Igbo: everyday phrases and greetings

Ụtụtụ ọma

Good morning

The reply is Ị sala chi?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ị bọọla chi?

Good morning (have you woken?)

Used around Owerri. Reply: Ee, ị bọọla. Elders usually say it first.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ee, ị bọọla

Yes, and have you woken too? (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ị pụtala ụra?

Good morning (are you out of sleep?)

Used around Anambra. Reply: Ee, ị pụtala.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ee, ị pụtala

Yes, and are you out of sleep too? (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ma mma

Good morning / good afternoon

Used in the Okigwe area.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kaa

Hello (morning or afternoon)

Used around Bende and Umuahia.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ehihie ọma

Good afternoon

The reply is the same: Ehihie ọma.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Mgbede ọma

Good evening

Many speakers greet with Ndeewo or Daalụ in the evening instead.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka chi bọọ

Good night

Literally 'until the day breaks'; said when parting at night. Reply: Ka ọ bọọ.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ka chi bọọ nụ

Good night (to several people)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ka chi foo

Good night (variant)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ka ọ bọọ

Good night (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ndeewo

Hello, greetings

Most common around Owerri and Imo; also 'well done' at work. Reply: Ndeewo, or Nnọọ if you are the host.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Daalụ nụ o

Greetings! (waving from a distance)

Also Ndeewo nụ o.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Nnọọ

Welcome

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ị lọla

Welcome back

Said with a hug to a friend or relative after a long absence.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Unu abịala

You have all come (welcome)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụ?

How are you?

Short for Kedụ ka ị mere? The expected answer is Ọ dị mma, whatever the day has been like.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ọ dị mma

It is fine, I'm fine (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụ ka ị mere?

How are you doing?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụ maka gị?

How about you?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụnụ?

How are you all?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Anyị dị mma

We are fine (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Nna anyị, ndeewo

Greetings, our father

A young person greeting an older man.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụ, nwa m

How are you, my child?

An elder's reply to a young person's greeting.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ị pụtakwa?

You're out and about again?

A casual greeting on meeting someone a second time.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ị lọtala?

Are you back?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ee, daalụ

Yes, thank you (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Jisie ike

Well done, keep it up

Said to someone working. Also written Jisi ike.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Deeme

Well done at your work

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Daalụ ọrụ

Well done on your work

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Udo dịrị unu

Peace be with you all

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ka emesịa

Goodbye, until later

Can be used at any time of day.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụ ka ọ dị?

How is it going?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ọ dị mma, nna anyị

Fine, our father (reply to an elder)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụnụ ụmụ m

How are you, my children?

An elder greeting several young people.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Anyị dị mma, nna anyị

We are fine, our father (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Daalụ

Thank you

See the note above: around Onitsha it can also mean hello.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Daalụ nke ukwuu

Thank you very much

Source: common usage, needs native check

Imeela

Thank you, well done

Literally 'you have done (well)'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ekele m

My thanks

Source: common usage, needs native check

Biko

Please

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndo

Sorry

Said to sympathise, for example when someone trips or is tired.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Gbaghara m

Forgive me / excuse me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dịghị nsogbu

No problem

Source: common usage, needs native check

Oo, anwụla nke gị

All the best to you too (reply)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Kedụ aha gị?

What is your name?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 1 The Igbos and their language, elias

Aha m bụ Nneka

My name is Nneka

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 1 The Igbos and their language, elias

Obi dị m ụtọ ịhụ gị

I'm happy to meet you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ebee ka ị si?

Where are you from?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Esi m Enugu

I'm from Enugu

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ebee ka ị bi?

Where do you live?

Source: common usage, needs native check

M bi n'Onitsha

I live in Onitsha

Source: common usage, needs native check

Afọ ole ka ị dị?

How old are you?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Abụ m onye nkụzi

I am a teacher

Source: common usage, needs native check

Abụ m nwa akwụkwọ

I am a student

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ị na-asụ Igbo?

Do you speak Igbo?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ana m asụ Igbo ntakịrị

I speak a little Igbo

Source: common usage, needs native check

Aghọtaghị m

I don't understand

Source: common usage, needs native check

Amaghị m

I don't know

Source: common usage, needs native check

Biko, kwughachi ya

Please say it again

Source: common usage, needs native check

Biko, kwuo nwayọọ

Please speak slowly

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kedụ ka esi asị ... n'Igbo?

How do you say ... in Igbo?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ee

Yes

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

Mba

No

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

Gịnị bụ nke a?

What is this?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gịnị mere?

What happened?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Bịa ebe a

Come here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chere m

Wait for me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nọdụ ala

Sit down

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dịghị mma

It is not good

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ọ dị njọ

It is bad

Only said to close friends in reply to Kedụ?; otherwise people answer Ọ dị mma.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ike gwụrụ m

I'm tired

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unu mere nke ọma

You all did well

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ihe nile gara nke ọma

Everything went well

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ọ ga-adị mma

It will be fine

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ bụ eziokwu?

Is it true?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka anyị gaa

Let's go

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ebee ka ị na-aga?

Where are you going?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ana m aga Enugu

I'm going to Enugu

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ego ole ka ọ bụ ịga Owerri?

How much is it to Owerri?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kwụsị ebe a

Stop here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ebee ka ụlọ mposi dị?

Where is the toilet?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Efuola m ụzọ

I am lost

Literally 'I have lost the way'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ụgbọ ala a na-aga Enugu?

Is this car going to Enugu?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ebee ka ahịa dị?

Where is the market?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gaa n'aka nri

Go to the right

Aka nri is the 'eating hand', the right.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gaa n'aka ekpe

Go to the left

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gaa n'ihu

Go straight ahead

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dị anya?

Is it far?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dịghị anya

It isn't far

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dị nso

It's near

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gosi m ụzọ

Show me the way

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ego ole?

How much?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

Ego ole ka nke a bụ?

How much is this one?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dị oke ọnụ

It's too expensive

Source: common usage, needs native check

Biko, belata ya

Please reduce the price

Source: common usage, needs native check

Achọrọ m nke a

I want this one

Source: common usage, needs native check

Achọghị m ya

I don't want it

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ị nwere ji?

Do you have yams?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Aga m azụ ya

I'll buy it

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ana m aga ahịa

I'm going to the market

Source: common usage, needs native check

Agụụ na-agụ m

I'm hungry

Source: common usage, needs native check

Akpịrị na-akpọ m nkụ

I'm thirsty

Literally 'my throat is dry'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Achọrọ m iri nri

I want to eat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka anyị rie nri

Let's eat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nri a na-atọ ụtọ

This food is delicious

Source: common usage, needs native check

Biko, nye m mmiri

Please give me water

Source: common usage, needs native check

Achọrọ m osikapa

I'd like rice

Source: common usage, needs native check

Anaghị m eri anụ

I don't eat meat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Afọ ejuola m

I'm full

Source: common usage, needs native check

otu

one

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

abụọ

two

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

atọ

three

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

anọ

four

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

ise

five

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

isii

six

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

asaa

seven

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

asatọ

eight

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

itoolu

nine

Also spelled itolu.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

iri

ten

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

iri na otu

eleven

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

iri abụọ

twenty

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

iri abụọ na ise

twenty-five

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

narị

one hundred

Source: common usage, needs native check

puku

one thousand

Source: common usage, needs native check

Elekere ole ka ọ bụ?

What time is it?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Taa

Today

Also tata.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Echi

Tomorrow

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụnyahụ

Yesterday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ugbu a

Now

Also kita.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

Mgbe nile

Always

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

ụtụtụ

morning

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

ehihie

afternoon

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

mgbede

evening

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

abalị

night

Also anyasị or uhuruchi.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Elekere atọ

Three o'clock

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ụbọchị mbụ na izuụka

Monday

Literally 'the first day of the week'.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị abụọ na izuụka

Tuesday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị atọ na izuụka

Wednesday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị anọ na izuụka

Thursday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị ise na izuụka

Friday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị isii na izuụka

Saturday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị asaa na izuụka

Sunday

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Kedụ ahịa ụbọchị taa bụ?

Which market day is today?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ụbọchị taa bụ Orie

Today is Orie

Orie is one of the four market days: Eke, Orie, Afọ, Nkwọ.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ọnwa mbụ na afọ

January

Literally 'the first month of the year'.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ọnwa iri na abụọ na afọ

December

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Oge udu mmiri

Rainy season

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Oge ọkọchị

Dry season

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Eke

Eke (a market day)

One of the four days of the Igbo market week.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Orie

Orie (a market day)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Afọ

Afọ (a market day)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Nkwọ

Nkwọ (a market day)

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Nke a bụ nna m

This is my father

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nke a bụ nne m

This is my mother

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nke a bụ nwunye m

This is my wife

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nke a bụ di m

This is my husband

Source: common usage, needs native check

Enwere m ụmụ atọ

I have three children

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kedụ ndị be gị?

How is your family?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nwanne m nwoke

My brother

Nwanne is a sibling; add nwoke (male) or nwanyị (female).

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 8 Ezi na ụlọ ndị Igbo

Nwanne m nwanyị

My sister

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 8 Ezi na ụlọ ndị Igbo

Nna nna m

My grandfather (father's father)

Nna nne is the mother's father.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 8 Ezi na ụlọ ndị Igbo

Nne nne m

My grandmother (mother's mother)

Nne nna is the father's mother.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 8 Ezi na ụlọ ndị Igbo

A hụrụ m gị n'anya

I love you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ị mara mma

You are beautiful

Source: common usage, needs native check

Agụụ gị na-agụ m

I miss you

Literally 'hunger for you is gripping me'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ị ga-alụ m?

Will you marry me?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ịhụnanya m

My love

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kedụ ọrụ ị na-arụ?

What work do you do?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ana m arụ ọrụ n'ụlọ ọgwụ

I work at a hospital

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ana m agụ akwụkwọ

I am reading / I am studying

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

Ọrụ na-aga nke ọma?

Is work going well?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ị na-agụ akwụkwọ?

Are you reading? / Are you at school?

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 5 Ọnụọgụgụ

Ahụ adịghị m mma

I'm not well

Source: common usage, needs native check

Isi na-awa m

I have a headache

Source: common usage, needs native check

Afọ na-awa m

I have a stomach ache

Source: common usage, needs native check

Achọrọ m dọkịta

I need a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ebee ka ụlọ ọgwụ dị?

Where is the hospital?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndo, ahụ ga-adị gị mma

Sorry, you'll get well

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nyere m aka!

Help me!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Onye ohi!

Thief!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọkụ!

Fire!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kpọọ ndị uwe ojii

Call the police

Literally 'call the people in black uniform'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kpọọ dọkịta

Call a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hapụ m!

Leave me alone!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndo nụ

Sorry, all of you

Said to a bereaved family.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ọ dị nwute

It is very sad

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka mkpụrụ obi ya zuo ike

May his or her soul rest in peace

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chineke ga-akasị unu obi

God will comfort you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chineke gọzie gị

God bless you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka anyị kpee ekpere

Let us pray

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ekele dịrị Chukwu

Thanks be to God

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ana m aga ụlọ ụka

I'm going to church

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 11 Ụbọchị, izuụka, ọnwa na afọ

Ekeresimesi ọma

Merry Christmas

Source: common usage, needs native check

Afọ ọhụrụ ọma

Happy New Year

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ncheta ọmụmụ ọma

Happy birthday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kwenu!

Greetings, all! (leader's call to a crowd)

The crowd answers Yaa! It opens speeches at gatherings.

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele

Ndị be anyị, ndeewo nụ!

Greetings to all of you, my people!

Source: Harvard University ELIAS Igbo course, Unit 3 Ekele na okwukwe ekele