u khou amba mini?
The English phrase "what are you saying?" is translated into Venda as u khou amba mini?
u khou amba mini? is used to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they have just said. It can be used to seek clarification if a sound was muffled, or to express disbelief at a statement someone has made.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of u (you), khou (present continuous marker), amba (speak/say) and mini (what).
Did you know?
- If you are speaking to an elder or a person of high status, you would typically avoid the directness of u khou amba mini? to remain respectful.
- The word amba is used not only for speaking but also to 'testify' or 'give an account' in traditional communal disputes.
- The verb amba originates from the Proto-Bantu root *-gàmba, meaning 'to speak' or 'to answer'.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a noisy market.
- TshilidziU khou amba mini, Azwame?What are you saying, Azwame?
- AzwameNdi amba uri hu na vhutshenu!I am saying that it is crowded!
- TshilidziAh, u khou amba mini?Ah, what are you saying?
- AzwameNdi amba uri asi tshiye!I am saying let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
