monna wa ka
monna wa ka is the Sesotho phrase for "my husband".
The phrase is used to refer to the man to whom a woman is married.
What does it mean word for word?
monna wa ka is composed of monna (man), wa (of) and ka (my), literally meaning "my man".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive particle wa is used to link the noun monna to the first-person possessive pronoun ka.
Did you know?
- The possessive particle wa in monna wa ka is inherited from a Proto-Bantu root meaning 'to fall'.
- In traditional Sesotho culture, a woman might avoid using the phrase monna wa ka in public to show respect, instead using more indirect ways to refer to her spouse.
- In some Basotho contexts, a woman might refer to her husband through his clan name rather than using any phrase involving 'husband' to maintain dignity.
Examples in context
- Monna wa ka o sebetsa haholo.My husband works very hard.
- Ke rata monna wa ka.I love my husband.
- Monna wa ka o a tla.My husband is coming.
Example conversation
Tshepi is introducing Thabo to a friend.
- TshepiKe na le thabo, eno ke monna wa ka.I have a joy, this is my husband.
- ThaboDumelang, ke thabo.Hello, I am Thabo.
- TshepiMonna wa ka o na le pelo e ntle.My husband has a kind heart.
- ThaboKe lekanyetse Tshepi haholo.I appreciate Tshepi very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
