Learn Hardcore Swahili: Nakuunganisha na mtandao sasa; usibonyeze kitufe hicho kwa makosa. - I’m connecting you to the internet now; don’t press that button by mistake.

Full form: ninakuunganisha. The shortened nakuunganisha is very common and natural in speech and informal writing; the full form is preferred in formal text.

Why are there two u’s in nakuunganisha/kuunganisha?

Because ku- (either the object marker you or the infinitive marker to) is followed by a stem that begins with u (-unganisha). The vowels don’t collapse; you write uu and pronounce it as a slightly longer u. Examples: ninakuunganisha, kuunganisha.

In na mtandao, does na mean and or with?

Here na means with/to, governed by the verb kuunganisha (connect). It’s idiomatic to say kuunganisha na [thing/person]. You may also hear kwenye mtandao or katika mtandao, but na is very common with this verb.

Does mtandao specifically mean the Internet?

Literally mtandao = network/web. In modern usage it often means the Internet, especially in tech contexts. You’ll also hear intaneti or mtandao wa intaneti, but mtandao alone is very common.

What form is usibonyeze, and why does the verb end in -e?

usibonyeze is the negative imperative (prohibitive) for one person:

usi- = don’t (2nd person singular)
bonyez- = press (verb stem from bonyeza)
-e = subjunctive ending used in commands/wishes

So the negative command uses the subjunctive ending -e: Usibonyeze! = Don’t press!

How do I say it to more than one person?

Use the plural negative imperative:

msi- (don’t, 2nd person plural) + stem + -e
Example: Msibonyeze kitufe hicho kwa makosa.

Is usibonyeze written as one word?

Yes. Swahili verb complexes (subject/tense/object markers + stem + final vowel) are written as one word: usibonyeze, msibonyeze, ninakuunganisha, etc.

What’s the difference between bonyeza and bofya?

Both can mean press/click. Rough tendencies:

bonyeza: press a physical button or key; also used for UI buttons.
bofya: click (especially with a mouse/touchscreen). Negative imperative example: Usibofye kitufe hicho (Don’t click that button).

What exactly does kitufe hicho mean, and why hicho instead of hiki?

kitufe = button (class 7 noun)
hicho = that (class 7 demonstrative), typically for something near the listener or already mentioned. Alternatives by distance:
hiki kitufe = this button (near me)
kitufe hicho = that button (near you/just mentioned)
kile kitufe = that button (over there/further away)

Could I add an object marker for the button, like Usikibonyeze kitufe hicho?

You can add the class-7 object marker ki- for emphasis/topicalization: Usikibonyeze kitufe hicho. It’s not required here; the simpler Usibonyeze kitufe hicho is perfectly natural. Object markers are mandatory with pronominal/omitted objects and often with animate objects; with inanimate nouns like kitufe, they’re optional and used for emphasis or when the object is topical.

What does kwa makosa mean? Are there other ways to say by mistake?

kwa makosa = by mistake/accidentally. Common alternatives:

kimakosa = mistakenly/accidentally (adverbial)
bila kukusudia = unintentionally
kwa bahati mbaya = unfortunately/by bad luck (broader, not only accidental)

Why not kwa kosa (singular)?

kosa (singular) tends to mean an offense/fault as a countable item. The idiomatic adverbial is the plural makosa: kwa makosa = by mistake. kwa kosa is used more in senses like for the offense of.

Where can I put sasa? Is the placement at the end required?

sasa (now) is flexible:

Sasa nakuunganisha na mtandao.
Nakuunganisha na mtandao sasa.
Sasa hivi (right now) is a bit stronger: Nakuunganisha sasa hivi.

Is the semicolon normal in Swahili?

Yes, punctuation follows general international practice. A semicolon works to join two closely related clauses. In everyday writing you’ll also see a comma or a full stop:

Nakuunganisha na mtandao sasa. Usibonyeze kitufe hicho kwa makosa.