Ndiyakuthanda nam
To say "I love you too" in Xhosa, you say Ndiyakuthanda nam.
This phrase is used as a response to tell someone that you feel the same love for them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ndiyakuthanda nam is composed of Ndi- (I), -ya- (present continuous marker), -ku- (you), -thanda (love) and nam (also/too).
Which one should you use?
You can also use Ndiyakuthanda nawe to express reciprocal feeling, which specifically emphasizes "with you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on how many people you are addressing. While -ku- is used for a singular "you", you should use Ndiyanithanda nam if you are responding to more than one person, as the object pronoun changes to -ni- (plural you).
Did you know?
- In Xhosa culture, expressing love through the word thanda is often reserved for deep familial or romantic bonds, as affection is more frequently shown through actions and respect than verbal declarations.
- The word thanda is a versatile root that can be used to express much more than just romantic love, including liking or wanting something.
- While Ndiyakuthanda nam is a direct translation, Xhosa speakers often use terms of endearment like Sithandwa sam meaning 'my beloved' to soften the intensity of the declaration.
Examples in context
- Ndiyakuthanda nam, sithandwa sam.I love you too, my darling.
- Ndiyakuthanda nam, ndithembisa.I love you too, I promise.
Example conversation
A couple is sitting in a park during sunset.
- ThandoNdiyakuthanda kakhulu, Andiswa.I love you very much, Andiswa.
- AndiswaNdiyakuthanda nam, Thando.I love you too, Thando.
- ThandoUyandivuyisa kakhulu.You make me very happy.
- AndiswaNawe uyandivuyisa.You make me happy too.
