Learn Hardcore Swahili: Mazungumzo yakianza, tafadhali kaa kimya kimya. - When the discussion starts, please sit quietly.

"Mazungumzo" is grammatically plural in Swahili (noun class 6), even though in English we often translate it as singular "conversation." Verbs and adjectives must agree with it using class 6 markers. The "ya-" in "yakianza" is the class 6 subject marker meaning "they/it (non-human, class 6)"—so literally "they, when beginning."

What is the breakdown of "yakianza"?

"yakianza" = ya- + -ki- + -anza

ya-: subject marker for class 6 (agreeing with "mazungumzo")
-ki-: "when/while/as" (simultaneous/contingent action)
-anza: verb root "start/begin" So "yakianza" means "when (the discussions) begin."

Could I use "yanapoanza" instead of "yakianza"? What’s the difference?

Yes: "Mazungumzo yanapoanza..." is also correct.

-ki- ("yakianza") often means "as/when" with a sense of simultaneity or general condition.
-napo- ("yanapoanza") points to the time/point at which something happens ("at the time when they begin"). In most contexts here, both are fine, with -ki- feeling a bit more general.

Why not just say "Mazungumzo yanaanza, ..."?

You can, but it changes the nuance. "Yanaanza" is a main-clause tense ("are beginning"). To express a condition/time clause ("when/as they begin"), Swahili typically uses a subordinator like -ki- or -napo-. So "Mazungumzo yakianza, ..." fits the "when/as" meaning better.

What does "kaa" mean here—"sit" or "stay"?

"kaa" can mean "sit," "stay," or "remain," depending on context. With "kimya" ("silence/quiet"), "kaa kimya" means "keep/remain quiet." It’s not necessarily about sitting; it’s about remaining in a state.

Is "kaa kimya" different from "nyamaza"?

Yes:

"kaa kimya" = "keep/remain quiet" (polite/neutral).
"nyamaza" = "be quiet/shut up" (more direct, can be rude depending on tone and context). Your sentence is polite because it uses "tafadhali" and "kaa kimya kimya."

What does the reduplication "kimya kimya" do?

Reduplication intensifies or adds a manner nuance. "kaa kimya kimya" means "keep completely/very quiet." Note: with motion verbs, "kimyakimya" can also mean "secretly/stealthily" (e.g., "aliondoka kimyakimya" = "he left quietly/secretly"). Here, after "kaa," it means "very quiet."

Should it be written "kimya kimya" or "kimyakimya"?

Both are found. As two words ("kimya kimya") is very common when intensifying "quiet" after verbs like "kaa/kaa kimya kimya." As one word ("kimyakimya") is frequent in the sense "quietly/secretly" with movement or action. Your sentence works well with "kimya kimya."

Is the comma after "yakianza" necessary?

It’s normal and helpful but not strictly required. Subordinate clause first + comma is a common, clear punctuation choice in Swahili prose: "Mazungumzo yakianza, ..." Then the main clause follows.

Where can I put "tafadhali"? Does position change politeness?

"tafadhali" can go at the beginning, middle, or end without changing politeness much:

"Tafadhali kaa kimya kimya."
"Kaa tafadhali kimya kimya."
"Kaa kimya kimya, tafadhali." Sentence-initial is most common in instructions/notices.

How do I address more than one person?

Use the plural imperative: "Tafadhali kaeni kimya kimya."

Singular: "kaa"
Plural: "kaeni" Similarly, "nyamazeni" is the plural of "nyamaza."

Could I say "keti kimya kimya" instead of "kaa kimya kimya"?

"keti" specifically means "sit (down)." "Keti kimya kimya" = "sit (down) very quietly" (focus on sitting quietly). "Kaa kimya kimya" = "keep/remain very quiet" (broader, not tied to sitting). Use "kaa" if you mean "stay quiet" generally.

Why is it "ya-" and not "wa-" in "yakianza"?

"wa-" is the class 2 (people) plural subject marker. "Mazungumzo" is class 6, which uses "ya-". Subject markers:

Class 2 (wa- nouns, people): "wa-"
Class 6 (ma- nouns like "mazungumzo"): "ya-" So "yakianza" matches class 6.

Is "mazungumzo" the only word for "conversation"?

You’ll also see:

"majadiliano" (often "discussions," slightly more formal)
"mazungumzo" (everyday "conversation/discussions") Both take class 6 agreement: "Majadiliano yakianza..." is fine too.

How do I say "has started" instead of "when it starts"?

Use the perfect: "Mazungumzo yameanza, tafadhali kaa kimya kimya."

"yameanza" = class 6 perfect ("have started"). It’s a main clause, so you don’t use -ki- there.

How is "mazungumzo" pronounced, especially the "ng"?

Pronounce it roughly: ma-zoong-GOOM-zo. In Swahili, "ng" without an apostrophe is [ŋg] (like "finger"), not just [ŋ] as in "sing." So "zungu" has an audible "g" sound after the "ng."