urare zvakanaka, mudiwa wangu
The English phrase "good night, my love" is translated into Shona as urare zvakanaka, mudiwa wangu.
This phrase is used to wish a romantic partner a peaceful sleep before they go to bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb kurara (to sleep) in the imperative form, zvakanaka (well/goodly) and mudiwa wangu (my beloved/loved one).
Did you know?
- If you wish to be even more affectionate, you can replace mudiwa wangu with moyo wangu, which literally means 'my heart'.
- The word mudiwa comes from the verb -diwa, which is the passive form of 'to love', meaning the person is 'the one who is loved'.
- While mudiwa literally means 'loved one', it is frequently used as a general term of endearment for children and close family members, not just romantic partners.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight in their bedroom.
- NyashaUrare zvakanaka, mudiwa wangu.Good night, my love.
- KudzaiUrare zvakanaka nawe, mudiwa wangu.Good night to you too, my love.
- NyashaNdinokuda kwazvo.I love you very much.
- KudzaiNdinokudawo, mudiwa wangu.I love you too, my love.
