Verbs

Swahili Lesson 12 (Verbs and Time)

Duration: 30 mins

Lessons Swahili Lessons
Linguistic Swahili Vocabulary
Culture Swahili Phrases
Structure Swahili Grammar

This is the 12th lesson about Swahili verbs, as well as time expressions such as hours, days, and months. Finally some simple common phrases. I will try to give examples using both vocabulary and grammar. That way it will be easy for you to see the words when they are separate and when they are in a sentence. Going through the whole page should take about 30 min. Make sure to read the pronunciation and hear the audio as well. If you have any question about this course, please email me directly at Swahili Classes.

Verbs

Before we move on to lessons about the present, past, and future, we need to discuss verbs in general. The verb is the second most used part of speech after the noun. That means we need to pay more attention to its different forms and tenses.

Below is a list of 16 verbs that you might come across or use very often. They are in their raw format (not conjugated yet). The table contains 3 columns (English, Swahili, and Audio). Make sure you repeat each word after hearing it by either clicking on the audio button or by reading the pronunciation. That should help with memorization as well as improving your pronunciation.

Verbs List in Swahili

Verbs Swahili Audio
To driveKuendesha
To driveKuendesha
To giveKupa
To haveKuwa na
To knowKujua
To learnKujifunza
To loveKupenda
To playKucheza
To readKusoma
To seeKuona
To smileKutabasamu
To speakKuongea
To thinkKufikiri
To understandKuelewa
To workKufanya kazi
To writeKuandika

Here is an example of the verb "to understand" conjugated into the past, present, and future.

Verb "to understand" in a Sentence

He understands meAnanielewa
He understood meAlinielewa
He will understand meAtanielewa

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact me using the Swahili contact form on the header above.

Vocabulary List about Time

Below is a list of 30 words related to time such as hours, days and months. If you can memorize them by heart, you will be able to discuss time related topics more easily.

Time in Swahili

Time Swahili Audio
DaysSiku
MondayJumatatu
TuesdayJumanne
WednesdayJumatano
ThursdayAlhamisi
FridayIjumaa
SaturdayJumamosi
SundayJumapili
JanuaryJanuari
FebruaryFebruari
MarchMachi
AprilAprili
MayMei
JuneJuni
JulyJulai
AugustAgosti
SeptemberSeptemba
OctoberOktoba
NovemberNovemba
DecemberDesemba
Autumnmajira ya kupukutika
Wintermajira ya baridi
Springmajira ya kuchipua
Summermajira ya joto
SeasonsMisimu
MonthsMiezi
Timewakati
Hoursaa
Minutedakika
Secondpili

Daily Conversation in Swahili

Finally, here are some popular phrases you might need to use daily. For a complete list of commonly used sentences, please visit our Swahili Phrases page. Enjoy!

Common Expressions in Swahili

English Swahili Audio
I was born in JulyNilizaliwa mwezi wa julai
I will visit you in AugustNitakutembelea mwezi wa agosti
See you tomorrow!Tuonane kesho!
Today is MondayLeo ni jumatatu
Winter is very cold hereMsimu wa baridi hapa ni baridi sana
Yesterday was SundayJana ilikuwa jumapili
Are you married?Umeolewa?
I'm singleMiko peke
Would you marry me?Ungeweza kuolewa nami?
Can I have your phone number?Naweza kupata nambari yako ya simu?
Can I have your email?Naweza kupata barua pepe yako?

Fun Facts

Language Quote: ❝Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can; there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.❞ ‒Sarah Caldwell

Congratulations! You finished your 12th lesson in Swahili about verbs, and time. Are you ready for the next lesson? We recommend Swahili Lesson 13. You can also simply click on one of the links below or go back to our Learn Swahili homepage.

Lessons Swahili Lessons
Linguistic Swahili Vocabulary
Culture Swahili Phrases
Structure Swahili Grammar