Ndi a ni funa
The phrase "I love you" in Venda is Ndi a ni funa.
Ndi a ni funa is an affirmation of romantic feeling. Note that the verb funa can mean both "to love" and "to want," so the specific meaning of the phrase depends heavily on the social or romantic context in which it is used.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into Ndi (I), a (an aspect marker), ni (you) and funa (love/want).
Did you know?
- Because funa is so versatile, you could technically use the same word to say 'I love you' and 'I want this fruit', making the context of your surroundings vital to your meaning.
- Venda is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying funa can shift the nuance of the emotion being conveyed.
- The linguistic history of funa connects it to a wide network of Bantu languages, meaning your expression of love shares a common ancestor with 'desire' and 'seeking' across much of Southern Africa.
Examples in context
- Ndi a ni funa zvinene.I love you very much.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before work.
- TshikondiNdi a ni funa, Tshilidzi.I love you, Tshilidzi.
- TshilidziNa nne ndi a ni funa, Tshikondi.I love you too, Tshikondi.
- TshikondiNdi vhone u vhuya u vha na duvha lavhudi.Have a wonderful day.
- TshilidziNdi a livhuwa, u vha na duvha lavhudi na vhone.Thank you, you have a wonderful day too.
