Expressing your longing for someone is a beautiful sentiment that can strengthen your relationships, especially when you’re away from your loved ones. In Catalan, a romance language spoken in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, telling someone “I miss you” can be phrased in various ways depending on formality and the regional dialect. In this guide, you’ll find formal and informal expressions to convey your feelings, along with regional variations if applicable. Let’s dive in and explore the different ways to say “I miss you” in Catalan.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
Formal expressions are suitable for use in professional or respectful settings, or when speaking to someone older, superior, or someone you’re not well-acquainted with.
a. Et trobo a faltar
This expression, pronounced “et TRO-bo a FAL-tar,” is widely used to convey “I miss you” in a formal context. It is a polite way to communicate your longing for someone.
Example: Client to Colleague: Hola, Marta. Et trobo a faltar a les nostres reunions. (Hi, Marta. I miss you in our meetings.)
b. Lamento la teva absència
The phrase “Lamento la teva absència,” pronounced “la-MEN-to la TE-va ab-SAN-sa,” directly translates to “I lament your absence.” This expression carries a formal tone, and it is commonly used in written communication.
Example: Professor to Student: Lamento la teva absència a classe avui. Espero que et recuperis aviat. (I miss you in class today. I hope you recover soon.)
2. Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are used when speaking to friends, family, or close acquaintances. These phrases convey a sense of familiarity and affection.
a. Et trobo a faltar molt
If you wish to emphasize your longing, you can use the phrase “Et trobo a faltar molt,” pronounced “et TRO-bo a FAL-tar molt.” This informal expression adds the word “molt” (a lot) to convey a stronger sentiment.
Example: Friend to Friend: Hola, Marc! Et trobo a faltar molt! Espero veure’t aviat. (Hi, Marc! I miss you a lot! I hope to see you soon.)
b. Tinc ganes de tu
“Tinc ganes de tu,” pronounced “TING GA-nes de tu,” is an alternative informal expression that translates to “I have desire for you.” This phrase is commonly used between close friends or partners.
Example: Sibling to Sibling: Tinc ganes de tu, germana. Quan tornes a casa? (I miss you, sister. When are you coming home?)
3. Regional Variations
Catalan is spoken in various regions, and subtle linguistic differences can exist. Here are a couple of regional variations of expressing “I miss you” in Catalan:
a. Et trobo a faltar, noia/noi
In some areas, such as Barcelona, it’s common to add the words “noia” (girl) or “noi” (boy) after “Et trobo a faltar” to address someone affectionately. These terms denote endearment and are used when talking to someone of the opposite gender.
Example: Parent to Daughter: Et trobo a faltar, noia. Recordes aquella tarda a la platja? (I miss you, girl. Do you remember that afternoon at the beach?)
b. T’enyoro
In some parts of the Balearic Islands, particularly Majorca and Menorca, it is common to use the phrase “T’enyoro” pronounced “tənjɔɾu,” which directly translates to “I miss you” in Catalan.
Example: Partner to Partner: T’enyoro, carinyu. Torna aviat, si us plau. (I miss you, darling. Come back soon, please.)
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a formal or informal expression, or even a regional variation of “I miss you” in Catalan, conveying your feelings to your loved ones is a heartwarming gesture. Being apart from someone you care about can be challenging, but finding the right words in a warm and affectionate manner can bridge the distance. Remember to use the appropriate expression based on the level of formality and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Let these phrases serve as a guide to nurturing your connections and keeping your relationships strong even when separated by distance.
