Nĩngũkũumbũra
The English phrase "i miss you" is translated into Kikuyu as Nĩngũkũumbũra.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Nĩngũkũumbũra is composed of the prefix Nĩ- (indicating a state or continuous action), the object marker ngũ- (representing I-you) and the verb root -umbũra (to miss or long for).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Nĩngũkũumbũra is used specifically when speaking to one person. If you wish to say "I miss you all" to a group of people (plural), you must change the object marker to mũ.
Did you know?
- While Nĩngũkũumbũra expresses longing, Kikuyu has separate words for 'missing' a person and 'missing' a target or an opportunity, unlike English which uses 'miss' for both.
- While English uses a verb to express 'missing', the Kikuyu root '-umbũra' carries a heavy connotation of 'longing' or 'yearning', making the phrase feel more much more intense than a casual 'i miss you'.
- Because Kikuyu is a tonal language, a slight slip in pitch while saying Nĩngũkũumbũra can inadvertently change the word's meaning or make it sound like a different verb entirely.
Example conversation
Maina is calling Wambui on the phone from another town.
- WambuiWĩ mũhoro, Maina?Are you well, Maina?
- MainaNĩ mũhoro, Wambui. Nĩngũkũumbũra mũno.I am well, Wambui. I miss you very much.
- WambuiNĩngũkũumbũra o na niĩ.I miss you too.
- MainaNĩngũkaona o rĩera.I will see you soon.
