Basic Igbo Greetings and Introductions
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Learning greetings in Igbo is your gateway to connecting with people and immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Igbo people. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, exchanging pleasantries with a friend, or making a great first impression, greetings and introductions are vital.
In this blog, we’ll explore common Igbo greetings, how to introduce yourself, and key cultural notes to ensure you navigate conversations like a pro. Let’s begin with the basics and work our way to full-blown introductions—Igbo style!
Key Words for Greetings and Introductions
Before we dive into phrases, let’s build your vocabulary toolbox with words you’ll frequently encounter in greetings and introductions.
| Igbo Word | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nnọọ | n-noh | Welcome |
| Kedu | keh-doo | How are you? |
| Mgbede | mm-gbeh-deh | Evening |
| Ụtụtụ | oo-too-too | Morning |
| Ọtụtụ | aw-too-too | Plenty |
| Ụbọchị | oo-boh-chee | Day |
| Ezigbo | eh-zeeg-boh | Good |
| Aha | ah-ha | Name |
| Ebe | eh-beh | Place |
| Ụlọ | oo-law | Home/house |
| Ụbọchị ọma | oo-boh-chee aw-mah | Good day |
| Ọ dị mma | aw dee mm-ma | It’s fine/It’s good |
| M | mm | Me |
| A bụ m | Ah bu mm | I am |
Essential Igbo Greetings
Start your conversations with these everyday greetings and watch how warmly people respond!
Phrase Pronunciation Translation Nnọọ n-noh Welcome Kedu? keh-doo? How are you? Ị bọla chi? ee boh-lah chee? Did you wake up well? (Good morning) Ụtụtụ ọma oo-too-too aw-mah Good morning Ehihie ọma eh-hee-heh aw-mah Good afternoon Mgbede ọma mm-gbeh-deh aw-mah Good evening Ka ọ dị kah aw dee Goodbye (Until we see again) Daalụ dah-loo Thank you Ekele gị eh-keh-leh gee Greetings to you
Introducing Yourself in Igbo
Introducing yourself in Igbo doesn’t have to be complicated. Use these simple structures to leave a great impression.
| Phrase | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Aha m bụ [name] | ah-ha mm boo [name] | My name is [name] |
| Ebe m si bụ [place] | eh-beh mm see boo [place] | I am from [place] |
| A bụ m nwaanyị/nwoke | ah boo mm nwah-nyee/nwaw-keh | I am a woman/man |
| Ebe m bi bụ [place] | eh-beh mm bee boo [place] | I live in [place] |
| Ọ dị mma ịhụta gị | aw dee mm-ma ee-hoo-tah gee | It’s nice to meet you |
| A na m amụta asụsụ Igbo | ah nah mm ah-moo-tah ah-soo-soo ee-gboh | I’m learning Igbo |
Cultural Notes on Greetings and Introductions
Greetings are essential: In Igbo culture, it’s considered rude to dive into a conversation without exchanging greetings first. Always start with Kedu or Nnọọ.
Time-specific greetings: Use greetings like Ụtụtụ ọma (Good morning) and Mgbede ọma (Good evening) at the appropriate times of the day.
Physical gestures matter: When greeting elders, bow slightly or kneel (for women) to show respect.
Be polite: Always follow up with Daalụ (Thank you) or Ekele gị (Greetings to you).
FAQs
What’s the simplest greeting in Igbo?
Nnọọ (Welcome) or Kedu (How are you?) are simple and versatile.How do I say “Nice to meet you” in Igbo?
Say, Ọ dị mma ịlụta gị.Can I combine greetings and introductions?
Absolutely! For example, you could say: Kedu? Aha m bụ Chinedu. Ebe m si bụ Enugu.What’s a respectful way to greet elders?
Use time-specific greetings like Ụtụtụ ọma (Good morning) and bow slightly when speaking.What if I forget a word?
Smile and say, Biko, nyere m aka (Please, help me).Can I use these phrases for formal settings?
Yes, these phrases work in both formal and informal contexts.How do I respond to “Kedu”?
You can say Ọ dị mma (It’s fine), or Adịghị mma (It’s not fine) if you’re not feeling well.
Practice Makes Perfect
To master Igbo greetings and introductions, practice them daily with friends, family, or even in front of a mirror. The more you use these phrases, the more natural they’ll feel.
Remember, greetings are more than just words—they’re a gateway to meaningful connections. Start small, keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be spreading smiles across Igbo-speaking communities.
Ka ọ dị! (Goodbye!) 😊