We, You all, They: Plural Prefixes
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
In Swahili, verbs change their prefix to match the subject: 'tu-' for we, 'm-' for you all, and 'wa-' for they.
- Use 'tu-' for 'we': Tunakula (We are eating).
- Use 'm-' for 'you all': Mnakula (You all are eating).
- Use 'wa-' for 'they': Wanakula (They are eating).
Subject Prefix Conjugation
| Pronoun | Prefix | Example Verb | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sisi
|
tu-
|
tunasoma
|
We are reading
|
|
Ninyi
|
m-
|
mnasoma
|
You all are reading
|
|
Wao
|
wa-
|
wanasoma
|
They are reading
|
Meanings
These prefixes are mandatory markers attached to the start of verbs to indicate the plural subject performing the action.
First Person Plural
Indicates 'we' as the subject.
“Tunacheza”
“Tunapika”
Second Person Plural
Indicates 'you all' (plural) as the subject.
“Mnasoma”
“Mnaenda”
Third Person Plural
Indicates 'they' (people) as the subject.
“Wanatembea”
“Wanaruka”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Prefix + Verb
|
Tunakula
|
|
Negative
|
Prefix + si + Verb
|
Hatu-kuli
|
|
Question
|
Prefix + Verb + ?
|
Mnakula?
|
|
Continuous
|
Prefix + na + Verb
|
Wanakula
|
|
Past
|
Prefix + li + Verb
|
Tulikula
|
|
Future
|
Prefix + ta + Verb
|
Tutakula
|
طيف الرسمية
Tunakula. (Dining)
Tunakula. (Dining)
Tunakula. (Dining)
Tunakula. (Dining)
Plural Subject Map
We
- tu- 1st Person Plural
You All
- m- 2nd Person Plural
They
- wa- 3rd Person Plural
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Tunakula chakula.
We are eating food.
Mnasoma kitabu.
You all are reading a book.
Wanalala sasa.
They are sleeping now.
Tunacheza mpira.
We are playing soccer.
Sisi tunapenda kahawa.
We like coffee.
Ninyi mnaenda wapi?
Where are you all going?
Wao wanazungumza Kiswahili.
They are speaking Swahili.
Tunafanya kazi leo.
We are working today.
Tunatarajia kuona matokeo mazuri.
We expect to see good results.
Mnaweza kuja kesho?
Can you all come tomorrow?
Wanaelewa shida zetu.
They understand our problems.
Tunajifunza lugha mpya.
We are learning a new language.
Tunapohitaji msaada, tunawauliza.
When we need help, we ask them.
Mnaonekana kuchoka sana.
You all seem very tired.
Wanaendelea na mradi wao.
They are continuing with their project.
Tunashukuru kwa mwaliko wenu.
We are grateful for your invitation.
Tunapozingatia mambo haya, tunapata jibu.
When we consider these matters, we find the answer.
Mnafaa kuelewa umuhimu wa utamaduni.
You all ought to understand the importance of culture.
Wanashirikiana katika kila hatua.
They are collaborating at every step.
Tunajivunia mafanikio yenu.
We are proud of your achievements.
Tunapolitafakari swali hili, tunabaini utata wake.
As we contemplate this question, we discern its complexity.
Mnaalikwa kuhudhuria sherehe hiyo.
You all are invited to attend the ceremony.
Wanajikita katika utafiti wa kisayansi.
They are focusing on scientific research.
Tunawajibika kulinda mazingira yetu.
We are responsible for protecting our environment.
سهل الخلط
Learners mix up the subject prefix (doing the action) with the object prefix (receiving it).
Mixing up 'a-' (he/she) with 'wa-' (they).
Using 'na' (present) when meaning past.
أخطاء شائعة
Sisi kula
Sisi tunakula
Tu-kula
Tunakula
M-kula
Mnakula
Wa-kula
Wanakula
Ninyi tunakula
Ninyi mnakula
Wao tunasoma
Wao wanasoma
Sisi mnakula
Sisi tunakula
Tunakula chakula jana
Tulikula chakula jana
Mnakula chakula kesho
Mtakula chakula kesho
Wanakula chakula sasa
Wanakula chakula sasa
Tunapenda wao
Tunawapenda
Mnaona wao
Mnawaona
Wanaona sisi
Wanatuona
أنماط الجُمل
___ tunakula.
Tunafanya ___.
___ mnaenda wapi?
Wanaelewa ___.
Real World Usage
Tunakuja sasa!
Wanafurahia likizo.
Tunatarajia kufanya kazi vizuri.
Mnaenda wapi?
Tunataka chakula.
Mnasoma ukurasa wa kumi.
Drop the pronoun
Don't forget the prefix
Listen for the prefix
Respectful 'M'
Smart Tips
Always check the prefix before the verb.
Use 'm-' to be polite.
Listen for 'wa-' to know they are talking about people.
Keep the prefix attached to the verb.
النطق
Prefix stress
The stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable.
Question
Mnakula?
Rising intonation at the end.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
TU-gether we eat, M-any of you read, WA-tching them play.
ربط بصري
Imagine a group of people wearing shirts with 'TU', 'M', and 'WA' on them. The 'TU' group is holding hands (We), the 'M' group is pointing at you (You all), and the 'WA' group is walking away (They).
Rhyme
Tu is we, M is you, Wa is they, that is true!
Story
We (Tu) went to the market. You all (M) met us there. They (Wa) were already waiting for us.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write three sentences about your friends using tu-, m-, and wa- in 5 minutes.
ملاحظات ثقافية
Using 'm-' is very important for showing respect to elders or groups.
Often used in informal settings with 'sisi' or 'wao'.
Very precise usage of prefixes in formal speech.
These prefixes evolved from Proto-Bantu independent pronouns.
بدايات محادثة
Mnaenda wapi?
Tunafanya nini leo?
Wanaelewa somo hili?
Mnafikiri nini kuhusu hili?
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
أخطاء شائعة
Test Yourself
Sisi ___soma.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ninyi tunasoma.
Anasoma -> ___soma (they).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Mnaenda wapi? B: ___enda nyumbani.
we / eat / food
They are reading.
Score: /8
تمارين تطبيقية
8 exercisesSisi ___soma.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ninyi tunasoma.
Anasoma -> ___soma (they).
Sisi -> ?
A: Mnaenda wapi? B: ___enda nyumbani.
we / eat / food
They are reading.
Score: /8
الأسئلة الشائعة (8)
Yes, in Swahili, the prefix contains the subject information, so you can often drop the pronoun.
If the subject is not a human, you use a different prefix based on the noun class.
Yes, in the context of subject prefixes, 'm-' is the standard plural for 'you'.
They are the building blocks of every Swahili sentence.
Very few in the present tense, which makes this rule very reliable.
You use 'hatu-' as the prefix.
Yes, this is standard Swahili (Kiswahili sanifu).
Usually no, 'wa-' is for humans. Animals have their own classes.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Verb endings
Swahili uses prefixes at the start; Spanish uses suffixes at the end.
Subject pronouns
Swahili is pro-drop; French is not.
Verb endings
Swahili prefixes are more consistent.
Topic markers
Swahili integrates the subject into the verb.
Verb prefixes/suffixes
Swahili is strictly prefix-based for subjects.
None
Chinese verbs never change.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
I, You, He/She: Singular Prefixes
Dropping Independent Pronouns
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Possessive Stems -angu, -ako, -ake (My, Your, His/Her)
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