-o- (ngeli ya 11/14)

Class 11 and 14 Relative -o-

Level 3

The particle -o- is the relative pronoun ("which" or "that") for U-class nouns, both concrete (Class 11, like ukuta) and abstract (Class 14, like uhuru).

How It Works

The relative marker -o- is formed by combining the Class 11/14 subject prefix u- with the referential particle -o. Note that through vowel coalescence, the u merges into the o (u + o = o), so it is simply written as -o-, not -uo-. It is used for both Class 11 (concrete nouns like ukuta / wall) and Class 14 (abstract nouns like uhuru / freedom).

There are three main ways to use it:

  • Infixed in the verb: It slots immediately after the tense marker and before the object marker or verb root. This only works with three specific tenses (past -li-, present -na-, future -taka-) and the tenseless negative marker -si-. Example: ukuta ulioanguka (the wall which fell).
  • Using amba-: You can attach it to amba- to form ambao. This is required for complex tenses like the perfect -me- or conditional -nge-, as well as tensed negatives (like the past or future negative), where infixing is not allowed. Example: ukuta ambao umeanguka (the wall which has fallen).
  • Suffixed to the verb: In the tenseless general relative, the marker is attached to the end of the verb. This is common in literature or formal speech. Example: ukuta uangukao (the wall which falls).

Important Distinctions:
Because ambao is often taught early as the plural for people (Class 2), learners sometimes think it only means "who" (plural). However, ambao is also the correct singular relative pronoun for inanimate nouns in Classes 3, 11, and 14!

Also, while Classes 11 and 14 share this singular relative marker, they are distinct classes because they pluralize differently. Class 11 (ukuta) becomes Class 10 (kuta, taking relative -zo-), while Class 14 (uhuru) is usually uncountable.

An Object Relative:
Ukuta nilioujenga means “the wall that I built.” Its sequence is ni-li-o-u-jeng-a: first-person subject, past, Class 11 relative, Class 11 object marker, root and final vowel. Compare ukuta ulioanguka, where the wall itself is the subject that fell.

Examples (5)

  1. Uji uliochemshwa polepole ni mtamu.

    The porridge which was boiled slowly is delicious.

    Word by Word: Porridge which-was-boiled slowly is delicious.

    This is a subject relative clause. The infix -o- attaches directly to the verb after the past tense marker -li-.

  2. Uhuru ambao tuliupata mwaka huo ulikuwa muhimu.

    The independence that we got that year was important.

    Word by Word: Independence which we-it-got year that was important.

    This is an object relative clause using the independent word ambao for a Class 14 abstract noun.

  3. Ukuta nilioujenga umeanguka.

    The wall which I built has fallen.

    Word by Word: Wall I-past-which-it-build has-fallen.

    Notice the verb slot order: ni (I) + li (past) + o (relative) + u (object marker) + jenga (build).

  4. Ufunguo ambao umepotea ni wangu.

    The key which is lost is mine.

    Word by Word: Key which has-become-lost is mine.

    We must use ambao here because the perfect tense -me- cannot take a relative infix.

  5. Ukuta usioanguka ni imara.

    The wall which does not fall is strong.

    Word by Word: Wall which-does-not-fall is strong.

    Here, the relative -o- is infixed after the negative marker -si-.

Common Mistakes

  • Infixing the relative marker into the perfect tense -me-.

    Ukuta umeoanguka.
    Ukuta ambao umeanguka.

    The perfect tense marker -me- cannot take a relative infix. You must use the independent relative word ambao instead.

  • Defaulting to ambaye or ambacho for all nouns.

    Uhuru ambaye tunautaka.
    Uhuru ambao tunautaka.

    Ambaye is only for Class 1 (singular people). For Class 11 and 14 nouns like uhuru (freedom) or ukuta (wall), you must use ambao to match the noun class.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-o- (ngeli ya 11/14)Level 3Class 11 and 14 Relative -o-

Learn This First

To understand the class 11/14 relative, you must first be familiar with the general Swahili relative infix system (-o-). Additionally, you need to know the specific subject agreement marker for these classes (u-) and be able to identify nouns that belong to class 11 (long/thin objects) or class 14 (abstract nouns).

Words in This Pattern

-o--oambao