Learn Hardcore Swahili: Tusije tukasahau vitabu; tutaviweka kwenye begi sasa. - Let’s not end up forgetting the books; we will put them in the bag now.

It’s a precaution/warning meaning “lest we (then) forget” or “so that we don’t end up forgetting.” It implies we want to take an action now to prevent a possible undesired outcome.

How is Tusije tukasahau different from Tusisahau?

Tusisahau = “Let’s not forget.” It’s a straightforward negative exhortation.
Tusije tukasahau = “Lest we forget/so that we don’t end up forgetting,” highlighting a potential consequence if we don’t act now. It’s softer and more preventative.

What does the -ka- in tukasahau do?

-ka- is a connective/consecutive marker. After sije, it introduces the possible (usually undesired) result: “and then (we) forget.” Together, sije … -ka- reads as “lest/so that [X] doesn’t happen.”

Why is tu- repeated in Tusije and tukasahau?

Each verb in Swahili carries its own subject marker. So you get tu- in Tusije and again in tukasahau, even though they refer to the same subject.

Can I say Tusije tusahau without -ka-?

That’s not the idiomatic pattern. The natural construction is subject + sije … subject + -ka- + verb, e.g., Tusije tukasahau.

Do I have to use the object marker -vi- in tutaviweka?

No. Tutaweka vitabu kwenye begi sasa is also correct. Using -vi- tends to make the object definite/specific or already known. Both forms are common; choose based on emphasis/definiteness.

What is the breakdown of tutaviweka?

tu- = we
-ta- = future
-vi- = them (object marker for class 8, matching vitabu)
-weka = put/place So: “we will put them.”

Why is the object marker vi- used for vitabu?

Vitabu is class 8 (ki-/vi-). The class 8 object marker is -vi-. For a single book (kitabu, class 7), you’d use -ki-: Tutakiweka (kitabu) kwenye begi sasa = “We’ll put it (the book) in the bag now.”

Why use future tuta- with sasa “now”?

In Swahili, tuta- often expresses an immediate decision/plan: “We’ll do it now/then.” It’s similar to English “We’ll put them in the bag now,” functioning like a polite suggestion or prompt for immediate action.

Could I say Tuviweke kwenye begi sasa instead?

Yes. Tuviweke… (subjunctive) means “Let’s put them… now.” It’s a direct suggestion. Tutaviweka… states an immediate plan/decision. Both are natural; the nuance is suggestion vs. stated intention.

Why kwenye and not katika or ndani ya?

kwenye = general “in/at/on,” very common and neutral.
katika = “in/within,” a bit more formal but also fine here.
ndani ya = specifically “inside (of),” emphasizing interior location. All would work; choose based on tone and specificity.

Is the semicolon necessary?

No. You could use a period or a linking word: Tusije tukasahau vitabu. Tutaviweka kwenye begi sasa. Or: Tusije tukasahau vitabu, kwa hiyo tutaviweka kwenye begi sasa. The semicolon simply shows close connection.

Can I also mark the object in the first clause, e.g., Tusije tukavisahau vitabu, or drop vitabu entirely: Tusije tukavisahau?

Yes. With a known/definite object, you can use the object marker -vi- and optionally omit the noun: Tusije tukavisahau (lest we forget them). Including both (tukavisahau vitabu) is possible and can add emphasis or clarity.

What is the plural of begi, and does it change anything?

Plural is mabegi (class 6). If you meant multiple bags, you’d say kwenye mabegi. Nothing else in this sentence must change, because the object marker -vi- still refers to vitabu (class 8), not to the bag(s).

Any pronunciation tips for tricky parts?

sahau has three syllables: sa-ha-u (the final “u” is pronounced).
tukasahau: tu-ka-sa-ha-u (keep all vowels distinct).
tutaviweka: tu-ta-vi-we-ka (the w in weka is pronounced; don’t blend viw into a single sound).