mufumakadzi wanga
The English phrase "my wife" is translated into Venda as mufumakadzi wanga.
This phrase is used to refer to the woman to whom a person is married.
What does it mean word for word?
mufumakadzi is derived from the root for "woman" or "lady", and wanga is the possessive pronoun for "my".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the standard word order, the possessive pronoun wanga (my) follows the noun mufumakadzi (wife).
Did you know?
- In traditional Venda culture, it is often considered disrespectful for a husband to refer to his wife by her personal name in public, instead using terms like mufumakadzi wanga.
- The root of mufumakadzi is linked to the word for 'leader' or 'ruler', suggesting that the term for 'woman' inherently carries a sense of authority.
- Venda is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say mufumakadzi wanga can change the emphasis or mood of the sentence without changing the words.
Examples in context
- Mufumakadzi wanga u a dzula hayani.My wife stays at home.
- Ndi khou amba na mufumakadzi wanga.I am talking to my wife.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting about their families.
- NdivhuwoHani mufumakadzi wanga a vha?How is my wife doing?
- AzwathuU khou tshila zwavhuḓi, Ndivhuwo.She is doing well, Ndivhuwo.
- NdivhuwoMufumakadzi wanga u vhuya lini?When is my wife coming back?
- AzwathuU vhuya, vhuya vhuya.She is coming back soon.
