Yes, no and the essentials in Igbo
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Igbo words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Igbo phrases in this lesson
- EeEH-eh
- Yes
- Mbam-BAH
- No
- O di mmao dee MMA
- Okay
- Aghọtaghị ma-ghoh-TA-ghee m
- I don't understand
- I na-asụ Bekee?ee na-AH-soo beh-KAY
- Do you speak English?
- Biko, kwughachi yaBEE-koh, kwoo-ghah-CHEE ya
- Can you repeat that?
- Biko, jiri nwayọọ kwuoBEE-koh, JEE-ree nwa-YOH KWOO-oh
- Slowly, please
- Gịnị bụ nke a?GHEE-nee boo n-keh a
- What is this?
- Ọ dị m mkpa...oh dee m m-KPA
- I need...
- Biko, nyere m akaBEE-koh, NYEH-reh m AH-ka
- Can you help me?
Simple and rising at the end for courtesy. "Ee o" (yes indeed) adds emphasis and respect. Nodding while saying it is the full conversation ender; many Igbo speakers nod without saying anything.
"Mba, daalụ" is no, thank you.
Literally "it is fine", the agreement word. Also works as reassurance: "o di mma, ike gi" (okay, take strength, or good luck). Covers many uses, never harsh.
Literally "I did not understand".
Many Nigerians speak English, the official language. Asking in Igbo first is still appreciated. "I na-asụ Igbo?" (Do you speak Igbo?) works the same way.
Literally "please, say it gently".
Literally "it is necessary to me".
Literally "please, give me a hand".