mwendwa wakwa
The English phrase "my love" is translated into Kikuyu as mwendwa wakwa.
mwendwa wakwa is used as a direct address to a romantic partner or a person one holds dear.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun mwendwa, which is derived from the verb wendwa meaning "to be loved" and the possessive wakwa, which means "my" or "of mine".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive marker wakwa is attached to the noun mwendwa to indicate first-person singular possession.
Did you know?
- Kikuyu is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying mwendwa wakwa can change the emotional weight or intent of the address.
- The root wend- found in mwendwa wakwa is also used in words related to 'wanting' or 'preferring', showing that in Kikuyu, loving someone is conceptually the same as choosing them.
- Because mwendwa is a passive form of the verb, calling someone 'my love' literally translates to 'the one who is loved by me'.
Examples in context
- Nĩ ngwendete, mwendwa wakwa.I love you, my love.
- Ũka haha, mwendwa wakwa.Come here, my love.
Example conversation
Mwangi and Wanjiku are greeting each other at home.
- MwangiNîukîka atîa, mwendwa wakwa?How are you, my love?
- WanjikuNîîgaî, na we?I am fine, and you?
- MwangiNîîgaî na we rîu.I am fine now with you.
- WanjikuNîndagwenda, Mwangi.I love you, Mwangi.
