Learn Hardcore Swahili: Tafadhali kaa kwa utulivu; nitakuunganisha na intaneti, uanze kupakua faili. - Please sit calmly; I will connect you to the internet so you can start downloading the file.

Both are possible, depending on context. Here it means “stay/keep” rather than “take a seat.” So kaa kwa utulivu is “keep calm/keep still.” If you want “take a seat,” you’d say keti or kaa chini (“sit down”).

What does "kwa utulivu" literally mean, and why use "kwa"?

Literally “with/in calmness.” Kwa + abstract noun often forms an adverbial phrase:

kwa utulivu = calmly/quietly
kwa haraka = quickly
kwa makini = carefully
You could also hear kaa kimya (“be quiet”), which emphasizes silence more than calmness.

How would I say this to more than one person?

Use the plural imperative and plural markers:

Kaeni kwa utulivu; nitawaunganisha na intaneti, muanze kupakua mafaili.
Here: kaeni (plural imperative), nitawaunganisha (I will connect you all), muanze (you-all start), and plural mafaili.

What’s the breakdown of "nitakuunganisha"?

ni- = I (subject marker)
-ta- = future tense
-ku- = you (singular, object marker)
-unganisha = connect (verb stem; from -unga “join” + causative -nish- “cause to join”)
Whole: “I will connect you.”

Why are there two u’s in "nitakuunganisha"?

The object marker -ku- (“you”) is followed by a verb stem that begins with u- (unganisha). When placed together, you naturally get kuu… in spelling: ni-ta-ku-unganisha → nitakuunganisha.

Is "na" the right preposition after "unganisha"? Could I say "kwenye"?

Both work, with slight nuance:

kuunganisha na [X] = connect with/to X (very common)
kuunganisha kwenye [X] = connect onto/into X (also common, a bit more spatial)
So …na intaneti and …kwenye intaneti are both acceptable.

What tense/aspect is being used in "nitakuunganisha"?

It’s the straightforward future: -ta- = “will.”

nakuunganisha would be present/progressive-ish (“I’m connecting you”).
nitakuunganisha = “I will connect you.”

Why is "uanze" used instead of the imperative "anza"?

Uanze is the subjunctive (2nd-person singular), which here works as a soft instruction or purpose after the first clause: “so that you (can) start…” A direct command would be Anza kupakua faili (“Start downloading the file”). The subjunctive sounds a bit gentler and links it to the first action.

Is there an implied "ili" before "uanze"?

Yes, you can think of it as implied: …nitakuunganisha na intaneti, (ili) uanze kupakua faili. In Swahili, the subjunctive can follow directly (parataxis) without explicitly stating ili (“so that”).

Why "uanze kupakua" and not "uanze upakue"?

After verbs like anza (“start”), Swahili typically uses the infinitive: uanze kupakua = “you (should) start to download.”
uanze upakue would sound like two separate, coordinated commands rather than “start doing X.”

Does "pakua" only mean "download"?

No. Historically pakua means “unload” or “dish/serve (food),” and in computing it’s extended to “download.” In tech contexts:

pakua = download
pakia = load/upload (context decides)
Context clarifies which meaning of pakua is intended.

Is "faili" the usual word for a computer file? What about the plural?

Yes, faili is common for a digital file (loan from English). Plural usage varies by speaker:

Class 5/6 pattern: faili / mafaili (very common)
Some also use invariable faili for both singular and plural in casual speech.
Either way, people will understand you.

Is the semicolon natural here? Could I use a connector instead?

Semicolons are fine in Swahili writing, but many writers prefer linking words:

Tafadhali kaa kwa utulivu. Kisha nitakuunganisha na intaneti ili uanze kupakua faili.
…halafu…, …alafu… (colloquial), or just a comma with the subjunctive, as in your sentence.

Do I have to include "tafadhali" to be polite?

No, but it helps. Other polite options:

Naomba ukae kwa utulivu… (“I request that you stay calm…”)
Use tone-softening subjunctive: Ukae kwa utulivu…
Add tafadhali at the end: …kupakua faili, tafadhali.

How do I pronounce "kaa"?

It has a long vowel: kaa = “kaaah.” Don’t shorten it to ka (which is different). Similarly, keep both u’s audible in nitakuunganisha (they flow together smoothly).

Is the object "you" already built into "nitakuunganisha"? Should I add "wewe"?

It’s built in via the object marker -ku-. You only add wewe for emphasis or contrast:

Nitakuunganisha (wewe), si yeye. = “I’ll connect you (not him/her).”