Learn Hardcore Swahili: Tulipoingia darasani, mwalimu alitoa maelekezo. - When we entered the classroom, the teacher gave instructions.

It’s built from four pieces: tu- (we) + -li- (past tense) + -po- (temporal/locative “when/at the time that”) + ingia (enter). So tu-li-po-ingia literally means “we-past-when-entered,” i.e., “when we entered.”

Why use -po here? How is -po different from -ki for “when”?

-po marks a specific point in time/occasion: “when (at the moment that) we entered.” Example: Tulipoingia darasani, …
-ki is “when/whenever/while,” often for general or simultaneous actions: Tukiingia darasani, mwalimu hutoa maelekezo (“Whenever we enter the classroom, the teacher gives instructions”). Use -po for a particular event; use -ki for habitual/simultaneous situations.

How would I say it in the future: “When we enter the classroom, the teacher will give instructions”?

Use the future with -po: Tutakapoingia darasani, mwalimu atatoa maelekezo.
Structure: tu- (we) + -ta- (future) + -po- + verb.

Can I reverse the clause order?

Yes. Mwalimu alitoa maelekezo tulipoingia darasani is fine and means the same thing. Putting the “when” clause first is very common, but not required.

Why is there a comma after the first clause?

It separates the dependent “when” clause from the main clause. Many writers include it for clarity; you may also see it omitted. Both are acceptable.

Could I use “akatoa” instead of “alitoa”?

Yes: Tulipoingia darasani, mwalimu akatoa maelekezo.
The -ka- tense (akatoa) is a narrative/sequential past (“then he gave”), very natural after a temporal clause. Alitoa is also correct; akatoa adds a “then” feel.

What exactly does “darasani” mean, and how is it formed?

Darasani means “in the classroom/in class.” It’s darasa (class/classroom) + the locative suffix -ni (“in/at”).

darasa = class/classroom
darasani = in the classroom / during class

Could I say “katika darasa” instead of “darasani”?

Yes: katika darasa also means “in the classroom.” -ni is the most idiomatic and compact way; katika + noun is a slightly more formal/prepositional style.

Is “maelekezo” singular or plural?

Maelekezo is grammatically plural (Class 6, ma-), from the verb elekeza (to direct). In English it’s often treated like an uncountable mass (“instructions/guidance”). A singular form elekezo exists but is rare in everyday use.

Is “toa” the right verb for “give instructions”?

Yes. The natural collocation is toa maelekezo (“give/provide instructions”). Alternatives include:

toa maagizo (“give orders/commands,” stronger)
toa mwongozo (“give guidance/a guide,” more formal)

How would I say “The teacher gave us instructions”?

Add an object marker or an indirect object:

Mwalimu alitupa maelekezo (object marker -tu- = “us”: “gave us instructions”).
Mwalimu alitoa maelekezo kwetu (“gave instructions to us”).

How do I change the subject in “Tulipoingia”?

Swap the subject prefix:

I: Nilipoingia (when I entered)
You (sg.): Ulipoingia
He/She: Alipoingia
We: Tulipoingia
You (pl.): Mlipoingia
They: Walipoingia

Could I say “after we entered” instead of “when we entered”? How?

Use “baada ya” (“after”):

Baada ya kuingia darasani, mwalimu alitoa maelekezo.
“-po” focuses on the moment of entry (“when”), while baada ya is explicitly “after.”

Are there articles in Swahili? How do we know it’s “the” teacher?

Swahili has no articles (“a/the”). Mwalimu can mean “a teacher” or “the teacher.” Context supplies definiteness. Here, the English translation uses “the” because a specific teacher is implied.

Any pronunciation tips for this sentence?

Stress is on the second-to-last syllable of each word: tu-li-po-in-GI-a; da-ra-SA-ni; mwa-LI-mu; a-li-TO-a; ma-e-le-KE-zo.
In ingia, “ng” is [ŋg], like “sing” + “g”: in-ngi-a.
In mwalimu, “mw” is pronounced together, like “m” + “w.”