Present Perfect Tense: English to Swahili Tutorial
Welcome! In this lesson, we will learn about the Present Perfect Tense in English and how to understand it in Swahili. This is a simple and clear guide for beginners, teachers, and students. Let’s get started! 
What is the Present Perfect Tense?
The Present Perfect Tense is used to talk about actions that started in the past and are still important now, or actions that happened at an unknown time before now.
Formula (English):
Subject + has/have + past participle
Examples:
- I have eaten.
- She has gone.
- They have finished the work.
Translation in Swahili
In Swahili, the Present Perfect Tense is often translated using the “me-“ tense marker in verbs.
Formula (Swahili):
[Subject Prefix] + me + [verb root]
Examples:
- Nimekula = I have eaten
- Ameenda = She has gone
- Wamekamilisha kazi = They have finished the work
More Examples
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I have seen the movie. | Nimeona filamu. |
| He has called you. | Amekupigia simu. |
| We have arrived. | Tumewasili. |
| They have started working. | Wameanza kufanya kazi. |
| You have passed the test. | Umepita mtihani. |
When to Use the Present Perfect Tense
Use it when:
- The action happened at an unspecified time in the past. I have traveled to Tanzania. Nimesafiri kwenda Tanzania.
- The result is important in the present. She has lost her keys. (She still can’t find them) Amepoteza funguo zake.
- The action started in the past and continues now. (Use “for” or “since”) We have lived here for 10 years. Tumeishi hapa kwa miaka 10.
Important Notes
- Use “has” with he, she, it
- Use “have” with I, you, we, they
Examples:
- He has finished.
- I have finished.
Practice Exercise
Translate these sentences into Swahili:
- I have read the book.
- She has cooked lunch.
- We have traveled a lot.
- They have gone home.
- You have helped me.
Answers:
- Nimesoma kitabu.
- Amepika chakula cha mchana.
- Tumesafiri sana.
- Wameenda nyumbani.
- Umenisaidia.
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