Language/Igbo/Vocabulary/Relationships
Relationships are an essential part of our lives, whether romantic or not. In Igbo culture, relationships are considered sacred and are approached with respect and care. In this lesson, we will learn about the Igbo words for various types of relationships, including romantic, friendship, and professional relationships, and how to use them in sentences.
Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships are intimate relationships between two people who are drawn to each other romantically. Here are some Igbo words for romantic relationships:
| Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ìhè nwanyì | ee-heh nwahn-yee | girlfriend |
| ìhè nwoke | ee-heh noh-keh | boyfriend |
| ụmụ nwanyì | oo-moo nwahn-yee | fiancee |
| ọgafụrụ nwanyì | oh-gah-foo-roo nwahn-yee | wife |
| ọgafụrụ nwoke | oh-gah-foo-roo noh-keh | husband |
Here are some examples of how to use these words in sentences:
- Ná-ànụ ahụ̀ ìhè nwanyì m. (I am going to see my girlfriend.)
- Kà-ọ̀kpụ̀rụ̀ ahụ̀ ìhè nwoke sìlẹ̀. (Invite your boyfriend to the party.)
- Ị ná-ìrù ụmụ nwanyị mụ̀ọ̀ sìlẹ̀? (Are you coming with my fiancee?)
- Agā àbùọ̀ ọgafụrụ nwanyị mụ̀ọ̀ chọọ ghara ị̀ń bị̀à. (My wife will not allow you to come here.)
- Àlà ọgafụrụ nwoke mụ̀ọ̀ bà m epụ̀tara ọ́gụ́ụ̀ bute. (My husband always comes home late.)
Friendship Relationships
Friendship relationships are non-intimate relationships that are developed between friends who share common interests, experiences or hobbies. Here are some Igbo words for friendship relationships:
| Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ámà | ah-mah | friend |
| ámà òbì ị́ | ah-mah oh-bee ee | best friend |
| ìgwè yà | ee-gweh yah | buddy |
| ndị kà ná-èrè ámà | ndee kah nah-yeh-reh ah-mah | mutual friends |
Here are some examples of how to use these words in sentences:
- Ámà m ná-akálị nwaọma ọ̀ bụ́ òkèlé. (My friend is dating a beautiful lady.)
- Àmà ọ̀bụ̀là ị rere ụ́lọ́ m. (My best friend is the reason I am happy.)
- Àkwụ̀kwàõ yà ji gọọ́ dí ka ígwè yà m. (The football match was fun just like my buddy.)
- Ndị kà ná-èrè ámà mụ̀ọ̀ bà bubada àkwùkwàõ. (Our mutual friends like watching football.)
Professional Relationships
Professional relationships are those involving work interactions, such as between colleagues or with clients. Here are some Igbo words for professional relationships:
| Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ọ̀rẹ̀ | oh-reh | colleague |
| ọ̀rẹ̀ ị̀hụ̀ | oh-reh ee-hoo | coworker |
| nọ́nyá | noh-nyah | client |
| ịchá àhụ̀ụ̀ | ee-cha ah-hoo-oo | business partner |
Here are some examples of how to use these words in sentences:
- Agbána-ọ̀rẹ̀ m tèré ụ́lọ́ bíá? (Did your colleague enter the office?)
- Mà-ìjé ọ̀rẹ̀ ị̀hụ̀ ahụ̀, ha ga-atu-ọ̀kwụ́ ákwálị. (Don't forget to tell your coworker about the meeting.)
- Ọ nọ́nyá m bịa nọnụ̣ ha, ha kèrè nweya. (The client came to see me, they want to make a purchase.)
- Ọ́ buluru ịchá àhụ̀ụ̀ na niile niile niị. (He is doing business with partners all over the world.)
Congratulations! You have successfully learned Igbo words for different types of relationships. You can now practice using them in conversations or sentences. Don't forget to go through this lesson as much as you can until you are confident about the vocabulary you have learned.