lerato la ka
The English phrase "my love" is translated into Sepedi as lerato la ka.
lerato la ka is used as a direct address to a romantic partner or a beloved person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lerato (love), la (of) and ka (my/mine), which literally translates to "love of mine".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive particle la is required to link the noun lerato to the possessive pronoun ka.
Did you know?
- While lerato la ka is the literal translation, Sepedi speakers often use kinship terms like mme or ntate as terms of endearment for partners to show deep respect.
- In many South African cultures, including those speaking Sepedi, expressing intense romantic affection in public can be seen as quite bold or even disrespectful to the presence of elders.
- The word lerato is derived from the verb rata, which does not just mean 'to love' but also 'to like' or 'to want'.
Examples in context
- Lerato la ka, ke a go rata.My love, I love you.
Example conversation
Katlego and Tshepiso are greeting each other at home.
- KatlegoO feditšwe ke letšatši, lerato la ka?Was your day tiring, my love?
- TshepisoEe, ke kgopela go ikutlela.Yes, I ask to rest.
- KatlegoKe tla go thuša, lerato la ka.I will help you, my love.
- TshepisoKe a leboga, Katlego.Thank you, Katlego.
