-e

The subjunctive is an essential, everyday structure in Swahili. It is considered the culturally polite way to tell someone to do something, softening a direct command into a respectful request.

Key Uses:

• Polite Commands & Suggestions: Instead of the abrupt imperative Soma! (Read!), use the subjunctive Usome (You should read). To address multiple people politely, use the plural subject prefix m- (e.g., Msome "You all should read"). Note that while you might also hear the plural imperative suffix -eni (e.g., Someni! "Read, you all!"), this is a direct imperative form and not a subjunctive.
• "Let's..." (Cohortative): The first-person plural subjunctive is used to say "Let's do something" (e.g., Tusome "Let's read", Tule "Let's eat").
• Commands with Object Markers: When an object marker is added to a direct command, an a-final verb takes final -e; without a subject prefix this is an object-marked imperative, not a full subjunctive clause (e.g., Soma! "Read!" becomes Kisome! "Read it!"). Note that borrowed verbs (Arabic loanwords) keep their final vowel (e.g., Jaribu! "Try!" becomes Ijaribu! "Try it!").
• Indirect Commands / Desires: The subjunctive is frequently used after verbs of asking, wanting, or telling (e.g., Nataka uende "I want you to go", Mwambie asome "Tell him/her to read").
• Purpose Clauses: It is required after conjunctions like ili (so that / in order to).
• Obligation: It follows words expressing necessity, such as lazima (must) or afadhali (better).
• Sequence of Commands: When giving multiple instructions, the first verb can be an imperative, but following verbs must take the subjunctive. The consecutive -ka- infix is frequently inserted into the subjunctive to mean 'and then' or 'go and' (e.g., Zima jiko ukafungue dirisha "Turn off the stove and open the window", or Nenda ukalete "Go and bring").

Formation Rules:

• No Tense Marker: The subjunctive slot replaces the tense marker entirely.
• The -e Suffix: For standard Bantu verbs ending in -a, change the -a to -e. (e.g., ni-som-e).
• Arabic Loanwords: Borrowed verbs ending in -i, -e, or -u (like kufikiri or kujibu) keep their final vowel. They only drop the tense marker (e.g., ufikiri).
• Monosyllabic Verbs: Monosyllabic verbs with one-syllable roots must drop their infinitive ku- prefix in the subjunctive (e.g., kula becomes ule).
• Negative Subjunctive: To negate the subjunctive, insert the negative infix -si- immediately after the subject prefix. Examples include Usisome (Don't read), Msiende (Don't go, you all), and Tusile (Let's not eat).