Igbo phrasebook

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 Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri (oh-weh-reh), Port Harcourt, and Asaba (in Igbo, ah-sah-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

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- (Maa-zị): The most basic honorific for males, about equivalent to Mister. Mazi Ibekwe: Mister Ibekwe
daa- (DAH): The most basic honorific for females, about equivalent to Misses, Miss, and most similar to madam or ma'am. Daa Mgbechi: Madam Mgbechi
dedè- (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 'dee'.
ìchíè- (ee-CHEE-ye): literally elder, used to address male elders.
ńzè- (n-ze): 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"; 'nwaanyị̀', meaning "female"; or 'nwá' (WAHN), meaning child. This form of address can be patronising.

onye isi- (Oh-ye ee-see): used to address the male head of a household.

Nwunye- (whu-nye): used to address married women.

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'), /ókè/ ('boundary'), /óké/ ('male'), /òké/ ('rat'); /ákpụ́/ ('cassava'), /ákpụ̀/ ('knot'); /ísí/ ('head'), /ìsì/ ('blindness'), /isì/ ('smell'); /ájá/ ('sand'), /àjà/ ('sacrifice'); /àjá/ ('praise or extol'); /ájà/ ('to spread or open something wide') /Ìgbò/ ('a tribe or language'), /ìgbó/ ('hard drugs'), /ígbò/ ('prevent'); /àzụ́/ ('behind, back, to buy'), /ázụ̀/ ('fish'); /ọ̀zọ́/ ('again'), /ọ́zọ̀/ ('chimpanzee'), /ọ́zọ́/ ('title'); /égbé/ ('hawk'), /égbè/ ('gun'); /íhé/ ('something'), /ìhè/ ('light'); /óbì/ ('chest'), /òbí/ ('lounge'/ 'title for kings'), /Òbí/ ('core of one's children :first son'); /ọ́nwá/ ('moon'), /ọ́nwá/ ('month'); /ényì/ ('friend'), /ényí/ ('Elephant'); /ùkwù/ ('bundle'), /úkwú/ ('large, big, or great'), /úkwù/ ('waist'), /ụ́kwụ́/ ('leg'); /ógwū/ ('thorn'), /ọ̀gwụ̀/ ('stump'), /ọ́gwụ̀/ ('medicine'); /ḿmà/ ('knife'), /ḿmā/ ('beauty'); /àgwà/ ('beans', 'behaviour' or 'character'); /ézì/ ('pig'), /èzí/ ('proper, right or good', 'outside' or 'compound'), /égwù/ ('fear'), /égwú/ ('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

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

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

Hello. (informal): Kèdú. (keh-DO): Keekwanu (Kay -kwa-nu)
Hello. (casual)
Nice to meet you.: Ndêwó. (n-DAY-WOH)
Good morning.: Ututu Ọma . (oo-TUH-tuh AW-MAH) : Ị̀ saala chi (ee-SAALA-chi)
Good evening.: Mgbede Ọma . (MM-GBAEDAY AW-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 (AW dee mma)
Bye / see you later: Ka ọ dị (Kah-AW dEE)
And: na (nah)
Or: Maọbụ (maa-o-buh)
This: Nke a (mm Keh-ah)
I: Mụ (muu)
Wait: Chère (Chay-rAY)
Wait for me: Chère m (Chay-RAY m)
Wait for him/her: Chère ya (Chay-RAY YAH)
Wait for us: Chère anyị (Chay-RAY AH-nyi)
Stay: Nọ̀rọ́ ( naw-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)
Come close: nọ́kètá (NAW-kay-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)
Start going: Gawa (gah-WAH): Jema (jay-MAH): Jewe (jay-WAY)
Continue going: Na-aga (NAH-ah-GAH): Jeede (jay-AY-DAY)
Draw: Sèé (say-AY)
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 (gba-kor-AW)
Gathering: ọ́gbakọ̀ (AWG-BA-kaw)
Start gathering: Gbákọ̀wá (GBA-kaw-WAH): gbákọ̀má (GBA-kaw-MAH)
Welcome: Nnộọ (n-NOR): Deeje (day-JAY): 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-AW-TAW)
Please: Bīkó. (BEE-KOE)
Thank you: Dālụ́/Imeelá. (DAA-LUh/EE-MAY-LAH)
You're welcome.: Ǹdêwó or nnọọ (n-DAY-WOH or nn-NAW-aw)
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, chay-TWO)
Excuse me. (begging pardon): Biko, é weli íwé. (BEE-koe, A WELLI-WAY)
Sorry.: Ndo (n-DOH)
Forgive me: Gbághàrám (BA-gha-RAM)
No problem: Ńsògbú adịghị ( n-SOH-gboo AH-dị-ghị)
Goodbye: Kà emésíá. (kah EH-MEH-SEER)
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)
Cross (over): gafee (GAH-fay-AY)
Start: Bido: (bee-DOH)
Beginning: Mbido (MM-BEE-DOH)

Making calls

I will call you: M ga-akpọ gị (MM gah KPAW gee)
I missed your call: Agbaghara m oku gị (A-gba-gha-ra m oh-ku gi)
I called you: Akpọrọ m gị (AH-kpaw-raw-m GEE)
You called me: Ị́ kpọrọ m (EE-kpor-raw-m)
Did you call me?: Ị kpọrọ m? (ee-kpaw-RAW-M?)
Will you call (me)?: Ị̀ gà-àkpọ (m)? (EE gah KPOR m?)
Can I have your number?: enwere m ike ịnweta nọmba gị? (ay-nway-ray m ike e-nway-tah nọmba gị?)
I want your phone number: Achọrọ m ákàrà ekwentị gị. (AH-chore-raw-m AH-kah-rah AY-QUAY-ntea GEE)
Phone: Ekwentị (AY-QUAYN-tea) fonụ (foh-nuh)
Phone number: Ákàrà ekwentị (AH-kah-rah AY-QUAYN-tea)
I can hear you: Ana m ànụ́ gị (AH-nam ah-NUH-GEE )
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 (Kpaw m mah AY-may-char)
Call me back: Kpọghachi m (kpaw-HA-cheem)
Call me: Kpọọ m (Kpaw m)
Let me call you: Kà m kpọ gị (Kah M KPAW gi)
Let me call you back: Kà m kpọghachi gị (kah M KPAW-ha-chee gi)
Don't call me: Ákpọla m (AH-kpaw-LAM)
Call (verb): Kpọ̀ọ (Kpaw-AW)
Have you called?: I kpọgo?/ I kpọọla? (e-KPAW-GO?/ e-KPAW-AW-LAH?)
He/she is calling you (singular): Ọ na-akpọ gị (AW-nah-KPAW-GI)
He/she is calling you (plural): Ọ na-akpọ unu (AW-nah-KPAW-OO-noo)
He/she is calling me: Ọ na-akpọ m (AW-nah-KPAW-m)
They are calling us: Ha na-akpọ anyị (HA-na-KPAW-ah-NYI)
They are calling you (plural): Ha na-akpọ unu (HA-na-KPAW-OO-noo)

Expressing Feelings

I am afraid: Ụjọ nà-àtụ m (OO-JAW nah-ah-too-m)
Égwù ji m: (AY-gwoo jee m)
I am scared: Óbì nà-amapụ m (OH-be nah-MAH-pu m)
I am happy: Óbì ụ̀tọ́ na-eme m (OH-be uh-TAW nay-MAY-m) : Óbì dị m ụ̀tọ́ (OH-be de m uh-TAW)
I am not happy: Óbì adịghị m ụ̀tọ́ (OH-be AH-de-gheem uh-TAW) : Óbì adịghị m mma (OH-be AH-de-gheem MMAH) : Óbì ọ́jọ́ọ nà-ème m (OH-be AW-JAW nay-may m)
I am sad: Anọ m nà nwute (Ah-naw-m NAM-WOO-TAY)
I am not sure: Ò doghị m anya (oh dough-ghịm AH-nyah)
I am sure: Ó dòrò m anya (OH-DOUGH-roam AH-nyah)
I am tired: Íké gwụ̀rụ̀ m (EE-KAY gwụ-RU-m) Íké àgwụla m (EE-KAY Ah-gwu-lam)
I am angry: Íwé nà-èwe m (EE-way-nay-WAY-m): Iwe ji m (EE-WAY-gee-M)
I am hungry: Agụụ na-agụ m (AH-GOO-nah-GOO m)
I am crying: Ánà m èbé ákwá (AH-nah-m ay-BAY AH-QUAH)
I am on the verge of tears (I feel like crying): Ákwá nà-àgụ m (AH-QUAH-nah-GOO-m)
I am sick: Ahụ na-arịa m/ Ahụ adịghị m (ah-HỤ-nah-RIAM/ah-HUA-dee-GEE-m)

Questions and answers

Question mark: akàrà ajụ̀jụ (AH-kà-rà-AH-jụ̀-jụ)
How are you?: Kèdú kà ímẹ̀rẹ̀? (kAY-Duu kah Ee meh-reh): Ị rị kpá ole? (ee-ri-KPA-OW-LAY?): Ǹdâa? (in-DAH?)
Fine, thank you.: Ọ́ dị̀ ḿmá. (AW-dee MAA)
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-DUl 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-Nyeh)
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 ___ (A- na-ms-gaa___)
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 : (e ri nri)
___to cook: isi nri: (ee si nri)
___to drink: Ị́ṅụ́ mmanyị (EE-nu mmah-nyee)
___to dance: Ị́gbá égwú (i-gbā ë-gwù)
___to shop: Ị́zụ́ íhé (EE-zuh EE-hea)
___ to bath: ịsa ahụ (isa a hu)
___ 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-sì) face íhú (ee-whoo) eyes ányá (A-nya) ears ńtị̀ (N-te) 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 (N-too-too-esi) 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. (HA-Pu-Mu A-KAH)
Don't touch me!: Ẹ́mẹ́tụ́laḿ áká! (Eh-meh-Tu-na-mu-a-kah)
I don't want problem: Achọghị m ńsògbú (AH-chor-ghi -mu- 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 (A hia): Avịa (AH-VI-YAH): afịa (AH-FI-YAH): eshịa (EH-SH-AH)
Church: Ụlọ ụka (ulo u ka)
Office: Ụlọ ọrụ (ulo o ru)
Bush: Ọhịa (AW-HI-YAH): Ọfịa (AH-FI-YAH): ọvịa (AW-VI-YA)
School: Ụlọ Akwụkwọ (U-law Ah-QUU-QUAH)
Museum: Ụlọ ngosi nka (U-law NGO-cee nn-kah)
Bank: Ụlọ akụ (U-law ah-ku)
Hospital: Ụlọ ahụ ike( U-law AHIKE) Ụlọ ọgwụ (U-law o-gu)
Emergency Centre: Ụlọ gbata gbata (U-law gba-TAH gba-TAH)
Amusement park: Ogige ntụrụndụ (OO-ge geh N-through-ndu)
Heritage site: Ebe ihe nketa ( Ee -BAY e-hay nke- ta)
Saloon: Ebe ndozi isi (Ee-Bay ndo-zee-isee)
Mountain: Ugwu ukwu (oo-gwoo u-KWU)
Government House: Ụlọ Gọọmentị (U-law Goo-ment)
Legislative House: Ụlọ Ọmeiwu (U-law O- me eWUH)
River: Osimiri (oh-she-ME-RE)
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)

Number1 One

Ótù/Ófù (OH-too/OH-foo)

2 Two: Àbụ́ọ́ (ah[ae]-BWORE)

3 Three: Àtọ́ (ah[ae]-TOH)

4 Four: Ànọ́ (ah-NAW)

5 Five: Ìsé (ee-SEH)

6 Six: Ìsîi (ee-SEA)

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? (GIE-ni- kwu)

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-Si- nah oo-TU-tu)

nine o'clock AM: élékéré ìtôlú nà ụtútụ (E-LEY-KE-RE ee-TOE-Lu na oo-TUO-tuo)

noon: èhíhìè nàbọ (ey-HEE-hee-yay nah-BOH)

one o'clock PM: élékéré ótù (È-LEY-KE-RE O-tuo)

two o'clock PM: élékéré abuọ nàbò (AY-LAY-KAY-REH ah-BWORE nah-BOH)
three o'clock PM: élékéré atọ (AY-LAY-KAY-REH ah-atọ)

midnight: ètítì ábàlì (ay-Ti-Ti-A-bali): 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 (udu me ri)
Dry season: Ọ́kọ́chì (o call chi)
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-for): Ahö (AH-hor)
Decade: Áfọ̀ ìrí (AH-for ee-REE): Ahö ìrí (AH-hor ee-REE)
Century: óchíê (oh-CHAIR)
next year: afọ n’abịa abịa (AH-for na-bee-ya abee-ya)
last year: afọ gara aga (AH-for gah-ra agah)
this year: afọ a (AH-for 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 (N-nay na N-na)
Father: Ńnà (N-na)
Mother: Ńnẹ́ (N-Nay)
Older brother/sister: nwanne Ukwù

(WA-N-ne U-kwù)

Younger brother: Nwáńnẹ́ḿ nwōké ńtà (WA-NEM Wo-KAY N-tah)
Younger sister: Nwáńnẹ́ḿ nwânyị̀ ńtà (WA-M-nem WA-nyii N-tah):
young man: okorọbia (OH-ko-ró-ò-beà)
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 (U-muu 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 beings: ndị mmadụ (nn-dee-ma-do)
person: mmadụ (ma-do) : onye (Oo-nye)
adults: ndị okenye (nn-dee Oo-kay-nye)
Igbo people: Ndị Igbo (NN-DEE ee-gbo)
Africans: Ndị Afrika (NN-DEE a-fre-ca)
Americans: Ndị Emerika (NN-DEE eh-meh-ree-ca)
Black person: onye ojii (OH-nee-yay oh-jee)
Black people: Ndị ojii (NN-DEE oo-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

up: élú (eh-Lu)
down: nàlà (nah-lah)
atop: nà élú (nah eh-lu)
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-feh)
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 (eh-lu -u-gwu )
downhill: ụ́kwụ́ ụ́gwụ (OO-KWOO OO-GWOOH)
Start: Bido (bee-DOH)
Stop: Kwụsị (kwu-shii)
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-na-mu-ah-ga)
Take me to _____, please.: Wèrém gá _____, biko. (weh-re- mu-gah_____, bee-ko.)
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 _____
Go to ______: Gaa (Gah)________
Go straight __________: Gaa n'ihu (gaa n EE-hoo)__________
how much is the fare?__________: onu ego ole? (OH-noo eh-go OH-leh) __________
pay the fare ________: kwuo ego (kwoh eh-go)

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-fo-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?)

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)

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 _____?)

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

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

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-BOH)
Banana: Unèrè (OO-NAY-RAY)
Apple: Apụl (AH-POOL)
Date: ọ̀tọbìrì(ọ̀-TOH-bì-rì-ri)
Oil palm: akwụ(AH-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-bob)
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 (NE-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: osisi (O-see-see)
leaf: akwụkwọ (ah-kwoo-kwor)
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: ọdọ mmiri (U-doh-mee-ree)
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: alumdi na nwunye omenala (ahluum-dee nah whu-nye Omhe-nah-lah)
Royal Banquet: oriri eze (O-ree-ree ezeh)
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 ^{[dead link]} — A collection of simple Igbo words and phrases.
Mkpuruokwu Igbo: The Igbo Dictionary ^{[dead link]} — Online English-Igbo-English dictionary with over 5000 English-Igbo-English translations.

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