nanjye ndagukumbuye
In Kinyarwanda, the English phrase "I miss you too" is expressed as nanjye ndagukumbuye.
This phrase is used as a response to tell someone that you also feel a longing for them after they have expressed that they miss you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of na- (also/and), -jye (me), nda- (present continuous marker), -ku- (you) and -kumbuye (missed/longed for).
Which one should you use?
The component nanjye functions as the "too" or "also me" part of the sentence, serving to emphasize that the feeling of missing the other person is mutual.
Did you know?
- Because Kinyarwanda is an agglutinative language, the single word ndagukumbuye is actually a complex construction of several tiny pieces of grammar fused together like beads on a string.
- The phrase ndagukumbuye can be used not only for people but also for a place or a home, meaning the longing is tied to the feeling of belonging.
- The verb kumbura is distinct from phrases used for 'wanting to see someone', focusing specifically on the pain of separation rather than the desire for a meeting.
Examples in context
- Nanjye ndagukumbuye cyane.I miss you very much too.
- Nanjye ndagukumbuye, mwana wanjye.I miss you too, my dear.
- Ese ndagukumbuye? Nanjye ndagukumbuye!Do you miss me? I miss you too!
Example conversation
Aurore and Patrick are talking on the phone after a long time.
- aurorePatrick, ndagukumbuye cyane.Patrick, I miss you very much.
- PatrickNanjye ndagukumbuye, Aurore.I miss you too, Aurore.
- auroreTwazabonana ryari?When can we see each other?
- PatrickTuzabonana cyane vuba.We will see each other very soon.
