There’s no single word to say I miss you in Bukusu language, Lubukusu. That said, the following phrases maybe of help. The Bukusu word liofu, like it’s variant mahoru in Lulogooli is more about longing than missing.
In Maragoli language, Lulogooli or Kimaragoli, one uses the word mahoru. Therefore, you can simply say Mbe na mahoru ni ive; which literally translates to: I have a longing for you. That said, in some contexts, like a conversation between lovers who have been apart from each other, it may mean, I miss you. So how else can one say I miss you in Bukusu?
Mala wandibilekho
Literal translation: You have been lost. Meaning, you are out of sight or, I have been searching for you to no luck.
Solambilanga bulayi ta
Literal translation: You are not taking me well. Meaning, your absence is making me lose my self and my way.
Mala sekhwamenyile bulayi ta
Literal translation: You know, we are not living well. Meaning, our being away from each other or out of touch robs each one of us a joy of life. We should work on our relations
Nakhumisilekho mwana wefwe
I have missed you, our child (or one of ours). In this phrase, notice the Lubukusu-nisation of the English word miss to misilekho. Therefore, this phrase comes from informal Bukusu that’s most often spoken by the modern, urbanized Mbukusu.
Wasila!
You have been quiet. The word sila refers to a ‘deeper’ quiet, a stillness, as one would refer to water in a pot. It is used when one does not want to be explicit in their communication as it would be traditionally between a father and daughter.
About the Bukusu
Bukusu language or Lubukusu is the tongue of Babukusu, the largest of the 18 houses of mulembe. Learn how to speak Bukusu language through our free lessons in Bukusu language; our stories on Bukusu culture that harness the richness of Lubukusu in their narrative; our continuous search for the meaning of different Bukusu proverbs and sayings; and if your Lubukusu is already good enough, sharpen and challenge yourself with our new blog sibukusu that covers everything Bukusu in the purest Lubukusu.
Get started with our mega post: 130+ common Bukusu words and phrases their meaning, translation and pronunciation.
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