uthando
The Ndebele word for love is uthando.
uthando is a noun referring to the concept of strong affection.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Ndebele, the word thanda is used to mean love. In Northwestern Ndebele, ukuthanda is a common expression for love.
When do people say it?
If you wish to address someone as 'my love', you can use the phrase sthandwa sami.
Did you know?
- Because Ndebele is a tonal language, a slight change in the pitch of uthando can change the meaning or emphasis of the sentence.
- The word uthando shares a linguistic root with other Nguni languages, meaning that a speaker of Zulu can often recognize the word for love.
- In Ndebele culture, the concept of uthando extends beyond romantic partners to include a deep, collective responsibility for the welfare of the extended family and community.
Examples in context
- Ngiyakuthanda.I love you.
- Ngiyakuthanda kakhulu.I love you very much.
- Uthanda ukucabanga ngezindlela ezintsha.You love thinking about new ways.
- Sifuna uthando emndenini.We want love in the family.
- Uthando luyisisekelu sokuphila.Love is the foundation of life.
Example conversation
Sibusisiwe and Mbuso are talking about their relationship.
- SibusisiweSibusisiwe: Ngizwa uthando lwakho, Mbuso.I feel your love, Mbuso.
- MbusoMbuso: Ngiyakuthanda kakhulu, Sibusisiwe.I love you very much, Sibusisiwe.
- SibusisiweSibusisiwe: Uthando lwethu luyakhula.Our love is growing.
- MbusoMbuso: Yebo, luyakhula njalo.Yes, it grows every day.
