wakati

When or While with Wakati

Level 2

Wakati literally means "time," but it is most frequently used as a conjunction meaning "while" or "during" to show that two things are happening at the same time.

How It Works

The word wakati literally means "time" and is used to introduce "when" or "while" clauses. It can be followed by a plain verb (like wakati ninasoma), but it is very commonly paired with specific verb forms:

  • Wakati + -po- (When/While): A frequent structure is combining wakati with the temporal relative -po-. For example, wakati ninaposoma (when/while I am reading), wakati nilipofika (when I arrived), or wakati nitakapofika (when I will arrive). Note that because -po- already means "when," the word wakati is entirely optional and often dropped.
  • Wakati + -ki- (While): To emphasize simultaneous actions, pair wakati with the simultaneous -ki- tense. For example, wakati nikisoma (while reading).
  • Wakati wa + Noun (During): Because wakati is a Class 11 noun, it uses the associative marker wa to mean "the time of" or "during." For example, wakati wa mkutano (during the meeting). Its plural is nyakati (Class 10), used in phrases like nyakati hizi (these days).

Wakati vs. Muda
Both translate to "time" in English. Use wakati for a point in time, an era, or "when/while." Use muda for a duration or allotment of time. However, in everyday speech, both are acceptable in phrases like sina wakati or sina muda (I don't have time).

Useful Fixed Phrases:
Wakati huo huo means “at the same time,” wakati wote means “all the time,” and wakati wowote means “at any time.” Kwa wakati can mean “on time.” The added words determine the time relation; wakati alone does not express all these meanings.

Examples (6)

  1. Mtoto anakula wakati mama anapopika.

    The child is eating while the mother is cooking.

    Word by Word: Child is-eating time mother is-cooking-when.

    Shows two simultaneous actions using wakati followed by a verb with the -po- relative infix.

  2. Mlango wa dharura hufunguliwa tu wakati wa hatari.

    The emergency door is only opened during times of danger.

    Word by Word: Door of emergency is-usually-opened only time of danger.

    Demonstrates 'wakati wa' + noun to mean 'during'.

  3. Mwamuzi alisimamisha mchezo wakati kanuni zilipovunjwa.

    The referee stopped the game when the rules were broken.

    Word by Word: Referee stopped game time rules were-broken-when.

    Wakati establishes the temporal setting of the main action, pairing with the past relative -lipo-.

  4. Wakati nilipofika, walikuwa wamelala.

    At the time when I arrived, they were asleep.

    Word by Word: Time when-I-arrived, they-were they-have-slept.

    Combining wakati with the -po- relative infix is the standard way to form a 'when' clause.

  5. Usiongee na simu wakati ukiendesha gari.

    Do not talk on the phone while driving a car.

    Word by Word: Do-not-talk with phone time while-you-drive car.

    Wakati pairs naturally with the simultaneous -ki- tense to emphasize actions happening at the same time.

  6. Wakati utakapofika, nitakujulisha.

    When you arrive, I will let you know.

    Word by Word: Time when-you-will-arrive, I-will-you-inform.

    For future events, wakati must be followed by a verb using the future relative marker -takapo-.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong associative marker (saying 'wakati ya' instead of 'wakati wa').

    Tutaonana wakati ya chakula cha mchana.
    Tutaonana wakati wa chakula cha mchana.

    Because 'wakati' is an abstract concept, learners often guess it belongs to Class 9 (using 'ya'). However, 'wakati' is a Class 11 noun and strictly requires the Class 11 marker 'wa'.

  • Using 'wakati' as a question word to ask 'when?'

    Wakati utaondoka?
    Utaondoka lini?

    While 'wakati' translates to 'when' as a conjunction (e.g., 'when I arrived'), it cannot be used as a question word. To ask 'when?' in a question, you must use the specific question word 'lini'.

How It Connects

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wakatiLevel 2When or While with Wakati

Learn This First

To use 'wakati' effectively, a learner needs to understand how to form basic Swahili verbs for finite time clauses and how to use the associative marker '-a' to connect 'wakati' to nouns or infinitives.

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wakati