ninakutaka
The Swahili phrase "I want you" is expressed as ninakutaka.
This phrase is used to express a strong romantic or sexual desire for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ninakutaka is composed of the subject prefix ni- (I), the tense marker -na- (present continuous), the object marker -ku- (you) and the verb stem -taka (want).
Which one should you use?
ninakutaka expresses desire or wanting, whereas ninakuhitaji is used to express a more fundamental need or necessity (I need you).
Did you know?
- In Swahili, the verb taka is a linguistic chameleon. In a marketplace, it is a polite way to say 'I'll take this', but in a bedroom, it is a heavy expression of sexual desire.
- In the romantic music of the coast, known as Taarab, musicians use the concept of kutaka to talk about much more than physical lust. They use it to describe the whims of destiny or a soul's deep longing.
- The word taka belongs to a massive linguistic family. It is a cognate found in many different Bantu languages across Central and Southern Africa, showing how ancient these roots are.
Examples in context
- Ninakutaka sana leo.I want you very much today.
- Mpenzi, ninakutaka.Darling, I want you.
- Ninakutaka kwa moyo wote.I want you with all my heart.
Example conversation
A romantic evening at home.
- AishaBakari, ninakutaka sana.Bakari, I want you so much.
- BakariNa mimi ninakutaka, Aisha.And I want you, Aisha.
- AishaNakupenda sana.I love you very much.
- BakariNakupenda pia.I love you too.
