kadiri...-vyo
Proportional Relative Construction
The construction kadiri... ndivyo... is used to express that two actions or states change in proportion to each other, similar to "the more... the more..." in English.
How It Works
The word kadiri means "extent" or "proportion." When paired with ndivyo (meaning "it is to that extent"), it creates a correlative relationship: "To the extent that X happens, it is to that exact extent that Y happens."
Structure:
- Kadiri + [Verb 1 with -vyo-], ndivyo + [Verb 2 with -vyo-].
In this construction, the -vyo- marker acts as an invariant adverbial marker of manner or degree. It never changes to agree with the subject's noun class.
Examples of the -vyo- placement:
- Present tense: u-na-vyo-soma (as you read)
- Past tense: u-li-vyo-soma (as you read [past])
- Future tense: u-taka-vyo-soma (as you will read) — note that the future tense requires the -taka- marker instead of -ta-
- Tenseless relative: usomavyo (as you read)
- Negative relative: u-si-vyo-soma (as you do not read / the less you read)
Notice that -vyo- acts as an infix (placed between the tense marker and the verb root) for tensed verbs, but moves to the end of the word as a suffix in the tenseless relative.
Using ambavyo:
Instead of attaching -vyo- directly to the verb, it is extremely common to use the independent relative word ambavyo. The structure becomes: Kadiri ambavyo unasoma, ndivyo ambavyo unaelewa. This is often easier for learners as it leaves the main verb intact.
Different Subjects:
The subjects in the two clauses do not have to match. The action of one subject can proportionally affect another (e.g., "The more you read, the more your mind grows").
To emphasize the "more" in "the more... the more...", speakers frequently add the adverb zaidi at the end of the ndivyo clause. Additionally, the verb -zidi (to increase/continue) is often used right after kadiri to express "the more and more" an action happens. When using -zidi, it acts as an auxiliary verb that takes the subject prefix, tense marker, and -vyo- relative marker, while the main verb follows in the infinitive (e.g., Kadiri unavyozidi kusoma...). It is also equally common and natural to mirror -zidi in the ndivyo clause to show parallel progression (e.g., Kadiri unavyozidi kusoma, ndivyo unavyozidi kuelewa). In casual, everyday speech, speakers sometimes replace ndivyo with hivyo.
Shortened Comparisons:
When context supplies the missing predicate, the second part can be shortened to a judgment such as “the better.” A full model is Kadiri inavyokuwa mapema, ndivyo ilivyo bora (The earlier it is, the better it is). Ellipsis relies on the intended comparison already being clear; do not remove a verb mechanically from every ndivyo clause.
Examples (5)
- Kadiri unavyofanya mazoezi, ndivyo unavyokuwa na afya nzuri.
The more you exercise, the healthier you become.
Word by Word: Proportion you-present-manner-do exercise, is-thus you-present-manner-become with health good.
Notice how both verbs (unavyofanya and unavyokuwa) take the -vyo- relative marker.
- Kadiri anavyosoma vitabu vingi, ndivyo anavyoelewa dunia zaidi.
The more books she reads, the more she understands the world.
Word by Word: Proportion she-present-manner-read books many, is-thus she-present-manner-understand world more.
The adverb 'zaidi' is placed at the end of the sentence to emphasize 'the more she understands'.
- Kadiri tunavyozidi kujifunza lugha, ndivyo tunavyopata marafiki wapya.
The more and more we learn languages, the more new friends we make.
Word by Word: Proportion we-present-manner-increase to-learn languages, is-thus we-present-manner-get friends new.
The verb '-zidi' (to increase) is used right after 'kadiri' to emphasize 'the more and more' we learn.
- Kadiri ambavyo wanafanya kazi kwa bidii, ndivyo ambavyo wanafanikiwa.
The harder they work, the more they succeed.
Word by Word: Proportion which they-present-do work with effort, is-thus which they-present-succeed.
This example uses the independent relative word 'ambavyo' instead of attaching '-vyo-' to the verbs.
- Kadiri unavyosoma, ndivyo akili yako inavyokua.
The more you read, the more your mind grows.
Word by Word: Proportion you-present-manner-read, is-thus mind your it-present-manner-grow.
Notice that the subjects are different: 'you' in the first clause and 'your mind' in the second clause.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the relative marker -vyo- from the verbs.
Kadiri unasoma, ndivyo unaelewa.Kadiri unavyosoma, ndivyo unavyoelewa.The relative marker of degree (-vyo-) is mandatory in both clauses to link them grammatically.
Using 'ndiyo' instead of 'ndivyo'.
Kadiri unavyokula, ndiyo unavyoshiba.Kadiri unavyokula, ndivyo unavyoshiba.Learners often confuse 'ndiyo' (yes/it is) with 'ndivyo' (in that way/to that extent). The Class 8 copula 'ndivyo' is required here.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the proportional construction 'kadiri...-vyo-', you must first be familiar with the word 'kadiri' (meaning 'extent' or 'degree') and how Swahili uses the Class 8 relative marker '-vyo-' to express manner or 'the way that' something happens. This pattern combines these two elements to show how two processes change in relation to one another.
Related Patterns
- -vyo- (namna)The Way That with -vyo-
The -vyo- relative marker is the core grammatical component that makes the kadiri... ndivyo construction work.
Level 3 - jinsi...-vyoThe Way That
Similar to kadiri, 'jinsi' uses the -vyo- relative marker, but it expresses 'the way that' rather than proportional change.
Level 5 - zaidiMore with Zaidi
The adverb 'zaidi' (more) is frequently added at the end of the 'ndivyo' clause to emphasize the 'the more... the more...' meaning.
Level 2 - -zidiExceed with -zidi
The verb '-zidi' (to increase/exceed) is often paired with 'kadiri' to emphasize 'the more and more' an action occurs.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice kadiri...-vyo in Bubblegum
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