Language/Igbo/Grammar/Adjectives
Hi Igbo learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on adjectives in Igbo.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: How to Use "Be", Future Tense, Conditional Mood & How to Use Have.
What are adjectives?
Adjectives are words that modify or describe other words. In Igbo language, adjectives are used to describe the noun they are in agreement with. This means that adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in terms of gender, number, and class.
Gender and Adjectives
In Igbo, there are two genders: masculine and feminine. To describe a masculine noun, you will use adjectives in the masculine form, and vice versa.
Examples:
Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
nwoke | /nwóké/ | man |
wulu | /wùlù/ | book |
nke | /ǹké/ | of, for |
nwoke nke wulu | /nwóké nkè wùlù/ | the man of the book |
In the example above, the adjective "nke" which means "of" always agrees with the noun in gender and number.
To describe a feminine noun, you will use adjectives in the feminine form.
Examples:
Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
nwanyị | /nwànyị̀/ | woman |
akwụkwọ | /àkwȕkwɔ̀/ | chair |
nwa | /nwà/ | of, for |
nwanyị nwa akwụkwọ | /nwànyị̀ nwà àkwȕkwɔ̀/ | the woman of the chair |
Number and Adjectives
In Igbo, nouns can be singular or plural, and adjectives will agree with them in number.
Examples:
Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ọnụ | /ǒnụ́/ | eye |
obi | /óbị̣/ | heart |
ana | /ànà/ | two |
ọnụ abụọ | /ǒnụ́ abụ́ɔ̀/ | two eyes |
In the example above, the adjective "ana" which means "two" always agrees with the noun in number.
Class and Adjectives
In Igbo, there are over 20 noun classes, and adjectives will agree with the noun they describe in class.
Examples:
Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ụwa | /ǔwà/ | world |
oké | /òké/ | hill |
nke | /ǹké/ | of, for |
ụwa nke oké | /ǔwà nkè òké/ | the world of the hill |
In the example above, the adjective "nke" which means "of" agrees with the noun class.
Comparison of Adjectives
In Igbo, adjectives can be compared using the following words:
- Mkpụrụ: which means "more"
- Lọọ: which means "less"
- Kwụ̀sị: which means "as...as"
Examples:
Igbo | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ọma | /ǒmá/ | beautiful |
mkpụrụ ọma | /mkpụ̀rụ́ ǒmà/ | more beautiful |
lọọ ọma | /lọọ́ ǒmà/ | less beautiful |
ọma kwụ̀sị mbọ | /ǒmà kwụ̀sị̀ mbọ̀/ | as beautiful as a flower |
Dialogue
Here's a dialogue between Ada and Chidi:
- Ada: Kedu ka ịnọna ụmụaka anyị? (/kédu ka ìnọ̄na ụmúáka anyị̄/)
Translation: How are our little boys? - Chidi: Daberechi dịghị ọchị. (/dàbȇrèchì dìɣì ǫchì/)
Translation: Daberechi is not small. - Ada: Ị bụ kacha mma. (/ị̄ bú káchà mmá/)
Translation: You are very correct.
Practice
Use the following adjectives to form simple sentences in Igbo:
1. Large 2. Small 3. Old 4. New 5. Good 6. Bad 7. Happy 8. Sad
Conclusion
In this lesson, we've learned about adjectives in Igbo language. Remember that adjectives must always agree with the noun they describe in terms of gender, number, and class. To improve your Igbo Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions to further your understanding of adjectives in Igbo. Also, feel free to check out the Grammar page on the Igbo page for more resources.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Excellent job on conquering this lesson! Consider delving into these related pages: Say Hello and Greetings in Igbo, Questions & Give your Opinion.
Videos
Asusu igbo (grade 8/9).. Nkowaaha (adjective ) - YouTube
Other Lessons
- Conditional Mood
- Questions
- Give your Opinion
- Negation
- Pronouns
- Future Tense
- Plurals
- How to Use Be
- How to Use Have
Sources