Learn Hardcore Swahili: Juma alifungua dirisha, akavuta hewa safi, akaweka maua mezani. - Juma opened the window, took a breath of fresh air, then placed flowers on the table.

a- (3rd person singular subject) + -ka- (and then) + verb root + -a (final vowel)
akavuta = “and then he inhaled/drew”
akaweka = “and then he put/placed”

It links actions in sequence and assumes the time frame set by the first verb.

Why does only the first verb have -li- (past), as in alifungua, but the next verbs don’t?

The first verb, alifungua, sets the tense: a- (he) + -li- (simple past) + fungua (open). After that, -ka- carries the sequence forward in the same time frame, so you don’t repeat -li-. In short: first verb establishes the tense, the following -ka- verbs continue it.

Could I just write all three with -li-, like alifungua … alivuta … aliweka?

Yes—grammatical and common. Using -ka- (… akavuta, akaweka) makes the sequence feel smoother and “story-like,” emphasizing “and then.” Repeating -li- is more neutral, like a simple list of past events.

Do I need the word na (“and”) before aka- verbs?

No. -ka- already means “and then,” so adding na is usually redundant in writing. You’ll hear na aka… in conversation for emphasis, but the cleanest written style is simply …, akavuta …, akaweka ….

Can I use na with infinitives instead, like: alifungua dirisha, na kuvuta hewa safi, na kuweka maua mezani?

Yes. That structure (finite verb + “na” + infinitives) is grammatical and reads like a coordinated list of actions. Nuance:

-ka-: clearer sense of sequence (“and then”).
na + ku-…: more like “and … and …,” with weaker sequencing.

Are the commas required?

No. They’re there for readability. You can write: Juma alifungua dirisha akavuta hewa safi akaweka maua mezani. Many writers still keep commas to signal the steps.

What exactly does vuta hewa mean? Could it mean “smoke air”?

vuta literally “pull/draw.” Idioms:

vuta hewa = inhale/breathe in air.
vuta sigara = smoke a cigarette. Here, with hewa (air), it naturally means “inhale fresh air,” not “smoke air.” You can also say kupumua hewa safi (“to breathe fresh air”), which focuses on the act of breathing rather than the draw/inhalation.

Why hewa safi and not hewa nzuri?

safi = clean/pure/fresh (ideal for air, clothes, rooms). So hewa safi = fresh/clean air.
nzuri = good/nice/pleasant. hewa nzuri would mean “nice/pleasant air,” which is fine but less standard than hewa safi for “fresh air.”

What does -ni in mezani do? Could I say kwenye meza or juu ya meza?

-ni is the locative suffix meaning “at/in/on (the)” depending on context. So:

mezani = at/on the table (default, general location). Alternatives:
kwenye meza = at/on the table (neutral preposition).
juu ya meza = on top of the table (explicitly “on top”).

Is the word order fixed in akaweka maua mezani? Can I say akaweka mezani maua?

Both are possible. The usual flow is object first, then the locative: akaweka maua mezani (“put flowers on the table”). Putting mezani first can add slight emphasis to the place: akaweka mezani maua.

How do the noun classes work here: dirisha, maua, mezani?

dirisha (window): class 5; plural madirisha (class 6).
ua (flower): singular; plural maua (class 6). So maua = “flowers.”
meza (table): class 9; locative mezani = “at/on the table.”

Can I use the present or perfect with this kind of sequencing?

Yes.

Present progressive list: Juma anafungua dirisha, anavuta hewa safi, anaweka maua mezani.
Present perfect + sequence: Juma amefungua dirisha, akavuta hewa safi, akaweka maua mezani. Here -ka- still gives “and then,” anchored to the perfect time frame set by ame-.

Does -ka- force the same subject, or can the subject change?

By default readers assume the same subject continues. If the subject changes, you must state the new subject: e.g., Juma alifungua dirisha, halafu Maria akaweka maua mezani. Once you name Maria, akaweka now refers to her action.

What are the pieces inside each verb here?

alifungua = a- (3sg subject) + -li- (past) + fungu (open) + -a (final vowel)
akavuta = a- (3sg) + -ka- (and then) + vut(a) (draw/inhale) + -a
akaweka = a- (3sg) + -ka- (and then) + wek(a) (put/place) + -a