Nakupenda pia
Nakupenda pia is the Swahili way to say "I love you too".
This phrase is used as a response to tell someone that you feel the same love for them that they expressed to you.
How does it change in a sentence?
If a group of people is responding to one person, the subject prefix changes from na- (I) to tu- (we) to become Tunakupenda pia (We love you too).
Did you know?
- Because Swahili is a Bantu language, the word Nakupenda is actually a whole sentence compressed into one word, containing the subject, tense, object and verb.
- In some East African contexts, avoiding direct eye contact while saying Nakupenda can actually be a sign of modesty and deep respect for the other person.
- The word penda is used for both romantic love and liking an object or activity, meaning Nakupenda could theoretically be used for a favorite food if the context allows.
Examples in context
- Nakupenda pia, mpenzi.I love you too, darling.
- Nakupenda pia, kwa dhati.I love you too, sincerely.
- Asante, nakupenda pia.Thank you, I love you too.
Example conversation
Said and Zuwena are saying goodbye before work.
- SaidNakupenda sana, Zuwena.I love you very much, Zuwena.
- ZuwenaNakupenda pia, Said.I love you too, Said.
- SaidTutaonana jioni leo.We will see each other this evening.
- ZuwenaSawa, safari njema!Okay, have a good trip!
