guinaiya-ku
The English phrase "my love" is translated into Chamorro as guinaiya-ku.
guinaiya-ku is a term of endearment used to address someone the speaker loves.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of guinaiya, meaning "love" and the suffix -ku, meaning "my".
Did you know?
- Chamorro is an Austronesian language, meaning guinaiya shares a very distant ancestral root with languages spoken in Madagascar and the Philippines. This links the word 'love' in the Marianas to a massive family of languages across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- In many Chamorro-speaking households, terms of endearment are often used by elders toward much younger children, making the phrase sound more nurturing than strictly romantic.
- While guinaiya-ku is a beautiful expression, it is more frequently used as a noun meaning 'my love' rather than a direct way to call out to a person in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- I hao guinaiya-ku.You are my love.
- I na'ma'åse guinaiya-ku.I'm sorry, my love.
Example conversation
Angelica and Jose are saying goodbye before work.
- AngelicaAdios, guinaiya-ku.Goodbye, my love.
- JoseAdios, Angelica. Siesta yan faniña.Goodbye, Angelica. Rest and be well.
- AngelicaI'll see you tonight, Jose.I'll see you tonight, Jose.
- JoseI can't wait, guinaiya-ku.I can't wait, my love.
