Ngiyakuthanda
In Ndebele, "I love you" is Ngiyakuthanda.
Ngiyakuthanda is used to express an affirmation of romantic feeling. Because the verb stem -thanda can mean both "to love" and "to like," the specific intensity of the sentiment is usually understood through the context and the speaker's tone.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ngiyakuthanda breaks down into the prefix ngi- (I), the present tense marker -ya-, the object concord -ku- (you) and the verb stem -thanda (love/like).
Which one should you use?
While Ngiyakuthanda is used when speaking to a single person, you should use Ngiyanithanda if you are telling a group of people that you love them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The object concord -ku- is used specifically when the object of the affection is a single person. To change the object to a plural ("you" meaning multiple people), the concord -ku- changes to -ni-, resulting in Ngiyanithanda.
When do people say it?
If you wish to use a term of endearment for a partner, you can use thando lam, which means "my love".
Did you know?
- While Ngiyakuthanda is the standard phrase, Ndebele speakers may use specific clan names as terms of endearment to show a deeper, more respectful level of love.
- Ndebele belongs to the Nguni group of languages, meaning Ngiyakuthanda is closely related to the way 'I love you' is said in Zulu.
- The root -thanda is used not only for people but also to express a strong liking for a specific food or a place.
Examples in context
- Ngiyakuthanda kakhulu.I love you very much.
- Ngiyakuthanda, sithandwa sami.I love you, my beloved.
- Ngiyakuthanda njalo.I love you always.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye for the day.
- SibusisiweSela kuhle, Mbuso. Ngiyakuthanda.Goodbye, Mbuso. I love you.
- MbusoLala kuhle, Sibusisiwe.Sleep well, Sibusisiwe.
- MbusoNami ngiyakuthanda.I love you too.
- SibusisiweSizobonana kusasa.We will see each other tomorrow.
