inhliziyo/izinhliziyo (n)
heart
disposition, temper, temperament
How I found this word was looking for the meaning of a plant name, a very wonderful tree called 'wild pear' and even more prosaically 'drolpeer' by my Eng/Afr forebears, referring to the appearance of its flowers and fruit.
In isiZulu it is Inhliziyonkulu. A love potion can be made from the flowers.
And, the leaves are roughly heart shaped.
From the Oxford Living Dictionary, a characteristically gritty example:
Ufike esibhedlela inhliziyo isishaya ngamandla.
When he arrived at hospital, his heart was beating fast.
Since my brother recently arrived at hospital in this state, I now see that it is a relevant example, and talk of hearts does not need to involve love.
Singing of hearts pretty much does, though, love and desire:
Here is a great song by Mjava: Inhliziyo http://bimba.co.za/sjava/isina-muva/inhliziyo
with refrain
"Inhliziyo efuna lokh'ekfunayo"
The heart wants what it wants (desires)
And this one is by the Soul Brothers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spg-GtOsfvg
Lovely, sadly lyrics not available, maybe someone can help.
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