Language/Igbo/Vocabulary/Introducing-Yourself

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Igbo → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Greetings and Introductions → Introducing Yourself

Introducing yourself in Igbo is an essential way to make a good first impression. In this lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself, ask for someone's name, and use appropriate titles and pronouns in Igbo. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to engage in basic conversation and make connections with native Igbo speakers.

Basic Introductions

Let's start with the most basic way to introduce yourself in Igbo.

• My name is John. - Ndi bụ mọ John.
• What is your name? - Kedu aha ị bụ?
• I am from Africa. - A gam akwụkwọ Afrika.

In Igbo, it is common to use titles when addressing someone. The titles either indicate their age, marital status, or social status.

• Mr. - Onye ibu
• Mrs./Miss - Nwunye/Nwanyị
• Sir/Madam - Onye

To introduce yourself using your title, you can say:

• My name is Obinna; I am Mr. Okafor's son. - Igọma m bụ Obinna; mụna-akụ Onye ibu Okafor.

When introducing someone else, you can say:

• This is Chiamaka. - Ọ dị otu ya Chiamaka.

Asking for Names

To ask for someone's name in Igbo, you can use the phrase:

• What is your name? - Kedu aha ị bụ?

To respond to this question, simply say:

• My name is Chinedu. - Aha m bụ Chinedu.

Or, you can also say:

• They call me John. - Ha na-agụ aka m John.

Using Pronouns and Greetings

In Igbo, it is common to greet someone by saying "nnoo" or "ụtụtụ ọma". That being said, it is also appropriate to greet someone with "hello."

• Hello - Kedụ

When introducing yourself, it is essential to use the appropriate pronouns, depending on your gender and social status.

• I - mụ
• You - ị
• He/She/It - ya
• We - anya
• They - ha

For example:

• I am fine. - Mụ na-eso mma.
• How are you? - Kedu ka ị mere?

When asking about someone's health, it is common to say:

• Have you eaten? - Adịghị mma kụkụ?

Igbo Cultural Information

The Igbo people, also known as Ndi Igbo, are an ethnic group native to Nigeria. The Igbo language, also known as 'Asụsụ Igbo,' is the principal language spoken in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The language is known for its tonality, which means that the same word can have different meanings, depending on the tone used. For example, the word ‘nwa’ can mean ‘child’ or ‘yam,’ depending on the tone used.

It is also important to note that in Igbo culture, greetings are essential in socializing. When greeting someone, it is common to use your right hand to shake hands, while your left hand touches your right elbow, as a sign of respect.

Practice

Let's practice what we have learned. Try translating the following sentences from English to Igbo:

English	Igbo	Answer
What is your name?	kedụ aha ị bụ	kedụ aha m bụ
How are you?	kedụ ka ị mere?	na-eso mma
She is Mrs. Obi's daughter.	ya dị nwunye Obi, nwane ya.	nwanyị ya bụ nwunye Obi.
Hello, my name is Chinedu.	Kedụ, aha m bụ Chinedu.	Kedụ, igọma m bụ Chinedu.

Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on introducing yourself in Igbo. Continue practicing this skill until you feel confident introducing yourself to a native speaker.

Table of Contents - Igbo Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns
• Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Verbs
• Tenses

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers
• Telling Time

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Igbo Customs and Traditions

• Traditional Ceremonies
• Festivals and Celebrations

Other Lessons

• Count to 10
• Feelings and Emotions
• Drinks
• Modes of Transportation
• How to say Good Bye?
• Clothes
• Geography
• Family
• Relationships
• Travel Phrases

Sources

• Greetings and Manners Igbo Vocabulary Words – Ezinaụlọ

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