Ngiyakukhumbula
The English phrase "I miss you" is translated into Swati as Ngiyakukhumbula.
Ngiyakukhumbula is used to express that you miss someone. The verb root khumbula can also mean "to remember" depending on the context.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ngiyakukhumbula breaks down into the following parts: Ngi- (I), -ya- (present tense marker), -ku- (you) and -khumbula (miss/remember).
Which one should you use?
While Ngiyakukhumbula is used when addressing one person, Ngiyanikhumbula is used when addressing multiple people or when using a formal version of "you".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Ngiyakukhumbula, the object marker -ku- specifically refers to a singular "you". To address more than one person or to use the respectful/formal "you", replace the -ku- with -ni- to form Ngiyanikhumbula.
Did you know?
- The structure of Ngiyakukhumbula is agglutinative, meaning it packs a whole English sentence into one single word by gluing different meaning-units together.
- The root khumbula is shared with Zulu, another Nguni language, meaning that this expression of longing is understood across a large part of Southern Africa.
- Swati is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying Ngiyakukhumbula can change the emotional weight or emphasis of the sentiment.
Examples in context
- Ngiyakukhumbula kakhulu.I miss you very much.
- Ngiyakukhumbula, sithandwa sami.I miss you, my love.
Example conversation
Thabo and Sibusisiwe are talking on the phone.
- ThaboSawubona, Sibusisiwe.Hello, Sibusisiwe.
- SibusisiweYebo, Thabo. Unjani?Yes, Thabo. How are you?
- ThaboNgiyaphila, kodvwa ngiyakukhumbula.I am fine, but I miss you.
- SibusisiweNami ngiyakukhumbula.I miss you too.
