Fungu la kumi na tano Kwenda Mombasa (1) — Going to Mombasa

Abstract The infinitive form of the verb can be used for ‘intention’, also after verbs of wishing, willing, trying, and so on, e.g. ninatakakununuatikiti — ‘I want to buy a ticket’. However, if the subject of the second verb is not the same as that of the first, it is necessary to use the subjunctive, e.g. ninatakaununuetikiti — ‘I want you to buy a ticket’, anatakaninunuetikiti — ‘he wants me to buy a ticket’ etc. Either verb can be in the negative, e.g. sitakiununuetikiti — ‘I don’t want you to buy a ticket’, and natakausinunuetikiti— ‘I want you not to buy a ticket’. The difference is subtle but real, and can sometimes be crucial. The negative infinitive has —to— before the stem, e.g. kutonunua — ‘not to buy’. You might say to your husband, jaribukutokunywabialeousiku — ‘try not to drink (any) beer this evening’.