tena
adverb · conjunction
again; further; then; in addition.
Adds another step, a repetition, or a next point in speech.
Origins
Tena is a high-frequency adverb for “again” and “further.” Historical dictionaries record those senses clearly; the comparative record marks borrowing as only possible, so a firm prehistory claim stays open.
Sources3
M. Haspelmath and U. Tadmor, World Loanword Database · Swahili profile (Max Planck Institute / Lexibank, 2009), Swahili profile; forms.csv (tena).
Lists Swahili tena for again and marks borrowing as only perhaps present.
A. C. Madan, Swahili-English Dictionary (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903), alphabetical entry: Tena.
Records tena as then, further, again, in addition.
Edward Steere, A Handbook of the Swahili Language as Spoken at Zanzibar (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1884), alphabetical / English index: Again, Afterwards.
Records tena as afterwards, again, further.
Examples
Semana tena.
Say it again.
Alirudi tena.
She came back again.
Na tena, ni muhimu.
And further, it is important.
Usifanye hivyo tena.
Do not do that again.
Tutaongea tena baadaye.
We will talk again later.
Ameniita tena.
He has called me again.
Jaribu tena polepole.
Try again slowly.
Sipendi chakula hicho tena.
I do not like that food anymore.
Tena, asante kwa msaada.
Again, thank you for the help.
