Ndimakusowa
The English phrase "I miss you" is translated into Chichewa as Ndimakusowa.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ndimakusowa is composed of the prefix ndi- (I), the tense marker -ma- (present/habitual), the object infix -ku- (you) and the verb stem -sowa (to miss/lack).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I miss you too", you can add the suffix -anso to the end of the phrase to form Ndimakusowanso.
Did you know?
- While 'missing' someone is a common concept, the Chichewa way of describing it shares a linguistic root with words used for being 'deprived' of resources, such as food or water.
- In much of Malawi, where Chichewa is widely spoken, showing affection is often done through actions of service or sharing food rather than just verbalizing 'I miss you'.
- While Ndimakusowa is used for people, you can use the same verb stem sowa to describe a missing object or a lost item in a household.
Examples in context
- Ndimakusowa kwambiri.I miss you very much.
Example conversation
Kondwani and Mphindi are talking on the phone after a long distance trip.
- KondwaniMphindi, ndimakusowa.Mphindi, I miss you.
- MphindiZikomo, ndimakusowanso.Thank you, I miss you too.
- KondwaniNdikafika, tikakumana.When I arrive, we will meet.
- MphindiChabwino, Kondwani.Okay, Kondwani.
