Learn Hardcore Swahili: Unapouliza swali darasani, tumia sauti ya heshima. - When you ask a question in class, use a respectful voice.

In standard Swahili orthography, subject markers and tense/aspect/mood markers attach to the verb as a single word. So u- + -na- + -po- + uliza is written as unapouliza. Spacing it (unapo uliza) is a teaching aid, not normal writing.

When should I use -po- (as in unapouliza) versus -ki- (as in ukiuliza)?

-po-: “when” at a definite time or on a specific occasion. It sounds more anchored to a particular time/instance.
-ki-: “when/if/whenever” in a general or conditional sense; often for habitual or simultaneous actions. Both can fit general instructions, but -po- feels more like “at the time that,” while -ki- leans to “whenever/if.”

What does darasani mean exactly, and what is the -ni?

darasa = class/classroom
-ni = locative suffix meaning “in/at/on” So darasani = “in class/in the classroom.” You could also say katika darasa with a preposition.

Could I just say darasa to mean “in class”?

Not by itself. You need the locative: darasani, or a preposition phrase like katika darasa. Plain darasa is just the noun “class/classroom.”

What does sauti ya heshima literally mean, and are there other natural ways to say this?

Literally “voice of respect,” which corresponds to “a respectful tone/voice.” Alternatives:

zungumza/sema kwa heshima = “speak respectfully”
tumia sauti yenye heshima = “use a voice that has respect” All are acceptable; in instructions, zungumza kwa heshima is very common.

Why is it ya and not wa in sauti ya heshima?

Because sauti is in noun class 9 (N-class), whose singular possessive concord is ya. In the plural (class 10), it would be sauti za heshima. The wa possessive concord is used with class 1/2 (people), e.g., mwalimu wa Kiswahili.

Is tumia an imperative? How do I make it plural or negative?

Yes.

2nd person singular affirmative: tumia!
2nd person plural affirmative: tumieni!
2nd person singular negative: usitumie!
2nd person plural negative: msitumie! You can soften with politeness markers, e.g., tafadhali tumia…

Do I need kwa here (e.g., kwa heshima)?

Not in the noun phrase sauti ya heshima. But if you modify the verb directly, use kwa: zungumza/sema kwa heshima (“speak respectfully”).

What is the difference between uliza and ulizia?

uliza = to ask (pose a question). Example: Uliza swali.
ulizia = to ask about/inquire after. Example: Ulizia bei. (“Ask about the price.”)

Is swali singular? How do I say the plural?

Yes. swali (singular, class 5) → maswali (plural, class 6). Examples: uliza swali (“ask a question”), uliza maswali (“ask questions”).

Can I move the clauses around, e.g., Tumia sauti ya heshima unapouliza swali darasani?

Yes. You can put the “when…” clause first or after the main clause. When it comes first, a comma is common: Unapouliza …, tumia …; after, no comma is needed.

Why is there a comma after the first clause?

When a dependent “when…” clause precedes the main clause, writers often insert a comma to mark the pause. It’s stylistic; without the comma it’s still grammatical.

How do I pronounce the vowel sequence in Unapouliza?

Each vowel keeps its own syllable: u-na-po-u-li-za. There’s a vowel hiatus between -po and u- in uliza; in natural speech you may hear a slight [w]-glide, but you don’t write it. Main stress is on the second-to-last syllable: u-na-po-u-LI-za.

How would I say this about the future or the past?

Future “when”: Utakapouliza swali darasani, tumia sauti ya heshima.
Past “when”: Ulipouliza swali darasani, ulitumia sauti ya heshima. Note the fused forms -takapo- (future “when”) and -lipo- (past “when”).

Is the order swali darasani fixed? Could I put darasani before swali?

Both … swali darasani and … darasani swali are grammatical. The common, neutral order is object before the locative, but moving darasani earlier can add emphasis to place, e.g., Darasani unapouliza swali, …

What if I’m speaking to more than one person? Should I change Unapouliza too?

Yes. Use the plural subject marker m- and plural imperative:

Mnapouliza swali darasani, tumieni sauti ya heshima.