Learn Hardcore Swahili: Usihisi aibu kuuliza swali darasani. - Do not feel embarrassed to ask a question in class.

It’s the negative imperative (command) for one person: usi- (2nd person singular negative imperative) + verb stem -hisi “feel.” So Usihisi = “Don’t feel.” Because the verb ends in -i (not -a), there’s no final-vowel change to -e as in many subjunctives.

Why is it kuuliza and not just uliza?

After “feel (ashamed) to…,” Swahili uses the infinitive, which is formed with ku- + verb: kuuliza “to ask.” Using uliza here would make it a finite/imperative form, which doesn’t fit after aibu in this structure.

Why does kuuliza have a double “u,” and how do I pronounce it?

It’s ku- (infinitive marker) + uliza (ask). The two u’s are kept: kuuliza. Pronounce it with a long u sound: [kuːliza]. Writing it as kuliza is non‑standard.

What is the role of aibu here?

Aibu is a noun meaning “shame/embarrassment.” The collocation (ku)hisi aibu means “to feel embarrassed/ashamed.” So the structure is “Don’t feel embarrassment to ask…” which equals “Don’t feel embarrassed to ask…”

Could I say Usione aibu kuuliza… instead? Is it the same?

Yes. Kuona aibu is very idiomatic for “to feel shy/embarrassed.” Usione aibu kuuliza swali darasani is extremely common and fully natural.

What about Usijisikie aibu…—is that okay?

It’s acceptable. Kujisikia is often about bodily feelings or moods, but with aibu it’s used too. Still, Usione aibu… or Usihisi aibu… are more neutral and widely used.

Why swali and not maswali?

Swali is singular “a question.” If you mean “questions” in general, use the plural maswali: Usihisi aibu kuuliza maswali… Both are fine depending on your intent.

Do I need an object marker on kuuliza since we have swali?

No. The direct object is overt (swali), so no object marker is needed. Object markers are used when the object is pronominal/topicalized, e.g., usiyaulize “don’t ask them (the questions).”

What does darasani mean morphologically?

It’s darasa “class/classroom” + the locative suffix -ni, giving “in class/in the classroom.” Plural would be madarasani “in the classrooms,” but the singular often conveys a generic “in class.”

Could I say katika darasa or kwenye darasa instead of darasani?

Yes: katika darasa and kwenye darasa both mean “in the classroom.” Darasani is the most compact and idiomatic choice.

Is the word order fixed? Can I move darasani earlier?

Location phrases often appear at the end, so the given order is the default. You can front darasani for emphasis: Darasani, usihisi aibu kuuliza swali, but Usihisi aibu kuuliza swali darasani is the most neutral.

How do I say this to more than one person?

Use the plural negative imperative prefix msi-: Msihisi aibu kuuliza swali (au maswali) darasani = “Don’t (you all) feel embarrassed to ask a question(s) in class.”

What’s the difference between kuuliza and kuomba?

Kuuliza = to ask (a question).
Kuomba = to ask for/request/beg (something). So use kuuliza swali “ask a question,” but kuomba msaada “ask for help.”

Swahili has no articles—how do I know if it’s “a” or “the” classroom?

Context determines it. Darasani can mean “in class,” “in a classroom,” or “in the classroom.” English articles are supplied based on what makes sense in context.

Is kuuliza swali redundant (like “ask a question” in English)?

It’s normal in Swahili. Kuuliza often takes swali/maswali explicitly: kuuliza swali “ask a question,” kuuliza maswali “ask questions.”

How can I intensify “don’t feel embarrassed at all”?

Add an intensifier: Usihisi aibu hata kidogo kuuliza swali darasani or Kamwe usihisi aibu kuuliza swali darasani (“never feel embarrassed…”).