ambao

Classes 2 or 3 Ambao

Level 3

Ambao is a separate word used to say "who" for plural people (Class 2) or "which/that" for singular objects like trees (Class 3), as well as U-class nouns (Classes 11 and 14).

How It Works

In Swahili, relative clauses (sentences using "who", "which", or "that") can be formed using the independent word amba-.

The form ambao is unique because it serves multiple different noun classes that happen to share the same relative suffix (-o):

  • Class 2 (Plural People): watu ambao (people who)
  • Class 3 (Singular Objects/Plants): mti ambao (the tree which)
  • Class 11 (Singular U-class): ukuta ambao (the wall which)
  • Class 14 (Abstract U-class): upendo ambao (the love which)

When to use it:
While you can use amba- relatives with almost any tense, they are required when your relative clause uses a tense that cannot take an infix, such as the perfect tense (-me-) or the conditional (-nge-).

The Object Infix Rule:
When ambao functions as the object of the relative clause (e.g., "the tree which I planted"), Swahili strictly requires you to include the corresponding object marker on the verb. For example, mti ambao niliupanda (not nilipanda).

Important Nuance:
Because ambao looks identical for these classes, the subject or object prefix on the verb helps clarify the meaning, specifically distinguishing Class 2 from the others. For example, watu ambao walianguka (the people who fell — Class 2 prefix wa-) versus mti ambao ulianguka (the tree which fell — Class 3 prefix u-). Note that Classes 3, 11, and 14 all share the same u- prefix, so the noun itself provides the context to tell them apart. Do not confuse it with ambaye, which is strictly for singular people (Class 1).

Plural People as the Object:
Wanafunzi ambao niliwaona means “the students whom I saw.” -Wa- is the Class 2 object marker. Do not copy Class 3 -u- from an example about a tree into a clause about people.

Examples (6)

  1. Wanafunzi ambao wanasoma Kiswahili ni wengi.

    The students who are studying Swahili are many.

    Word by Word: Students who they-are-studying Swahili are many.

    Class 2 usage: 'ambao' means 'who' for plural people. Notice the verb takes the standard 'wa-' subject prefix.

  2. Mti ambao ulianguka jana ni mkubwa.

    The tree which fell yesterday is big.

    Word by Word: Tree which it-past-fall yesterday is big.

    Class 3 usage: 'ambao' means 'which' for a singular plant/object. The verb takes the Class 3 'u-' prefix.

  3. Mkate ambao umeoza utatupwa.

    The bread which has rotted will be thrown away.

    Word by Word: Bread which it-has-rotted it-will-be-thrown-away.

    Because the perfect tense (-me-) cannot take a relative infix, the independent 'ambao' is grammatically required here.

  4. Wageni ambao hawajafika wako njiani.

    The guests who have not yet arrived are on the way.

    Word by Word: Guests who they-not-yet-arrive they-are on-way.

    Another example where 'ambao' is required, as the 'not yet' tense (-ja-) does not accept relative infixes.

  5. Mti ambao niliupanda unakua vizuri.

    The tree which I planted is growing well.

    Word by Word: Tree which I-past-it-plant it-is-growing well.

    The Object Infix Rule: When 'ambao' is the object of the clause, the verb must include the matching object marker (here, '-u-' for Class 3).

  6. Ukuta ambao waliujenga ni imara.

    The wall which they built is strong.

    Word by Word: Wall which they-past-it-build is strong.

    'Ambao' is also used for Class 11 (U-class) nouns like 'ukuta'. Notice the required '-u-' object marker on the verb because the wall is the object being built.

Common Mistakes

  • Double Relativization (using amba- and an infix together)

    Watu ambao wanaosoma Kiswahili.
    Watu ambao wanasoma Kiswahili.

    Standard Swahili requires you to choose one relative strategy. If you use 'ambao', the following verb must use a standard tense marker without a relative infix (-o-).

  • Verb Concord Mismatch

    Mti ambao inaanguka.
    Mti ambao unaanguka.

    Even though 'ambao' is used for multiple classes, the verb that follows it must still use the correct subject prefix for the specific noun (e.g., 'u-' for Class 3, not the default 'i-').

How It Connects

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

ambaoLevel 3Classes 2 or 3 Ambao

Learn This First

To understand 'ambao', a learner must first be familiar with the 'amba-' relative clause structure and how the relative markers (o-of-reference) for Class 2 (plural people) and Class 3 (singular trees/objects) are formed and attached to it.

Words in This Pattern

ambaoamba