Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ukisha osha sahani, panguza meza kwa kitambaa. - Once you have washed the plates, wipe the table with a cloth.

u- = you (2nd person singular subject)
-ki- = when/if (temporal marker)
-sha- = already/completed Followed by the verb: osha (wash). So Ukisha osha… = “When you’ve already washed / once you’ve washed…”. For plural “you,” use mkisha (m- + -ki- + -sha-).

Do I need to put ku- before osha (Ukisha kuosha…)?

No. After Ukisha, you normally use the bare verb: Ukisha osha… is natural. If you use a different framing verb like maliza, then you use the infinitive: Ukimaliza kuosha… (“When you finish washing…”).

How is Ukisha osha different from Ukiosha sahani?

Ukisha osha sahani… = “Once/after you have washed the dishes…” (emphasizes completed action)
Ukiosha sahani… = “When/if you wash the dishes…” (more general/conditional; not necessarily completed before the next action) So -sha- adds the sense of completion.

Could I say Ukiisha osha instead of Ukisha osha?

You’ll see both in real usage. Ukiisha can be analyzed as u- + -ki- + -isha (“when you finish”), and ukisha as u- + -ki- + -sha (“when you’ve already…”). In practice, both lead to the same meaning here: “once you’ve washed.” You’ll also hear/see ukishamaliza osha… (“once you’ve finished washing…”), which doubles down on completion.

Why is panguza used and not futa or safisha?

panguza = wipe/wipe down a surface, typically with a cloth (default for tables, counters).
futa = wipe off/erase/remove marks or dust (futa ubao = wipe a board). You can say futa meza, but it can sound like removing marks/dust specifically.
safisha = clean (more general; could involve wiping, scrubbing, etc.). Here, panguza meza is the most idiomatic for “wipe the table.”

What does kwa kitambaa add? Could I use na kitambaa instead?

kwa kitambaa marks the instrument: “with/by means of a cloth,” which is the standard way to express tools. na kitambaa can also be understood as “with a cloth,” but kwa is more precise and common for instruments. Keep na for accompaniment (“together with someone”) or looser “with.”

Is sahani singular or plural here?

sahani is an N-class noun whose singular and plural look the same. Context tells you which it is. In chores, osha sahani is usually understood as “wash the dishes.” If you need to be explicit:

singular: sahani moja
plural: sahani (or use vyombo for “dishes/utensils” collectively).

Why is there no word for “the” or “a” in the sentence?

Swahili has no articles. Definiteness and number come from context. sahani can be “the dishes” or “plates,” and meza can be “the table” or “a table,” depending on what’s understood in the situation.

What imperative form is panguza? How would I say it to more than one person?

panguza is the 2nd person singular imperative (addressing one person). For more than one person, add -ni: panguzeni meza kwa kitambaa. If you want a softer tone, add tafadhali at the start or end.

Can I put the clauses in the opposite order?

Yes: Panguza meza kwa kitambaa ukisha osha sahani. Both orders are fine. Starting with the ukisha… clause highlights the sequence more explicitly: first wash, then wipe.

Could I express the same idea with baada ya?

Yes. Two natural alternatives:

Baada ya kuosha sahani, panguza meza kwa kitambaa.
Ukimamaliza kuosha sahani, panguza meza kwa kitambaa. (or Ukimaliza…)
All mean “After washing the dishes, wipe the table with a cloth.”

Is kisha the same word as in “then” (kisha) that links actions?

Related but used differently. kisha on its own is a connector meaning “then/after that”:
Osha sahani, kisha panguza meza kwa kitambaa.
In ukisha, it’s part of a fused verb form that sets a completed prior action: “once/after you have [done X].”

What noun classes are in play here (quick check)?

sahani (N-class): same form singular/plural.
meza (N-class): same form singular/plural.
kitambaa (KI/VI class): singular kitambaa, plural vitambaa. Hence the preposition phrase kwa kitambaa (“with a cloth”).