-u- (ngeli ya 11)

Class 11 Object -u-

Level 3

The object marker -u- acts like the pronoun "it" for nouns in Class 11 (singular nouns starting with U- or W-, like ukuta or wimbo) and Class 14 (abstract nouns like uzuri or uhuru). It is placed directly before the verb root.

How It Works

Placement in the Verb:
The object marker goes immediately before the verb root, following the Verb Slot Order: Subject + Tense + (Relative) + Object + Root + Final Vowel.

Before Vowel Roots:
The object marker -u- stays as -u- before vowel-initial verb roots, creating a vowel sequence, such as in the infinitive ku-u-ona (to see it) or the future tense tu-ta-u-imba (we will sing it).

Monosyllabic Verbs:
When adding an object marker to a short verb that usually takes a "dummy" ku- (like kula or kunywa), the ku- is dropped in Standard Swahili. For example, "I am eating it" (referring to uyoga, mushroom) is ninaula, rather than ninaukula (though the latter is common in Kenyan Swahili). This follows the rule for Short Verbs with an Object Marker.

The Imperative Rule:
When you attach an object marker to an affirmative command (imperative), the final vowel of native Bantu verbs must change from -a to -e. For example, to say "Build it!" (referring to ukuta, a wall), you say Ujenge! or Ujenge ukuta!, not Ujenga!.

Specificity and Definiteness:
A common myth is that you cannot use an object marker if you also state the noun in the same sentence. This is false! Saying Ninajenga ukuta means "I am building a wall" (indefinite). Saying Ninaujenga ukuta means "I am building the wall" (definite and specific).

Important Distinctions:

  • Do not confuse this with the Second-Person Singular Subject u- ("you" as a subject). If you want to say "I see you", use the Second-Person Object -ku-, not -u-.
  • This marker is identical in form to the Class 3 Object -u-, which is used for M- class nouns like mti (tree). It is also shared with Class 14 abstract nouns (like uzuri or uhuru). They function exactly the same way, just for different noun classes.
  • Note that the imperative with an object marker (Ujenge! - Build it!) looks identical to the second-person singular subjunctive without an object marker (Ujenge - You should build). If you want to say "You should build it" (Subjunctive + Object Marker), you must use both markers: Uujenge (u- subject + u- object + jeng + e).

Several Listeners or a Negative Command:
Ujengeni! means “Build it!” to several people, referring to a wall. Usiujenge! means “Do not build it!” to one person; Msiujenge! addresses several. The -u- object remains before jeng-, while the subject/negative and plural-address material identifies the command type.

Examples (4)

  1. Mama anaupenda uzi mwekundu.

    Mom likes the red thread.

    Word by Word: Mom she-present-it-like thread red.

    Using the object marker -u- alongside the explicit noun 'uzi' shows that she likes a specific, definite thread.

  2. Wimbo huu ni mzuri, tutauimba kesho.

    This song is good, we will sing it tomorrow.

    Word by Word: Song this is good, we-will-it-sing tomorrow.

    Here, -u- acts as an anaphoric pronoun ('it'), referring back to the Class 11 noun 'wimbo' (song) so it doesn't need to be repeated.

  3. Ukuta umeanguka, lazima tuujenge tena.

    The wall has fallen, we must build it again.

    Word by Word: Wall it-has-fallen, must we-it-build again.

    The object marker -u- refers back to 'ukuta'. Notice how it stays -u- before the consonant-initial root '-jenga'.

  4. Niliuona.

    I saw it.

    Word by Word: I-past-it-see.

    When referring to a known Class 11 noun (like 'uma' / fork), -u- is placed before the vowel-initial root '-ona', creating the sequence '-uo-'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using -u- as the object marker for 'you'.

    Different MeaningNitaupiga.
    Nitakupiga.

    Nitaupiga is a good sentence, but it means 'I will hit it' (a noun like ukuta). Because 'u-' means 'you' as a subject prefix, learners often mistakenly use -u- as the object marker for 'you'. The correct object marker for 'you' is -ku-.

  • Overusing the object marker for indefinite or newly introduced nouns.

    Different MeaningNinautafuta ukuta.
    Ninatafuta ukuta.

    If you are talking about a general or newly introduced inanimate object ('I am looking for a wall'), omit the object marker. Only use -u- for a specific, known wall ('I am looking for the wall').

How It Connects

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

-u- (ngeli ya 11)Level 3Class 11 Object -u-

Learn This First

To learn the Class 11 object marker, you first need to be familiar with Class 11 nouns (often starting with 'u-') and the general structure of the Swahili verb, specifically where the object marker slot is located.

Words in This Pattern

-u-