Nĩngwendete
The English phrase "I love you" is translated into Kikuyu as Nĩngwendete.
Nĩngwendete is used to express strong affection or intense love, often translated as "I adore you."
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While Nĩngwendete is the standard way to express romantic love, the underlying verb can also be used to mean "to want" or "to desire" in non-romantic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb root in Nĩngwendete is derived from kwenda, which can mean both "to love" and "to want" depending on the context.
Did you know?
- The phrase Nĩngwendete utilizes a complex verb system where the subject 'I' and the object 'you' are fused into the word. This makes the entire sentence a single, long word rather than a string of separate parts.
- In many Kikuyu social settings, expressing love too directly or frequently with Nĩngwendete can be seen as overly intense or even embarrassing, as traditional affection is often shown through actions rather than words.
- The word kwenda is related to the concept of 'will' or 'intent' in wider Bantu linguistic structures. This links the feeling of love to the conscious choice of wanting someone in one's life.
Examples in context
- Nĩngwendete.I adore you.
- Ninakuthamini.I value you.
- Nĩngwendete mũno.I love you very much.
- Nĩngwendete o na rĩrĩa tũrĩ o nyene.I love you even when we are alone.
Example conversation
Wambui and Maina are saying goodbye for the evening.
- WambuiNĩngwendete, Maina.I love you, Maina.
- MainaNa niĩ nĩngwendete, Wambui.And I love you too, Wambui.
- WambuiTũonane rũcũkũ.See you tomorrow.
- MainaŨrĩke na thayamari.Stay in peace.
