular ∅-prefix). Its plural takes the class 5/6 prefix ma-, giving magereji (“garages”).

Why is kuu placed after barabara, and why doesn’t kuu change form to agree with barabara?

In Swahili, adjectives follow the noun. Most adjectives agree with the noun class, but kuu (“main”) is invariant—it never takes a class prefix. Thus barabara kuu means “main road.”

How would you ask “Where is the garage?” in Swahili?

Combine the locative verb with wapi (“where”): since gereji is class 9, you say Gereji iko wapi? (or Gereji ipo wapi?).

What’s the difference between karibu na and kando ya when saying “the garage is next to the main road”?

Karibu na implies “near to” (some small distance). Kando ya means “right beside” or “alongside.”

Gereji iko karibu na barabara kuu. = The garage is near the main road.
Gereji iko kando ya barabara kuu. = The garage is right next to the main road.

Can I use a locative suffix on barabara instead of saying iko karibu na barabara kuu?

You could say Gereji iko barabarani, but that means “the garage is on the road.” It doesn’t convey “near the main road,” so iko karibu na is clearer for “near.”

If there were more than one garage, how would iko change?

For a plural subject you use the t- prefix in the locative ko form:
Magereji tuko karibu na barabara kuu. = “The garages are near the main road.”