ndi a ni funa
The English phrase "I want you" is expressed in Venda as ndi a ni funa.
This phrase is used to express romantic love or a strong desire for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ndi a ni funa translates to "I love you".
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between wanting a person and loving a person, the Venda verb fun covers both affection and desire.
Did you know?
- Because funa can mean 'to seek', saying ndi a ni funa can occasionally be interpreted as 'I have been looking for you' depending on the situation.
- Using ndi a ni funa in a formal setting with an elder could be seen as highly inappropriate because it collapses the distance between admiration and intimacy.
- In Venda, the same verb funa is used to express a deep romantic longing for a partner and a simple desire for a snack. The context of the sentence, rather than the verb itself, determines if you are being poetic or just hungry.
Example conversation
A couple is sharing a quiet moment together.
- AzwathuMutsila, ndi a ni funa.Mutsila, I want you.
- MutsilaNdi a ni funa na nne, Azwathu.I want you too, Azwathu.
- AzwathuNi ndo vha wawe.You are mine.
- MutsilaNdi wawe u fha tshipida tshi rathi.I am yours in a romantic way.
