Learn Hardcore Swahili: Moshi kidogo unaweza kuvutia nyuki, kwa hiyo tuwe waangalifu shambani. - A little smoke can attract bees, so let’s be careful on the farm.

kidogo is a quantifier meaning “a small amount” and is invariable across noun classes. mdogo is an adjective “small” that must agree with the noun class (e.g. mtu mdogo = “a small person”). Since we’re talking about quantity of smoke, kidogo is correct. moshi mdogo would sound unnatural.

Break down unaweza kuvutia nyuki. Why is kuvutia in the infinitive form?

unaweza = “you can” (present tense of kuweza “to be able”)
kuvutia = infinitive “to attract” (the ku- prefix marks the infinitive in Swahili)
So unaweza kuvutia nyuki = “you can attract bees.”

What noun class is nyuki, and why is it the same in singular and plural?

nyuki (bee/bees) belongs to noun class 9/10, which often has an identical form for singular and plural. Context tells you whether it’s one bee or many bees.

What does kwa hiyo mean, and how does it function here?

kwa hiyo means “therefore” or “for that reason.” It’s a conjunction linking the first clause (smoke may attract bees) to the second clause (so we must be careful).

Why is tuwe waangalifu using tuwe instead of tuko, and what is waangalifu?

tuwe is the subjunctive form of kuwa (“to be”), used for advice or exhortation (“let us be…”). tuko is the indicative (“we are”). waangalifu means “careful.” So tuwe waangalifu = “let’s be careful.”

How is shambani formed, and what does it mean?

shamba means “field” or “farm.” Adding the locative suffix -ni (“in/on”) gives shambani, meaning “in the field” or “on the farm.”