nĩngatho kũrĩ Ngai
The English phrase "thank you God" is translated into Kikuyu as nĩngatho kũrĩ Ngai.
This phrase is used as an expression to show gratitude to God.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for God, Ngai, is a proper noun and is typically capitalized in written Kikuyu.
Did you know?
- In ancient Kikuyu traditions, prayers to Ngai were often performed on mountaintops, such as the slopes of Mount Kenya, to be closer to the divine.
- The word for God, Ngai, shares an unexpected connection with the Maasai word Enkai, suggesting a deep linguistic link between the two East African ethnic groups.
- While nĩngatho kũrĩ Ngai is used for gratitude, the root ngatho can also refer to a formal hymn or a song of praise.
Examples in context
- Nĩngatho kũrĩ Ngai nĩ ũndũ wa kũrĩĩa.Thank you God for the food.
- Nĩngatho kũrĩ Ngai nĩ ũndũ wa mũrata wakwa.Thank you God for my friend.
Example conversation
Mwangi and Wambui are discussing their recovery from illness.
- MwangiWambui, nĩndĩ mwanu rĩu.Wambui, I am well now.
- WambuiNĩngatho kũrĩ Ngai nĩ ũndũ ũcio.Thank you God for that.
- MwangiNĩ we kũratũrathima thĩinĩ wa mũciĩ.He is the one blessing us in the home.
- WambuiNĩ wanyu, Mwangi.It is yours, Mwangi.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ngai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
