زما به ته يادېږې
zma ba tə yadege
The English phrase "I will miss you" is translated into Pashto as زما به ته يادېږې (zma ba tə yadege).
This phrase is used to tell someone that you will feel sad when they are gone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "You will be remembered by me" or "You will be remembered to me".
How do you pronounce it?
zma ba tə yadege
Did you know?
- The word ته is a cognate of the English word 'thou'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *túh₂ used for the second person singular.
- In poetic Pashto literature, the concept of 'missing' someone is often linked to the physical pain of the heart. Phrases like this are frequently expanded in poetry to describe a heart that 'burns' with the memory of the absent person.
- While the phrase means 'I will miss you', it can be used as a way to say 'goodbye' in emotional departures. It functions as a social ritual to ensure the bond remains strong despite the physical distance.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are saying goodbye at the airport.
- عمر Omarمریم، زما به ته يادېږې.Maryam, zama ba ta yadege.Maryam, I will miss you.
- مریم Maryamمننه عمر، زه به هم ته يادېږم.Manana Omar, za ba ham ta yadegam.Thank you Omar, I will miss you too.
- عمر Omarپلاړه مې اخلئ.Plara me akhlay.Keep me in your prayers.
- مریم Maryamهو، زه به تل ياد دې کوم.Ho, za ba tal yaad day kawom.Yes, I will always remember you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ته, CC BY-SA 4.0.
