Learn Hardcore Swahili: Mwalimu alitoa salamu fupi, kisha akaanza somo. - The teacher gave a short greeting, then started the lesson.

a-: 3rd person singular subject prefix (he/she) for class 1 nouns like mwalimu (teacher).
-li-: simple past tense.
-toa: verb root from kutoa (“to give out/offer/issue; take out”). Together: “he/she gave/issued/offered.” With salamu, the set phrase kutoa salamu means “to deliver/give greetings (remarks).”

Why say alitoa salamu instead of using a verb like alisalimia?

kusalimia = “to greet (someone)” (say hello, shake hands). Example: Alisalimia wanafunzi “He/She greeted the students.”
kutoa salamu = “to deliver (some) greeting remarks,” often a brief formal address before an event begins. That fits “a short greeting” better here. Note: kusalimu also exists but tends to be more formal/literary and can mean “to salute” (and in other contexts “to surrender”). For everyday “greet,” prefer kusalimia or the set phrase kutoa salamu for formal remarks.

Is salamu singular or plural? How should I translate it?

salamu is a class 9/10 noun whose form doesn’t change between singular and plural. It often maps to English “greeting(s).” In this sentence, English idiomatically prefers singular: “a short greeting.” If you want to force “one,” you can say salamu fupi moja (“one short greeting”).

Why is it salamu fupi and not salamu mfupi?

Adjectives agree with noun class. salamu is class 9/10, where many adjectives appear without an overt prefix. Hence fupi (short) stays fupi. Examples: barua fupi (a short letter), habari fupi (short news). mfupi is the class 1 form (e.g., mwalimu mfupi = a short teacher, in height). Some adjectives in 9/10 show nasal assimilation (e.g., -refu → ndefu), but fupi remains fupi.

What does the aka- in akaanza do?

-ka- is the consecutive/narrative marker. a-ka-anza means “and (then) he/she began,” linking this action to the previous one with the same subject. It inherits the time frame from the prior verb (here, past from alitoa), so you don’t repeat -li-.

Why do we have both kisha and aka-? Isn’t that redundant?

They intentionally reinforce sequence. kisha = “then/after that,” and -ka- also signals “and then” with the same subject. Using both is very natural in narrative style. You can also use just one:

Mwalimu alitoa salamu fupi, akaanza somo.
Mwalimu alitoa salamu fupi, kisha alianza somo.
Mwalimu alitoa salamu fupi, halafu akaanza somo.

Can I just write alianza instead of akaanza?

Yes: Mwalimu alitoa salamu fupi, kisha alianza somo. That’s fully grammatical. -ka- makes the sequence feel tighter/more story-like; alianza is a neutral past form.

Can a sentence start with aka- (e.g., Akaanza somo)?

Normally no. -ka- needs a preceding verb/event to hook onto (even if it’s in the previous sentence). Starting cold with Akaanza… feels incomplete unless prior context is clearly understood.

What’s the difference among kisha, halafu, baadaye, and ndipo?

kisha: then/and then; somewhat formal, common in writing.
halafu: then/and then; very common in conversation.
baadaye: later (not necessarily immediately afterward).
ndipo: “that’s when/then” (emphatic focus). Example: ndipo akaanza somo = “that’s when he began the lesson.”

Why is there a comma before kisha? Is it required?

It’s stylistic. The comma marks a natural pause and separates the two actions. You can omit it: Mwalimu alitoa salamu fupi kisha akaanza somo. Both are fine.

Does somo mean “lesson” or “subject”? Could I use darasa or kipindi instead?

somo (pl. masomo) = lesson; also an academic subject/course. kuanza somo = start the lesson.
darasa (pl. madarasa) = class (group/classroom/class session). kuanza darasa = start the class/session.
kipindi (pl. vipindi) = period/session. kuanza kipindi = start the period. Choose the one that fits your intended meaning.

How would this change if the subject were plural?

Make the noun and verb agreement plural:

Walimu walitoa salamu fupi, kisha wakaanza somo. Here wa- (they) is the subject prefix, -li- is past, and -ka- is the consecutive marker: wa-ka-anza = “and then they began.” If you want plural “lessons,” use masomo: wakaanza masomo (they began lessons/studies).