nĩngwenda
In Kikuyu, the phrase "I want" is expressed as nĩngwenda.
The phrase is used to express a desire or a wish for something. The underlying concept stems from the root verb kwenda, which can mean both "to want" and "to love" depending on the context in which it is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
nĩngwenda is the standard way to express a first-person singular desire in the present tense.
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase nĩngwenda while looking at a person, you might accidentally confess your love instead of asking for an object.
- Using nĩngwenda when speaking to an elder can be perceived as blunt or rude without the addition of specific respectful particles.
- The word kwenda is shared across many Bantu languages to represent both a physical desire and an emotional bond.
Examples in context
- Nĩngwenda maĩ.I want maize.
Example conversation
Njeri and Mwangi are deciding what to do for the afternoon.
- NjeriMwangi, nĩngwenda gũthoma mbũka.Mwangi, I want to read a book.
- MwangiNĩ wega, nĩ tũtũke rĩu.That is good, let's go now.
- NjeriNĩngwenda gũthiĩ kũrĩ kũrĩa kũrĩ kũgaatĩ.I want to go where it is quiet.
- MwangiNĩ tũthiĩ kĩrĩndũ-inĩ.Let's go to the garden.
