Language/Igbo/Vocabulary/Family

Igbo Vocabulary - Family

Hi Igbo learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be learning about the Igbo vocabulary related to family. Family is an important aspect of the Igbo culture and it plays a significant role in the daily lives of the people. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to describe your family members in Igbo. Let's get started!

Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Clothes, Education, Feelings and Emotions & Days of the Week.

Basic Family Vocabulary

In Igbo culture, like in many other cultures, the family is made up of the parents, children, and siblings.

Igbo	Pronunciation	English
ụmụaka	Oo-moo-ah-kah	Brother
nwanne	Nwah-neh	Sister
nnam	Nnam	Father
nne	Nneh	Mother
ụmụ nnam	Oo-moo Nnam	Son
ụmụ nne	Oo-moo Nneh	Daughter

Extended Family Vocabulary

In Igbo culture, family extends beyond the nuclear family to include grandparents, uncles, aunties, nephews, and nieces. Here are some examples:

Igbo	Pronunciation	English
di	Dee	Grandfather
nne di	Nneh Dee	Grandmother
nwadiana	Nwah-dee-ah-nah	Uncle
nwada	Nwah-dah	Auntie
eme	Eh-meh	Nephew
ịyom	Ee-yom	Niece

Describing Your Family Members

To describe your family members in Igbo, you can use the following phrases:

• "Nnam bu m" - My father
• "Nne bu m" - My mother
• "Nwadiana bu m" - My uncle
• "Nwada bu m" - My auntie
• "Nne di bu m" - My grandmother
• "Di bu m" - My grandfather
• "Mụ nwanyị" - My wife
• "Mụ nwoke" - My husband

Dialogue

• "Nwannem, biko tinye aka m. Nna m bụ nwanne di mkpa. (My friend, please give me your hand. My father is a good grandfather)"
• "Odi mma. Nne m bụ nnam. (Okay. My mother is my father)"
• "Ka ị ga-ekwu na nwadiana gị bụ ụmụaka m? (Can you say that your uncle is my brother?)"
• "Ee, nwadiana m bụ ụmụaka gị. (Yes, my uncle is your brother.)"
• "Ka ị ga-ekwu kedu ihe m ga-eme ya? (Can you tell me what I will do for him?)"
• "Gwa gi, ụmụaka m n'eme ya ahịa. (Tell you that my brother will go to the market)"

Fun Facts About Igbo Family

- In Igbo culture, it is customary to name a child based on the day he or she was born. A traditional Igbo name is usually composed of two parts: the given name and the name indicating the child's day of birth. - The Igbo people believe strongly in the concept of "umuada" which refers to the daughters of a family. They are seen as an important link between the family of their birth and the family that they will eventually marry into. - In Igbo culture, the extended family plays an important role in a child's upbringing. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles all have a hand in raising the children of the family. - Family is such an important part of the Igbo culture that the Igbo language has specific words to describe the relationship between family members.

To improve your Igbo Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Sources

• Family and Other People Igbo Vocabulary Words – Ezinaụlọ
• A GLOSSARY OF IGBO WORDS, NAMES AND PHRASES Taken ...
• Igbo English Dictionary

Other Lessons

• Drinks
• Education
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• How to say Good Bye?
• Food
• Fruits
• Count to 10
• Days of the Week
• Express Surprise
• Health