Igbo is spoken widely in West and West-Central Africa and is a national language of Nigeria and a recognised language of Equatorial Guinea.

An Ókárá Ẹ̀kpẹ̀ resist-dyed with nsibidi symbols.

Igbo (ásụ̀sụ̀ Ìgbò) is a Niger-Congo language spoken primarily in Nigeria. There are between 30 to 35 million Igbo speakers living primarily in southeastern Nigeria in an area known as Igboland. Igbo is a national language of Nigeria and is also recognised in Equatorial Guinea. Igbo is made up of many different dialects which aren't mutually intelligible to other Igbo speakers at times. A standard for Igbo called 'Igbo izugbe' has been developed. Igbo is written in the Latin alphabet introduced by British colonialists and missionaries. Secret societies such as the Ekpe use nsibidi ideograms to write Igbo and other languages throughout their areas of influence. Nsibidi is an ideographic writing system used for over 500 years.

Major cities where Igbo is most spoken include Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri (oh-weh-reh), Port Harcourt, and Asaba (in Igbo, ah-hah-bah).

Through the transatlantic slave trade, the Igbo language has influenced many creole languages in the Americas, especially in the former British Caribbean, including islands such as Jamaica, Barbados, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Variations of Igbo known as Suámo can be found in Cuba. Igbo is spoken by a significant number of people on Bioko island in Equatorial Guinea, formerly known as Fernando Po, and in micro-communities in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, and it is also spoken by recent migrants of Igbo descent all over the world.

Pronunciation guide

Igbo is a tonal language with a high, mid, and low range, in addition there are rising and falling tones. Accents is used to indicate the high and low tones; an acute accent such as 'ó' are used for high tones, and a grave accent such as 'è' is used for a low tone. There are further accents that indicate nasal or backed vowels. The lower dotted accent such as 'ọ' combined with a grave accent ('ọ̀') is used to indicate a low backed vowel, and an upper dotted accent such as 'ė' or a lower dotted accent with an acute accent ('ọ́') is used for a high backed vowel. The trema (¨) such as 'ö' or a simple dot underneath is used for a mid backed vowel. Other diacritics include the caron (ˇ) for rising tones, the circumflex (ˆ) for falling tones, and the macron (¯) for down-steps or long vowels.

Vowels

Vowels in Igbo are very similar to those in English when there is little tone stress on them. Most of the times vowels in Igbo are written with accents indicating this tone.

vowel	English equiv.	vowel	English equiv.	vowel	English equiv.	vowel	English equiv.
a	like 'a' in "father"	e	like 'e' in "get"	i	like 'ee' in "seen"	ị	low tone nasal 'i'
o	like 'o' in "coat"	ọ	low tone nasal 'o'	u	like 'oo' in "pool"	ụ	low tone nasal u

Consonants

Consonants do not have a tone in Igbo apart from 'n' and 'm' which are the only letters that can be written with accent marks.

consonant	English equiv.	consonant	English equiv.	consonant	English equiv.	consonant	English equiv.
b	like 'b' in "bit"	d	like 'd' in "dim"	f	like 'f' in "feline"	g	like 'g' in "give"
h	like 'h' in "hinge"	j	like 'j' in "jelly"	k	like 'k' in "kettle"	l	like 'l' in "limb"
m	like 'm' in "mint"	n	like 'n' in "nit"	ñ	like 'n' "drink"	p	like 'p' in "pit"
r	like 'r' in "rent"	s	like 's' in "seam"	t	like 't' in "tea"	v	like 'v' in "villa"
w	like 'w' in "win"	y	like 'y' in "yield"	z	like 'z' in "zink"

Common diphthongs

diphthong	English equiv.	diphthong	English equiv.	diphthong	English equiv.	diphthong	English equiv.
ch	like 'ch' in "cheese"	gb	an explosive sound not found in English, but a 'b' sound is made while shaping the mouth for 'g'	gh	like 'gh' in "ghost"	gw	like 'gw' in Welsh "Gwyn"
kp	not in English, but a 'p' sound is made while shaping the mouth for 'k'	kw	like 'q' in "queen"	nw	like 'w' in "wag", but nasal like a baby crying	ny	like 'ny' in "canyon"
sh	like 'sh' in "ship"

Grammar

Igbo is considered an agglutinative language. A number of affixed phonemes denote the tense of a verb in addition to the other modifications of a verb root; an example using òjéḿbà, "traveller", can be split into the morphemes: ò, pronoun for animate and inanimate objects or "he, she", jé verb meaning "travel, walk, embark", ḿbà "town, city, country, foreign lands, abroad" resulting in "he/she/it-go[es]-abroad".

Nouns in Igbo have no grammatical number and there are no gendered pronouns or objects. Igbo grammar generally maintains a subject–verb–object clause order; mádụ̀ àbụ́ghị̀ chúkwú, "human[s]-[it]is[not]-God", "man is not God". Adjectives in Igbo are post-modifiers, although there are very few Igbo adjectives in the closed class; many so called "adjectives" in Igbo are considered nouns, especially when the word is a pre-modifier like im ágádí nwóké transliterated as "elderly man". Igbo features vowel harmony between two vowels and commonly features vowel assimilation where a preceding vowel influences the articulation (or the elision with /a/) of the next such as in ǹk'â, "this one", analysed as ǹkè "of" and â "this". Igbo syllable shapes are CV (consonant, vowel) which is the most common, V, and N which are syllabic nasals, there are also semi vowels like /CjV/ in the word bìá (/bjá/) "come" and /CwV/ in gwú /ɡʷú/ "swim".

Igbo dialects are roughly split into a Northern Igbo (NI) and Southern Igbo (SI) class which is defined by the area in southeastern Nigeria where Igbo is spoken. Further classification can split the Northern Igbo dialect into an Inland Western Igbo dialect (areas around Onitsha and Awka), a Northeastern Igbo dialect (around Abakaliki) and a Western Igbo or Niger Igbo dialect (Asaba to Agbor); the Southern Igbo dialect can be split between a South Central or Inland East Igbo dialect (around Owerri and Aba), an Eastern or Cross River Igbo dialect (around Arochukwu and Afikpo), and a Riverine or Niger Delta Igbo dialect (around Bonny Island and Port Harcourt). In reality there are dozens of Igbo dialects all with their own subtleties and the farther one dialect group is from the other, the less they'll probably be able to understand each other. In response to the possible difficulty of Igbo speakers understanding the opposite extremes of the dialects to theirs, a Standard Igbo dialect (Ìgbò ìzùgbé) has since evolved from the early 20th century and is the standard used for official uses and education. In practice, Standard Igbo has no population base in the Igbo speaking world and is largely ignored except for in formal education.

Addressing people

Greeting others Using special greetings when addressing those significantly older than you is expected in Igbo society. In smaller communities such as villages, it is also expected of non-elders to greet every elder whenever you first see them in a day. Here are some of the greetings used between different levels of the society. Formal kèdú (kay-DOO) the most common formal greeting equivalent to 'hello' ǹdêwó (in-DAY-WOAH) A formal greeting that can be used to greet anyone má-ḿmá (MAHM-MA) this is the most common polite term when addressing an elder or important person in society, this is used alongside the persons name and an honorific ǹnộ (in-NOORE) a greeting mostly used in the northern part of Igboland Informal ǹdâ (in-DAH) can be an equivalent of 'what's up' ánị̄ (AH-NEE) more direct, used only by friends, insulting if used on someone older than the greeter ọ̀lị́à (aw-LEE-yah) more direct, mostly from a friend to a friend ọ̀gị́nị́ kwánụ́/gị́nị́ mẹ̀rẹ̀ (aw-GEE-NEE KU-WA-NOO/GEE-NEE meh-reh) very direct and informal, literally 'what's happening'. Group There are greetings usually made to a group of people which can also be used to boost morale. Kwénù (QUAY-noo) The most common group greeting, used only by males. Dǎlụ́'nụ̀ (DAH-LOO nooh) Meaning literally 'thank you all', this can be used by anybody.

In Igbo society there are different ways of addressing people depending on their status in society. In order to show good manners and politeness, Igbo speakers are expected to use honorifics to address those who are significantly older than them (usually those old enough to be an uncle or grandparent, and fittingly, 'uncle' is sometimes used as an honorific). Here are some of the basic honorifics used in Igbo society.

māzị́- (MAH-ZEE)

The most basic honorific for males, about equivalent to Mister. Mazi Ibekwe: Mister Ibekwe

dâ- (DAH)

The most basic honorific for females, about equivalent to Misses, Miss, and most similar to madam or ma'am. Da Mgbechi: Madam Mgbechi

dê-dè- (DEH-deh)

Another honorific for males, usually used in an informal setting, may be seen as the male equivalent of 'da', it has no equivalent in English, but is similar to saying 'big brother'. It is usually shortened to 'de'.

ìchíè- (ee-CHEE-ye)

literally elder, used to address male elders.

ńzè- (IN-zay)

a noble title for males found in the northern parts of Igboland.

lộlọ̀- (LOH-loh)

can be interpreted as 'dane' or 'dutchess', a title given to the wife of a titled man.

Those younger than you can be called by their gender — 'nwóké', meaning "male"; 'nwânyị̀', meaning "female"; or 'nwá' (WAHN), meaning child. This form of address can be patronising.

Reading and writing

The Igbo language was first inscribed with ideographs known as nsibidi, which originated in the Cross River region of Africa. Nsibidi symbols were used to represent ideas and oftentimes specific objects. British colonialism from the late 19th century till 1960 has wiped away nisbidi from general use and has led to the introduction of the Roman-script-based orthography known as ọ́nwụ́ which developed from several revisions of Roman orthographies in the 19th century and early 20th century. The first book written in Igbo was an Ibo-Isuama primer by Bishop Ajayi Crowther, a Sierra Leonean creole of Egba-Yoruba descent in the 19th century. As a tonal language, the Latin script has been modified to fit the different tones and sounds of the Igbo language.

Igbo-language literary works have been few since colonialism introduced an alphabet. Literature in English by Igbo writers on Igbo society, however, have achieved international acclaim. The most popular of these books, Things Fall Apart, written by author Chinua Achebe, deals with the subject of colonialism and the destruction of Igbo society in the late 19th century.

The Igbo languages' tonality may be confusing at times, but it is important: homonyms are differentiated by the way that the tones are expressed. Diacritics are used to signal tones in written Igbo along with other special characters such as the dot over (˙) and underneath (.). /akwa/ is a notorious homonym in Igbo which can be interpreted in different tones as /ákwà/ ('cloth'), /àkwá/ ('egg'), /ákwá/ ('cry, crying'), /àkwà/ ('bed'), /àkwà/ ('bridge'). Similarly there are /òkè/ ('portion'), /okè/ ('boundary'), /Oke/ ('male'), /òke/ ('rat'); /akpụ/ ('cassava'), /akpụ̀/ ('knot'); /isi/ ('head'), /ìsì/ ('blindness'), /isì/ ('smell'); /aja/ ('sand'), /àjà/ ('sacrifice'); /Ìgbò/ ('a tribe or language'), /ìgbo/ ('hard drugs'), /igbò/ ('prevent'); /àzụ/ ('behind, back'), /azụ̀/ ('fish'); /ọ̀zọ/ ('again'), /ọzọ̄/ ('chimpanzee'), /ọzọ/ ('tittle'); /egbe/ ('hawk'), /egbè/ ('gun'); /ihe/ ('something'), /ìhé/ ('light'); /obì/ ('chest'), /òbi/ ('lounge'), /Òbi/ ('core of one's children :first son'); /ọnwa/ ('moon'), /ọnwa/ ('month'); /enyì/ ('friend'), /Enyi /('Elephant'); /ùkwù/ ('bundle'), /ukwu/ ('large, big, or great'), /ukwù/ ('waist'), /ụkwụ/ ('leg'); /ogwū/ ('thorn'), /ọgwụ̀/ ('stump'), /ọgwụ̀/ ('medicine'); /mmà/ ('knife'), /mmā/ ('beauty'); /mmà/ ('behaviour'), /àgwà/ ('beans'); /èzi/ ('pig'), /ezì/ ('menses') /ezi/ ('proper, right or good'), /èzi/ ('outside or compound'); /egwù/ ('fear'), /egwu/ ('dance or music'); /òkù/ ('call;beckon'), /ọkụ̀/ ('profession'), /ọ̀kụ̀/ ('wooden plate'), /ọkụ/ ('fire, electricity or light'); /igwè/ ('iron'), /igwè/ ('bicycle') /igwē/ ('sky'), / igwē/ ('king'), /ìgwè/ ('crowd'); /ilu / ('proverb'), /ilu/ ('bitterness'); /òtù/ ('a group of people'), /otu/('riverbank'), /otù/ ('one or united'), /ọtụ̀/ ('vulva'); /ike/ ('buttocks'), /ike /('strength'); /mbà/('nation'), /m̀ba/ ('scolding'), /mbà/ ('No'), /mba/ ('tuber'); /abụ̀/ ('hyme ;song'), /abụ/ ('pus'), /ábu/ ('armpit'); /ǹzà/ ('lot; in decision making'), /nzā/ ('wren'); /ǹtì/ ('cheek'), /ntị̀/ (ear').

Written Igbo

Indomie noodles advert in Igbo, Abia State

There are hundreds of Igbo dialects and Igboid languages spoken by different clans and former nation-states. The high variation and low mutual intelligibility between many Igbo dialects has been a hindrance to written Igbo and Igbo literature over the years. This has led to the development of a standard form of Igbo known as 'standard Igbo' or Igbo izugbe. This standard form was based on dialects around the central parts of Igboland. Although it is was created to boost Igbo literature, it received a little bit of backlash and opposition from Igbo speakers such as author Chinua Achebe, who see it as artificial and prefer to speak their own dialects. Igbo izubge is the standard used in the curriculum of Igbo language studies, and an Igbo lingua franca.

Phrase list

Basics

Common signs Although most signs in the Igbo-speaking areas of Nigeria may be in English, it will still be helpful to learn some of these signs in case you visit a rural community. OPEN Mèpéé (may-PAY) CLOSED Mèchiélé (MAY-chi-EH-LE) ENTRANCE Ọ̀bụ̀bà (aw-boo-ba) EXIT Ḿfụ́fụ́ / Úzọ Èzí / Ọ̀pụ̀pụ̀ (MM-FUH-FUH / OO-zor AY-ZEE / aw-puh-puh) PUSH Núó (noo-OH) PULL Dọọ (daw-AW) TOILET Ḿkpóchí (IM-PAW-CHEE) MEN Ụ́mụ̀nwōké (OO-mooh-WOAH-KAY) WOMEN Umunwañyi (OO-MOO-wa-yi) FORBIDDEN Ihe Nsọ (I-HYEAH IN-saw)

The Most Versatile Greeting The most versatile greeting in Igbo land is NDEEWO/ NDEWO (N-day-wo) Ndewo can be used as a greeting in the morning, afternoon or evening. It can be used to say hello or welcome. It can even be used as a way of saying thanks. If you are speaking to one person, you say NDEEWO (N-DAY-WO) If you are speaking to more than one person, you say NDEEWONỤ (N-DAY-WO-NUH) When in doubt, use ndeewo.

Titles/Praise names You can use these words to praise someone STRONG MAN Dikē (DI-IKE) MIGHTY MAN òdogwu (o-DOO-gwu)

Hello.

Ndêwó. (n-DAY-WO)

Hello. (informal)

Kèdú. (keh-DO): Keekwanu (Kay -kwa-nu)

Hello. (casual)

Nice to meet you.

Ndêwó. (n-DAY-WOAH)

Good morning.

Ututu Ọma . (oo-TUH-tuh AW-MAH) : Ị̀ saala chi (ee-SAALA-chi)

Good evening.

Mgbede Ọma . (MM-GBAEDAY oh-mah) : ndeewo (n-DAY-wo)

Good night

Kà chí foo (ka CHI FO-OW): Abalï öma (AH-bah-lee-AW-MAH)

Good night (A response to good night)

Kà ọ bọọ (KAH-or-bor-AW)

Ok

Ọ dị mma ( Ọ dee mma)

Bye

Ka ọ dị (Kaa-o dey)

And

na (nah)

Or

Maọbụ (maa-o-bur)

This

Nke a(mm keh)

I

Mụ (muu)

Wait

Chère (CHAY-rAY)

Wait for _____

Chère ____ (CHAY-ray)

___me

___m (M)

___him/her

___ya (YAH)

___us

___anyị (AH-nyi)

Stay

Nọ̀rọ́ ( NOR-ror)

Wait a bit

Chetụ/Chetụ obere (chay-TUH/chay-TU-OH-BAY-rAY)

I don't understand.

À ghọ́tàghì m. (ah GAW-tah-gim)

I understand

Ághọ̀tàrà m (AH-haw-tar-ram)

Come

bịa (BEE-yah)

Come close

bịa nsō (BEE-yah nn-so)

I am coming

Ana m abịa (AH-nah-m AH-be-ah)

Come inside

Bata ime (bah-TAH-EE-mAY): Bàtá (bah-TAH)

Come home

lọta (law-tah)

Start coming home

Lọtawa (Law-TAH-WAH): yọámá (yaw-AH-MAH)

Eat

Rie (ree-AY) : ria (ree-AH)

Start or continue eating

rīwé (ree-WAY) : rīmá (ree-MAH): rīídé (rEE-DAY)

Go

gaa (gah-AH)

Draw

Sèé (say-AY)

Start going

Gawa (gah-WAH): Jema (jay-MAH): Jewe (jay-WAY)

Continue going

Na-aga (NAH-ah-GAH): Jeede (jay-AY-DAY)

Will

Ga (gah)

I will come

A ga m abịa (AH-gah-m-ab-IYA)

Enter

bàta (bah-tar)

Start entering

Batawa (bah-TAH-WAH): bàámá (bah-AH-MAH)

Gather

gbákọ̀ọ (gbar-kor-AW)

Gathering

ọ́gbakọ̀ (AWG-BA-kaw)

Start gathering

Gbákọ̀wá (GBA-kaw-WAH): gbákọ̀má (GBA-kaw-MAH)

Welcome

Nnộ (n-NORH): Deeje (dee-JE): Kaa (Kah): Leekwaa ( lay-AY-kwaa): jọọkwa (jaw-AW-KWA)

Sit down

Nọdụ àlà (naw-DOO-ah-lah): Nọrọ ọ́dụ̀ (naw-RAW-AW-do): Tukwuru (TWO-kwu-RU)

Stand (up)

Gùzó/Gùzóró (gu-ZOH/gu-ZO-ROH): kwụ̀rụ́ ọtọ (kwu-RUH-AU-TAU)

Please.

Bīkó. (BEE-KOE)

Thank you

Dālụ́/Imeelá. (DAA-LOO/EE-MAY-LAH)

You're welcome.

Ǹdêwó. (in-DAY-WOAH)

Yes

Éeyi, Ëhh (ey, AEH)

No

Ḿbà . (MM-bah) : kpà (KPAH-ah): olo! (oh-OH-loh): ọ̀dị́ghị̀ (aw-DEEG-hee)

Excuse me (getting attention)

Biko, chètú (BEE-koe, CHE-too)

Excuse me. (begging pardon)

Biko, é weli íwé. (BEE-koe, A WELLI E-WAY)

Sorry.

Ndo (n-DOH)

Forgive me

Gbághàrám (BA-gha-RAM)

No problem

Ńsògbú adịghị ( n-SOH-gboo AH-dị-ghị)

Goodbye

Kà ómésíá. (kah O-MEH-SI-YA)

Go to sleep

Lábàá (LAH-bah-AH): lākpúó (lah-KPU-OH)

Bend down

Hútùó (HU-tuh-OH): húkpùrú (HU-kpu-RU)

Stay put

Nọsie Ike (nau-SEE-AY-EE-KAY):

Show me

Gosi m ( Goh-SEE- m)

Carry

Bùrú (buh-RUH)

It's big

Ó bùrù íbù(oh buh-ruh ee-bu)

Throw/drop

Tụ́pụ̀ (TUH-puh)

Before

Túpú (TUH-PUH)

Raise (up)

Welie/welite (way-LI-AY/way-LI-TAY)

Spoil

Mebie (MAY-be-AY): Mélùo (MAY-luh-OH): Lúlùó (LUH-luh-OH)

Repair

Mezie (may-ZEE-AY): dozie (doh-ZEE-AY)

Remember

Chètá (chay-TAH)

Forget

Chéfùó (CHAY-fuh-OH)

My apologies

Gbaghara m (BAH-hah-rah m)

It's enough

O zuola (OH-zu-oh-lah)

Making calls

I will call you

M ga-akpọ gị (M gar-ah-kpor gi)

I missed your call

Enweteghị m gị mgbe ị kpọrọ (EH-NWAY-tay-ghi m gee m-gbay ee kpor-ro)

I called you

Akpọrọ m gị (AH-kpor-rum gị )

You called me

Ị́ kpọrọ m (EE-kpor-rum)

Will you call (me)?

Ị̀ gà-àkpọ (m)? (EE gar ah-kpor m)

Can I have your number?

M ga-enwetali ákàrà gị? (M gay-nway-tally ah-kah-rah gị )

I want your phone number

Achọrọ m ákàrà ekwentị gị. (AH-chore-rum ah-kah-rah a-quay-nti gị )

Phone

Ekwentị (a-quay-ntị) fonụ (foh-nuh)

Phone number

Ákàrà ekwentị (AH-KAR-rah a-quay-nti)

I can hear you

Ana m ànụ́ gị (AH-nam ah-nuh gị )

I can't hear you

Ànaghị m ànụ́ gị (AH-NAH-ghi m AH-NUH gị )

Network is bad

Netwọk adịghị mma (Net-work AH-dị-ghị mmah)

Call me later

Kpọọ m mà emechaa (Kpor m mah a-may-char)

Call me back

Kpọghachi m (kpor-HAR-cheem)

Call me

Kpọọ m (Kpor m)

Let me call you

Kà m kpọ gị (Kah m kpor gi)

Let me call you back

Kà m kpọghachi gị (kah m KPOR-har-chee gi)

Don't call me

Ákpọla m (A-kpor-lam)

Call (verb)

Kpọ̀ọ (Kpor-or)

Expressing Feelings

I am afraid

Ụjọ nà-àtụ m (u-jo nah-ah-tum) : Égwù ji m (a-gwoo jee m)

I am scared

Óbì nà-amapụ m (oh-be nah-amar-pu m)

I am happy

Óbì ụ̀tọ́ na-eme m (oh-be ụ-to nah-a-may-m) : Óbì dị m ụ̀tọ́ (oh-be de m ụ-to)

I am not happy

Óbì adịghị m ụ̀tọ́ (oh-be a-de-gheem ụ-to)  : Óbì ọ́jọ́ọ nà-ème m (oh-be or-zor nah-a-may m)

I am sad

Anọ m nà nwute (Ah-nor m nah n-woo-tay)

I am not sure

Ò doghị m anya (oh dough-ghị AH-nyah)

I am sure

Ó dòrò m anya (OH-DOUGH-roam AH-nyah)

I am tired

Íké gwụ̀rụ̀ m (ee-kay gwụ-rụ m) Íké àgwụla m (ee-kay Ah-gwu-lam)

I am angry

Íwé nà-èwe m (ee-way nah ay-way m)

I am crying

Ánà m èbé ákwá (ah-nah-m ay-bay a-qua)

I am on the verge of tears (I feel like crying)

Ákwá nà-àgụ m (ah-qua nah-gum)

Questions and answers

Question mark

akàrà ajụ̀jụ (AH-kà-rà-AH-jụ̀-jụ)

How are you?

Kèdú kà ímẹ̀rẹ̀? (keh-DOO kah Ee meh-reh): Ị rị kpá ole? (ee-ri-KPA-OW-LAY?): Ǹdâa? (in-DAH?)

Fine, thank you.

Ọ́ dị̀ ḿmá. (AW-dee iM-MA)

I am fine

Adị m mma (AH deem mmah)

What is your name?

Kèdú áhà gị́? (keh-DO AH-ha GEE): Gini bù aha gi? (GEE-ni boo AH-ha GEE): Kèdú afa gị́? (keh-DO AH-fa GEE): Gini bù afa gi? (GEE-ni boo AH-fa GEE): Ǹdâa ávà gị? (in-DAA-AH-va-GEE?)

My name is ______ .

Áhàm bụ̀ ______, or Áfàm bụ̀ (AH-ham boo _____ or AH-FAHM boo_____)

Who are you?

I bụ onye? (ee-buo-NYAH)

Are you around?

Ị nọ?/Ị nọ ya? (ee-naw?/ee-naw-YAH?)

(Yes) I am around

Anọ m ya (AH- naw-m-YAH): M nọ ya (M-naw-YAH): E nọ m (EH-naw-M)

Where are you going to?

Kedụ ebe Ị na-aga? (kay-DOO-AY-BAY-EE-nah-GAH?): Ị na-aga ebe ole? (ee-nah-GAY-BOW-LAY): Ǹdâa ebe Ị na-aga? (in-DAH-EB-AY-EE-nah-GAH?): Ị na-èjé weee? (ee-nah-ah-JAY-WAY?)

I am going to ___

A na m aga ___ (AH- nah m ah-GAH ___)

Can you speak Igbo well?

I na-àsụ́ Igbo ọfụma? (ee-nah-ah-SU-ig-bo-aw-FU-MAH?)

(Yes) I can speak Igbo [well].

À náḿ à sụ́ Ìgbò [ọ̀hụ́má]. (ah NAHM ah SU eegboh [aw-HOO-MAH])

(No) I can't speak Igbo well

Mba, a naghị m asụ Igbo ọfụma (M-bah ah-NAG-IM ah-SU EE-gboh aw-FU-MAH)

Have you started coming (home)?

Ị lọtawala? (ee-LAW-TAH-WAH-LAH?): Ị yọámáná? (ee-YAW-AH-MAH-NAH): I lọtawago? (ee LAW-TAH-WAH-GOH?)

(Yes) I have started coming home

A lọtawala m (AH-law-TAH-WAH-LAH-m): a yọámáná m (AH yọ-AH-MAH NAH-m)

Have you started coming?

Ị bịawala? (ee-BIYA-WAH-LAH?): Ị bịamana? (ee-BIYA-MAH-NAH?): I bịawago? (ee BI-YA-WAH-GO?)

(Yes) I have started coming

A bịawala m (AH bi-ya-wa-lah m): A bịawago m (AH bi-ya-WAH-GO M)

Do you speak English?/Are you speaking English?

Ị̀ nà-asụ́ bèkée? (ee nah SOO beh-KEH[bae-KEH]?)

(Yes) I speak English

Ana m asụ bekee (AH nah m ah-SUH bay-KAY)

Do you know how to speak English?

Ị̀ ma ka e si asụ bekee? (ee mah kah AY see ah-SUH BAY-KAY?)

Is there someone here who speaks English?

Ọ di onye nọ nga nweríkí súfù bèkée? (OR dee on-yeh NOR in-GAH weh-RI-KI SUH-foo beh-KEH?)

Where is the toilet?

Kée ébé ụlọ ḿpósí dì? (keh-AY EH-BEH U-law MM-PO-SEE dee?):

This is how it is done

Lee ụzọ e si eme ya (lay-AY oo-ZOR EH SEE eh-ME YAH)

What is smelling?

Gịni na-esi? (GEE-nee NAH-AY-see)

Where can I ___

Èbee kà m nwèrè ike ____ (AY-bay cam NWAY-ray EE-kay)

___find

Ịchọta (EE-CHORE-tar)

___see

Ị́hụ́ (EE-hu)

Can you write it down for me?

I ga-édére m ya? (ee gah-eh-DEH-reh m yah)

Could you say that again?

Kwugodi ihé ahu ọzọ (KWOO-gor-dee ee-heh ah-hoo aw-zor)

Do you want (need) any assistance?

I chọrọ enyemaka? (ee chaw-raw ay-NYAY-m AH-KAH?)

I need some assistance.

Achọrọ m enyem aka (AH-chaw-raw-m een-yem AH-kah)

Where is the closest pharmacy?

Ébée ka e nwere ụlọ mkpụrụ ọ́gwụ̀ kacha dị nso? (EH-BAY kah EN-way-ray U-law m-KPU-RU AW-gwụ kah-CHA DEE nn-SOH)

Is it safe around here?

Ébé a enwe nchekwa? (eh-BAY AH EN-way n-CHE-kwah): ; What is it? : Ọ gịnị? (OO gee-nee):

What is the name of this place?

Gịnị bụ aha ebe a? ( GEENEE buh AH-hah eh-BAY AH)

The name of this place is ___

Aha ebe a bụ (AH-hah AY-BAY-AH bu___)

Can I look at the menu, please?

Biko, ka m hü ndétu aha nri. (BEE-COE, KAHM HOO MEN-yoo)

Can I look in the kitchen?

M nweríkí ile anya n'usekwü? (mm weh-REE-KAY IL-AY AN-YAH NUU SAY-kwuh)

Can I look in the cupboard?

M nweríkí hü akpatï nrï? (mm weh-REE-KEE HOO ah-kpa-ti in-REE)

Is there a house specialty?

Ọ dì íhnyé nani ha ne shi nga? (aw dee EE-HEE-YEAH NAH-NEE HAH nay SHEE in-GAH?)

Is there a local specialty?

Ọ dì ihe ori ha ma ndi ebe nka màkà? (aw dee EE-HEE-YEAH oh-REE HAH mah IN-DEE AY-BAY in-KAH-ah mah-kah?)

I'm having trouble finding my way.

Ana m enwe nsogbu ịchọta ụzọ m. (Ah nam EH-weh n-SOR-gbu ee-CHO-ta OO-zoh m)

When is the next train?

Kedu mgbe Ụgbọ oloko ọzọ na-abia? (keh-DOO mm-GBEH OO-gboh OR-loh-koh OR-zoh nah-AH-biah)

Can you tell me where the restroom is?

Gwa m ebe ulọ mposi dị. (gwah mm EH-beh OO-loh mm-POR-see dee)

Where can I wash my hands?

Kedụ ebe m ga -akwọ aka m? (keh-DOO EH-beh-mm gah- AH-kwo AH-ka-mm)

Going out

I am going _______

Ánà m aga____ (AH-NAM-AH-GA)

I want to go to___

Achọrọ m ịga (AH-CHORE-rum ee-gar)

___to eat

Írí nri : (EE-ree nree)

___to cook

isi nri: (EE-shi nree)

___to drink

Ị́ṅụ́ mmanyị (EE-nu mmah-nyee)

___to dance

Ị́gbá égwú (EE-gbah A-gwoo)

___to shop

Ị́zụ́ íhé (EE-zuh EE-hea)

___ to bath

ịsa ahụ (EE-ịsa-ahụ)

___ to church

na chọọchị (EE-na-chọọchị)

___sightseeing

Ílégharị anya (EE-lay-har-ri AH-nyah)

Where can I get ___

Èbee kà m nwèrè ike inweta ___ (AY-bay cam NWAY-ray EE-kay EE-NWAY-tar):

Leave this Place immediately

Pụọ ebe a ọsiisọ .(Puah ee-be-a AW-SEE-SAW)

I don't want to go

Achọghị m ị́ga (AH-CHORE-ghi m ị-gar)

I don't want to go out

Achọghị m ịpụ apụ (AH-CHORE-ghi m ee-pu ah-pu)

I want to go out

Achọrọ m ị́pụ́ ápụ̀ (AH-chore-rum ị-pụ ah-pu)

I'm going out

Ánà m apụ apụ (Ah-nah m a-po ah-pu)

I'm not going anywhere

Onweghị ebe m nà-aga (OH-nway-ghi ay-bay m nah-gar)

I'm going somewhere

Ónwéré ebe m nà-aga (OH-nway-ray AY-BAY m nah-gar)

I'm not going to a far place

Ànaghị m aga ebe téré aka (AH-nah-ghi m AH-gar A-bay tay-ray a-kah)

I'm going to a far place

Ébé m nà-àga dị anya (AY-BAY m nah-gar dị AH-NYAH) : Ana m aga ebe dị anya (AH-nam ah-gar A-BAY de AH-nyah)

I'm around here

Ánọ̀ m gbùrùgbúrù ebe a (AH nor m gboo-roo-gboo-roo A-BAY ah)

I'm going to a nearby place

Ánà m aga ebe dị nso (AH-NAM ah-gar A-BAY de n-so)

I'm close

Ánọ̀ m ǹsó (Ah-nor m n-so)

I want to take a stroll

Achọrọ m ịgagharị agagharị (A-chore-rum ee gar-har-ri ah-gar-har-i)

Problems

Body parts head ísí (EE-SEE) face íhú (EE-HUE) eyes ányá (AHN-YAH) ears ńtị̀ (IN-tih) nose ímí (EE-MEE) throat ákpị̀rị́ (AHK-pee-REE) chin àgbà (ahg-bah) neck ólú (OH-LOO) shoulders úbú (OO-BOO) chest ugwùlùgwù (ooh-gwoo-loo-gwoo) waist úkwù (OO-kwoo) forehead egedege ihu (eh-geh-deh-geh EE-hoo) belly button otuwe (oh-too-way) bone ọkpụkpụ (or-KPOO-KPOO) cheek nti (nn-TEE) eyebrow ikuanya (EE-coo-ah-NEE-yah) hair ‘’ntutu isi (nn-too-too EE-SEE) arms ihü áká (EE-HUE AH-KAH) wrists nkwekọ áká (nn-kweh-koh AH-KAH) fingers m̀kpị́sị́ áká (mm-KPEE-SEE AH-KAH) hands áká (AH-KAH) elbow ǹkù áká (in-koo AH-KAH) buttocks ị́kẹ̀ (EE-keh) thigh àpàtà (ah-pah-tah) knee íkpèrè (EEK-peh-reh) legs úkwụ (OO-KOOH) foot ọ̀kpà (oh-k-pah) mouth ọnụ (OH-noo) heart óbì (OH-bi) stomach afọ (ah-FORE) jaw agba (ah-gba) lip egbugbere ọnụ (ay-gboo-gbay-ray or-noo) thumb mkpabi aka (mm-kpah-BEE ah-cah) toes mkpisi ụkwụ (mm-k-pee-SEE OO-COO) ankle mgbaji ụkwụ (mm-gba-jee OO-kwoo) tongue ire (EH-reh) teeth eze (EH-zeh) nail "(of toe or finger)" mbọ (mm-BOH) breast árá (AH-rah)

Leave me alone.

Hápụm áká. (HAH-POOM AH-KAH)

Don't touch me!

Ẹ́mẹ́tụ́laḿ áká! (EH-MEH-TOO-LAM AH-KAH)

I don't want problem

Achọghị m ńsògbú (AH-chor-ghi m n-SOH-gboo)

I'll call the police.

Ágà m ị́ kpọ́ ńdị́ ùwé ójíé. (AH gahm EE PORE IN-DI ooh-WEH OH-JEE-YEAH)

Police!

Poleesi/Uwè ojié! (poe-LEE-see/OO-way oh-JEE!)

Stop! Thief!

Kwụsí! Onye óshi/ohi! (kwu-SEE! OH-NYE OH-shi): Gùzó! Onye nzi (gu-ZOH! OH-NYE-NN-ZI)

I need your help.

Áchọ m ka í nyére m aka. (AH chom kee nyeahray-m AH-KAH)

It's an emergency.

Ọ bu ihnyé óbì ọsịsọ. (OR boo i-hi-yeh OH-bee OH-si-sor)

Help!

Nyére ḿ áká! (yay-rAY- M AH-KAH)

Look out!

Lèmá kwá! (lay-MAH KWA)

I'm lost.

Àmághị m ébé m nọ. (AH MAH-gim EH-BEH-m NOR)

I lost my bag.

Akpá m è fuólé. (ak-pam EH FU-OH-lay)

I lost my wallet.

Àkpà égó m è fuólé. (ak-pah EH-GOME eh FU-OH-LAY)

I'm sick.

Àhụ nà anwụ m. (ah-HOO NAH woom)

I've been injured.

Á meruolam àhú. (AH MEH-RU-AW-LAM ah-hoo)

I need a doctor.

Onye ògwò orịá kam chọ. (OH-yeh OH-gw-oh OH-ri-ya KAM chor)

Can I use your phone?

M nwèríkí jítú fonu gí? (IM weh-RI-KI JI-TOO fo-nu GEE)

There is Problem

Nsogbu dị (IN-so-GBU-dee)

I am in a hurry

Ọ dị m ọsịịsọ (AW-deem-AW-SEE-SAW)

Save me

Zọọ m (zaw-AW-m)

Run and Come (emergency)

Gbata ọsọ (gba-TAH-AW-SAW)

Places

Market

Ahịa (AH-HI-YAH): Avịa (AH-VI-YAH): afịa (AH-FI-YAH): eshịa (EH-SH-AH)

Church

Ụlọ ụka (U-law U-kah)

Office

Ụlọ ọrụ (UH-law AW-rUH)

Bush

Ọhịa (AW-HI-YAH): Ọfịa (AH-FI-YAH): ọvịa (AW-VI-YA)

School

Ụlọ Akwụkwọ (U-law AW -hu-huo)

Museum

Ụlọ ngosi nka (U-law NGO-cee nnkah)

Bank

Ụlọ akụ (U-law ahku)

Hospital

Ụlọ ahụ ike( U-law AH iyke) Ụlọ ọgwụ (U-law o-gwu)

Emergency Centre

Ụlọ gbata gbata (U-law gba-TAH gba-TAH)

Amusement park

Ogige ntụrụndụ (OO-geh geh N-through-doo)

Heritage site

Ebe ihe nketa ( Ee -BAY e-hay nke- ta)

Saloon

Ebe ndozi isi (Ee-Bay ndo-zee-see)

Mountain

Ugwu ukwu (oo-gwoo oo-KWOO)

Government House

Ụlọ Gọọmentị (U-law Goo-ment)

Legislative House

Ụlọ Ọmeiwu (U-law O- me eWUH)

River

Osimiri (oh-she-ME-REE)

Lake

Ezu (E-zuu)

Cemetery

Ebe a na-eli ozu (Ee-Bay A-NAH el-i oh-zu)

Court

Ụlọ ikpe (U-law ee-kpay)

Prison

Ǹga (n-ga) : Ụlọ mkpọrọ (u-law m-kpor-ro)

Library

Ọba akwụkwọ (Or-bar a-kwu-kwor)

Restaurant

Ụlọ oriri (U-law o-ri-ri) : Ụlọ nri (OOH-loh in-REE)

Cinema

Ụlọ ihe nkiri(U-law e -hay- n-ke-ree).

Toilet

Mkposi (MM-PO-SEE)

Consulate

kọnsuleeti (Korn- Suu - late)

Zoo

Zuu ( Z-uuu)

Photo Studio

Ụlọ esem foto (U-law e-cee-m fo-to)

Shrine

Ebenchụaja (Ee-Bay mm-chu - ajar)

Village Square

Ilo Obodo (Ee-Lo Ob-o-door)

Desert

Ọzara(Or-zar-ra)

Beach

Biichì (Bee-chi)

Earthquake

Ala ọmajiji (Alar-omar-ji-ji)

Volcano mountain

Ugwu mgbawa (oo-gwoo mgba-wa)

Bookshop

Ụlọ ahịa ore akwụkwọ ( U-law ah-ia o-re a-kwu-kwor)

Numbers

1 One

Ótù/Ófù (OH-too/OH-foo)

2 Two

Àbụ́ọ́ (ah[ae]-BWORE)

3 Three

Àtọ́ (ah[ae]-TOH)

4 Four

Ànọ́ (ah[ae]-NAW)

5 Five

Ìsé (ee-SAY)

6 Six

Ìsîi (ee-SEE-ee)

7 Seven

Àsâ (ah[ae]-SAH-ah)

8 Eight

Àsátọ́ (ah[ae]-SAH-TAW)

9 Nine

Ìtôlú /Ìtenani (ee-TOE-LOO) /(ee-TAE-naH-ni)

10 Ten

Ìrí (ee-R[L]EE)

Man in traditional Igbo dress carrying an ekwe (a type of drum)

11 Eleven

Ìrí nà ótù (ee-R[L]EE nah OH-too)

12 Twelve

Ìrí nà àbụ́ọ́ (ee-R[L]EE nah ah-BWORE)

13 Thirteen

Ìrí nà àtọ́ (ee-R[L]EE nah ah-TOH)

14 Fourteen

Ìrí nà ànọ́ (ee-R[L]EE nah ah-NAW)

15 Fifteen

Ìrí nà isé (ee-R[L]EE nah ee-SAY)

16 Sixteen

Ìrí nà ìsiî (ee-R[L]EE nah ee-SEE-e)

17 Seventeen

Ìrí nà àsâ (ee-R[L]EE nah ah-SAH-ah)

18 Eighteen

Ìrí nà àsátọ́ (ee-R[L]EE nah ah-SAH-toh)

19 Nineteen

Ìrí nà Ìtôlú (ee-R[L]EE nah ee-TOE-LOO)

20 Twenty

Ìrí àbụ́ọ́ / Ọ́gụ́ (ee-REE ah-BWORE / AW-GUH)

21 Twenty one

Ìrí àbụ́ọ́ na ótù (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah OH-too)

22 Twenty two

Ìrí àbụ́ọ́ na àbụ́ọ́ (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ah-BWORE)

23 Twenty three

Ìrí àbụ́ọ́ na àtọ́ (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ah-TOH)

24 Twenty four

Iri abụọ na anọ (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ah-TOH)

25 Twenty five

Iri abụọ na ise (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ee-SAY)

26 Twenty six

Iri abụọ na isii (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ee-SEE-e)

27 Twenty seven

Iri abụọ na asaa (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ah-SAH-ah)

28 Twenty eight

Iri abụọ na asatọ (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ah-SAH-toh)

29 Twenty nine

Iri abụọ na itoolu (ee-REE ah-BWORE nah ee-TOE-LOO)

30 Thirty

Ìrí àtọ́ (ee-REE ah-TOH)

35 Thirty five

Iri atọ na ise (ee-REE ah-TOH nah ee-SAY)

40 Forty

Ìrí ànọ́ / Ọ́gụ́ àbụ́ọ́ (ee-REE ah-NAW / AW-GUH ah-BWORE)

50 Fifty

Ìrí ìsé (ee-REE ee-SAY)

60 Sixty

Ìrí ìsî (ee-REE EE-SEE-e)

70 Seventy

Ìrí àsâ (ee-REE ah-SAH-ah)

80 Eighty

Ìrí àsátọ́ (ee-REE ah-SAH-toh)

90 Ninety

Ìrí Ìtôlú (ee-REE ee-TOE-LOO)

100 Hundred

Ńnárị́ / Ọ́gụ́ ìsé (IN-NAH-REE / AW-GUH ee-SAY)

200 Two hundred

Ńnárị́ àbụ́ọ́ (IN-NAH-REE ah-BWORE)

300 Three hundred

Ńnárị́ àtọ́ (IN-NAH-REE ah-TOH)

400 Four hundred

Ńnárị́ ànọ́ / Ńnụ̀ (IN-NAH-REE ah-NAW / IN-nuh)

500 Five Hundred

Narị ise (IN-NAH-REE ee-SAY)

600 Six Hundred

Nari isii (IN-NAH-REE ee-SEE-e)

700 Seven Hundred

Narị asaa (IN-NAH-REE ah-SAH-ah)

800 Eight Hundred

Narị asatọ (IN-NAH-REE ah-SAH-toh)

900 Nine Hundred

Narị itoolu (IN-NAH-REE ee-TOE-LOO)

1000 Thousand

Púkú (POO-KOO)

2000 Two Thousand

Púkú àbụ́ọ́ (POO-KOO ah-BWORE)

3000 Three Thousand

Púkú àtọ́ (POO-KOO ah-TOH)

10,000 Ten Thousand

Púkú ìrí (POO-KOO ee-RE)

100,000 A hundred thousand

Púkú ńnárí (POO-KOO IN-NAH-REE)

1,000,000 Million

Ńdè (IN-day)

100,000,000 A hundred million

Ńdè ńnárí (IN-day IN-NAH-REE)

1,000,000,000 Billion

Ìjérí (ee-JAY-REE): 1,000,000,000,000: enweta puku ijeri (E-nwe-taa poo-koo SEE-JAY-REE)

Time

time

ógè (OH-gay)

now

ùgbúà / kita (oog-BU-wa) / (kee-TAH)

later

ómésiá (OH-MEH-SEE-YAH)

before

na mbụ (nah-M-BUH)

daily

dā (daah) kwa ụbọchị (Kwa OO-boh-chee)

morning

ụ̀tútụ̀ (ooh-TUH-tuh)

afternoon

èhíhìè (ey-HEE-hye): ùkórí (uu-KOH-REE): ògbòrì (ohg-bo-ree)

evening

ḿgbèdè (IM-beh-deh)

dusk

ùrúlúchí (oo-ROO-LOO-CHEE)

night

ábàlì (AH-bah-lee)

What time is it?

Gịnị na-akụ? (GEE-nee na-COO)

sunrise

owuwa anyanwụ (or-woo-wa ahh-nee-ya-woo)

sunset

odida anyanwụ (or-dee-dar ahh-nee-ya-woo)

tomorrow morning

ụtụtụ echi (oo-TOO-too AY-CHEE)

this morning

ụtụtụ a (oo-TOO-too ar)

yesterday morning

ụtụtụ ụnyaahụ (oo-TOO-too OON-YAH-HOO)

in the morning

n'ụtụtụ (nah oo-TOO-too)

Clock time

Clock

Élékéré (AY-LAY-KAY-REH)

six o'clock in the morning

élékéré ìsî nà ụ̀tụ́tụ̀ (AY-LAY-KAY-REH ee-SEE-ee nah oo-TUH-tuh)

nine o'clock AM

élékéré ìtôlú nà ụtútụ (AY-LAY-KAY-REH ee-TOE-LOO nah oo-TUH-tuh)

noon

èhíhìè nàbọ (ey-HEE-hee-yay nah-BOH)

one o'clock PM

élékéré ótù nàbọ (AY-LAY-KAY-REH OH-too nah-BOH)

two o'clock PM

élékéré abuọ nàbọ (AY-LAY-KAY-REH ah-BWORE nah-BOH)

three o'clock PM

élékéré atọ (AY-LAY-KAY-REH ah-atọ)

midnight

ètítì ábàlì (ay-TEE-tee AH-bah-lee): ime abalị (ee-may AH-bah-lee)

Duration

Second

Ńkéjì (IN-KAY-jee): timkọm (TEEM-come)

Minute

Mkpìlìkpì ógè (im-pee-lee-pee OH-gey): nkeji (IN-KAY-jee)

Hour

Àmànị̀ (ah-mah-nee): elekere (AY-LAY-KAY-REH)

Day

Ụ́bọ̀chị̀ (OO-boh-chee)

Week

Ízù (EE-zoo): izuka (EE-zoo-kah)

Month

Ọ́nwạ́ (AW-WAH)

Year

Áfọ̀ (AH-fore)

Days

Ịzu afia/ahia - Market week The traditional week in Igbo speaking communities consists of 4 days, each is indicative of a particular market of many different communities. The market days were established by the god-like Eri, an important Igbo ancestor of the 1st millennium AD. Market days are very important to various Igbo communities as they are used to mark major events in the community. Each community is assigned a special day for their market; in a village group no other markets are to be held on a particular villages day. The names of the market days are also used for cardinal directions in some Igbo communities. These traditional market days are: àfọ̀/àhọ̀ (ah-four) corresponding to the north ǹkwọ́ (in-KWOR) corresponding to the south èké (ay-KAY) corresponding to the east órìè / óyè (OH-ree-yeah) corresponding to the west

today

tâ, ụ́bọ̀chị̀ tâ (TAH, OO-boh-chi TAH)

yesterday

ńnyáfụ̀, chí láránị́ (IN-YAH-fuh, CHI LAH-RAH-NEE): ụnyaahụ (OON-YAH-HOO)

tomorrow

échí (AY-CHEE)

this week

ízù ǹkâ (EE-zoo in-KAH)

last week

ízù láránị́ (EE-zoo LAH-RAH-NEE)

last night

abalị gara aga (ah-bah-lee ga-ra a-ga)

tonight

n’abalị taa (nah-bah-lee tar)

next week

izù nabia (ee-ZOO nah-BYAH)

weekend

ngwụchaizuka (n-gwoo-cha-ee-ZOO-KAH)

future

ọdịnihu (or-dee-nee-hoo)

present

ugbu a (oo-gboo-ar)

past

gara aga (gah-rah-ar-gah)

Sunday

Ụbọchị úkà (oo-BOH-chi oo-KAH)

Monday

Mondè (MOHN-dae)

Tuesday

Tuzde (toos-dae)

Wednesday

Wensde (WENS-dae)

Thursday

Tosdè (TOHS-dae)

Friday

Fraidè (FRY-dae)

Saturday

Satode (SAHT-dae)

Months

Oguaro/afọ - Traditional calendar The calendar of the Igbo people is known as Oguaro or Oguafor (lit. 'counting of the years'). Month in Igbo is ọnwa (lit. 'moon'), year is 'afọ'. The traditional Igbo year has 13 months which are usually named after their position in the year; most are named after a religious ceremony or after a certain deity such as Ana the mother alusi (deity, 'Northern Igbo' dialect) of the earth. The traditional 13 month calendar is rarely used in Igbo society, instead the Gregorian 12 month calendar is used. Below are the months of the year in the traditional 13 week Ọ̀guụ́árọ̀ calendar of the Ǹrì Ìgbò community and their Gregorian equivalents. Many Igbo communities have variations of the 13 month lunar calendar reflecting their own traditions and holidays, including different dates for marking the New Year and different names for the months. The Ǹrì Ìgbò calendar however is one of the oldest and is historically influential. The calendar is in it's 1014th year as of February 2013. Months (Ọ́nwạ́) Gregorian equivalent Ọ́nwạ́ M̀bụ́ (AW-WAH mm-BOO) 3rd week of February Ọ́nwạ́ Àbụ́ọ́ (AW-WAH ah-BWORE) March Ọ́nwạ́ Ífé Èké (AW-WAH EE-fay ay-KAY) April Ọ́nwạ́ Ànọ́ (AW-WAH ah-NAW) May Ọ́nwạ́ Ágwụ́ (AW-WAH AHG-WOO) June Ọ́nwạ́ Íféjíọ́kụ́ (AW-WAH EE-FAY-JEE-AW-KOO) July Ọ́nwạ́ Alọm Chi (AW-WAH AH-LOHM chi) August to early September Ọ́nwạ́ Ilo Mmụọ (AW-WAH EE-low MM-MORE) Late September Ọ́nwạ́ Ànà (AW-WAH ah-nah) October Ọ́nwạ́ Ókíké (AW-WAH OH-kEE-kAY) Early November Ọ́nwạ́ Ájânà (AW-WAH AH-JAH-nah) Late November Ọ́nwạ́ Ede Ajana (AW-WAH AY-DAY ah-jah nah) Late November to December Ọ́nwạ́ Ụzọ Alụsị (AW-WAH oo-ZOR AH-LUH-SEE) January to Early February

The Gregorian calendar is translated into Igbo either by naming the twelve months by their position in the calendar, or by using loan words from English.

January

Ọ́nwạ́ M̀bụ́, Januari (AW-WAH mm-BOO, JAH-noo-wa-ree)

February

Ọnwa Abuọ, Febureri (AW-WAH ah-BWORE, FEH-boo-way-ree)

March

Ọnwa Àtọ, Machi (AW-WAH ah-TOH, MAH-chi)

April

Ọnwa Ànȯ, Eprulu (AW-WAH ah-NORE, AY-prool-oo)

May

Ọnwa Ise, Me (AW-WAH ee-SAY, MEH)

June

Ọnwa Ishii, Jun (AW-WAH EE-SHE-e, JOON)

July

Ọnwa Asaa, Julai (AW-WAH ah-SAH-ah, JOO-lai)

August

Ọnwa Asatọ, Ogost (AW-WAH ah-SAH-toh, AW-gost)

September

Ọnwa Itoolu, Seputemba (AW-WAH ee-TOE-LOO, SEP-tehm-BAH)

October

Ọnwa Iri, Oktoba (AW-WAH ee-REE, OK-toe-BAH)

November

Ọnwa Iri na Ótu, Novemba (AW-WAH ee-REE nah OH-too, NO-vehm-BAH)

December

Ọnwa Iri na Abuọ, Disemba (AW-WAH ee-REE nah ah-BWORE, DEE-sem-bah)

Seasons

There are only two seasons in the Igbo homeland; the dry season and the rainy season. There is also a dusty trade wind known as harmattan that blows throughout West Africa.

Rainy season

Ùdù ḿmírí (oo-doo MM-MEE-REE)

Dry season

Ọ́kọ́chì (AW-KOH-chee)

harmattan

ụ́gụ̀rụ̀ (OO-goo-loo)

Writing times and dates

The Igbo have adopted the Western way of writing the time and date, most of the times dates are written as they would in English speaking country's (dd/mm/yyyy) or (yyyy/mm/dd). These are some of the terms for date and time in Igbo.

Year

Áfọ̀ (AH-fore): Ahö (AH-hore)

Decade

Áfọ̀ ìrí (AH-fore ee-REE): Ahö ìrí (AH-hore ee-REE)

Century

óchíê (oh-CHEE-YEAH)

next year

afọ n’abịa abịa (AH-fore na-bee-ya abee-ya)

last year

afọ gara aga (AH-fore gah-rah agah)

this year

afọ a (AH-fore ah)

Colours

colour attribute, emit (v.)

chä (CHAH)

It is...

Ọ́ dị̀... (AW dee)

To dye cloth...

Isiji akwa... (I-si-ji-A-kwa)

It is coloured...

Ọ́ nà chá... (AW na CHAH)

It is fading...

Ọ́ nà-eme nchagha... (AW na-eme NCHAGHA)

black

ójī (OH-JEE)

white

ọ̀chá (aw-CHA)

gray

ntụ ntụ, gre (in-TOO in-TOO, GREY)

red

mmẹ̀-mmẹ̀, úhìè (m-MEH-m-MEH, OO-hee-ye)

pink

iriīrē (I-ri-īrē)

blue

àlùlù, blú (ah-loo-loo, BLOO)

yellow

èdò, ògùlù, yélò (ey-doe, OH-goo-loo, YEAR-loe)

green

ńdụ̀-ńdụ̀ (IN-doo-IN-doo)

orange

ḿmánụ́ ḿmánụ́, órènjì (AW-cha MM-MAH-NOO MM-MAH-NOO, OH-rehn-jee)

purple

òdòdò (oh-doe-doe)

brown

ńchárá,bùráùnù (IN-CHA-RA, AKH-pah-im-manu, bu-RAWN-noo)

bright

gbuke (GB-U-ke)

Family/friends

parents

nne na nna (NN-nay nah NN-nah)

Father

Ńnà (NN-nah)

Mother

Ńnẹ́ (NN-NEH)

Older brother/sister

nwanne nke okenye (NN-wahn-nay nn-kay oh-kay-yay)

Younger brother

Nwáńnẹ́ḿ nwōké ńtà (WAHN-NEM WOAH-KAY NN-tah)

Younger sister

Nwáńnẹ́ḿ nwânyị̀ ńtà (WAHN-NEM WAHN-yee NN-tah):

young man

okorọbia (OH-ko-roe-BEE-ya)

young lady

agbọghọ (ah-gbo-hore)

Siblings

Nwanne (WAHN-NEH)

Grandfather

Nna nna/nne (NN-nah NN-nah/NN-NEH)

Grandmother

Ńnẹ́ ńnẹ́ (NN-NEH NN-NEH)

Uncle

dêdè / dê (DEH-deh / DEH)

Aunt

Dâ, àntí (DAH, ahn-TEE)

Husband

Dí (DEE)

Wife

Nwínyè (WEE-yay): :: Co- wife: (WEE-yay Dee)::: First wife: Nwanyị mbụ (WEE-yay m boo): :: Second wife: Nwanyị nke abụọ (WEE-yay nkay ah[ae]-BWORE:

Child

Nwa (NWAH)

cousin

nwa nwanne nwoke/nwanyi (NN-wah NN-wahn-nay NN-woe-kay/NN-wanyee)

niece

nwa nwanyị nwanne nwoke/nwanyi (NN-wah NN-wanyee wan-nay woe-kay/wanyee)

nephew

nwa nwoke nwanne nwoke/nwanyi (NN-wah NN-woe-kay wan-nay woe-kay/wanyee)

twins

ụmụ ejima (OO MOO AY-jee-mah)

sister

nwanne nwanyị (nn-wahn-nay nn-wanyee)

brother

nwanne nwoke (nn-wahn-nay nn-wokay)

Son

Nwá nwōké (WAHM WOAH-KAY)

Daughter

Nwáḿ nwânyị̀ (WAHM WAHN-yee)

First son

Ọ́kpárá (AWK-PAH-RAH)

First daughter

Àdá (ah-DAH)

Middle son

Ụ̀lụ́ (ohh-LUH)

Last child

Ọ́dụ̀ nwá (AW-doo WAH)

Grandchild

Nwá nwá　(WAH-WAH)

In-law

Ọ́gọ̀ (AW-gawh)

mother in law

nne di/nwunye (NN-nay dee/NN-woo-yay)

father in law

nna di/nwunye (NN-nah dee/NN-woo-yay)

Daughter in law

Nwunye nwa (NWOO-nyah NWAH)

Son-in-law

Di nwa (DEE NWAH)

Kindred

Ụmụnna (OO-MOO-nn-nah)

my child

nwam (NN-wam):: :: Only Child : Ótù/Ófù nwa (OH-too/OH-foo WAH)

Family

Ezinụlọ (A-ZEE-NUU-LORE)

relatives (mother’s side)

ụmụnne (OO-MOO-nn-nay)

relatives (father’s side)

ụmụnna (OO-MOO-nn-nah)

friend

enyi (ay-nee)

boyfriend/male friend

enyi nwoke (ay-nee nn-wokay)

girlfriend/female friend

enyi nwanyi (ay-nee nn-wanyee)

People

humans/human being

ndị mmadụ (nn-dee mm-mah-doo)

person

mmadụ (mm-mah-doo) : onye (OH-nee-yay)

adults

ndị okenye (nn-dee OH-kay-yay)

Igbo people

Ndị Igbo (NN-DEE EE-gbo)

Africans

Ndị Afrika (NN-DEE ah-free-cah)

Americans

Ndị Emerika (NN-DEE eh-meh-ree-cah)

Black person

onye ojii (OH-nee-yay oh-jee)

Black people

Ndị ojii (NN-DEE oh-jee)

White person/light skinned person

onye ocha (OH-nee-yay or-cha)

White people

Ndị ọcha (NN-DEE or-cha)

boss

onye isi (OH-nee-yay EE-SEE)

teacher

onye nkụzị (OH-nee-yay nn-coo-zee)

student

nwa akwụkwọ (nn-wah ah-kwoo-kwor) : nwata akwụkwọ (nn-wah-tah ah-kwoo-kwor)

colleagues/coworkers

ndị ọrụ (NN-DEE or-roo)

Mrs.

Lọlọ (LOR-lor)

Mr./Mister

Mazi (mah-zee)

Children

Ụmụaka ( U-muu akar)

Visitor

Onye ọbịa(OH-nee-yay oo b-i-a)

Nobody

Onweghị onye( Oo- nwee-ghi- o-nye)

Everybody

Mmadụ nile( Mma-du ni-le)

Identity

Ihe eji amata ( Ee hey ee-ji ama-tar)

Transportation

Bus and train

How much is a ticket to _____?

Égó òlé ka tiketi nke na ga _____? (AY-GO oh-LEY kah tee-keh-tee dih in-KAY nah gah)

One ticket to _____, please.

Nyem ótù tiket nke na ga _____, biko. (YEHM OH-too TEE-keht in-KAY NAH GAH _____, BEE-COE)

Where does this train/bus go?

Ébé òlé ka ụgbo igwẹ/bosu nka na ga? (AY-BOW-LAY kah oog-bow EE-GWEH/BOR-soo in-KAH nah GAH)

Where is the train/bus to _____?

Ébé òlé ka ụgbo igwẹ/bosu dị, nke na ga _____? (AY-BOW-LAY kah oog-bow EE-GWEH/BOR-soo dee, in-KAY NAH GAH _____?)

Does this train/bus stop in _____?

Ụgbo igwẹ/bosu nka, ọ nà kúshí na _____? (oog-bow EE-GWEH/BOR-soo in-KAH, aw nah KOO-SHEE nah _____?)

When does the train/bus for _____ leave?

Mgbe òle ka ụgbo igwẹ/bosu nke na ga _____? nà fú? (mm-beh OH-LAY kah oog-bow EE-GWEH/BOR-su in-KAY nah GAHH _____?)

When will this train/bus arrive in _____?

Mgbe òle ka ụgbo igwẹ/bosu nkè gi ru _____? (mm-beh OH-LAY kah oog-bow EE-GWEH/BOR-su in-KAY GEE- ROO _____?):

road

okporoụzọ (o-KPO-roe-oo-zor): ụzọ (oo-zor):

airplane/plane

ụgbọ elu (oo-gbor-ay-loo):

bike

igwe (EE-gwe) : Ọ́gbatumtum (OR-gbah-toom-toom)

bicycle

igwe (EE-gwe)

boat

ụgbọ mmiri (oo-gbor-mm-MEE-REE)

bus

bosu (BOR-su): ụgbọ ala (oo-gbor-ar-la)

train

ụgbọ igwe (oo-gbor-EE-gwe): ụgbọ oloko (oo-gbor-oh-low-co):Lorry

gwongworo (gwon-gwo-roe)

van

ụgbọ ibu (oo-gbor-EE-boo)

car

motò (MOR-tor)

Tricycle

Keke( Ke-ke)

Airport

Ọdụ ugboelu ( ODD-oo-gbor-ay-loo)

Motor park

Ọdụ Ụgbọala (ODDoo-gbor-ar-la)

Harbour

Ọdụ ụgbọ mmiri (ODDoo-gbor-mm-MEE-REE)

Train station

Ọdụ ụgbọ Igwe(ODDoo-gbor-EE-gwe)Ọdụ ụgbọ oloko (ODD oo-gbor-oh-low-co)

Bus-stop

Nkwụsị ụgbọ ala( Mm-kwoo see oo-gbor-ar-la)

Directions

The city of Enugu

up

élú (AY-LOO)

down

nàlà (nah-lah)

atop

nà élú (nah AY-LOO)

under

okpúrù (oak-KPOO-roo)

front

nà íshí, nà ihü (nah EE-SHEE, nah EE-HUE)

back

nà àzú (nah-ah-ZOO): Round : Okirikiri (O-key-rii-key-rii)

How do I get to _____ ?

Òtùòlé kǎm gi rú ______? (oh-too-oh-LAY KAHM GEE-RUE)

...the train station?

...ébé ụ̀gbọ́ ígwè nà kụ́shị́? (AY-BAY oohg-BOW EE-gweh nah KOO-SHEE?)

...the bus station?

...ébé bọ́s stéshọ̀n? (AY-BAY BOS STAY-shon?)

...the airport?

... ẹ̄pọ̀tụ̀? (EH-poh-too?)

...uptown?

...énú ànị? (AY-NOO ah-nee)

...downtown?

...àzú obodo? (ah-ZOO oh-bow-doe)

...the youth hostel?

...ụlọ úmù ndi yut? (ooh-loh OO-moo IN-DEE YOO-t)

...the _____ hotel?

...ébé hotel _____ ? (AY-BAY hoe-tell)

...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?

...ébé ndi mbiàmbiá Amerika/Kanada/Ostrailia/Briten? (AY-BAY IN-DEE mm-byah-BYAH...)

Where are there a lot of...

Ébé olé kà Í gí nwétá óké... (AY-BAY oh-LAY kah EE GEE WEH-TAH O-KAY)

...hotels?

...ébém gi hï? (AY-BEHM GEE HEE) : ụlọ ọbịa (u-lore or-bi-ah)

...restaurants?

...úlọ nri? (OOH-loh in-REE)

...bars?

...úlọ mmányá? (OOH-loh IM-MAHN-YAH)

...sites to see?

...ébé nlènlé kwánú? (AY-BAY in-lehn-LAY KWA-NOO)

Can you show me on the map?

Ì gi zim òtú úzọ/map? (ee GEE zeem oh-TOO OO-zor/MAH-pu)

street

okpóló ilo (ohk-PO-LOK ee-LOW)

Turn right.

Gbá na áká nri./Gba raitu. (BAH nah AH-KAH REE./BAH RAI-too)

Turn left.

Gbá na áká èkpè./Gba leftu. (BAH nah AH-KAH ehk-peh./BAH LEHF-too)

right

áká nri, áká Ikéngà, raitu (AH-KAH REE, AH-KAH ee-ken-gah, RAI-too)

left

áká èkpè, leftu (AH-KAH ehk-pe, LEHF-too)

straight ahead

gàwá na ihü (gah-WAH nah EE-HUE)

towards the _____

nọ̀ nà ụ́zọ̀ _____ (noh nah OO-zor): Besides : Na akụkụ ( nah ar-ku-ku)

past the _____

gáfè _____ (GAH-fay)

before the _____

nà ísí _____ (nah EE-SEE)

Watch for the _____.

Lèmá kwá _____. (leh-MAH KWAH)

intersection

ábọ́, jonkshon (AH-BOH, JONK-shon)

north

òlìlé anyanwü, àfọ̀ (oh-lee-LAY AHN-YAH-WOO, ah-four)

south

nlédà anyanwü, ǹkwọ̀ (in-LAY-dah AHN-YAH-WOO, in-kwor)

east

ọwụwà anyanwü, èké (OH-WOO-WAH AHN-YAH-WOO, ay-KAY)

west

ọdịdà anyanwü, órìè (oh-dee-dah AHN-YAH-WOO, OH-ree-yeah)

uphill

élú ụ́gwụ (AY-LOO OO-GWOOH)

downhill

ụ́kwụ́ ụ́gwụ (OO-KWOO OO-GWOOH)

Start

Bido (bee-DOH)

Stop

Kwụsị (kwoo-SHEE)

Here is fine

Ebe a dị mma (ay-bar dee mm-maa)

Taxis

Taxi!

Éess, Tasi! (AY-see, TAH-see)

I'm going to

Ana m aga (AH-nam-ah-ga)

Take me to _____, please.

Wèrém gá _____, biko. (way-REHM GAH _____, BEE-COE.)

How much does it cost to get to _____?

Égóle kọ di Í jé _____? (AY-GO-LAY KOH dee EE JAY _____?)

Take me there, please.

Wèrém jé ébé áhü, biko. (way-REHM JAY AY-BAY AH-hoo, BEE-COE.)

Take me to ______

Bùga m _____

Lodging

Do you have any rooms available?

I nwere ụla di? (EE weh-reh oo-lah dee?)

How much is a room for one person/two people?

Egole kọ di maka ótu madu/madu abụo? (AY-GO-LAY core dee mah-kah OH-too MAH-doo/MAH-doo ah-bu-wor?)

Does the room come with...

... ọ di na ụla? (aw dee na oo-lah?)

...bedsheets?

...ákwà àkwà edinà? (AH-KWAH ah-kwah EH-dee-nah?)

...a bathroom?

...ụlà I sa ahu? (OO-lah EE SAH ah-HOO?)

...a telephone?

...telefonu? (teh-leh-FOE-nu?)

...a TV?

...Tivi? (TEE-vee?)

May I see the room first?

I nweriki hu ụla nke na otu mgbe? (ee weh-REE-KEE HUH oo-lah nn-kay na OH-too mm-gbay?)

Sign of a hotel in the city of Aba

Do you have anything quieter?

I nwere ihe dajụgo? (EE weh-reh EE-HEE-NYEH DAH-JOO-GO?)

...bigger?

...ukwu? (OO-KWOO?)

...cleaner?

...di ọcha? (DEE aw-CHA?)

...cheaper?

...di ọnu ànì? (DEE aw-NOO ah-nee?)

OK, I'll take it.

Ngwanu, kam wèré ya. (NN-GWA-NOO, KAHM way-RAY YAH)

I will stay for _____ night(s).

M gi nọ nga ábàli rúrú _____. (MM GEE NORE nn-GAH AH-bah-lee ROO-ROO _____.)

Can you suggest another hotel?

Ọ di hotelu ozor? (aw dee hpe-TEH-loo aw-ZOR?)

Do you have a safe?

I nwèrè ebe ha na kpachi ihe ndi madu? (ee weh-reh AY-BAY HAH nah PAH-CHI EE-HEE-NYE NN-DEE MAH-doo)

...lockers?

...akpata mgbachi? (...ahk-kpah-tah mm-bah-chi?)

Is breakfast/supper included?

azị ùtútù/nni anyasi ọ di? (AH-ZI ooh-TOO-tuh/NN-NI ah-nya-see aw dee?)

What time is breakfast/supper?

Mgbe ole ka ha ne weta azị ùtútù/nni anyasi? (MM-beh oh-LAY kah HAH nay WEY-TAH ah-zee ooh-TOO-tuh/NN-NI ah-nya-see aw dee?)

Please clean my room.

Hicha ụlam biko. (hee-CHAH oo-lah BEE-coe)

Can you wake me at _____?

I nweriki kpọtem na _____? (ee weh-REE-KEE POH-TEHM nah...)

I will leave very early

M gà-ama ụ́zọ́ (M GAH-AMAH uzor)

I want to check out.

M chori chekuwe awutu. (MM chore-REE CHAY-KWOO AHW-too)

I want to see your boss/manager

Achọrọ m ịhụ onyeisi gị ( AH-CHORE-RUM ee-hu oh-nyay ee-see gị )

Money

Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars?

I na ná dọla ndi Amerika/Ostreliya/Kanada? (ee nah NAH-RAH DOH-lah IN-DEE...)

Do you accept British pounds?

I na nárá pandu ndi Buriten? (ee nah NAH-RAH PAHN-deu IN-DEE boo-REE-ten?)

Do you accept credit cards?

I na nárá kuredit kadu? (ee nah NAH-RAH keu-REH-DEET KAH-deu?)

Can you change money for me?

I na tuwari ego? (ee nah TOO-WAH-REE AY-GO?)

Where can I get money changed?

Ebe ole ka ha na tuwari ego? (eh-BOW-LAY kah HA nah TOO-WAH-REE AY-GO?)

Can you change a traveler's check for me?

I nweriki gbanwe cheki turavulas nkem? (ee weh-REE-KEE BAH-WEH CHAY-kee too-RAH-VEU-LAHS in-CAME?)

Where can I get a traveler's check changed?

Ebe ole ka ha na gbanwe turavulas cheki? (AY-BOW-LAY kah HAH nah BAH-WAY too-RAH-VOO-LAHS CHAY-kee?)

What is the exchange rate?

Gini bu ekuschenji rétụ? (GEE-NEE boo ay-keu-SHEE-CHANGE-jee RAY-too?)

I have money

Énwèrè m ego (A-NWAY-ray m AY-GO)

I don't have money

Enweghị m ego (A-NWAY-GHI-m-ego)

I have a little money

Enwèrè m obere ego (EH-nway-re-m-oh-bay-ray-ego)

I have a lot of money

Énwèrè m nnukwu ego (A-NWAY-RAY m N-NU-kwoo AY-GO)

Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)?

Ebe ole ka ha na wefuta ego (ATM)? (AY-BOW-LAY kah HAH nah WAY-foo-TAH AY-GO?)

Money

ego (AY-GO)

steal money

zu ego (ZOO AY-GO): zùté ego (zuh-TAY GO)

bring money

wèta egō (way-tar AY-GO)

spend money

ri egō (REE AY-GO)

borrow money

bì ego (bee AY-GO)

acquire money

kpata egō (kpar-tar AY-GO)

getting money through dishonest means

àpìrìko (ar-pee-ree-co)

capital; money required or used to begin a business

isiegō (EE-SEE-AY-GO)

Change money

Gbanwee ego ( GBAA wee AY-GO)

Take Money

Were ego(We-ree- AY-GO)

Credit card

Kaadị akwụmụgwọ(Kaa -dị akwu-m or- gwo)

Bill

Ụgwọ ( or gwọọ)

The bill, please

Nye m  mgbako  ego  biko ( Nye- mgbar- kor e-go bi- ko)

Cash only

Naanị ego( Naa- ni e-go)

ATM machine

Igwe ndọrọ ego( Ee -gwe- Mm- dor-lu -ago)

Coin

Mkpụrụ ego( Mm-kpu -ru-ago)

Coupon

Ihe mgbanwe ego(Ee hay -m-gba-nwe-ago)

wallet

Obere akpa ego( Ọ be -re-akpa-ago)

Dollar

Dọla(Doo ra)

Euro

Yuro(Yul-roo)

Cashiers

Onye na akwụ ụgwọ (O-nye nah a-kwu U gwor)

Online shopping

Azụmahịa Ịntanetị (Azu- m ah-ia inter-net)

Food

What do you say... Thank you, please and sorry can be useful in any society. The Igbo forms of these phrases are as follows. Ndo (in-DOE) In Igbo society, ndo is usually used to console someone whenever something bas happens to them, for example someone may say ndo to you if you trip over, but it generally isn't used to apologise, only in some cases. Biko (bee-coe) 'please', can also be used as an equivalent of 'excuse me' Imeela (ee-MEH-lah) Literally 'you've done it', this is used as a term for gratitude, if someone brings you a meal, this would be a term to use. Daalu (DAH-LOO) 'thanks', this is the most similar to the English 'thank you' and is the most polite Jisike (jee-SI-kay) Literally 'use strength', this term is used to show support for someone's hard work; if you see a cook working hard in the kitchen, you can say jisike, usually with a honorific, or if not use their gender ('nwoke' for male, 'nwaanyi' for female), so it would be 'nwaanyi jisike', and you will get a response like 'oh!' which is an expression of acknowledgement.

A table for one person/two people, please.

Biko, tebulu ótù madu/madu abuọ. (BEE-COE, TEH-boo-loo OH-too MAH-doo/MAH-doo ah-boo-AW)

I'm a vegetarian.

Anaghị m eri anụ ma ṅchá. (a-NAG-IM ay-RIA nu man-CHA .)

I eat pork.

À na m e ri ánú ézì. (ah-NAHM eh REE AH-NOO AY-zee.)

I eat beef.

À nam e ri ánú efi. (ah-NAHM eh REE AH-NOO AY-FEE.)

I only eat kosher food.

Nani nri kosha ka m n'eri. (NAH-NEE nnh-REE COE-sha KAHM neh REE.)

Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard)

I nwereiki me ka ọ di ùfè, biko? (ee weh-REE-KEE MEH kah AW DEE oo-feh, BEE-COE?)

fixed-price meal

Rụ ọnụ ori. (rooh AW-NOO oh-REE.)

a la carte

Ihnye ori di (EE-HEE-YEAH oh-REE dee)

breakfast

azị ūtụtù (ah-ZEE oo-TUH-tuh)  : nri ụtụtụ (en-RI uh-TUH-tuh)

lunch

azị efìfìe (ah-ZEE eh-fee-fi-yeah) : nri ehihie (en-RI eh-he-heay)

tea (meal)

kwòze (kwòze)

supper

azị anyàsì (AH-ZEE ahn-yah-see) : nri abalị (en-RI ah-baa-lee)::: ::: Waiter Obu nri(Ọ -bụ nn- ri):

Waitress Nwanyị  na eke nri( WAHN-yee na eke nn-ri)

This one Nke a ( N-kee aa)

What do you  recommend? Kedụ nke ị chere?( Kee- du in-ke i- che-re)

Enjoy your meal

Rie nke oma(Ree n-ke or- Mar)

Cheers Ṅụọ nke ọma ( ṅ-oo n-ke or- ma)

Tip

Onyinye  ego( O-nyi-nye e-go)

The bill, please

Nye m  mgbako  ego  biko ( Nye- mgbar- kor e-go bi- ko)

Ugba and Okporoko — dried fish and oil bean seeds

I want _____.

M chọrọ _____. (MM chore-roh.)

I want more

Achọkwuru m (AH-chore-qwoo-roo m)

I want a dish containing _____.

M chọrọ órí _____. (MM chore-roh OH-REE)

Do you have _______

Unu nwèrè (u-nu-nwe-re)

Give me _____

Nye m (NYAH m)

I want to eat___

Achọrọ m iri ___ (AH-chore-rum EE-ri )

___food

___nri (nn-ri)

chicken

ánú ọkúkọ (AH-NOO aw-KOO-koh)

beef

ánú efi (AH-NOO ay-FEE) : ánụ́ ehi ( AH-NUH ay-hee)

lamb

anụ atụrụ (AH-NOO ah-TOO-ROO)

pork

anụ ezi (AH-NOO ay-ZEE)

turkey

anụ torotoro (AH-NOO to-roe-to-roe)

salt

ńnú (IN-NOO)

black pepper

ósò oji (OH-sow OH-JEE)

butter

bọta (BOR-tah)

goat/goat meat

ánú éwú (AH-NOO AY-WOO)

fish

azụ (AH-zoo)

shrimp

ịsha (EE-sha)

ham

ánú ezi (AH-NOO AY-ZEE)

sausage

sọseji (SOH-seh-jee)

cheese

chizu (CHEE-zoo)

yam

jí (JEE)

onion

yabasị (yah-bars)

eggs

àkwá (ah-KWAH)

salad

saladu (SAH-LAH-doo) : akwụkwọ nri ndụ (ah-kwoo-kwor nn-ree nn-doo)

(fresh) vegetables

abụbo (ndụ) (ah-boo-bore (IN-doo))

(fresh) fruit

ạkpạ, mkpuru osisi, frutu (ndụ) (ah-kpah, im-POO-roo OH-SEE-SEE, FROO-too (IN-doo))

bread

achicha (ah-chee-chah)

toast

tosutu (TOE-SU-teu)

noodles

índomi (IN-DOE-mee)

rice

osikapa (aw[oh]-see-kah-pah)

Breadfruit

Ụ́kwá (U-qwah)

Cocoyam ,

Édè (AY-Day)

Abacha (made with sliced dried cassava)

Abacha (AH-bah-chah)

soup

ǹsàlà, súpu (in-sah-lah, SOO-poo)

Okro soup

ófé ọ́kwọrọ (OH-FAY OR-kwor-ror)

Ukazi soup

ófé ụkazi (OH-FAY U-KA-zi)

Melon soup

ófé égwusi (OH-Fay A-gwu-se)

Vegetable soup

ófé ụ́gụ́ (OH-FAY u-gu)

Nsálá soup

ófé nsálá (OH-FAY en-sah-la)

Ọha/Ọra soup

ófé ọha (OH-Fay OR-ha)  : ófé ọrá (OH-FAY OR-ra)

stew/soup (like gumbo)

ófé (OH-FAY)

pepper soup

ófé ǹsàlà (OH-FAY in-sah-lah)

Who cooked this soup?

Onye siri ofe a? (OH-ye SI-ri OH-FAH AH)

delicious

ụ̀tọ (OO-tor)

This food is delicious.

Nri a dị ụtọ. (NN-ri AH DEE OO-tor)

beans

àgwà (ah-gwah)

plantain

ogede (oh—geh-deh) : ụkọm (u-com)

oil

mmanu (mm-mah-noo)

honey

mmanụ añụ (mm-mah-noo ah-noo)

wash plate

sa ēfērē (sa AY-FAY-RAY)

May I have a glass of _____?

M nweriki were otu ágá ùgèbè _____? (mm weh-REE-KEE WEH-REH OH-too AH-GAH oo-geh-beh _____?)

May I have a cup of _____?

M nweriki were otu ágá _____? (mm weh-REE-KEE WEH-REH OH-too AH-GAH _____?)

May I have a bottle of _____?

M nweriki were otu kalama _____? (mm weh-REE-KEE WEH-REH OH-too KAH-lah-mah _____?)

Nmili Ukwa, a beverage made of African breadfruit

coffee

kọfi (KOR-fi)

tea (drink)

ti (tee)

milk

mmirīara (mm-me-REE-AH-ree-ah)

juice

ùmì ósísí, jusu (oo-mee OH-SEE-SEE, joo-soo)

(bubbly) water

mmiri ọgbụgbọ (mm-MEE-ree aw-gubu-gubor)

water

mmiri (mm-MI-ri)

beer

biye (bee-YEAH)

cassava

akpụ (ah-k-poo)

pumpkin

ụgbọgịrị (OO-gbor-gee-ree)

kolanut

ọjị (or-JEE)

potato

nduku (nn-doo-koo)

sandwich

nri achịcha (nn-ree ah-chee-cha)

peanut/groundnut

ahụekere (ah-hoo-ay-kay-ray)

ice cream

udeoyi (OO-day-OH-YEE)

corn/maize

ọka (or-cah)

red/white wine

waini ufie/ọcha (WINE-nee OO-fi-yeah/aw-CHAH)

I am full ( I am satisfied/ have eaten my fill)

Afọ ejula m (AH-four ee-ju-lam)

I am not satisfied

Afọ́ ejubeghị m (AH-four ee-ju-bay-gheem)

Food has finished

Ńrí agwụla (N-RI Ah-gwu-lah)

Wash your hands

Kwụọ aka gị (quor ah-kah gi)

Utensils

cup

iko (EE-ko)

glass/bottle

kalama (cah-lah-mah)

pot

ite (EE-tay)

bowl

ọkụ (or-coo)

knife

mma (MM-mah)

plate

ēfērē (AY-FAY-RAY)

spoon

ngaji (nn-gah-gee)

fork

ngaji eze (nn-gah-gee AY-ZAY) ndụdụ (nn-du-du)

Mortar

Íkwè (EE-KWay)

Rolling pin

Otepia ( Ọ tay- pia)

Baking Tray

akpata ngheko ( Aa-pa-ta ngh-eko)

Apron.

Akwa nsachi ( aqua nsa- chi)

Chef's hat: Okpu osi nri (o-kpu oo- cee n-ri)

Take away cup

Ịko anuchaewere ( EE-koah nụ cha ee wee -re)

Take away plate

( AY-FAY-RAY eri-cha e were)

Take away spoon

Ngaji erichaewere (nn-gah-gee eri cha e wee re)

Sieve

Ǹyọ̀ (nn-yaw)

Tripod

Ékwú (AYK-WUH)

May I have some _____?

O ka nweturu _____ ntakiri? (aw KAHM WEH-TOO-ROO _____ IN-tah-KEE-REE?)

Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server)

Biko, onye nọ nga? (BEE-COE, oh-YEAH noh in-GAH?)

I'm through.

E mechaalam. (EH MEH-CHAH-LAHM)

It was delicious.

Ọ dị ụtọ́. (AW dee uh-TOH)

Please I want more

Biko achọkwuru m (BEE-koh AH-CHOR-kwoo-room)

Please clear the plates.

Biko, nwefu efere ndia. (BEE-COE, WAY-foo AY-FAY-RAY IN-DEE-yah.)

The check, please.

Ógwọ, biko. (OH-GWOR BEE-coe.)

I want to lick pear.

Achọrọ m ịracha ube. ( AH-chore-rom ee-ra-CHAR OO-be)

I want to eat rice.

achọrọ m iri osikapa (achọrọ -m- iri -osikapa)

I want to eat bean

achọrọ m iri àgwà (achọrọ- m- iri- osikapa)

cutting board

ịcha osisi ( ịcha-osisi)

Chef's Knife

Mma Osiite (Mma -oh-SEE-tay)

Bars

I want to drink...

Á chọm Í ñụ _____ (AH chore-mm EE g-NOO _____)

Do you serve alcohol?

Ì nè ré ḿmáñyá? (ee NAY ray mm-MAN-YAH?)

Is there table service?

Hà nè ché tébulu? (HAH neh CHAY TEH-boo-loo?)

A beer/two beers, please.

Ótù ḿmáñyá/ḿmáñyá abụo, biko. (OH-too MM-MAHN-YA ah-BWORE, BEE-COE.)

A glass of red/white wine, please.

Nkalama ḿmáñyá mmẹ mmẹ/ọchá, biko. (NN-kah-lah-mah MM-MAHN-YA m-MEH-m-MEH/aw-CHAH, BEE-COE)

A pint, please.

Ótù paint, biko. (OH-too pah-int, BEE-COE)

A bottle, please.

Ótù aba, biko. (OH-too AH-BAH, BEE-COE)

_____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please.

_____ (ḿmáñyá ȯkụ) na _____ (ihe é jị à gbagwa ya), biko. ((MM-MAHN-YA AW-KUH) nah _____ (EE-HEE-YEAH AY jee ah g-BAH-GUAH YA), BEE-COE.)

stout

stawt (STAH-woot)

whiskey

wiski (WEE-skee)

vodka

vọ́dkà (VOHD-kah)

rum

rộm (ROHM)

Wine/spirit

ḿmáñyá ọ́kụ́ (MM-MAHN-YA AW-KUH)

ice

ihe oyi (EE—hay OH-YEE)

palm wine

ḿmáñyá ǹgwọ̀, ḿmáñyá ṅkwú (MM-MAHN-YA nn-gwor, MM-MAHN-YA NN-KWOO)

water

mmiri (MM-MEE-REE)

drinking water

mmiri ọñuñu (MM-MEE-REE aw-nngoo-goo)

club soda

clubu soda (CLAW-boo SOE-dah)

tonic water

mmiri tawniki (MM-MEE-REE TOH-nee-kee)

orange juice

jusu òlòlma (JOO-SOO aw-loh-mah)

drink

íhyẹ́ ọ́ñụ́ñụ́ (EE-HEE-YEAH AW-NGOO-NGOO)

soft drink

mínàrà (MEE-NAH-rah)

Coke (soda)

Kôkù (COE-koo)

Do you have any bar snacks?

Ị̀ nwẹ̀rẹ̀ íhyẹ́ há bà táàtá? (ee weh-reh EE-HEE-YEAH HA nah TAH-TAH?)

One more, please.

Ótù ọ̀zọ́, bíkó. (OH-too aw-ZOR, BEE-COE)

Another round, please.

Wètáriá háníle, biko. (weh-TAH-RI-YAH HAH-NEE-LAY, BEE-COE)

When is closing time?

Mgbe ole ka Í nè méchí? (mm-bay oh-LAY kah EE nay MAY-CHEE?)

Cheers!

Má mmá nụ̀! (MA MMA-noo)

I am going to drink water

Ana m eje ịṅụ mmiri (AH-nam e-JE EE-g-NOO MM-MEE-REE)

Shopping

Igbo garment

Do you have this in my size?

Ì nwẹrẹ ihëa na àsàm?/Ì nwẹrẹ ihëa na amàm? (...) : Ì nwèrè nke ga-aha m (EE-NWAY-RAY nkay gAH-hah m)

I want to buy______

Achọrọ m ịzụ _______ (AH-ch-or-rum-i-zur)

How much is this?

Égó olé ka Ihe á di? (AY-GO o-Lay KA I-HYEN AHH DI)

That's too expensive.

Ọ dì óké ọnü. (OR dee okay or-NU)

Reduce the price

Bèlata ego (BAY-la-ta AY-GO)

Would you take _____?

Ì gi wéré _____? (ee GEE WAY RAY)

expensive

óké ọnü (OH-KAY AW-NOO)

cheap

ọnü ànì (AW-NOO ah-nee)

I can't afford it.

E nweghim Í ki golu ya. (ay WEH-gim EE-KEE GO-LOO YA.)

I don't want it.

À chom I ya. (AH chom E ya.)

come back again; return

bịaghàchi (BIAAH-haa-chee)

You're cheating me.

Ì na è fébém na ányá./I na ẹ mérém mu jobu. (EE neh FAY-BAY-M NAH AN-YAH./EE neh MEH-REH-MOO JOH-bu.).  : Ị nà-aghọgbu m (i-NAH-hor-gboo-m)

I'm not interested.

Ányám à nọghị nga áhü. (AHN-YAH-M ah noh-gee in-GAH-hoo.)

OK, I'll take it.

Ngwanu, kam weri ya. (in-gwah-noo, KAHM weh-REE YAH.)

Can I have a bag?

Ì nwẹrẹ àkpà? (ee weh-reh ahk-pah?)

Do you ship (overseas)?

Ì nè réfù ihnye na ùfèsì? (ee neh REH-foo i-hee-yeah nah oo-feh-see?)  : Ị́ ga-ezigali ya obodo ọzọ? (EE gar-a-zee-gar-lee oh-boh-do or-zor)

I need...

M chọrọ... (MM chore-roh...)

...a bag.

...akpa. (ah-kpa)

...toothpaste.

...údé ézé. (OO-DEH AY-ZAE.)  : ńchá eze (nn-char AY-ZAY)

...a toothbrush.

...átụ́. (AH-TOO.)

...tampons.

...ihnye àhú umunwanyi tamponu. (ee-hee-yeah ah-HOO OO-moo-WAH-yee TAM-poh-noo.)

...soap.

...ńchà. (NN-cha.)

...shampoo.

...ńchà ńtùtù. (IN-cha IN-too-too.)

...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen)

...ihnye íshí ọwuwa/ihnye nwéfu ihnye ölulu. (EE-HEE-YEAH EE-SHEE oh-WOO-WAH/EE-HEE-YEAH nn-WEH-foo EE-HEE-YEAH ooh-loo-loo.). ọgwụ ahụ mgbu (OR-gwu Ah-huu mgbu)

...cold medicine.

...ȯgvụ óyí. (OG-voo OH-YEE.)

...stomach medicine.

...ȯgvụ áfȯ. (OG-voo AH-FOUR.)

dress/clothes

uweyi (OO-way)

jacket

uweyi oyi (OO-way OH-YEE)

gloves

uweyi aka (OO-way ah-cah)

jeans/pants

uweyi ụkwụ (OO-way OO-KWOO)

shirt

uweyi ahụ (OO-way ah-HOO)

headtie

ịchafụ isi (EE-cha-foo EE-SEE)

sweater

uweyi ichu oyi (OO-way EE-choo OH-YEE)

shoes

akpụkpụụkwụ (ah-kpoo-kpoo-OO-KWOO)

...a razor.

...aguba. (ah-goo-bah.)

bracelet

mgba aka (mm-gba ah-cah)

earring

ọla ntị (or-lah NN-TEE)

hat/cap

okpu (OH-KPOO)

jewelry

ọla (or-lah)

scarf

ịchafụ (EE-cha-foo)

tie

eriri olu (AY-REE-REE OH-loo)

necklace

ihe onu (EE-hay or-noo)

ring

ọla aka (or-lah ah-cah)

watch

elekere aka (ay-lay-kay-ray ah-cah)

eye glasses

igagbe anya (EE-gay-bay ah-nee-ya)

...an umbrella.

...òché anwü. (oh-CHE AH-wooh.)

...sunblock lotion.

...udè màkà ánwú. (ooh-day mah-kah AH-WUH.)

...a postcard.

...postu cad. (POE-STU cahd)

...postage stamps.

...stampu nke ózí. (STAHMP-oo n-KAY OH-ZEE)

...batteries.

...batiri. (BAH-TEE-ree)

...writing paper.

...akwukwọ i de ihe. (AH-KOO-KWOH EE DEH EE-hee-yeah)

...a pen.

...biki. (BEE-kee)

...English-language books.

...Ákwúkwó há dèrè nà bèké. (AH-KOO-KWOH HAH day-ray nah bay-kay)

...English-language magazines.

...Ákwúkwó magazin nke bèké. (AH-KOO-KWOH mah-gah-ZEEN in-KAY bay-kay)

...an English-language newspaper.

...nuspepa hé dèrè na bèké. (NOOS-peh-pah HEY day-ray nah bay-kay)

...an English-English dictionary.

...dishonari bèké. (DEE-SHON-NAH-ree bay-kay)

...a mask

...ihü ékpo. (EE-HUE EK-POE)

...souvenir

...ihe òménàlà. (EE-HE-YEAH oh-MEH-nah-lah)

I want to make an order.

Achọrọ m ịtụ (ah-CAW-roh-mm ee-TOO)

Driving

Expressway in Onitsha

I want to rent a car.

Ḿ chọ̀rị́ gō mótò. (MM chore-RI GOO MOE-toe)

Can I get insurance?

Á chọ̀m̀ íkíké mótò? (AH cho-mm I-KEE-KAY MOH-toe)

stop (on a street sign)

kụ̀shị́ (koo-SHEE)

one way

ụ́zọ̀ ótù (OO-zoh OH-too)

yield

chāḿ ụ́zọ̀ (CHAAM OO-zaw)

no parking

É nyèdòlù (EH ye-do-loo)

speed limit

ézú ọ́sọ́ ụ́zọ̀ (EH-ZOO AW-SORE OO-zor)

gas (petrol) station

ụ́lọ́ petrol (OOH-LAW peh-TROLL)

petrol

petrol (peh-TROLL)

diesel

deezulu (DEE-zooloo)

car

mótò (MOE-toe): ügbö ala (OO-GBO-a-la)

travel

njem (n-jay-mm)

Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.

Ọ̀ dị́ghị̀ íhyéḿ mẹ̀rẹ̀. (aw DEE-gee EE-HYEM meh-reh)

It was a misunderstanding.

Ọ́ bụ̀ ọ́ghóḿ. (AW boo AW-GOM). : Ọ bụ nhọtahie (OR-bu-nhor-ta-hie)

Where are you taking me?

Ké ébé í nè dúfūm? (KAY AY-BAY EE neh DOO-foom) : Èbee kà ị kpọ m aga? (AY-BAY Kar ee kpor-m ah-gar)

Am I under arrest?

ị̀ nà tụ́ḿ ńkpọ́rọ́? (ee nah TOOM IN-POH-ROH)

I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.

Á bụ̀m ónyé ḿbà Amirika/Osuterelia/Briten/Kanada. (AH boom OH-NYE M-bah)

I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.

Á chọ̀m̀ ị́ hụ́ ńdú òché ḿbà Amerika/Osutralia/Britain/Kanada. (AH chore-m ee HUH IN-DIH oh-CHAY MM-bah...)

I want to talk to a lawyer.

Á chọ̀m̀ ị́ hụ́ ónyé íkpè. (AH chore-m EE HUH OWN-YAY EEK-pay)

Can I just pay a fine now?

M̀ nwèríkí kwụ́ ụ́gwọ́ ńrá ùgbúà? (mm we-REE-KEE K-WOO OO-GWOR NN-RAH oo-BU-wah)

I command you

a na m enye gi iwu (a-na-m-enye-gi-iwu)

I am in control

m na-achị (m -na-achị)

Fruits

Coconut

Akịoyìbo (ah-kee-OH-YEE-BOE)

Banana

Unèrè (OO-NAY-RAY)

Apple

Apụl (AH-POOL)

Date

ọ̀tọbìrì(ọ̀-TOH-bì-rì)

Oil palm

nkwụ(N-kwụ)

African Star Apple

ụdarà (OO-da-rà)

Black Velvet Tamarind

ìchekū (ì-CHE-kū)

Tigernut

akịawụsa (AH-kị-a-wụ-sa)

Lime

òròmankịrịsị (ò-ROO-man-kị-rị-sị)

Watermelon

Anyụmmīrī (ah-new-mm-MEE-ree)

Orange

òròma (oh-roh-mah)

Pawpaw

Unèrèezì (OO-NAY-RI-ZI)

Mango

Ugirī (OO-GEE-REE)

Guava

Govà (GO-va)

Avocado pear

ùbé òyìbó (OO-bay OH-yee-boe)

Pear

ùbe (OO-bay)

Pineapple

akwụorū (ah-KWOO-oh-roo)

Garden egg

Añara ( AH-naa-raa)

blackberry

blakberi ( blak- beri)

blueberry

bluberị ( ˈblo͞o-ˌberē)

Grapes

mkpụrụ vaịn (mkpụrụ- vaịn)

Christmas melon

OGBENWA (OGBE-NWA)

Lime

oroma nkịrịsị ( oroma -nkịrịsị )

Lemon

oroma ilu (oh-roe-mah EE-LOO)

Pear

ube ( ube )

melon

egusi (eh-goo-see)

strawberry

strọberị ( strọ-berị)

tangerine

tanjerịn ( ˌtanjə-ˈrēn)

Animals

antelope/deer

mgbada (mm-gba-dah)

ant

agbịsị (A-gbị-sị)

african civet

Edi Ụra (E-di-u-ra) :Edi (E-di)

bat

ụsụ (OO-SOO)

bird

nnụnụ (NN-noo-noo)

hen

Ọkụkọ (aw-KUH-kaw)

bee

aṅụ (A-ṅụ)

beetle

ebe (E-be)

butterfly

erembụbara (E-rem-bụ-ba-ra)

bed bug

chinchi (CHI-nchi)

boa constrictor

eke ọgba (E-KEH-AW-gba)

cat

nwamba (nn-wam-bah)

cow/cattle

efi (AY-FEE) : ehi (AY-HEE)

cockroach

ochịcha (OO-chị-cha)

cod/stock fish

okporoko (OH-Kpo-RO-ko)

caterpillar

eruru (E-ru-ru)

centipede

agbakụrụ nwoke (AH-gba-kụ-rụ-nwo-ke)

crab

nshikọ (nn-she-kor)

chameleon

ogwumagala (OH-gwu-ma-ga-la) : ugwumagana (U-gwu-ma-ga-na) : oyimagana (OH-yi-ma-ga-na)

chimpanzee

adaka (ah-DAH-ka)

crocodile

agu iyi (A-GU-i-yi)

cricket

mbụzụ (m-BU-zụ)

dog

nkịta (NN-KEE-tah)

dove

ndo (nn-DO): nduru (NN-duh-ru)

dragon fly

tatambeneke (ta-TAM-be-ne-ke): ojiikere (oh-jee-EE-kay-ray)

donkey/mule

ịnyịnya ibu (EEN-yee-yah EE-boo)

duck

ọbọgwụ (aw-baw-gwoo): ọkụkọ ụgbala (aw-KUH-KUH-gba-lah)

eagle

ugo (oo-go)

elephant

enyi (AY-nee-yee)

egret

chekeleke (CHE-ke-LE-ke)

frog

awọ (AH-wore)

fish

azụ (AH-zu)

goat

ewu (E-WU)

goose

ọkwa (or-kwa)

gorilla

ozọdimgba (AW-zaw-DIM-GBA)

grasscutter

nchi (nn-chi)

grasshopper

Ụkpara (uh-kpa-RAH)

guinea fowl

Ọgazị (aw-ga-zi)

horse

ịnyịnya (een-yee-yah)

hippopotamus

enyi mmiri (AYN-YEEM-mi-ri)

leopard

agụ (AH-GOO)

lion

ọdụm (aw-doom)

lizard

ngwere (nn-gway-ray)

locust

igurube (i-GU-ru-be)

monkey

enwe (en-way)

maggot

ikpuru (I-kpu-ru)

mouse/rat

oke (oh-KAY)

mosquito

anwụ nta (AH-NWU-nta)

owl

ikwikwii (ee-kwee-KWEE)

ostrich

enyi nnụnụ (AY-nee-yee-NN-noo-noo)

pig

ezi (AY-zhee)

pigeon

ndụlị (nn-doo-lee)

porcupine

Ebi ogwu (E-bi-o-gwu)

pony

nwa ịnyịnya (nn-wah EEN-yee-yah)

praying mantis

Oti ọkpọ (OH-ti-oo-kpọ): osu ọkpọ (oh-SU-AW-kpAW)

rabbit

oke ụlọ (OH-KAY OO-lor)

rooster

oke ọkụkọ (OH-KAY or-coo-core)

scorpion

Akpi (AH-kpi)

sheep

atụrụ (ah-too-roo)

snail

eju (AY-joo): ejula (AH-joo-lah)

snake

agwọ (AH-GWOR)

sparrow

nza (NN-za)

squirrel

ọsa (or-SAH)

tortoise

mbe (MM-beh)

turtle

mbèmmīrī (MM-beh-Mmī-rī)

turkey

torotoro (to-RO-to-RO)

vulture

udele (OO-day-lay)

viper

Ajụala (A-JU-a-la)

wall gecko

nche ụlọ (nn-chay OO-lor): nchekenche ụlọ (nn-chay-KAYn-chay-OO-law)

wood pecker

Ọtụrụ kpọkpọ (aw-tụ-rụ-KPAW-KPAW)

Housefly

Ijiji (EE-jee-jee)

Nature/environment

Land

ala (ah-lah)

Earth

ụwa (oo-wah)

Bush

ọhịa (or-hee-ar)

Forest

oke ọhịa (oh-kay or-hee-ar)

Stick/Tree/Wood

osisi (oh-see-see)

Palm tree

osisi nkwụ (oh-see-see oon-KWOO)

plant

kuo (COO-or)

leaf

akwụkwọ ndụ (ah-kwoo-kwor oon-doo)

fire

ọkụ (or-coo)

hill

ugwu (oo-gwoo)

mountain

ugwu ukwu (oo-gwoo oo-KWOO)

rock/stone

okwute (oh-KWOO-tay)

river

osimiri (oh-she-mm-MEE-REE)

lake

ezu (AY-ZOO)

farm

ugbo (OO-gbo-o)

farmer

onye ugbo (oh-nee-yay OO-gbo-o)

garden

mbụbọ (mm-boo-bor)

seed

mkpụrụ (mm-kpoo-roo)

soil

aja (ah-jah)

barn

ọba (or-bah)

air/wind

ikuku (EE-COO-COO)

cold

oyi (OH-YEE)

hot

ọkụ (OR-COO)

sky

elu igwe (AY-LOO EE-gway)

rain

mmiriozuzo (mm-MEE-REE-oh-zoo-zo)

sun

anwụ (ah-nwoo): anyanwụ (ah-nee-ah-nwoo)

moon

ọnwa (or-nwah)

star

kpakpando (kpar-kpar-nn-doe)

valley

ǹdàgwùrùgwù (oon-DAH-gwoo-roo-gwoo)

Green House effect

Ịrị elu okpomọkụ ụwa( mi-ru elu ee-gwe)

Climate change

Mgbanwe ọnọdụ ìgwè ( Mm- gbaa- wee ee-gwe)

Pollutants

Ọmeto(O-mee-tor)

Extinction

Adighizi (AH-dee-zee)

Adaptation

Nnakweta (Nah- kwe-tar)

Emissions

Mmepụtaga (Mme-pu-gar)

Recycling

nnogwoghari(Mm-gwo-HA-rii)

Sustainability

Adịgide (AH- the-gi-dare)

Eco -Friendly

Nke dị mma maka gburugburu ( Nkar- de Mma ma-kar gbu-ru-gb-ru)

Food waste

Mmebi nri(Mm-bee n-ri)

Wind

Ikuku(ik-ku-ku)

Wave

Ebiri mmiri (Ee- be- rii MM-MEE-REE)

Habitat

Ebe obibi (Ee-Bay obi-bi)

Eco system

Eko sistemụ (Eko- si-si -te- mụ)

Deforestation

Mgbuchasi Osisi ( Mm-gbu-cha-si osi-si)

Drought

Oké ọkọchị(O-ke oko-chi)

Land fill

Mkpọchi ala(Mm-kpo- chi a-la)

Famine

Ugani(Ugh-ga- ni)

Climate change

Mgbanwe ọnọdụ ìgwè ( Mm- gbaa- wee ee-gwe)

Pollutants

Ọmeto(O-mee-tor)

Extinction

Adighizi ( AH-dee-zee)

Adaptation

Nnakweta (Nah- kwe-tar)

Emissions

Mmepụtaga Mme-pu-gar)

Recycling

nnogwoghari(Mm-gwo-HA-rii)

Sustainability

Adịgide (AH- the-gi-dare)

Eco -Friendly

Nke dị mma maka gburugburu (N kaa dee mm mma ma ka gbu ru gbu ru)

Food waste

Mmebi nri(Mm-bee n-ri)

Wind

Ikuku(ik-ku-ku)

Wave

Ebiri mmiri (Ee- be- rii MM-MEE-REE)

Habitat

Ebe obibi (Ee-Bay obi-bi)

Eco system

Eko sistemụ (Eko- si-si -te- mụ)

Deforestation

Mgbuchasi Osisi ( Mm-gbu-cha-si osi-si)

Drought

Oké ọkọchị(O-ke oko-chi)

Land fill

Mkpọchi ala(Mm-kpo- chi a-la)

Famine

Ugani(Ugh-ga- ni)

Housing

house

ụlọ (OO-lor) : ụnọ (OO-nor)

bedroom

ime ụlọ (EE-MAY OO-lor)

table

ndokwasa (nn-dor-qua-sah)

refrigerator

igbeoyi (EE-gbay-OH-YEE)

pillow

nhiweisi (nn-hee-way-EE-SEE)

mirror

enyo (eh-nn-yow)

mat

ute : (OO-tay)

key

igodo : (EE-goe-doh)

chair

oche : (oh-chay)

box

igbe : (EE-gbay)

bed

akwa : (AH-kwa)

basket

nkata : (nn-cah-tah)

bucket

ǹchu : (N-chu)

broom

azịzà (a-ZI-zà)

luggage

akpàtị̀ (a-KPAH-tị̀)

window

mbo : (mm-boh)

laundry

ebe ana-asa akwa : (AY-BAY ah-nah-ah-sah AH-kwa)

door

ụzọ : (OO-zor)

floor

ala ụlọ : (ah-lah OO-law)

dining room

ụlọ erimeri : (OO-law ay-ree-may-ree)

kitchen

usekwu : (OO-say-coo)

neighbour

àgbàtòobì (à-GBA-tò-obì)

Health

doctor

dibịa (DEE—bee-ya) : dokịta (dor-kee-tah)

health

ahụ ike (ah-hoo EE-kay)

dentist

dibịa eze (DEE-bee-ya ay-zay)

Nurse

nọọ̄sụ (NOO-suu)

a nurse who is practicing without a license

nọọ̄sụ elizā ( NOO-suu EE-lee-zah)

hospital

ụlọ ọgwụ (OO-loh or-gwoo)

clinic

ụlọ ọrịa (OO-loh or-REE-yah)

drug/medicine

ọgwụ (or-gwoo)

Liquid medicine/ drug

Mmiri ogwu(mmi-rii or-gwoo)

Bandage

Bandeeji( Band-age)

sleeping pills

ọgwụ ụra (or-gwoo OO-rah)

infection/disease

ọrịa (or-REE-yah)

ringworm

ọ̀kpụīsieringo (ọ̀-kpụ-ī-si-E-RI-ngo)

mumps

agbàgaǹtì (a-gbà-GA-ǹtì)

mouth blister

àwaka-ọnụ̄ (à-wa-ka-O-nụ̄)

goitre

akpụ̀olū (A-kpụ̀-o-lū)

runny nose

ezìimī (E-zì-imī)

dementia

m̀gbàǹchefù (m̀-GBA-ǹ-ch-efù)

needle

ntụtụ (nn-too-too)

glasses

ugegbe anya (OO-gay-bay ah-nee-yah)

stomach ache

afọ ohihi (ah-fore oh-hee-hee)

cough

ụkwara (OO-kwa-rah)

Ambulance

Ụgbọ ihe mberede (U-gbor E Hay mbe-ree) dee)

Prescription

Ndenye ọgwụ (Mm Dee yeh or-gwoo)

Dizzy

Anya  Ntụgharị(A-nya ntu-gha-rii)

Band-Aid

Ihe mmachi ọnyá  (E-hay Mma- chi O- nya)

Toothache

Eze mgbu (Eze mgbuu)

Crutches

Mkpara  enye m aka ije ( m-kpar-ra  enye-m aka ejay)

Infusion

Ịbanye ọgwụ na mmiri (Ee-Bay -nye oo gwo na Me-ri)

Syringe

Ndụdụ(m-du-du)

Stethoscope

Ngwo ọrụ na elele  akụkụ obi(N-gwo-orlu-nah-ele-le obi)

Stretcher

Ngwo ọrụ  ndina mbughari (N-gwo orlu  ndị- na  m- buh- gha- ri)

Xrays

Ụtarị ọkụ ( U- ta-ri o-ku)

Allergy

( Nsọ  (N-sor)

Ear plug

Ọkpọ ntị (O-kpor ntị)

Eye drop

Mmiri ọgwụ  anya(M-mi-rii oo- gwo A-nya)

Vaccine

Ọgwụ  mgbochi(Or -gwo m-gbo-chi)

Aids

Ọrịa  mminwu ((or-REE-yah Mm-ii-wu)

Pharmacy

Ụlọ ahịa ogwu( U-law  ah-ia oo gwo)

Antibiotic

Ọgwụ  nje(Or- gwo  n-je)

Germs

Nje(N-je)

Pain killer

Ọgwụ  ahụ  mgbu.( Oo-gwo Ahụ m- gbu)

Vitamin

Vaịtmini(Vee-ta- me)

Aspirin

Ọgwụ aspirini(or-gwo as-pi-ri-ni)

Nauseous

Afọ  Ntụgharị (A-for- ntu-gha-rii)

Symptoms

Mgbaama  ọrịa(Oo-gba -Amar- oo-ria)

I swallow

Ana m elo (Ah Nah -m elo)

Faint

Ịda mbà(ịdah m ah)

Nightmare

Nrọ ọjọọ (EN-ro or-jo)

Psychologist

Ọka mmụta ọkaramgbawa ( Ọ -ka -mm-uta nah O- kara-gba-wa)

arthritis

àgbàikpèrè (A-GBA-i-kpè-rè)

sore throat

olu gụ̀ : (O-lu-gụ̀)

blindness

isi (EE-SEE)

fever

ahụ ọkụ (ah-hoo or-koo)

flu

ịba (EE-bah)

Malaria

ịba (EE-bah)

high blood pressure

ọ̀bàràmgbalịelū (ọ̀-bà-rà-MGBA-lị-elū)

cripple

ǹgwụrọ̄ (ǹ-GWU-rọ̄)

epilepsy

àkwụkwụ̀ (A-kwụ-kwụ̀)

elephantiasis

ènyiūrē (è-NYI-ūrē)

heart attack

obi mgbafu (OH-BEE mm-gba-foo)

itch

ọkọ (or-cor)

headache

isiọ̄wụ̄wā (I-SI-ọ̄-wụ̄-wā)

madness

ara (A-RA)

body pain

àhụm̄gbū (à-HUM-gbū)

flu

ịba (EE-bah)

sneezing

uzerē (OO-zay-ray):: Communicable Disease : Ọrịa na-efe efe (or-REE-yah nah efe/efe)

I’m sick

Ahụ adịghị m (ah-hoo ah-dee-gee mm)

I have a cold

Oyi n’ama m (OH-YEE nah-ah-mah mm)

I am cold

Oyi na-atụ m (OH-YEE nah-ah-tum)

I am hot

Ahụ nà-ekpo m ọkụ (AH-HUU nah-e-kpom oku)

Expressions and particles

Like many African languages Igbo is a very expressive language that makes use of a lot of exclamations in its daily use. Some of these are included:

-kwánụ́ (KWA-NOO)

'though'
This is usually added to the end of a question to make something inclusive.

-ụ̀kwá (ooh-KWA)

'as well'
similar to 'kwanu' but is added at the end of any sentence for the same effect.

èwó! (ay-WOAH)

'oh no!'
An exclamation that can be made out of exhaustion, either from laughing at a joke or when work is done, realising a mistake, like leaving the lights in the house on all night, or any other terrible event.

Chínēkè! (CHEE-NAY-kay)

'God!'
Chineke is 'God' and is a common expression used for the same purposes as 'Jesus' often is in English.

ó! (OH)

'Okay, all right'
A exclamation that often means agreeing with something, although it can sometimes be used as sarcasm, a common situation where this is used is when someone is arrogant in their knowledge of something. It is often used on its own, but can be attached to another word, e.g 'Chim o!' meaning 'my spirit'.

héwù! (HEY-woo)

'No!'
An expression used in a shocking tragic moment.

Ọ́ dị̀kwà égwù (AW dee-kwah EH-gwoo)

'Impossible'
Sometimes used to show absolute rejection of something.

tụ̀fíàkwà (too-FEE-ya-kwa)

'God forbid!'
Extreme rejection or opposition of something, usually followed with clicking fingers over the head as to rid oneself of the thing in question. This is often a reaction to an abomination.

Chínēkè é kwélé ị́hyẹ́ ọ́jọ̄ (CHEE-NAY-kay EH KWEH-LEH EE-HEE-YEAH OH-JAW)

'God will not allow a bad thing'
An exclamation made out of shock when a bad thing happens.

Eziokwu! (AY-ZEE-OH-KWOO)

'Really!'
An expression used to affirm reality or truth.

Ehe! (EH-HEH)

'Yes!'
An affirmative exclamation in agreement with someone or something.

Nenu! (NAY-NOO)

'Look at that!'
An expression that describes shock, surprise, pleasure, displeasure or disappointment.

Chai! (CHAYI)

An expression that describes shock, surprise, bewilderment, pain, disappointment, pity, regret.

Arụ emee!(AH-RUH ay-MAY!) /Alụ emee (AH-LUH ay-MAY!)

Abomination! : An exclamation used to signify that an abominable act has occurred in the particular location

Inukwá (I-NU-kwá)

'can you imagine'
This is usually an exclamation to a statement made that is surprising or the least expected thing to hear.

Attitudes

Conduct

umerē (UH-me-rē)

Anger

Íwé (EE-WAY)

Arrogance

ǹgàǹgà (ǹ-GAN-gà)

Respect

ǹsopuru (ǹ-SO-pu-ru)

A Gossip

onyeàsị̀rị̀ (oh-NYAH-à-sị̀-rị̀)

Generosity, bounty

afọọ̄mā (a-FOO-ọ̄mā)

Good will, Good work

ọrụọma (OO-rụ-ọ-ma)

Politeness

ọnụ ọma (OO-nu-ọ-ma)

A hot tempered person/ being hot tempered

Onye íwé ọkụ (OH-NYAY EE-WAY aw-KUH)

Patience

Ǹdìdì (nn-dih-dih)

Mutual agreement

kwekọrịta (kwe-KOO-RI-ta)

Obedience

nrubiisī (n-ru-BI-isī)

Dis obedience

nnupụ̀isī (n-nu-PU-isī)

Righteousness

eziòmùmē (A-ZI-ò-mù-mē)

Be patient

nwee ndidi (nway-AY nn-dih-dih)

A patient person

Onye nwere ndidi (OH-NYAY nway -RAY nn-dih-dih)

Humility

Umeala (UH-MAY-ah-lah)

Being humble

ịdị umeala (EE-DEE UH-MAY-ah-lah)

Being homely

Anya iru mmadụ àlà (AH-NYA EE-ruh mm-AH-du ahlah)

Lazy

Umengwú (UH-may NN-GWU)

Will power, Self Control

mkpebìsi (m-kpe-BI-si)

Weakness

adị̄ghīkē (a-DIGH-īkē)

Stinginess

akantachị (a-KA-nta-chị)

Being lazy

ịdị Umengwú (EE-DEE UH-MAY- nnGWUH)

Meanness/Wickedness

afọ ịta mmiri (AH-FAW EE-TAmm-EE-REE)

A wicked person

Onye obi ọjọọ/onye afọ tàrà mmiri/onye ọjọọ (OH-NYAY OH-be aw-jaw-aw/OH-NYAY AH-FAWt ah-rah mm-EE-REE/OH-NYAY AW-JAW-AW)

Greed

Anya úkwú (AH-NYAH UK-WUH)

A greedy person

Onye anya úkwú (OH-NYAY AH-AN-YAH UK-WUH)

Lie

Ụ̀ghá (oo-HAH) : àsị́ (ah-SEE) : ǹtụ́ (nn-TUH)

Liar

Onye ụ̀ghá (OH-NYAY oo-HAH): onye asị (OH-NYAY

ah-SEE): onye ǹtụ́ (OH-NYAY nn-TUH)

Cheating

Ághụ̀ghọ̀ (AH-huh-haw): áwụ̀wọ̀ (AH-wuh-waw)

A cheat

Onye ághụ̀ghọ̀ (OH-NYAY AH-huh-haw): onye áwụ̀wọ̀ (OH-NYAY AH-wuh-waw)

Stubbornness

Isi Ike (EE-SEA-KAY)

A stubborn person

Onye isi Ike (OH-NYAY EE-SEA-KAY)

Pride

Ḿpákó (MM-PAH-KOH): Ókómókó (OH-KOH-MOH-KOH)

A proud person

Onye Ḿpákó (OH-NYAY MM-PAH-KOH): Onye Ókómókó (OH-NYAY OH-KOH-MOH-KOH)

Stupid

Iberibe (ee-bay-REE-bay)

A stupid person

Onye iberibe (OH-NYAY ee-bay-REE-bay)

Carefulness

Mkpachapụ-anya (MM-KPAH-chah-PUA-NYAH)

Be careful

Kpachapụ anya gị (KPAH-chah-PUA-NYAH GEE)

A careful person

Onye na-akpachapụ anya (OH-NYAY nahKPAH-chah-PUA-NYAH)

Downcast, depressed, frustrated

Ị́sụ̀ ǹgọ̀ǹgọ̀ (EE-suhn-gone-gaw)

Festivals

New Yam Festival

Iri ji (EErEE-GEE)

Traditional marriage

àgbàm-nkwu (ahg-bam NNK-WUH)

Royal Banquet

Ofala (aw-FAH-lah)

New Cocoyam Festival

Iri édè (EErEE AY-DAY)

Learning more

• Learn Igbo on Mofeko — Learn Igbo on the African language website Mofeko.
• Igbo Guide — Insight into Igbo Culture, Igbo Language and Enugu.
• Igbo Focus — A collection of simple Igbo words and phrases.
• Mkpuruokwu Igbo: The Igbo Dictionary — Online English-Igbo-English dictionary with over 5000 English-Igbo-English translations.