Language Learning

1. Ninajifunza Kiswahili kidogo kidogo.

   I am learning Swahili little by little.

   Usage

   Used to describe progress in language learning

   Grammar Note

   "kidogo kidogo" repeats "little" to express "gradually/bit by bit"

2. Unaweza kuniambia tena polepole?

   Can you say that again slowly?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to repeat more slowly

   Grammar Note

   "polepole" is one of the most famous Swahili words meaning "slowly"

3. Hii inamaanisha nini kwa Kiingereza?

   What does this mean in English?

   Usage

   Used to ask for translation of an unknown word

   Grammar Note

   the "ki-" prefix is used for language names. "Kiingereza" means "English language"

4. Ninahitaji mwalimu wa Kiswahili.

   I need a Swahili teacher.

   Usage

   Used when looking for a language tutor

   Grammar Note

   "mwalimu" is an m-class human noun meaning "teacher"

5. Nakosea wakati wa kuzungumza Kiswahili.

   I make mistakes when speaking Swahili.

   Usage

   Used to share the challenges of language learning

   Grammar Note

   "nakosea" is the present tense of "to make mistakes"

6. Unaandika vizuri sana!

   You write very well!

   Usage

   Used to compliment someone's writing skills

   Grammar Note

   "unaandika" is the second-person present of "to write"

7. Neno hili linasemwaje?

   How is this word pronounced?

   Usage

   Used to ask about word pronunciation

   Grammar Note

   "linasemwaje" is the passive question form "how is it said"

8. Niandikie jina lako kwa Kiswahili.

   Write your name for me in Swahili.

   Usage

   Used when learning to write in Swahili

   Grammar Note

   The applicative suffix -ia/-ie means "do something for someone". The causative -andikisha is a separate verb meaning "to register / enrol" and is not used here. "To write" is -andika, applicative -andikia.

9. Ninafurahi sana na maendeleo yangu.

   I am very pleased with my progress.

   Usage

   Used when reflecting on language learning achievements

   Grammar Note

   "maendeleo" is a ma-class noun meaning "progress/development"

10. Lugha ya Kiswahili ni rahisi kujifunza.

    The Swahili language is easy to learn.

    Usage

    Used to encourage Swahili language learners

    Grammar Note

    "rahisi" means both "easy" and "cheap" depending on context

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