Learn Hardcore Swahili: Tunaogopa giza, kwa hiyo tunawasha taa mapema. - We are afraid of the dark, so we turn on the lights early.

tunaogopa = tu- (we) + -na- (present tense marker) + ogopa (fear).
In Swahili, each verb is built from:
• a subject prefix (tu- = “we”)
• a tense/aspect marker (-na- = present habitual/continuous)
• the verb root (ogopa = to fear)

Why do we see -na- in both tunaogopa and tunawasha?

The sequence -na- is the present-tense (or present-habitual/continuous) marker. It always comes between the subject prefix and the verb root. For example:
• tu- + -na- + ogopa = tunaogopa (“we fear/are afraid”)
• tu- + -na- + washa = tunawasha (“we switch on”)

What does kwa hiyo mean and how does it function?

Kwa hiyo means therefore or so. It’s a conjunction that links cause and effect. Morphologically:
• kwa = by/for/with
• hiyo = that
Together they form a phrase to introduce a result or consequence.

Why doesn’t mapema agree with taa in noun class?

Mapema is an adverb meaning early, not an adjective. Adverbs in Swahili are invariable; they never change to match noun classes. They simply modify the verb or the action’s timing.

Can we rearrange tunawasha taa mapema, and if so, how?

Yes. Swahili allows some flexibility. The most common orders are:
• Subject–Verb–Object–Adverb: tunawasha taa mapema
• Subject–Verb–Adverb–Object: tunawasha mapema taa
Both mean “we switch on the light(s) early,” though the first is slightly more neutral.

What noun class does giza belong to, and why is there no prefix?

Giza (“darkness”) is a mass/uncountable noun, typically class 7 in the singular. Mass nouns often appear without an overt class prefix in everyday use, so you simply see giza rather than something like giza with a prefix.

How would you say we are not afraid of the dark in Swahili?

Form the negative by replacing tu- + -na- with ha- + tu- + -i-, then add the verb root:
• ha- (negative) + tu- (we) + -i- (negative tense marker) + ogopa (root)
Gives: hatuogopi giza.

How do you express we will switch on the lights early in the future tense?

Swap the present marker -na- for the future marker -ta-:
• tu- + -ta- + washa + taa mapema
Yields tutawasha taa mapema (“we will switch on the lights early”).

Are there alternative ways to say therefore besides kwa hiyo?

Yes, you can also use:
• hivyo basi (“thus then”)
• kwa hivyo (similar to kwa hiyo)
• basi on its own in informal contexts (“so” / “then”)
All serve to introduce a consequence or conclusion.