​SUBJECTS

​ The subject of the sentence is the individual or individuals who is/are acting. In Swahili, there are six subjects:

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1st person singular: mimi (me)                       

2nd person singular: wewe (you)                   

3rd person singular: yeye (he/she)                  

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SUBJECT PREFIXES

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​Subject prefixes indicate who or what is acting. Each noun class has its own subject prefix. ​

 

M/Wa

1st person singular: mimi ni+tense prefix+verb infinitive                       2nd person plural: sisi tu+tense prefix+verb infinitive

2nd person singular: wewe u+tense prefix+verb infinitive                    2nd person plural: ninyi m+tense prefix+verb infinitive

3rd person singular: yeye a+tense prefix+verb infinitive                       2nd person plural: wao wa+tense prefix+verb infinitive

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M/Mi

singular (m): i+tense prefix+verb infinitive

plural (mi): u+tense prefix+verb infinitive

 

Ji/Ma​

singular (ji): li+tense prefix+verb infinitive

plural (ma): ya+tense prefix+verb infinitive

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Ki/Vi​

singular (ki): ki+tense prefix+verb infinitive

plural (vi): vi+tense prefix+verb infinitive

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N/N​

singular (n): i+tense prefix+verb infinitive

plural (n): zi+tense prefix+verb infinitive

 

Wondering where these come from? Check the charts!

 

 

 

THE TENSES

 

There are four basic tenses to learn in Swahili.

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Past Tense

subject prefix+li+verb infinitive

Mama yangu alianguka. "My mother fell."​

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Past Perfect Tense

subject prefix+me+verb infinitive

Mama yangu ameanguka. "My mother has fallen."​

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Present Tense

subject prefix+na+verb infinitive

Mama yangu anaanguka. "My mother is falling."

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Future Tense

subject prefix+ta+verb infinitive

Mama yangu ataanguka. "My mother will fall."​​