-o

Deverbal Nouns in -o

Level 4

The -o suffix is attached to the end of Bantu-origin verbs (replacing the final -a) to create nouns. It must be paired with a noun class prefix and typically forms inanimate nouns representing an action, a result, or an instrument.

How It Works

The deverbal -o suffix is a highly productive derivational morpheme in Swahili used to form non-agentive nouns (such as actions, results, patients, or instruments). It attaches to the root or extended stem of a verb, replacing the The Final Vowel -a.

Key Characteristics:

  • Class Assignment: It must be assigned to one of the Noun Classes. While it usually takes a visible prefix, in classes like Class 5 (JI-/MA-) or Class 9/10, it may take a zero prefix or a modified nasal prefix (e.g., Class 5: somo = lesson, wazo = thought; Class 9/10: ndoto = dream, kero = annoyance). The class heavily influences the noun's semantic flavor. For example, m- (Class 3) is highly productive for actions or results (mchezo = game, from kucheza), ki- often creates instrument nouns (kifuniko = lid, from kufunika), ma- creates abstract or plural results (maelezo = explanations, from kueleza), and u- creates abstract concepts (upendo = love, from kupenda).
  • Reciprocal -ano Pattern: When the -o suffix is added to verbs with the Reciprocal -ana extension, it creates nouns denoting mutual actions or gatherings (e.g., mkutano = meeting, from kukutana; maelewano = agreement/understanding, from kuelewana).
  • Monosyllabic Verbs: For short verbs, the infinitive ku- is dropped just as it is with regular verbs—despite their tendency to retain it in many other contexts—and the noun class prefix attaches directly to the single consonant root (e.g., kula to eat -> mlo meal; kufa to die -> kifo death).
  • Phonological Rules: Unlike the agentive -i suffix, the non-agentive -o suffix does not trigger consonant mutation. For instance, kuandika (to write) becomes maandiko (writings), keeping the hard /k/.
  • Lexical Restrictions: This suffix is generally restricted to Bantu-origin verbs ending in -a. It does not attach directly to Arabic Loan Verbs ending in -i, -e, or -u. However, if an Arabic verb takes a Bantu Verb Extension ending in -a (most commonly the stative -ika or applicative -ia), it can then take the -o suffix (e.g., kujaribu -> kujaribia -> jaribio = attempt/test; kubadili -> kubadilika -> badiliko = change).

Important Distinctions:
Do not confuse this derivational suffix with the inflectional Infixal Relative -o- used in relative clauses. Furthermore, deverbal -o nouns are established dictionary words with specific meanings. They do not function as English gerunds (like "reading"). To express a pure gerund ("Reading is fun"), use the Infinitive Class 15 (Kusoma ni kuzuri).

Examples (4)

  1. Mchezo huu unahitaji ushirikiano.

    This game requires cooperation.

    Word by Word: Game this requires cooperation.

    Derived from 'kucheza' (to play). The Class 3 prefix 'm-' combined with the '-o' suffix creates an action/result noun.

  2. Tafadhali niletee kifuniko cha sufuria.

    Please bring me the lid of the pot.

    Word by Word: Please bring-to-me lid of pot.

    Derived from 'kufunika' (to cover). The Class 7 prefix 'ki-' combined with the '-o' suffix creates an instrument noun (a tool for covering).

  3. Maelezo yake yalikuwa wazi kabisa.

    His/her explanations were completely clear.

    Word by Word: Explanations his/her were clear completely.

    Derived from the causative extended verb 'kueleza' (to explain). The Class 6 prefix 'ma-' creates a plural result noun.

  4. Upendo wao ni wa kweli.

    Their love is true.

    Word by Word: Love their is of truth.

    Derived from 'kupenda' (to love). The Class 11 prefix 'u-' creates an abstract concept noun.

Common Mistakes

  • The 'Taka' Trap: Using the -o suffix on 'kutaka' to mean 'a desire'.

    Tako langu ni kujifunza Kiswahili.
    Takwa langu ni kujifunza Kiswahili.

    Because the rule is so productive, learners sometimes apply it to 'kutaka' (to want) to form 'tako'. However, 'tako' means 'buttock' (from a different Proto-Bantu root). The correct deverbal noun for 'desire/requirement' is 'takwa' (plural 'matakwa'), derived from the passive stem.

  • Over-applying the -o suffix directly to Arabic loanwords.

    Nina fikiro mpya.
    Nina fikira mpya.

    The -o suffix cannot be added directly to Arabic loanwords ending in -i, -e, or -u. Verbs like 'kufikiri' (to think) have their own established noun forms (like 'fikira' for 'thought'). However, if you add a Bantu extension ending in -a first, you can use the -o suffix (e.g., 'kubadili' -> 'kubadilika' -> 'badiliko').

  • Using the noun somo (lesson) when you mean the act of reading.

    Different MeaningSomo ni muhimu sana.
    Kusoma ni muhimu sana.

    Deverbal -o nouns have specific dictionary meanings (e.g., 'somo' means 'a lesson' or 'a subject'). To express the general act of doing something (like the English -ing gerund 'reading'), you must use the Class 15 infinitive ('kusoma').

How It Connects

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

-oLevel 4Deverbal Nouns in -o

Learn This First

To understand how verbs are transformed into nouns by changing the final vowel to -o, you first need to be familiar with the standard final vowel system of Swahili verbs. Additionally, since these derived words function as nouns, you must understand the noun class system they enter and the general concept of turning actions into nouns (nominalization).

Words in This Pattern

-o