Learn Hardcore Swahili: Kesho tutalinganisha takwimu za mahudhurio darasani. - Tomorrow we will compare the attendance statistics in class.

tu- = “we” (subject prefix, 1st person plural)
-ta- = future tense marker
linganisha = verb stem “to compare” (causative from “lingana” = to be equal/match)

So, tutalinganisha = “we will compare.”

Could I use the present tense with “kesho” to talk about the future (e.g., Kesho tunalinganisha…)?

Yes. Kesho tunalinganisha… is common for scheduled/planned events (“we’re comparing tomorrow”), while Kesho tutalinganisha… is a straightforward future (“we will compare tomorrow”). Both are acceptable; the nuance is minor.

Why is it za in takwimu za mahudhurio and not ya or la?

The “of” linker agrees with the head noun. Here the head noun is takwimu, which is class 10 (N/N). Class 10 takes the associative za.

Examples of associative forms: class 5 = la, class 6 = ya, class 7 = cha, class 8 = vya, class 9 = ya, class 10 = za.

What noun class is takwimu, and does it have a singular?

Takwimu is usually treated as class 10 (N-class plural) meaning “statistics/data” and often behaves like a plural/mass noun. You’ll see class-10 agreement with it, e.g., takwimu zinaonyesha… (“the statistics show…”). A singular form isn’t normally used in everyday speech.

What noun class is mahudhurio, and how is it used?

Mahudhurio is class 6 (ma-). It often refers to “attendance” as a collective/mass concept (even though class 6 is technically plural). It takes class-6 agreement:

Present: mahudhurio yanaongezeka (“attendance is increasing”)
Perfect: mahudhurio yamepungua (“attendance has decreased”)

Do we need ya before darasani (i.e., mahudhurio ya darasani)?

Not required. In the sentence, darasani (“in class/in the classroom”) functions as a locative modifier.

takwimu za mahudhurio darasani = “statistics of attendance (that is) in class.”
You can also say … mahudhurio ya darasani, which explicitly links “attendance” with the classroom using the class-6 associative ya. Both are acceptable.

What does darasani mean exactly, and how is it formed?

Darasani = “in the class/classroom.” It’s darasa (“class/classroom,” class 5) + the locative suffix -ni, which often means “in/at/on.”

Singular location: darasani = in the classroom
Plural location: madarasani = in the classrooms

If I want to say “compare X with Y,” do I need a preposition?

Yes. Use na: linganisha X na Y = “compare X with Y.”
Example: Kesho tutalinganisha takwimu za mahudhurio darasani na takwimu za mitihani.

Where can I place Kesho in the sentence?

Flexible positions:

Beginning: Kesho tutalinganisha… (common, sets the time frame)
End: Tutalinganisha … kesho.
After the verb: Tutalinganisha kesho …
All are fine; fronting it adds slight emphasis to the time.

How do I negate this sentence (“we will not compare …”)?

Use the negative subject prefix ha- + tu- + future -ta-:

Kesho hatutalinganisha takwimu za mahudhurio darasani.

Can I add an object marker for takwimu (class 10) and still keep the noun, e.g., tutazilinganisha takwimu?

The class-10 object marker is zi-. In standard usage, if you use the object marker, you usually drop the noun (unless you’re doing special emphasis or topicalization). So prefer:

Without OM: Tutalinganisha takwimu …
With OM (and no noun repeated): Tutazilinganisha … (when “the statistics” are already known from context)

Is there a more “going to” style future I can use?

Yes:

Tunaenda kulinganisha… = “We’re going to compare…”
Tutakwenda kulinganisha… = “We will go (and) compare…” The original tutalinganisha is the simplest future.

Any pronunciation tips for words here?

mahudhurio: the dh is like the “th” in “this” (voiced ð).
linganisha: ng is pronounced like “ng” in “finger” ([ŋg]), not just “singer” ([ŋ]).
sh is like English “sh” in “she.”

Could I replace darasani with other location words?

Yes, use locatives as needed:

shuleni = at school
ofisini = at the office
nyumbani = at home For example: Kesho tutalinganisha takwimu za mahudhurio shuleni.