Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ukisubiri ukumbini, tafadhali kaa kwa utulivu. - While you wait in the hall, please sit calmly.

u- = 2nd person singular subject prefix (you)
-ki- = conditional/temporal marker (if/when/whenever/while)
subiri = verb stem meaning wait So ukisubiri literally means if/when you wait or while you are waiting, depending on context.

Does ukisubiri mean if or while? Which is intended here?

Both are possible with -ki-. In context, with a polite instruction following it, ukisubiri most naturally reads as while/when you are waiting (i.e., during the time you wait). If you wanted to stress a hypothetical if, you could still use -ki-, but you might also choose kama or iwapo for explicit if.

Why isn’t kama used here for if?

When you use the -ki- marker in the verb (ukisubiri), you don’t need kama. The -ki- already encodes if/when. You could say Kama unasubiri ukumbini, …, but Ukisubiri ukumbini, … is more compact and very natural.

What does ukumbini mean and how is it formed?

Ukumbini means in the hall. It’s the noun ukumbi (hall) plus the locative suffix -ni, which often corresponds to in/at/on. This -ni locative is extremely common in Swahili: nyumbani (at home), shuleni (at school), sokoni (at the market).

Is there any difference between ukumbini and katika ukumbi?

They both mean in the hall. Ukumbini is the succinct locative form (very common and natural), while katika ukumbi uses the preposition katika. In everyday speech, ukumbini is usually preferred; katika ukumbi can sound a bit more formal or explicit.

The words ukisubiri and ukumbini both start with u. Are those the same prefix?

No. In ukisubiri, u- is the 2nd person singular subject prefix (you). In ukumbini, u- is part of the noun class prefix of ukumbi (hall). They look the same but serve different functions.

Why is there a comma after ukumbini? Is it required?

It separates the dependent clause from the main clause, just like in English. In practice, Swahili punctuation varies; you’ll often see the comma, but it isn’t absolutely mandatory. The sentence is clear with or without it.

Where can I place tafadhali? Does its position change the tone?

Tafadhali (please) can appear:

At the start: Tafadhali, ukisubiri ukumbini, kaa kwa utulivu.
After the dependent clause (as given): Ukisubiri ukumbini, tafadhali kaa kwa utulivu.
At the end: Ukisubiri ukumbini, kaa kwa utulivu tafadhali. All are polite. Sentence-initial and mid-sentence placements are the most common.

What does kaa mean here—sit or stay?

Kaa can mean sit, stay, or be, depending on context. Here, with kwa utulivu (calmly/quietly), it means stay/be (in a calm manner). If you wanted to command someone to sit down specifically, you could say kaa chini or keti.

How does kaa compare to keti and tulia?

kaa = sit/stay/be (general and very common). For sit-down, people often say kaa chini.
keti = sit (more specifically sit down; a bit more formal or classroom-like). Plural imperative: ketini.
tulia = calm down/settle down. It focuses on becoming calm, not on sitting or staying per se. In this sentence, kaa kwa utulivu = keep/stay calm(ly).

What does kwa do in kwa utulivu?

Kwa turns the noun utulivu (calmness/quietness) into an adverbial phrase: with calmness, i.e., calmly/quietly. It’s a common way to express manner: ongea kwa adabu (speak politely), fanya kwa uangalifu (do [it] carefully).

Could I say kaa utulivu, kaa mtulivu, or kaa kimya instead? What’s the difference?

kaa kwa utulivu = stay calmly/quietly (manner, broad and polite).
kaa mtulivu = be calm (uses the adjective mtulivu; sounds personal: be a calm person/keep yourself calm).
kaa kimya = keep quiet/silent (focuses more on not making noise). All are acceptable; choose based on whether you want calmness in general (utulivu/mtulivu) or silence specifically (kimya).

How would I address more than one person?

Change the subject prefix and the imperative to plural:

mkisubiri ukumbini, tafadhali kaeni kwa utulivu. Breakdown:
m- (you, plural) + -ki-
- verb: mkisubiri
Plural imperative of kaa is kaeni

Can I explicitly mention what someone is waiting for?

Yes. You can add the object after the verb or use an object marker:

Ukisubiri basi ukumbini, tafadhali kaa kwa utulivu. (If/while you’re waiting for the bus in the hall…)
With a pronoun object marker: Ukimsubiri mtu ukumbini, … = while you wait for him/her in the hall… Verb: subiri is transitive: subiri kitu/mtu (wait for something/someone).

Is subiri the same as ngoja?

Both mean wait, but usage nuances exist:

subiri is neutral/polite and works well in instructions and formal settings.
ngoja is very common in speech (hold on, wait), but can sound a bit abrupt or casual depending on tone. In a sign or official instruction, subiri is preferred.

Are there other natural ways to phrase this instruction?

Some common alternatives:

Unaposubiri ukumbini, tafadhali kaa kwa utulivu. (using -apo = when)
Ukisubiri ukumbini, tafadhali kaa kimya. (focus on silence)
Ukisubiri ukumbini, tafadhali kaa mtulivu. (be calm)
Tafadhali, subiri ukumbini kwa utulivu. (imperative with manner adverbial)