mwasi na ngai
The English phrase "my wife" is translated into Lingala as mwasi na ngai.
mwasi na ngai is used to refer to the female partner to whom a person is married. While the word mwasi can refer to any woman, it is the standard way to refer to one's wife when used in the context of a relationship.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mwasi (woman/wife), na (of) and ngai (me), which literally means "woman of me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive phrase na ngai (my) follows the noun mwasi (woman/wife).
Did you know?
- Because mwasi can simply mean 'woman', if you are not in a romantic context, saying mwasi na ngai might sound like you are claiming ownership of a specific woman as a possession.
- The word na in this phrase has origins in the Bangi language, though it later expanded its meaning under the influence of West African languages like Igbo and Krio.
- In certain Congolese dialects, the word mwasi can also be used to describe the essence of femininity or 'womanhood' generally, rather than just a person.
Examples in context
- Mwasi na ngai azali malamu.My wife is good.
- Nalingi mwasi na ngai.I love my wife.
Example conversation
Patientine and Patient are talking about their family.
- PatientinePatient, mwasi na yo azali wapi?Patient, where is your wife?
- PatientMwasi na ngai azali na ndako.My wife is at home.
- PatientineNalingi mwasi na yo mingi.I like your wife very much.
- PatientMerci mingi, Patientine.Thank you very much, Patientine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, ngai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
