Understanding how to express the present tense in Swahili is essential for everyday conversation. This guide will help you learn how to talk about what is happening now or regularly.
1. Simple Present – Wakati Wa Sasa Rahisi
Used to express facts, habits, or routines.
English Example:
- I eat lunch at noon.
Swahili Translation:
- Nakula chakula cha mchana saa sita.
Structure (Swahili):
- Ni- (I) + -na- (present tense marker) + -kula (eat) = Nakula
More Examples:
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| He drinks water. | Anakunywa maji. |
| We go to school. | Tunaenda shule. |
| They work hard. | Wanafanya kazi kwa bidii. |
Subject Prefixes in Swahili:
| English Subject | Swahili Prefix |
|---|---|
| I | ni- |
| You (singular) | u- |
| He/She | a- |
| We | tu- |
| You (plural) | m- |
| They | wa- |
Tense Marker: -na- shows it’s happening in the present.
2. Present Continuous – Wakati Wa Sasa Endelevu
Used to describe actions happening right now.
English Example:
- She is reading a book.
Swahili Translation:
- Anasoma kitabu.
Good news! In Swahili, this is the same form as simple present — context shows if it’s continuous.
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I am cooking. | Napika. |
| They are playing. | Wanacheza. |
| We are studying. | Tunasoma. |
Tip: Swahili Verbs Are Built Like LEGO
Swahili verbs are made up of:
Subject Prefix + Tense Marker + Verb Root
Example: Ni (I) + na (present) + soma (read) = Ninasoma → “I read / I am reading”
In casual speech, people often drop the “ni” and say “nasoma.”
Practice Time!
Translate the following sentences into Swahili:
- You eat rice.
- They drink tea.
- We are learning Swahili.
- I go to the market.
- She works every day.
Write your answers and check with a friend, teacher, or app!
Created for students
Image Bing
