Learn Hardcore Swahili: Wanafunzi wanasoma kwa utulivu darasani. - The students are reading quietly in the classroom.

Wanafunzi = students (mwanafunzi = student; wanafunzi = plural).
wanasoma = they are reading/studying (wa- subject prefix for “they” + -na- present tense + soma “read/study”).
kwa utulivu = quietly/calmly (kwa + utulivu “calmness” used adverbially).
darasani = in class/in the classroom (darasa “class/classroom” + -ni locative “in/at”).

Where is the word “are” in Swahili?

It’s built into the verb as -na- (present tense). Wanasoma already means “they are reading/studying,” so you don’t add a separate “are.”

Does Swahili mark “the students” vs “students” with articles?

No. Swahili has no articles. Wanafunzi can mean “students” or “the students,” and context supplies definiteness.

How do I pronounce the sentence, and where is the stress?

wa-na-FU-nzi wa-na-SO-ma kwa u-tu-LI-vu da-ra-SA-ni
Stress is on the second-to-last syllable of each word: wa-na-FU-nzi, wa-na-SO-ma, u-tu-LI-vu, da-ra-SA-ni.

Does “kusoma” mean “to read” or “to study”?

Both. Kusoma covers reading written text and studying/doing schoolwork. Context decides which nuance is intended.

What exactly does “kwa utulivu” do here?

It’s an adverbial phrase of manner: kwa + a noun (utulivu “calmness”) means “in a calm manner,” i.e., “quietly/calmly.”

Could I say “na utulivu” instead of “kwa utulivu”?

You might hear it, but for manner adverbs, kwa is standard and most natural. Use kwa utulivu.

What are other ways to say “quietly”?

kimya kimya (quietly/secretly)
kimya (quietly, in silence)
taratibu (gently/slowly/softly; context can imply quietly)
kwa sauti ya chini (in a low voice)

What does the -ni on “darasani” mean?

It’s the locative suffix meaning “in/at/on.” Darasa (class/classroom) → darasani (“in class/in the classroom”).

Can I say “katika darasa” instead of “darasani”?

Yes. Katika darasa also means “in the classroom.” Darasani is shorter and very idiomatic.

Is “wanasoma” present progressive (“are studying”) or simple present (“study”)?

It most often reads as present/progressive (“are studying”), but in context it can be a general present. For habitual/generic actions, Swahili often uses -hu-: Wanafunzi husoma... (“Students study...” as a habit).

Why does the verb start with “wa-” in “wanasoma”?

Wa- is the subject agreement prefix for noun class 2 (plural humans). It agrees with wanafunzi (class 2). Singular would be mwanafunzi anasoma (class 1 subject a-).

Do I need to include the pronoun “they” (wao)?

No. It’s built into the verb agreement. Wao is only added for emphasis or contrast: Wao wanasoma...

Can I move parts around for emphasis?

Yes. Common variants:

Darasani, wanafunzi wanasoma kwa utulivu.
Wanafunzi darasani wanasoma kwa utulivu. The core meaning stays; the fronted item gets topical/emphatic focus.

How do I make the sentence negative?

Use the negative subject prefix and -i on the verb ending:
Wanafunzi hawasomi kwa utulivu darasani. = “The students are not studying quietly in class.”

How do I turn it into a yes/no question?

Add Je, at the start: Je, wanafunzi wanasoma kwa utulivu darasani?
Or just use question intonation/context: Wanafunzi wanasoma kwa utulivu darasani?

How would I say “A student is studying quietly in class”?

Mwanafunzi anasoma kwa utulivu darasani.
Singular subject mwanafunzi, singular agreement a-.

Is there any difference between “class” and “classroom” in “darasani”?

Swahili darasa/darasani can mean the physical room or the class session/group depending on context. Darasani comfortably covers both “in class” and “in the classroom.”