zoriontsu naiz
The English phrase "i am happy" is expressed in Basque as zoriontsu naiz.
This phrase is used to express that one feels joy or satisfaction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective zoriontsu (happy) and the first-person singular form of the verb izan (to be), which is naiz (I am). Literally, it translates to "happy am I".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gipuzkoa, people might use Zoriontsu naiz! to say "I am happy!" In Bizkaia, people often opt for Zoriontsua naiz! to express happiness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb naiz is the first-person singular present indicative of izan (to be). If you want to say "you are happy" (singular, informal), you change the verb to zara (zoriontsu zara). To say "we are happy", you change the verb to gara (zoriontsu gara).
Did you know?
- Basque is a language isolate, meaning zoriontsu naiz shares no known ancestor with any other living language. Unlike Spanish or French, it is not related to the Indo-European family.
- The adjective zoriontsu contains the root zorion, which is the word for 'luck' or 'fortune' in Basque. To be happy is, quite literally, to be 'full of luck'.
- In some regions, if you want to wish someone happiness, you would not use this phrase, but instead say Zorionak!, which is the standard way to say 'Congratulations!'
Examples in context
- Benetan pozten naiz, eskerrik asko!I am truly happy, thank you!
- Zoriontsu naiz herri hau ezagutzeagatik!I am happy to be getting to know this village!
- Zoriontsu naiz gaur.I am happy today.
Example conversation
Maite tells Ander about her new house.
- MaiteEtxe berria daukadan zoriontsu naiz.I am happy that I have a new house.
- AnderZoriontsu zara, Maite!You are happy, Maite!
- MaiteBai, oso zoriontsu naiz.Yes, I am very happy.
- AnderZoriontasuna merezitzen duzu.You deserve the happiness.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zoriontsu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
