Ngiyakukhumbula
In Zulu, the phrase for "I miss you" is Ngiyakukhumbula.
In Zulu, the verb khumbula (to remember) is the standard way to express the feeling of missing someone, rather than using a word for 'longing' or 'craving'.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the prefix Ngi- (I), the present tense marker -ya-, the object concord -ku- (you) and the verb khumbula (remember/miss).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Durban, the variation Ngyak'khumbula (wena) is commonly used instead of Ngiyakukhumbula.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase negative, the prefix Ngi- changes to A- and the final vowel of the verb changes from -a to -i resulting in Angikukhumbuli.
Did you know?
- Because khumbula means 'remember', saying Ngiyakukhumbula can be ambiguous. Context determines if you are telling someone you miss them or simply stating that you remember them.
- The root -khumbul- is used in Zulu to describe the process of recalling a forgotten fact. The same root is used when expressing romantic longing for a partner.
- In many Bantu languages, including Zulu, there is no single dedicated verb for 'to miss' like in English. Instead, they use verbs related to memory or the heart.
Examples in context
- Ngiyakukhumbula kakhulu.I miss you very much.
- Ngiyakukhumbula, s'thandwa sami.I miss you, my love.
- Ngiyakukhumbula njalo.I miss you always.
Example conversation
Thandeka is talking to Thulani over a phone call.
- ThandekaSawubona Thulani, ngiyakukhumbula.Hello Thulani, I miss you.
- ThulaniNgiyakukhumbula nawe, Thandeka.I miss you too, Thandeka.
- ThandekaSizobonana nini?When will we see each other?
- ThulaniSizobonana maduze.We will see each other soon.
