ngiyakukhumbula nami
The English phrase "I miss you too" is translated into Zulu as ngiyakukhumbula nami.
This phrase is used as a response to tell someone that you also feel the sadness caused by their absence.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "I miss you too". The word nami is composed of the particle na (with) and the suffix -mi (me), which together translate to "with me".
Which one should you use?
The form ngiyakukhumbula nami is used when speaking to one person. To say "I miss you too" to more than one person, you change the object concord to ni- and say ngiyanikhumbula nami.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the word ngiyakukhumbula, the ku- component is the object concord that represents "you" in the singular form. Additionally, adding futhi at the end of a sentence can be used to emphasize the mutual feeling of missing each other.
Did you know?
- While English uses the word 'miss' to describe a gap or an absence, Zulu uses a word that describes a mental presence. To Zulu speakers, you do not miss someone because they are gone, but because they are being remembered.
- Because khumbula means both 'miss' and 'remember', a speaker might use this phrase to tell someone they are honoring their memory after they have passed away.
- In highly formal or respectful contexts, Zulu speakers may avoid direct 'I' statements and use more indirect phrasing to express longing to a superior.
Examples in context
- Ngiyakukhumbula nami.I miss you too.
- Ngiyakukhumbula nami, sithandwa sami.I miss you too, my love.
Example conversation
Nomusa and Sipho are talking on the phone after a long time apart.
- NomusaNgikukhumbula kakhulu, Sipho.I miss you so much, Sipho.
- SiphoNgiyakukhumbula nami, Nomusa.I miss you too, Nomusa.
- NomusaSizobonana nini?When will we see each other?
- SiphoSizobonana masinyane.We will see each other soon.
