hadi

1. Time and Space:
Hadi works equally well for both time ('until') and physical distance ('as far as'). A common myth is that it is only for time, but it is perfectly natural to use it for locations.

2. The Subjunctive Rule:
When saying 'until [someone does something]' in the future, you must use the Subjunctive -e mood. For example, hadi amalize (until he finishes). If the action is already completed in the past, the Consecutive -ka- tense is the most natural and common way to follow hadi (e.g., hadi akamaliza - until he finished).

3. Hadi vs. Mpaka:
You might also hear Until with mpaka. As prepositions, they mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. However, mpaka is also a standard noun (in Classes 3 and 4) meaning a physical 'border' or 'boundary', which perfectly explains why it is used to mean 'up to the limit of' or 'as far as'. Meanwhile, hadi is strictly a preposition or conjunction borrowed from Arabic.

4. Endpoint vs. Direction:
Use hadi to emphasize the limit of a journey ('as far as the school'). Note that hadi is frequently combined with the Locative Suffix -ni on the destination noun. For example, hadi shuleni (as far as the school) or hadi sokoni (as far as the market).

5. Extreme Results and Inclusion:
Hadi (and mpaka) can also be used to mean 'even' or 'so much that' to express extreme results or inclusion. For example, hadi watoto means 'even the children' (implying an extreme limit was reached), and alicheza sana hadi akachoka means 'he played so much that he got tired'. Note that while Even with hata also means 'even', hata is used for simple addition or inclusion, whereas hadi emphasizes reaching an extreme point or limit.

With an Infinitive:
Hadi can introduce an infinitive when its subject is understood: Tuliendelea kutembea hadi kufika kijijini (We kept walking until reaching the village). A finite clause instead identifies its own subject. A destination can be expressed with a locative noun such as shuleni; hadi adds the sense of an endpoint.