Igbo, one of the major languages of Nigeria, is spoken by the Igbo people in the southeastern part of the country. It’s a language with rich cultural traditions and a significant presence in literature and media. Learning Igbo can open up a deeper understanding of Igbo culture and history. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Igbo for various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Ndewo” / “Kedu”
• Good morning – “Ụtụtụ ọma”
• Good afternoon – “Ehihie ọma”
• Good evening – “Mgbede ọma”
• Goodbye – “Ka ọ dị”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Aha m bụ [aha].”
• This is [name]. – “Nke a bụ [aha].”
• I am from [country/city]. – “Abụ m onye [obodo/obodo].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Ana m ebi na [obodo/ebe].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Ebee ka [ebe] dị?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Kedu otu m ga-esi gaa [ebe]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Ọ bụ nke a bụ ụzọ gaa [ebe]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Ị nwere ike igosi m na map?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Ndo, aghọtaghị m.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Biko, ị nwere ike ịkọwa ya ọzọ?”
• I mean… – “Ana m ekwu na…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Gịnị ka [okwu] pụtara?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Ka emesịa”
• Take care – “Meere onwe gị ihe ọma”
• Have a good day – “Nwee ụbọchị ọma”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Achọrọ m ịdebe ụlọ.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Biko, enwere m ike ịhụ menu?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Ana m eri nri ndị na-enweghị anụ.”
• The bill, please. – “Biko, wetara m ọnụọgụgụ.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Ego ole ka nke a na-eri?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Ị nwere nke a n’ogo ọzọ?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Ana m elele nanị, daalụ.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Enwere m ike ịkwụ ụgwọ site na kaadị?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Ị mara mma.” / “Ị mara mma nwoke.”
• I miss you. – “Ana m efu gị.”
• I love you. – “A hụrụ m gị n’anya.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Ị ga-achọ ịpụta na m?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Enyemaka!”
• Call the police! – “Kpọọ ndị uwe ojii!”
• I need a doctor. – “Achọrọ m dọkịta.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Ebee ka ụlọ ọgwụ kacha nso dị?”

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Igbo. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Igbo media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Igbo.