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Questions & Answers about Mwalimu anatumia rula darasani.
How is the verb form anatumia built?
It’s made of three parts: a- (3rd person singular subject “he/she”), -na- (present tense/aspect), and the verb stem tumia (“use”). So a + na + tumia → anatumia = “is/does use.”
Does -na- mean present continuous (“is using”) or simple present (“uses”)?
Both. -na- covers present-time actions in general; context decides whether you read it as “is using” (right now) or “uses” (as a current/general fact).
How do I negate the sentence?
Drop -na-, use the negative subject prefix, and change the final -a of the verb to -i:
Mwalimu hatumii rula darasani. = “The teacher is not/does not use a ruler in class.”
How do I say it in the past and future?
- Past: Mwalimu alitumia rula darasani.
- Future: Mwalimu atatumia rula darasani.
- Negative past: Mwalimu hakutumia rula darasani.
What exactly is darasani?
It’s darasa (“class; classroom,” class 5/6; plural madarasa) + the locative suffix -ni, giving “in class / in the classroom.” It can mean either the physical room or the context of being in class, depending on context.
Can I say katika darasa instead of darasani?
Yes. Katika darasa (“in the classroom”) or ndani ya darasa (“inside the classroom”) are fine. Darasani is the most natural, compact way.
What is the noun class and plural of mwalimu?
Mwalimu is class 1 (human). Its plural is class 2: walimu.
Example plural sentence: Walimu wanatumia rula darasani. (“Teachers use/are using a ruler in class.”)
What noun class is rula, and how do I pluralize it?
Loanword rula (measuring tool) is commonly treated as class 9/10 (N class), which has the same form in singular and plural: rula. You show number with context or numerals: rula moja (one ruler), rula mbili (two rulers).
If I replace rula with “it,” what object marker do I use?
For class 9 singular, use i-.
Example: Mwalimu anaitumia darasani. = “The teacher is using it in class.”
For plural class 10, use zi- → Mwalimu anazitumia… (“is using them…”).
Where do location/time phrases like darasani go in the sentence?
Default is SVO + extra info: Mwalimu anatumia rula darasani.
You can front it for emphasis/topicalization: Darasani, mwalimu anatumia rula.
Are there articles like “a” or “the” in Swahili?
No. Swahili has no articles; definiteness comes from context. Mwalimu can mean “a teacher” or “the teacher,” depending on what is known in the conversation.
How do I say “this teacher” or “that teacher”?
Use demonstratives after the noun:
- Mwalimu huyu = this teacher (near me)
- Mwalimu yule = that teacher (far/mentioned earlier)
Plural: walimu hawa (these), walimu wale (those)
What’s the difference between anatumia and hutumia?
Anatumia (with -na-) is present-time (often progressive).
Hutumia (with the habitual hu-) expresses a general habit or customary action: Mwalimu hutumia rula darasani = “A teacher (generally) uses a ruler in class.” It doesn’t mean “is using right now.”
Can I express “with a ruler” using kwa?
Yes, especially with verbs of manner like “measure/draw”:
- Mwalimu anapima kwa rula. = “The teacher measures with a ruler.”
- Mwalimu anachora mistari kwa rula. = “The teacher draws lines with a ruler.”
How do I pronounce and stress the words?
Swahili stress is on the second-to-last syllable: mwa-LI-mu, a-na-tu-MI-a, RU-la (often heard as “ROO-lah”). The r is a tapped/flapped r; mw is a single syllable onset like “mwa.”
Does rula ever mean a monarch (“ruler”)?
No. Rula is the measuring tool. A political ruler is mtawala; a king is mfalme.
