-i- (ngeli ya 4)

Class 4 Object -i-

Level 3

The infix -i- is the object marker for Class 4 nouns, which are the plural counterparts to Class 3 (the m-/mi- class, like miti or mizigo). It translates to "them" for these inanimate objects and is placed directly before the verb root.

How It Works

Placement: The -i- marker sits in the object slot of the verb template. It comes immediately after any relative infix (if present) and always sits directly before the verb root (e.g., niliikata - I cut them).

Before Vowels: Learners often expect the -i- to glide into a "y" before vowels because Class 4 subject and possessive concords often do that before certain vowels (for example, i + a = ya, as in miti yangu). However, the Class 4 object marker -i- does not glide or disappear before vowel-initial verb roots. It remains a distinct -i- (e.g., aliiona - he saw them; aliiuza - he sold them).

Definiteness and Specificity: For inanimate classes like Class 4, omitting the object marker when the noun is explicitly mentioned usually makes it indefinite (e.g., nitapanda miti - I will plant trees). Including the -i- alongside the noun indicates definiteness or specificity (e.g., nitaipanda miti - I will plant the trees). It is also used when the object is moved to the front of the sentence for focus.

The Imperative Rule: Whenever you use an object marker with a command, the final vowel of Bantu-origin verbs ending in -a must change to -e. For example, kata (cut) becomes ikate (cut them). However, borrowed verbs ending in -i, -e, or -u do not change their final vowel. For instance, jaribu (try) becomes ijaribu (try them), not ijaribe.

Monosyllabic Verbs: When adding an object marker to short verbs that usually keep their infinitive ku- (like kula or kunywa), the ku- is dropped. This is because the object marker provides the necessary syllable for stress. For example, nitaila (I will eat them - e.g., mihogo), not nitaikula. In the imperative, it becomes ile! (eat them!), not ikule!. You can review this in Short Verbs with an Object Marker.

Symmetry and Look-Alikes: Because Class 4 is plural, learners often mistakenly try to use the Class 10 object marker -zi-. Remember that Class 4 uses -i-. Helpfully, this is identical to the Class 4 subject marker (e.g., miti ilianguka - the trees fell), as well as the singular Class 9 object marker.

Don't Confuse with the Relative Marker: Another common mistake is using the Class 4 relative marker -yo- in the object slot because learners are familiar with ya and yo in other Class 4 contexts. Remember that the object marker is always -i-.

The Same Verb, Different Nouns:
Miti? Niliiona means “The trees? I saw them.” Nyumba? Niliiona can mean “The house? I saw it.” The object marker -i- is shared by Class 4 and Class 9. The noun and discourse identify whether the reference is plural trees or a singular house.

Examples (4)

  1. Mizigo iko wapi? Niliiona ndani.

    Where are the bags? I saw them inside.

    Word by Word: Bags are where? I-past-them-see inside.

    The object marker -i- refers back to "mizigo" (bags) and stays distinct before the vowel-initial root "-ona".

  2. Miti hii inakua haraka kwa sababu ninaimwagilia maji.

    These trees are growing fast because I am watering them.

    Word by Word: Trees these are-growing fast for reason I-present-them-water water.

    Here, -i- acts as the pronoun "them" for the Class 4 noun "miti" (trees).

  3. Walimu walitoa mifano mizuri; tusiipuuze.

    The teachers gave good examples; let's not ignore them.

    Word by Word: Teachers they-past-give examples good; we-should-not-them-ignore.

    The marker -i- refers to "mifano" (examples) and is placed right before the verb root "-puuza".

  4. Niliikata mikate yote.

    I cut all the loaves of bread.

    Word by Word: I-past-them-cut loaves-of-bread all.

    Using the object marker alongside the explicit noun "mikate" adds strong focus or definiteness to the object.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Class 10 object marker -zi- because the noun is plural.

    Nilizinunua mikate.
    Niliinunua mikate.

    Learners often assume all plural inanimate nouns use -zi-. However, Class 4 (mi- nouns) specifically uses -i-, even though it is plural.

  • Dropping or gliding the -i- before a vowel-initial verb root.

    Niliyona mioto.
    Niliiona mioto.

    Unlike some prefixes, the Class 4 object marker -i- does not glide to "y" or disappear before a vowel. It remains a distinct -i-.

How It Connects

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

-i- (ngeli ya 4)Level 3Class 4 Object -i-

Learn This First

To use the Class 4 object marker -i-, you must be able to identify Class 4 nouns (the plural of the M-MI class) and understand the standard position of object markers within the Swahili verb template.

Words in This Pattern

-i-