Igbo Lessons

Learn Igbo: A Beginner’s Guide for the Diaspora

Reconnect with your roots through the beauty of the Igbo language, spoken by over 25 million people across southeastern Nigeria and the diaspora. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring heritage, or learning for cultural pride, these basics will help you start speaking with confidence.

🌍 Introduction to Igbo

  • Igbo is one of the three major languages of Nigeria, spoken mostly in the southeast.

  • It is tonal, meaning pitch changes the meaning of a word.

  • Igbo culture is deeply tied to language — greetings, proverbs, and respect expressions carry strong values.

👋 Common Greetings in Igbo

  • Kedu? → How are you?

  • Ọ dị mma → I’m fine / It is good

  • Ụtụtụ ọma → Good morning

  • Ehihie ọma → Good afternoon

  • Mgbede ọma → Good evening

  • Ka ọ dị → Goodbye

(Tip: Igbo greetings often include asking about family and well-being, not just the person.)

🗣️ Basic Everyday Phrases

  • Daalu → Thank you

  • Ndeewo → Hello / Respectful greeting

  • Ee → Yes

  • Mba → No

  • Biko → Please

  • Ndo → Sorry

  • Bịa ebe a → Come here

  • N'ezie? → Really?

🍴 Food & Market Phrases

  • Ego ole ka ọ bụ? → How much is this?

  • Achọrọ m... → I want...

  • Ana m eri nri → I’m eating

  • Achọrọ m mmiri → I need water

  • Mmiri → Water

  • Fufu na ofe egusi → Cassava dish with melon seed soup

  • Jollof rice → A West African favorite (also loved by Igbo families)

👪 Family & Relationships

  • Nna → Father

  • Nne → Mother

  • Nwanne nwoke → Brother

  • Nwanne nwanyị → Sister

  • Nwa → Child

  • Nwanne m → My sibling

  • A hụrụ m gị n’anya → I love you

🔑 Numbers in Igbo

1 – Otu
2 – Abụọ
3 – Atọ
4 – Anọ
5 – Ise
10 – Iri
20 – Iri abụọ
100 – Nari

🎵 Cultural Notes

  • Igbo proverbs carry wisdom. Example:

    • “Ụmụaka gbaa ọtọ, ọkpọ ọkpọ ka ha ji egwu egwu.”

    • Meaning: “When children dance naked, it is with a pure heart.” (Innocence has value.)

  • Igbo culture is communal — greetings often extend beyond the individual to their family and community.

  • Learning even a few phrases shows deep respect to elders and pride in heritage.

📚 Next Steps

  • Practice greetings with family daily.

  • Label common items in Igbo around your home.

  • Listen to Igbo highlife or Afrobeat songs and repeat words.

  • Join Igbo cultural groups in the diaspora to practice conversation.