Ngiyakukhumbula
The English phrase "I miss you" is translated into Ndebele as Ngiyakukhumbula.
Ngiyakukhumbula is the standard way to express longing for someone in Ndebele.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the following parts: ngi- (I), -ya- (present continuous marker), -ku- (you) and -khumbula (remember/miss).
Which one should you use?
Ngiyakukhumbula is used when you miss a single person. If you are speaking to more than one person, you should use Ngiyabakhumbula.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Ndebele, the verb usually follows the subject, as seen in Ngiyakukhumbula. To address multiple people, the object concord changes from -ku- to -ba-, resulting in Ngiyabakhumbula.
Did you know?
- While Ngiyakukhumbula is the literal translation, Ndebele speakers often express deep longing by talking about the 'heart' inhliziyo, describing it as being 'heavy' or 'aching' for the person.
- Ndebele belongs to the Nguni group of languages, meaning Ngiyakukhumbula is closely related to the Zulu word Ngiyakukukhumbula, often making the two phrases mutually intelligible.
- The root word khumbula means both 'to miss' and 'to remember'. In Ndebele, missing someone is conceptually the same as keeping their memory active in your mind.
Examples in context
- Ngiyakukhumbula kakhulu, sithandwa sami.I miss you very much, my darling.
- Ngiyakukhumbula, sifuna ukukubona.I miss you, we want to see you.
- Ngiyakukhumbula kakhulu namhla.I miss you a lot today.
Example conversation
Thulani is talking to Sibusisiwe over the phone.
- ThulaniSawubona Sibusisiwe, ngiyakukhumbula.Hello Sibusisiwe, I miss you.
- SibusisiweNgiyakukhumbula nawe, Thulani.I miss you too, Thulani.
- ThulaniSizobona nini?When will we see each other?
- SibusisiweSizobona maduze.We will see each other soon.
