Verbs (Vitenzi)
What is a verb in Kiswahili?
A verb, called kitenzi (plural vitenzi), shows an action. The KICD Grade 6 Kiswahili curriculum teaches learners to form verbs with markers. This lesson is in English with glosses.
Basic verbs
- kusoma = to read
- kuandika = to write
- kula = to eat
- kucheza = to play
- kuimba = to sing
Building a verb
A verb is built in parts:
subject + tense + root
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | ni (I), u (you), a (he/she), tu (we), m (you pl.), wa (they) | who |
| Tense | na, li, ta | when |
| Root | soma | read |
Three tenses
- Present (na): Ninasoma = I am reading.
- Past (li): Alisoma = He/she read.
- Future (ta): Tutasoma = We will read.
Negative
- Sisomi = I do not read.
- Hatucheza = We do not play.
In sentences
- Watoto wanaimba. (The children are singing.)
- Baba alilima shamba jana. (Father dug the farm yesterday.)
- Kesho tutaenda sokoni. (Tomorrow we will go to the market.)
Try it
- Change "ninacheza" to past and future tense.
- Translate: "You will write."
- Make a sentence with the verb "kupika" (to cook).
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Quick Quiz
- To sleep
- To eat
- To run
- To read
Answer: Option 2- I am reading
- I read yesterday
- I will read
- I did not read
Answer: Option 1- Present
- Past
- Future
- Command
Answer: Option 2