Learn Igbo Language | Non-Profit Organization in Minnesota

Igbo Alphabet

AbubaFeather	AchichaBread	Afele/AferePlate	Afia/AhiaMarket	Afifia/AhihiaLeaves
AfoStomach	AgidiCorn pudding	AguLion	AgbaJaw	AghaWar
AgwaBeans	AgwọSnake	AjụjụQuestion	AkaHand	AkaraBean Cake
AkamuCustard	AkịkaTermite	AkiriFrog	AkụWealth	Akụ OyiboCoconut
AkpaBag	AkpatiSuitcase	AkpịScopion	AkpụkpọHide	Akpụkpọ UkwuShoe
AkwaCry	AkwaEgg	AkwaClothes	AkwaBed	AkwụkwọBook
AńaraGarden Egg	Anwu/AnyanwuAla/AniSun	AnyaEye	AruBody	AruruAnt
AtụrụSheep	AwọToad	AzizaBroom	AzuBack	AzụFish

BataEnter	BekeeEnglish	BiLive	BiaCome	BosBus
BuruCarry	BusuCat

ChereWait

ChetaRemember

Chi/ChukwuGod

Cho/ChoroWant/Need

Chọta/ChọbaFind

diHusband	dibiatraditional doctor	dibia oyiboGod	dimkpaWant/Need	dintaFind
dotekeep	doziefix/arrange	dubelead

EbeleCalabash	EdeCocoyam	EdiBear	EdoYellow	Efele/Efere Plate
Efi/EhiCow	EgoMoney	EgbeEagle	EgbeGun	EgwuDance
EjulaSnell	EketeBasket	Ekpele/EkperePrayer	EkweTalkingdrum	EleAntelope
EnweMonkey	EnyiFriend	EnyiElephant	EnyoMirror	EroMushroom
EwiRabbit	EwuGoat	EzeKing	EzeTeeth	EziOutside
EziPig	Ezi na uloFamily

FaThey

FeFly

FeWorship

FichaClean

GaaGo	GafeePass	GazieBe well	GozieBless	GuaRead
GuputaPull out

GbaaDance	GbaaShoot	GbaaRun	GbafuoRun away	GbafuoKick away
GbaharaForgive/Pardon	GbakọọAssemble/Gather	GbanyePour	GbanyuọTurn off	GbataRush
GbazieRe-direct/Correct	GbazinyeLend	GbochiePrevent	GbọọVomit	GbuoKill

GwaTell

GwakọMix

GwọCure

GwongworoLorry/Truck

GwuoDig

HaThey

HapuLeave

HazieArrange

HichaClean/Dry

IcheParrot	IgodoPadlock	IgweHeaven	IgweBicycle	IjijiFly
IkeStrength	IkukuWind	IkweMortar	ImeInside/Interior	ImePregnant
ImiNose	IreSell	IreTongue	ItePot

Ịchọta/ỊchọbaTo Find	ỊgbaDrum	ỊghọtaTo understand	ỊmịputaTo Suck/Extract	ỊmịtaTo Grow
ỊmutaTo learn	ỊnyịnyaHorse	ỊtoGrow	ỊtọThree

JaaPraise/Admire

JeeGo

JiYam

JụọAsk

KaramaBottle

KọchaGossip

KọọPlant

Kom KomCan

KpakpandoStar

KpeePray

KpeeJudge

KpọchieLock

KpọọCall

KwapuPack out	KwakọGather	KwereAgree	KweeGreet	KwọọGrind
KwuoSpeak	KwuọPay	KwụrụStand	KwusiStop

LaaGo	LachaaLick	LeeLook	LụọFight	LụọMarry
LuọWork	LotaRemember	LọtaReturn	LọgọBend

MaraKnow	MaduPerson	MịputaSuck/Extract	MịtaGrow	MmanuOil
MmanwuMasqurade	MmanyaWine	MmeriVictory/Victorious	MmiriWater	MụtaLearn

NneMother	NnaFather	Nne nneGrandmother	Nna nnaGrandfather	NmaBeauty
NmaKnife	NkitaDog	NchaSoap	NduLife	NcheWatch/Guard
NnuSalt	NgwongwoProperty	NgwọngwọPepper soup	NgajiSpoon	Nri/NliFood

ŃụaDrink

ŃụriaRejoice

NwokeMan	NwanyiWoman	Nwa/NwataChild	Nwa akwụkwọStudent	NwanneSibling
NwachaClear/Cough	NwereHave	NwunyeWife

NyeGive

NyaaDrive

OcheChair	OkpuHat	OsikapaRice	Onye nkuziTeacher	Onye uwe ojiiPolice
OshimiriOcean	ObiHeart	OyiCold	OsisiTree/Stick	OsePepper
Ore iheSeller	OporoCrayfish	OkporokoStockfish	Ohia/OfiaBush	Oke ohiaForest
Oga/Onye isiBoss/Master	OfeSoup	OgeTime/Season/Period	OgedeBanana	Oji/ojiiBlack
ObaraBlood	OkeMouse	OgologoLong/Tall	OkpuruUnder	OnyeSomeone
OlogboCat	OromaOrange	Oroma nkirisiTangerine	Oroma iluLemon	OgedePlantain

ỌjịKolanut	ỌgwụMedicine	ỌlaRing	ỌlụWork	ỌnwụDeath
ỌzọGorilla	ỌzọNext/Again	ỌńụJoy	ỌbọgwụDuck	ỌnwaMoon
ỌchaWhite/Clean	Ọdụ ụgbọ alaMotor Park	Ọdụ ụgbọ eluAirport	ỌgụgụReading	ỌkọchịDry Season
ỌjọọBad/Ugly	ỌkaCorn	ỌkaraHalf	ỌnụMouth	ỌnụPrice
Ọzu ahiaBuyer	ỌtọStand	ỌtọNaked	ỌzọTitle	ỌkụkọChicken
ỌriaSickness	ỌmaGood/Beautiful	ỌnyaTrap	ỌnyaWound	ỌgụHoe
ỌgụFight/War	ỌkpọBoxing	ỌkpọCatfish	ỌkpụkpụBone	ỌgọKindness
ỌgọIn-law	ỌfụmaWell	ỌjaFlute

ParaCarry

PọpọPaw Paw

PọtọpọtọMud

RieRat

SaaWash

SieCook

SuoWash

ShieCook

TaaChew	TooGrow	TooPraise	TuaThrow	TolotoloTurkey
TinyePut

UsekwuKitchen	UbePear	UdudeSpider	UrukpuCloud	UkwuBig
UgwuHill	UduPot	UbọGuitar	Ubọ akwalaEnglish Guitar	UgboFarm

ỤzọDoor	ỤzọEarly/Morning	ỤtụtụMorning	ỤkaChurch	ỤgụPumpkin
Ụgbọ alaCar	Ụgbọ eluAirplane	Ụgbọ mmiriShip	ỤtaBow	ỤkwaBreadfruit
ỤlọHouse	Ụlọ akwụkwọSchool	Ụlọ ọgwụ Hospital	Ụlọ oriri Hotel	Ụlọ nsị
ỤkwụLeg	ỤbeSpear	ỤsụBat	ỤtalaFufu	ỤgbaOil Bean Salad

VooComb

VosaaScatter

VuruCarry

VupuCarry out

WaaBreak

WetaBring

YiriResemble

ZaaResemble	ZaaBring	ZooHide	ZooRain	ZọpụtaSave/Rescue
ZuoSteal	ZụọBuy

Igbo Body Parts

Igbo Calendar

Eke

Orie

Afor

Nkwo

UbochiDay	ụtụtụMorning	EhihieAfternoon	NgbedeEvening	AbaliNight
Ubochi taaToday	ụtụtụ taaThis Morning	Ehihie taaThis Afternoon	Ngbede taaThis Evening	Abali taaThis Night
EchiTomorrow	ụtụtụ echiTomorrow Morning	Ehihie echiTomorrow Afternoon	Ngbede echiTomorrow Evening	Abali echiTomorrow Night
Echi gara agaYesterday	ụtụtụ echi gara agaYesterday Morning	Ehihie echi gara agaYesterday Afternoon	Ngbede echi gara agaYesterday Evening	Abali echi gara agaYesterday Night

MondeMonday

TuzdeTuesday

WenzdeWednesday

TọzdeThursday

FraideFriday

SatdeSaturday

Sọnde/ụbọchi ukaSunday

Izu ukaWeek

Izu ukaaThis Week

Izu uka na abiaNext Week

Izu uka gara agaLast Week

ọnwaMonth

ọnwa nkaaThis month

ọnwa na abia nụNext Month

ọnwa gara agaLast month

ọnwa mbuJanuary	ọnwa abuoFebruary	ọnwa atọMarch	ọnwa anọApril
ọnwa iseMay	ọnwa isiiJune	ọnwa asaaJuly	ọnwa asatoọAugust
ọnwa itoliSeptember	ọnwa iriOctober	ọnwa iri na otuNovember	ọnwa iri na abuoDecember

AfọYear

Afọ nkaaThis year

Afọ na abiaNext year

Afọ gara agaLast year

Udu mmiriRainy season

ọkọchiDry season

ụgụlụHarmattan

Igbo Grammar

Adverbs

Adverbs	Sentence
UgbuaNow	Ọ sị gị bia ugbuaHe/She wants you to come now
Echi gara agaYesterday	Anyanwu chara echi gara agaYesterday was sunny
TataToday	Mmiri ga ezo tataIt will rain today
Abali taaTonight	Agam ehi ezigbo ura abali taaI am going to sleep real well tonight
EchiTomorrow	Echi bu ubọchi ntaTommorrow is a hunting day
Mgbe n’adịghị anyaSoon	Dibia oyibo ga abia mgbe n’adịghị anyaThe doctor will come soon
Ọsọ ọsọQuickly	Biko bia ọsọ ọsọPlease come very quickly
Nwayọ nwayọSlowly	Mbe na eje ije nwayọ nwayọThe tortoise walks very slowly
Jikota onuTogether	Anyi jikota onu, anyi ga aga n’iruWorking together yields progress
Mgbe n’ileAlways	Obi na aga ụka mgbe n’ileObi goes to church always
Ọtụtụ mgbeUsually	Ọtụtụ mgbe anyi na erute ụlọ akwụkwọ n’ogeUsually we get to school on time
Mgbe ụfọdụSometimes	Mgbe ụfọdụ Ada na eji igwe abia ulọ akwụkwọSometimes Ada rides her bike to school
E nwebeghiNever	E nwebeghi mgbe m huru giI have never seen you before
Ọ hịara ahụ;Rarely	Ọ hịara ahụ imeri haThey are rarely beaten
Doro anyaVery	O doro anya na Ada mara nmaAda is very beautiful
Ọfọdụrụ ntakịrịAlmost	Ọfọdụrụ ntakịrị ka anyi rue ụlo ogwụWe are almost at the hospital

Prepositions

Propositions	Igbo	Sentence
above	n’elu	Ụgbo elu fefere n’elu anyiThe airplane flew above us
about	ihedika	Anyi na ya nọrọ ihedika izu abụoHe stayed with us for about two weeks
after	n’eso	Mu n’eso gi n’azụI am after you in line
and	na	Obi na Ada gara akwụkwọObi and Ada went to school
under	n’okpuru	Nkita nọ na okpuru ocheThe dog is under the chair
before	tupu	Biko, gaa hu onye isi tupu ibido ọlụPlease go see the boss before you start work
in front of	n’iru	Anyi ga eche gi n’iru ụlọ ukaWe will wait for you infont of the church
behind	n’azu	Kedu ihe ikwuru n’azụ mWhat did you say behind my back
far from	tee aka	Ụlọ ha tee aka site be anyiTheir house is far from our house
near	n’akuku	Ụlọ akwụkwọ anyi nọ n’akuku ụlọ ọgwụOur school is near the hospital
in	ime	Onye nọ n ime ụlọ?Who is in the house?
inside	n’ime	Biko bata n’ime ụlọPlease come inside
outside	n’ihe/n’ilo	Biko, pụta n’iloPlease come outside
with	na	Ya na Obi so gaaHe went with Obi
without	ewepu/sọsọ	Ewepu ndi uwe ojii, nsogbu ga adiWithout the police, there will be trouble
between	n’etiti	Obi nọ n’etiti Ada na ChikeObi is between Ada and Chike
but	mana	Anyi na abia, mana ụzọ adighi nmaWe are on the way but the roads are bad
for	maka	Ana m agba mbọ maka giI am trying so hard for you
from	si	Biko si ebe ahu putaPlease get out from there
to	ruo	Site taata ruo izu na abiaFrom today to next week

Pronouns

Personal Pronouns	Sentence
MụI	A bu mụ nwata akwụkwọI am a student
GiYou	Ọ na achọ giHe/she is looking for you
ỌHe/She	Ọ na agbaliHe/She is trying
AnyiWe	Anyi na aga ụkaWe are going to church
HaThey	Ha gara ahiaThey went to the market

Object Pronouns	Sentence
MụMe	Biko nyere m akaPlease help me
GiYou	Gi na nwanne gi nwoke nọ na nsogbuYou and your brother are in trouble
YaHim/Her	Mụ na ya soI am with him/her
AnyiUs	Anyi na Obi nọObi is with us
HaThem	O so ha gaHe/she went with them

Possessive Pronouns	Sentence
Nke mụmy/mine	Akwa nke m kacha nmaMy wrapper is the most beautiful
Nke giYour/Yours	Nri nkaa bu nke giThis one is your food
Nke yaHis/Him/Her	Ụgbọ ala ahu bu nke yaThat car belongs to her
Nke anyiOur/Ours	Ụgbọ nkaa bu nke anyiThis car is ours
Nke haTheir/Theirs	Ụgbọ nke no na ndida bu nke haThat car further down is theirs

Interogative Pronouns	Sentence
Kedụ?How/When/Where/Which	Kedụ maka ọlụ gi?How is your job?
Olee?How/When/Where/Which	Olee maka ọlụ gi?How is your job?
Gini?What	ọ bụ gini na esogbu gi?What is troubling you?
Maka gini?Why	Maka gini ka iji gbaa ọsọ?Why did you run?
Ebee?Where/Which Place	Ebee ka nne na nna gi gara?Where did your mom and dad go?
Ole?How much/many	Ikwụrụ Jide ego ole?How much did you pay Jide?
OnyeWho	Onye na akpọ gi?Who is calling you?

Igbo Greetings

Greeting	Response
NdewoHello/Hi	Ndewo Hello/Hi
Kedu ka odiHow are you	Odị mma I am okay/fine
Ka chi bọọ/fooTill morning comes	Ka chi bọọ/fooTill morning comes
ekene nke ụtụtụGood Morning	Ị bọọla chiGood Morning
Laa nke ọma Go well	Aga m ala nke ọma I will go well
Ije ọma Safe journey	Aga mụ agaa ije ọmaI will go safely
Lezie anya ofụmaBe careful	Aga m elezie anya ofụmaI will be careful
Jisie ike try hard	Aga m ejisie ike I will try hard
Ị meela thank you	e meela mụam also thankful
Rahụ ụra nke ọma sleep well	aga m arahụ ura nke ọma I will sleep well
Ka ọ dị keep well	ọ ga dị nma it will be well
Kaa kwa nka live long	Aga mụ aka nka I will live long
Ị lawala?are you going?	eh, a lawala mụyes, I am going

Greeting	Response
Kedu/kedụ ka ị dịHello/How are you	adị m mma I am okay/fine
ỌlịaaHow is it	ọ dị mmaIt is alright
ekene nke ehihie Good Afternoon	ekene nke ehihie Good Afternoon
Ị tetala ụraHave you woken	Eh etetala mụ ụraYes, I have woken
Laa nke ọma go gently	aga mụ alaa nke ọma I will go gently
Jee nke ọma travel well	aga mụ aga nke ọmaI will travel well
Ihe ọma dịrị gị good things be with you	Ihe ọma ga a dịrị mụgood things will be with me
Chukwu ga agọzi gịGod will bless you	Chukwu ga gọzi mụGod will bless me
Ị zọọla mụyou have helped me	eya zọọla ngịyes, I have helped you
Ka ọ mesịa goodbye	Ka ọ mesịa goodbye
Ị lawala? Are you going?	Mba, alawabeghi mụNo, I am not going
Gaa nke ọma go well	ag mụ agaa nke ọma I will go well

Igbo Names

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Adaeze/Adaobi	Female	Ada	Princess, Daughter of a King
Adaku	Female	Ada	Treasured daughter
Adamma/Adanma	Female	Ada	Beautiful daughter
Adaora	Female	Ada	Daughter of the people

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Buchi	Female	Ada	Is God

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Both	Chidi	There’s God
Chima/Chukwuma	Both	Chima	God is Omnipotent
Chinma	Female	Chi	Good God
Chinasaramokwu	Female	Chinasa	God will respond for me
Chinazamekpere	Female	Chinaza	God answers my prayer

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Dike	Male	Dike	Brave/Strong man

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Ekenedilichukwu	Male	Ekene	Thank God

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Fechi/Fechukwu	Female	Fechi	Worship God

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Ginikanwa	Female	Ginika	Nothing is greater than a child

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Ibeabuchi	Male	Ibe	No one is God

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Jideofor	Male	Jide	Stand with truth/evidence

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Kemakolam	Female	Kem	May my entitlement be mine

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Lotachukwu	Both		Always remeber God in all endeavour

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning
Maduabuchukwu	Male	Abuchi	No one is God

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Name	Gender	Abbreviation	Meaning

Igbo Numerals

Number	Igbo
0	Nọọtụ
1	Otu
2	Abuo
3	Atọ
4	Anọ
5	Ise
6	Isii
7	Asaa
8	Asatọ
9	Itolu
10	Iri

Number	Igbo
11	Iri na Otu
12	Iri na Abụọ
13	Iri na Atọ
14	Iri na Anọ
15	Iri na Ise
16	Iri na Isii
17	Iri na Asaa
18	Iri na Asatọ
19	Iri na Itolu
20	Ogu

Number	Igbo
30	Iri Ato
40	Iri Ano
50	Iri Ise
60	Iri Isii
70	Iri Asaa
80	Iri Asato
90	Iri Itolu
100	Nari
1000	Puku
1000000	Nde
1000000000	Ijeri

Igbo Phrases

Nna/PapaFather	Nne/MamaMother	Nwanne nwokeBrother	Nwanne nwanyiSister	Nwanne nwoke ntaYounger Brother
Nwanne nwanyi ntaYounger Sister	Nna nna/Nna nneGrandfather	Nne nna/Nne nneGrandmother	DeUncle	DadaAunt
DiHusband	NwunyeWife	Nwa nwokeSon	Nwa nwanyiDaughter	ỌkparaFirst Son
AdaFirst Daughter	ỤlụSecond Daughter	Ọdụdụ nwaLast Child	Nwa nwaGrandchild	ỌgọIn-law

EhhYes	MbaNo	BikoPlease	NdoSorry	chere mụWait for me
Ekwele mụI agree	MbaNo	Lema kwaLook out	Nyem akaHelp	ChelugoduExcuse
Ihuoma diriGoodluck	IweAnger/Angry	Nụo/KwaaPush	DọPull	JikotaHold together/Compose
Dalu/ỊmelaThank you	Jisie ikeHold on tight/Keep on trying	Ezi OkwuTruth/True talk	Chaa chaNever	Ewo/EyaaaExclamation of sadness /suprise /pity
NgwanuQuickly	SọsọOnly/just	RapuLeave/Let go	JebeLeave/Go	BiaCome
Mepe/MeheOpen	MechieClose	GbanyePour	GbanyuọTurn off	GbaheTurn on

Ewo!Oh no!	Chineke!God	O!Okay/Alright	Hewu!No!	Tufiakwa!Disgusting
O dikwa egwuImpossible	Alu!Abomination

OjiBlack	AluluBlue	NcharaBrown	Ntu ntuGray	Ndu nduGreen
Nmanu nmanuOrange	OdodoPurple	Mme mmeRed	OchaWhite	EdoYellow

EluUp	NalaDown	N’eluAtop	OkpuruUnder	N’ihuFront
N’azuBack	Olile anyanwuNorth	Nleda anyanwuSouth	Ọwụwa anyanwuEast	Ọdida anyanwuWest
Aka nriRight	Aka ekpeLeft	Gawa na ihuStraight ahead	Nọ na ụzọTowards	GafePast

EgoMoney	Ụlọ egoBank	Akwụkwọ egoPaper money	Aghirigha egoCoins	AhiaMarket
ZutaBuy	ReSell	Re iheSell something	Achọrọ mụ izuI want to buy	Ego ole?How much?
Kwe onuPrice it/bargain	Ọke ọnuExpensive	Ọnu aniCheap	Kwụọ ụgwọ/Kwụọ egoPay	UgbuaNow

Igbo Proverbs

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Achụ cha aja, m ahụghi udele, ị mara na ihe mere bee ndi mmuọ.	If the vulture fails so show up at the place of sacrifice, you know that something is wrong in the land of the spirits.	Key figure must be present for an important function.
Agadi nwanyị anaghị akaru nka na egwu ọ mara agba.	An old woman is never too old to perform her favorite dance step.	Experience the best teacher.
Agadi nwanyị nwere onye na-elekọta ya anya sị na agbụrụ ya adịghị aka nka.	An old woman who has a permanent live-in helper says her lineage does not grow old.	The arrogant fails to give credit to whom it is due.
A gbakata Eze nkịtị, ekpuru nkata n’isi gwa ya okwu.	You can only forebear a king for so long before you speak out. How be it with a basket covering your head.	People cast off restraint after much persevering.
Agba nsị nkịtị ọ n’esi usi.	If you ignore feces it smells.	An unchecked problem grows to become a nuisance.
Agbarụcha ngene, ekuru ngene ṅ ụa.	After polluting the Ngene river, people end up drinking from it.	Some things one despises will continue to be indispensable whether he/she likes it or not.
Agbọghọ tochaa o chere ibe ya	After growing to puberty, a young lady waits for her peers	You don’t have to struggle for everything; nature do take its course in due time
Agwa ogbenye ihe eji aba ọgaranya, ọ sị ka ya bụrụ ọgbenye ya bụ.	If you tell a poor person what it takes to be rich, he chooses his status.	Not everyone is willing to pay the price for becoming wealthy.
Agwọ emeghị ihe o ji bụrụ agwọ ụmụ aka ewere ya gwurie egwu.	If a snake fails to live up to it’s attributes, children will play with it.	People loose respect when they fail to live up to what is expected of them.
Ahapụ ike nyụrụ ahụru, akụọ isi ọkpọ.	The anus that farted is left alone but the head receives the knock.(beating).	An innocent person may pay for the sins of another
Aka aja aja n’ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ.	Soiled hands bring forth, oily mouth.	Hard work precedes merriment.
Akanri kwọ aka ekpe, aka ekpe akwọ aka nri, aka n’abo adi ọcha.	If the right hand washes the left, the left hand will in turn scrub the right, both hand would be clean	One good turn deserves another.
Akụ fecha ọ dara awọ	After flying the termite will fall to be eaten by the toad.	Whatever will be will be.
Akwa ọkụkọ tiwaa akị, ihere emee mkpume.	If an egg cracks a kernel, the stone is put to shame.	If an egg cracks a kernel, the stone is put to shame.
A kpara akwụ kpara akwụ, ewere nkata jee, ọ bụrụ oshi.	It is okay to help oneself with a few palm nuts, but when one goes gathering with a basket, it becomes stealing.	Do not take more than what is permissible of your neighbors belonging.
A n’agwa ntị ma ntị anụghi, egburu isi ntị esoro	If the ear refuses to heed warning, when the head is cut off the ear goes with it.	Those that do not heed counsel are bound to have an unhappy ending.
A na-eji anya ama ọka chara acha.	You know a fully ripe corn cub by the looks.	By their fruits you shall know them.
A na-ekwu na ọrịa ezughị oke, ndị dara ibi ana etokwu afọ.	Where as not everyone has an equal share of sickness those with scrotal hernia are also getting bloated.	Occasionally some individuals get more than a fare share of misfortune.
Anaghị eji na agụ ụ na-agụ elo ụkwara.	No one swallows phlegm to appease the pangs of hunger.	Nothing satisfies like the real thing.
Anụ gbaa ajọ ọsọ, agba ya ajọ egbe.	When an animal runs badly, it gets a bad gun shot as well.	Action and reaction are equal and opposite.
Anụ gbala taa, echi bụ nta.	If an animal escapes the hunter today, tomorrow is yet another day to hunt.	Every day offers new opportunities.
Atụrụ n’achọ ifu mpi jee jụa ebụne ka ekwo dị ya.	A sheep that is eager to grow horn should ask the ram how its neck feels.	A sheep that is eager to grow horn should ask the ran how its neck feels.
A tụọrọ ọ mara, ọ mara. Ma a tụọrọ ọfeke, ọfenye isi n’ọfia.	If you hint the wise they make use of it, but the fool will use it foolishly.	If you hint the wise they make use of it, but the fool will use it foolishly.
A nyụkọ mamịrị ọnụ, ọ gba ụfụfụ.	When people urinate on the same spot it foams.	Communal effort has a multiplier effect.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Beta anụ, beta anụ, bụ kwa nụ n’arụ efi?	One more slice after another, all comes from the cow	The cash cow always belongs to someone else

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Dibia n’agwọ otoro, ọdebere ike ya n’elu?	The medicine man that treats diarrhea; did he place his butt out of reach?	Not even the counsellor is infallible.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ebe nwatakịrị n’ebuta ọnụ mmanụ ka ọ na apụ ọrịrị.	Where a child gets his mouth oily, that’s where he hangs out.	People are drawn to their source of satisfaction.
Ebe onye bi ka ọ na awachi	Everyone blocks the breach in his own fence.	Every one strives to maintain his/her estate.
Ebe onye ọsọ ruru ka onye ije ga eru.	The runner and the pedestrian will end the same point.	It doesn’t matter the means, we all end up the same.
Ebenebe ga-egbu	The unimaginable will happen.	The unimaginable will happen.
Ebube agụ n’eche agu.	The Lion’s glory serves as a shield.	A man’s gifts make room for him.
Egbe bere ugo bere, nke si ibe ya ebena nku kwa ya.	The kite and the eagle should share the roost. Whichever attempts to deprive the other should loose its feathers.	Live and let live.
Ehi enweghị ọdụ chi ya na achụrụ ya ijiji.	For the tailless cattle, her god (guardian angel) wards off the flies.	Through nature, God helps the helpless.
Eji ịsị ahuru ama ụtọ nsị.	You know the taste of feces by the smell of fart.	You know people’s intention by what they say
Ejighị ntufu afụ ike.	There is no strength in being wasteful.	Prudence is rewarding.
Ejighị akpata atufuo aba ọgaranya	No one gets wealthy by throwing away what which they have acquired.	The wasteful will never get wealthy.
E mee ngwa ngwa, emeghara ọdachi.	When you are fast, you are more likely to avoid problem.	A stitch in time saves nine.
Enenia nwa ite, ọ gbọnyụọ ọkụ.	If you overlook a tiny pot, it will boil over and douse the fire.	Overlooking what seemingly minor, will in time overwhelm you.
Enwe ma ka eji amagharị n’ọhịa bụ na osisi dị ya nso.	The monkey’s dexterity in jumping from tree to tree is because the tree is close by.	Given the right opportunity, everyone will likely excel.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
“IGBO KWENỤ ”bụ na mmanya onye ọzọ.	Those who loudly demand to be heard in a friendly gathering have been bingeing on other people’s booze.	Those who loudly demand to be heard in a friendly gathering have been bingeing on other people’s booze.
Ihe ana achọ na uko elu ka ahụ rụ na uko ala.	What was being looked for in the upper shelf was found in the lower shelve.	Some complex problems have simple solution.
Ihe okenye nọ n’ala were hụ , nwata rigoro n’elu, ọgaghị ahụ ya.	What the elderly sees while seating may not be seen by a child though he climbs to heights.	Understanding of wisdom and discretion comes with age not just to the swift and strong.
Ihe na ata aṅara dị n’ime ańara.	The pest that consumes the eggplant is within.	The rot on a system is always within.
Ijiji enweghị onye ndụmọdụ na eso ozu aba n’ili.	The fly that has no counsellor would end up in the grave with the corps.	Those that do not heed counsel are bound to have an unhappy ending.
Ilu bu mmanụ igbo ji eri okwu.	Idioms are like the source with which Igbo people eat expressions.	Igbo language is rich in idioms.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ị mara asụ sụ ọ n’odo. Ị maghị asụ sụ ọ n’ala.	If know how to pound do it in the mortar, if you don’t know then pound on the floor.	The wise uses counsel wisely but the foolish abuse it.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ka ahụ na anya ka mgbọ ji atụ a enwe n’isi	For a closer look; the monkey got bullet shot in it’s head.	Curiosity kills the cat.
Ka anyi kele onye ntị chiri, ma elu anụghi, ala ga anụ.	Acknowledge the deaf; if the heavens don’t hear, the earth will hear.	Let us do the correct thing; there are those who will understand.
Ka anyi na-achụ aja ka ikpe na-ama ndi mụ ọ.	Let us keep offering sacrifice thereby passing the blame to the gods (spirits).	Do your part and leave the rest to fate or God

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Mbaji na akari ịhụ n’ọkụ.	A big yam tuber is beyond roasting in fire.	Give honor to whom it is due.
Mbe si na ibu bụ nke ya, ya mere o ji kwọrọ ya na-azụ	The Tortoise says that the luggage belongs to him that is why he carries it on his back.	You do not depend on others to fix your problem.
Mbe si na agha daa ọ zọgbuọ nwanyi dị ime. Agha daa ndi nwere ụkwụ azọgbuo nwanyi dị ime, ma kpụrụ mbe.	The Tortoise said if war breaks out I will trample the pregnant woman to death. When war broke out, the people with legs crushed the pregnant woman but the Tortoise was arrested.	Don’t casual make threats in public. Lest you be held responsible for another man’s action.
Mberede nyịrị dike, mberede ka eji ama dike	Surprise make and break the brave	Surprises make and break the brave.
Mmecha ede abụghị ọkụkọ ya	Preparing cocoyam for planting does not mean that they are already planted.	You still have to study acquired books to gain knowledge.
Mmiri riri enyi ka mbe hụrụ na-awa ọgọdọ; ọ ga-efe mmiri a efe ka ọ ga-awụ ya awụ?	The Tortoise that gears up besides a river that drowned an elephant; is it going to fly over this river or just jump over it?	Do not waste your effort over endeavours that are beyond your resources just to impress the crowd.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ndi na-eje mposi abalị na-ahụ ụkpara ndi mmụọ.	Those that go out to defecate at night see the ghosts’ grasshoppers.	Unusual actions attract un usual consequences.
Nkịta sị na ihe ya ji eso onye afọ ukwu bụ na ọnyụghị anyụ, ọ gbọọ agbọọ.	The dog said “the reason why I trail the fat bellied is because they are sure to either pass some feces or vomit”.	People always flock around high profile hoping to get a slice of the beef.
Nkịta rachasia nsi, eze ere ewu.	The dog licks faeces, but the teeth of the goat gets rotten.	An innocent person may pay for the sins of another.
Nne ewu na-ata agbara, ụ mụ ya a na-ele ya anya nâ€˜ọnụ .	When a goat is foraging on poison ivy, the kids watch her mouth.	Children learn bad behavior from their parents.
Nnụnụ si n’ala bee n’ikwube ka nọkwa n’ana.	The bird that flies from the ground and perches on an anthill is still on the ground.	Comparative advantage is for a moment. Ultimately it may not count
Nshịkọ si na ya gwuru mmiri ukwu gwukwa mmiri nta, ma ite agadi nwanyị sụkpọrọ ya anya.	The crab said “I swam in great and mighty bodies of water but got my eyes boiled off in an old lady’s pot.”	Those that often boast of great accomplishments often get humbled by menial tasks.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Nwata etoghị eto wara ọgọdọ, ikuku eburu ya buru ọgọdọ.

If a child tries to tie wrapper before maturity the wind will blow him away along with the wrapper.

Nwata kwuwa ọnụ ọ si na ya agwagbụe okenye na okwu.

When a child utters abomination, he thinks he has outspoken the elderly.

Nwatakịrị a tụrọ ilu, ma kọwakwara ya, ego e ji lụọ nne ya lara n’ ịyị

If someone has to explain a proverb to you, the dowry paid on your mother was a waste.

Nwata n’ata akara n’ata ego ya.

A child that is consuming akara (Bean cake) is consuming his money.

Nwayọ nwayọ k’eji ari ugwu.

By slow and steady pace you climb a hill.

Nwanyọ na ere ogiri mara ijiji anya mpịa.

A woman that sells ogiri (fowl smelling spice) knows a blind housefly.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
There is a time for everything. Do not jump the gun.
The young abuse freedom of speech because the elderly exercise restraint.
Wisdom is fundamental for intelligent people.
You cannot eat your cake and have it.
Life’s goals are achieved by a slow and steady persistent effort.
Birds of the same feather flock together.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ogbu opi na eficha ọnụ	The trumpeter occasionally wipes his mouth	A labourer is worthy of his pay
O ji ọfọ ga-ala	He that is armed with good conscience will arrive home.	Good conscience is a powerful weapon of war . Those that strive to have it will ultimately prevail.
Oke oshimmiri anọkataghị rie onye ọbụ na nke ọ na-ahụ ghị ahụ ụ kwụ ya anya.	The ocean never drowns a person with whose leg it does not come in contact.	Trouble is not infectious. It is contracted.
Okirikiri ka na gba ukwu ose. Adịghị arị ya elu.	Round and round you go the pepper plant you don’t climb it.	Give respect to whom it is due irrespective of size or stature.
Okwu agwara nwa nwere nne, ka nwa n’eweghị nne ji-mara ihe.	The advice given to a child with a mother serves as the basis for an orphan’s wisdom.	The wise learns from the good examples as well as the follies of others.
Okwu anasọ anya anaghị ebi gboo.	A subject that cannot be freely discussed will not have a quick closure.	It pays to put all cards on the table. A deferred discourse prolongs the problem.
Onye ji ihe nwata welie aka elu, ike gwụ ya, o weda aka ahụ .	Whoever take a child’s belonging and lifts his arm high will eventually lower his arm out of tiredness.	You can only deprive people of there right for so long.
Onye kpata nkụ arụrụ sị ngwere bịa be ya.	Who ever fetches ant infested fire wood invited the lizard as a guest (hanging out).	Everyone will bear the responsibilities of his/ her actions.
Onye nọrọ be ya, ọ n’aba	When one is at home, he/she hollers.	Everyone is king or queen of his or her castle.
Onye n’erijughị afọ a naghị enye alụsị.	He who is hungry does not feed a deity.	People expend resources based on a scale of preference.
Onye nje nje ka onye isi awọ mara ihe.	The traveler has more knowledge than the gray haired.	Travelling and networking affords you more learning opportunity than simply living long.
Onye nwere ntị ya nụ rụ.	He who has ear should hear.	He who has ear should hear.
Onye otu anya na abụ eze n’ala ndi isi.	One eyed man is king in the land of the blind.	Mediocre flourish in the absence of intelligent and more qualified people.
Onye si na ya anaghị ata anụ nkita, ya a hara kwana mmiri ofe ya.	He who abhors dog meat should not elect to drink the soup.	Do not be a hypocrite.
Otu nkpụ rụ aka rụta mmanụ o zue ọha ọnụ .	When one finger touches palm oil it contacts the mouth of everyone.	No man is an island.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ọbere mmanwụ n’akpa ike maka na Ijere anọghi nso.	A small masquerade is powerful because a big masquerade is not around.	The mediocre brags in the absence of the grand masters.
Ọbụ ọke nọ ụ lọ kwara oke nọ n’ama na ogiri di na ngiga.	It is the domestic rat that showed the wild rat where to find the hamper.	It takes an insider to unveil hidden secrets.
Ọchị abụghị ụtọ	Laughter does not translate to a good relationship	Salutation is not love
Ọchụ ọkụkọ nwe ada. Nwa ọkụkọ nwe nwa m’we m’we ọsọ.	Chicken chasers will fall but the chicken always gets away.	The aggressor does always not win.
Ọkịrị si na ya na-achọ ọnwụ , mana ọbụghị nke katapọọt.	Okiri the bird says it seeks death (not bothered by death) but not from a sling shot (catapult shot).	Even the bravest of men would rather avoid unnecessary pain or stress.
Ọkụkọ mmanya n’egbu ezutebeghị nanwerede ara n’ayi.	A drunken fowl has not met a mad fox.	A drunk fowl has not met a mad fox.
Ọkụkọ n’aga wara wara, anya n’ele wara wara n’ahụ ya.	The chicken that walks crooked is seen by a crooked eye.	Whatever you do, some body is watching.
Ọkpọ gwuru mmiri ukwu, gwukwa mmiri nta, ma lakpuo n’ite ofe.	The catfish swam the ocean and swam the sea, but drowned in a soup pot.	Those who routinely claim to thrive on great endeavours, often fail in minor but important tasks.
Ọnwụ n’egbu nwankịta anaghị ekweya anụ isi nsị.	The calamity that ultimately kills a dog would prevent it from perceiving the smell of feces.	Those that are doomed for destruction would not heed any warning.
Ọnwu gburu dike nweta ọfeke, ọdọgbue ya adọgbu.	A calamity that brings down a great man will annihilate a pauper.	A calamity that brings down a great man will annihilate a pauper.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ugo chara acha adịghị echu echu.	A mature eagle never fades.	Anyone who is well trained in a skill will stand the test of time.
Ugwu mụta mgbaji ukwu, agadi nwanyị amụta agakata ezue ike.	When the hill learns to cause hip pain, the old lady learns to rest intermittently.	Taylor your strategy to the challenge.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Ụdara sị na ọbụ sọsọ ya mụtara nwa ana apiwa ọnụ ?	Udara friut said she is only one whose children get there lips squeezed.	Everyone would occasionally feel they are being treated unjustly.
Ụkpana okpoko buru ntị chiri ya.	The grasshopper scooped away by a hornbill is hard of hearing.	Something is wrong with a person that failed the obvious.
Ụkwa n’adara ndi amaghị asa.	Bread fruit falls for those that do not know how to process it.	Opportunity comes to some people that do not know how to use it.
Ụkwa ruo oge ya ọ daa.	When the breadfruits gets to its ripe season it will fall.	There is a ripe time for everything.
Ụsụ ma na ọjọrọ njọ, ya mere o ji were uchichi aga	The bat recognizes that it is ugly, hence is it chooses to be nocturnal.	The wise operate within their limits.
Ụtụ dị na azụ bụ azụ .	The weevil in the fish is fish	Undesirable experiences are integral to life.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning
Were ire gi gụọ eze gi ọnụ .	Use your tongue to count your teeth.	Figure it out yourself.

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Idiom/Proverb	Literal Meaning	Meaning

Igbo Sentences

Kedu k’ọdịHow are you?	Ọdi nmaI am fine
Kedu kwa nu?How about you?	Nsogbu adịghịNo problem
Ị na-asụ Igbo?Do you speak Igbo?	ObeleJust a little
Asụsụ gị dị m mmaYour language is nice	Eh, onaghi ara ahu mmutaYes, it is not hard to learn
M ga esoro gị mụọ?Can I practice with you?	Nsogbu adịghịNo problem
Kedu afa gi?What is your name?	Afa mụ bụ ObiMy name is Obi
Arọ ole k’ịdị?How old are you?	Adị m arọ iri na atọI’m thirteen years old
Ọmaka ịkpa gị nkataIt was nice talking to you	Ka omesiaSee you later