Lexicon · 292 entries

N

n’

see nà 1.

-na1v

A. go home; go away (finally) B. go, return to husband or husband’s house B. go away, heal (of sore, cut, etc.)

ọ̀nịna going home; leaving

-na àzụ lag; dawdle: Ọlụ m̄ nà-àna āzụ My work is lagging

-naba go home

nàba! go home!

-nabà go to bed

-na be dī A. (of woman just married) marry; go to husband’s house: Ọ gà-àna be dī n’ọnwa ọ̄zọ She will be married next month

-nachìgha return home

-nafè go abroad

-nafù go and not come back

nàa gboo farewell (to those expected to return)

-nakọ ànakọ go homewards

-nakpu go in

-nakwulu go home to (someone)

-namì go to an uncertain destination

-na mmụọ̄ or -na ànị m̄mụọ die (euphemistic) (lit. return to the land of the spirits)

-nanarị escape from; go away from

-nata return (home): Kèdu ụbọ̀sị̀ ị gà-ànata? What day will you return?

-na n’iyì become useless, spoilt; be ruined: Ife o mè nà n’iyì What he has done is useless

ọ̀nịna healing: Ọnya m̄ ànago My cut has healed

-na2v

receive; take; take by force: Òne kà ọ nà-àna n’ọnwa? How much does he earn a month?

ọ̀nịna taking; receiving

-na akwụkwọ isī -nachìgha pay tax (lit. take tax-receipt) receive back; recover

-nado contain; retain; accommodate

-nalụ receive; take

-napụ̀ga save; redeem Onye Nnapụ̀ga Redeemer (cf. Onye Nzọpụ̀ta)

-napụ̀ta snatch out; snatch away; deliver

-napụ̀ta okwu force someone to speak out

-nata receive

-nata letà receive letter

-na ụgwọ̄ receive salary, wages, etc.

-na ụ̀tụ exact tax

-na3

aux.v. marks the progressive and habitual verb forms: Chikē nà-àbịa Chike is coming (progressive)/(usually) come (habitual): Chikē gà na-àbịa Chike will be coming (future habitual): Chikē gà na-ègogo jī Chike will/must have been (habitually) buying yams: Na-èbi ọ̀fụma Goodbye (lit. keep on living well):

-na4infl. suff

(-naà when in final position after non-low tone) negative commands: Ejēna ozi à Don’t go on this errand: Ejēnaà Do not go

nà1prep

(before a vowel written as n’; tone is basically low, but assimilates to a following high tone vowel) at; in; to; from: Anọ̀ m̀ nà m̀balā I am outside: Ebì m̀ nà Kanò I live in Kano: Àdâ nọ̀ n’ime ụnọ̀ Ada is inside the house

n’aka ebē as a pledge, surety: Jìde akwụkwọ à n’aka ebē Take this book as a pledge

n’ànị̀ on the ground

nà ǹkịtị in vain; for nothing: Ife o mè bụ̀ nà ǹkịtị What he has done is in vain

nà ǹtụmādị suddenly; unexpectedly

n’àzụ behind; in the absence of

n’ebe à here; at this place

n’enū above; upon; on top of

n’ètitì amidst; in the middle of

n’ezi okwū (shortened to n’eziī): in truth; really; in reality; indeed; truly

n’ùsòlò n’ùsòlò in order; one after the other

n’ụnọ̀ at home; in the house; within (the house)

n’ụ̀sọ beside; by the side of

n’ụ̀zọ ụ̄tụtụ̀ in the early morning

-si nà come from

nà2conj

that: Ọ sị̀ nà fâ bụ̀ èjìma She said that they are twins

nà3conj

and: Mụ nà gị You and I

naàbọ̀num

two (qualifying form, cf. ị̀bụ̀ọ)

naanọ̄, naanọ̀num

four (qualifying form, cf. ị̀nọ)

naasāànum

seven (qualifying form, cf. ị̀saà)

naasātọnum

eight (qualifying form, cf. ị̀satọ̄)

naātọnum

three (qualifying form, cf. ị̀tọ)

-na-ghà, -na-ràv

prevent; hinder; restrain

-naghà ntị̀ refuse to listen; act wilfully: Ọ naghà ntị̀ wèe me ife à He did this thing wilfully

-naghà okwu interrupt

-na-lụv

win; be correct; (of statement) agree with statement or information previously made: Ọ nààlụ̀ gị You are correct

nànwụledè,n

wild cat; genet

ụ̀nànwụledè,

nànwụlụ,

ụ̀nànwụlụ

-na-rị1ext. suff. 1

more than; surpassing

-gbanarị surpass in running

-sonarị surpass in growth: Àda gà-èsonarị nwa nnē ya nwokē ogō Ada will grow taller than her brother

-na-rị2ext. suff. 1

away from

-fenarị fly away from: Egbe afụ̀ èfenarịgo m̄ The hawk has flown away from me (from my grip, or from where I kept it confined)

-gbanarị run away from (something); abscond from (something, someone): Nkịtā m zụ̀tàlụ̀ ǹnyàafụ̀ àgbanarịgo m̄ The dog I bought yesterday has run away (from me)

-nanarị go away from

nàịràn

Naira

nchà1n

soap; detergent

nchà ngụ̀ local soap

-gbu nchà soap oneself

nchà2n

curdled oil preparation for eating certain foods like yam, plantain, shredded cassava, etc. It is prepared by crushing some quantity of potash stone, àkanwụ, or pouring some liquid ngụ̀ into oil, and stirring it till the oil thickens and curdles. Some condiments are added and the preparation is used as stew

ǹcha1quant

all; altogether; entirely

fa n̄cha all of them (cf. fa niīne)

mà ǹcha not at all; none (used with negative)

m̀gbè ǹcha always; at all times

ǹcha n̄cha not at all: Àgarọ̄ m ịpụ̀ n’ụnọ̀ ǹcha n̄cha I shall not leave the house at all

ogè ǹcha always; at all times

ụnụ̀ ǹcha all of you; you all

ǹcha2n

used in:

ǹcha ọcha fish sp. (Tilapia zilii) (cf. ìkpoòkpò)

nchālan

rust

-gba nchāla rust; corrode

-ta nchāla be rusty

ǹchen

keeping; saving; watching over; vigil (-che 1. watch) B. the police

-che ǹche keep watch, vigil: Ọ nọ̀ nà ǹche He is on guard

ǹche ānwụ sunshade; umbrella

ndi n̄che the guards

ndi n̄che òbòdò A. the town or village guards

onye n̄che watchman Ọ̀rànàǹche male name (lit. All at watch)

ụkā n̄che watchnight service (e.g. that held on eve of Christmas, New Year, etc.)

ncheben

preservation; keeping (from -chebe preserve, keep)

nchịcha [ī?]n

towel; duster; eraser

ǹchìn

cane rat, cutting grass, "grasscutter" (Thryonomys swinderianus)

ǹchìchèn

venereal disease which eats off the nose (stage of syphilis)

ǹchịchan

disease causing skin to turn yellow; blasting or withering of vegetation

ǹchị̀kwịnị̀kwịnị̀n

dried latex from rubber tree or ụdalà (so called from sound when chewed)

ǹchọ̀lọ̀kọ̀tọ̀n

board game with twelve holes, sometimes dug in the earth, played by two persons with nuts, seeds or small stones

ǹchụn

hat (cf. òkpu)

ǹdàlàgwùgwùn

valley

ndàma ndàmin

trial; temptation (from -dàma fall up and down, here and there)

ǹdamanyan

laziness

-da ǹdamanya be lazy; malinger; loaf about

ndasìn

tumbler

ǹdè1n

sickly, delicate condition

-dè ǹdè be sickly, delicate: Ọ nà-edē ǹdè He is sickly

ǹdè2n

disappearance; charm giving one the power to be invisible: Dibị̀a à nà-àgwọ ǹdè This dibịa can prepare a charm for vanishing

-dè ǹdè disappear: Dibị̀a à nà-edē ǹdè This dibịa has the power of disappearing

ǹdèelīn

midnight

ǹdeèwo!int

common salutation of welcome or thanks

ǹdelen

rod; large staff

ǹdele igwè iron rod used for fighting

ǹdèlèn

line; row; track

-kpụ ǹdèlè make track

ndenen

properly

ndepụ̀tan

A. writing out B. edition

ndepụ̀ta ochīè old edition

ndepụ̀ta ọfụụ̄ new edition: Ndepụ̀ta ọfụụ̄ akwụkwọ ǹkaà apụ̀tago There is a new edition of this book

ndi

see ndị

ǹdìdìn

A. patience; perseverance B. personal name

-dì ǹdìdì be patient

onye ǹdìdì patient person: Proverb: Onye ǹdìdì nà-èli azụ̄ ūkpoò The patient man eats hook-killed fish

ndị, ndin

nation; people, those (plural of onye)

ndị à these: Akwà ndị à bụ òke ǹkè m These clothes are my share

ndị afụ̀ those

ndị aghā soldiers; warriors

ndi be household; people of the house; fellow townsfolk

ndi gboo the ancients

ndị īchiè chiefs, titled persons (alive or departed)

ndi ikènyà elders; grown men; principal men

ndị ikpē the judges

ndi isī chiefs, headmen

Ndi Isi Ōji the Africans

ndi ìsì blind people

ndị kọtụ̀ma court-messengers

ndị m̄bụ nà ndị àbọ̀ ndị m̄mụọ the ancestors dead people (spirits)

ndị m̀pụ̀m highwaymen; robbers; bandits

ndị mụ̄lụ parents

ndị n̄che atụlụ̄ shepherds

ndị ǹkè nya his own people

ndị n̄kịtị common people

ndị ntā hunters

ndị nwufù those yonder

ndinyom̀ women; females

ndi ochiè the ancients

Ndi ōji Africans; black people

ndị okènyè elders

ndi orī rogues; highwaymen

ndi orù slaves

ndi ōsu people owned by deities; outcasts

ndị ozī messengers; the apostles

ndị ọkụ̀ fishermen

ndị ọnwọ̀ some people

ndi ọ̄ta ọ̄jị nickname used only by the Igbo to describe the Yoruba

ndị ọ̀yị̀ friends

ndi Ụkà Christians

ndị ụ̀là deceivers; cunning people

ụ̀wà ndi m̄mọọ world of spirits

ụ̀wà ndi oyìbo luxurious pleasure-loving way of life or living; extravagant life (lit. the world of the white people)

ǹdị̀dàn

down-river; the South; low-lying country

Ọgbe Ǹdị̀dà village in Onitsha Inland Town

ǹdị̀lị̀n

row; line

ndò [check tone!]n

kind of pigeon

ǹdoint

salutation of sympathy

ǹdòn

shade; shadow

-che ǹdò give shade

òche ǹdò anything giving shade

ǹdodon

horizontal house-beam

ndokwan

settlement; peace; pacification (-dokwa make peace)

ǹdoòint

goodbye (to people one is leaving

ǹdun

leadership; guidance

onye n̄du leader; guide: Ònyê bụ̀ onye n̄du fa? Who is their leader?

ǹdùn

animal tick sp. (àkà) found on rats and Kemp’s Gerbil

ǹdudùn

electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) (= èlùlù)

ndụ̀n

A. life Ndụ̀beezè (Ndụ̀ bụ ezè) male name (lit. life is greatest, or life is king: i.e. to be able to do or be anything, life is the first precondition) B. state of being living, raw, fresh, green, uncooked: Ọ nà-èli ji ndụ̀ He is eating raw yam: Ọ nà-àta akwụkwọ ndụ̀ He is eating fresh leaves (as opposed to dry ones)

Ndụ̀biisi (Ndụ̀ bụ isi) male name (lit. life is the head)

Ndụ̀bụàkụ̀ male name (lit. life is wealth)

ndụ̀dụ̀gandụ̀ generation

ndụ̀ ebè èbè everlasting life: Chinēkè dị̀ ndụ̀ ebè èbè God is everlasting

(ndụ̀) -gụ want to live

-dị ndụ̀ be alive: Adị̀ m̀ ndụ̀ I am alive

ezi ndụ̀ health

ogonogo ndụ̀ long life

-tụ ndụ̀ breathe slowly, faintly, with difficulty (as one dying)

-tụlụ, -tụnye ndụ̀ -tụte ndụ̀ revive; refresh wake up; make alive; revive; refresh; resuscitate

-zè ndụ̀ be afraid of; avoid (from fear); be beware of; fear for one’s life

-zọ ndụ̀ save life

azụ̀ ndụ̀ fresh fish

-dị ndụ̀ be raw, fresh, uncooked, etc.

ǹdụdụn

fork, skewer of iron or wood for taking yam, etc., from cooking-pot

ndụ̀dụ̀gandụ̀n

generation (ndụ̀, life)

ndụ̀dụ̀gandụ̄ ǹke ị̄tọ third generation

ndụ̀dụ̀gandụ̄ ǹke ị̄nọ fourth generation

ndụmì, ndumìn

framework of roof

ndumì ụnọ̀ framework of roof (before thatching or fixing the sheets)

ǹdụ̀mọ̀ọdụn

advice; counsel; warning (-dụ̀ ọdụ advise)

-nye ǹdụ̀mọ̀ọdụ give counsel, advice

-sò ǹdụ̀mọ̀ọdụ follow advice

-ne1v

look at B. see afar off

ònine looking

-ne anya behold; look (at); gaze at; look after; mind

-nebà look into

-nedà despise

nnedà contempt

-nedo look at closely; study; spy

-nedụ keep quiet, still

-nefe look after; serve; wait upon

-nefè anya connive at; wink at

-nefèga anya overlook; neglect

-nefù anya look aside; neglect; connive at

-nega A. visit

-negalụ visit and look after sick person

nnegalụ nursing a sick person (on casual visit)

-nekọta supervise; be in charge

nnekọta supervision

-nekpọ anya take a good look

-nekwàsị anya look upon; look again

-nene watch; examine

-nenị̀ disregard; despise Nnwatà nwokē afụ̀ nà-ènenị̀ okwū m The boy ignores my words

nnenị̀ contempt; disregard

-nenye anya look into

-nepụ̀ look for; seek

-neta visit (esp. bereaved or sick)

nneta visit (esp. to bereaved or sick)

-neta anya regard; have respect for

-netị anya look ahead

-netù anya look downwards; look down on

-nezi anya beware; look out; be cautious

ǹne anyā a glance, look: Ị chọọ ịmā ife ọ nà-ème òfu n̄ne anyā ezùgolụ gị̄ If you want to know what he is doing, a glance is sufficient for you

-ne2v

entertain; reward

-ne ọbị̀à entertain a stranger; be hospitable

-ne ọlụ reward; pay (wage): Ọ gà-ène fā ọlụ He will reward them for their work

neesènum

five (alternative qualifying form of ìse)

ngān

gag; bit; iron bar

ngā àgbà the gag used for a dead person

ǹgan

imprisonment

ǹga Àràbà (fig.) heavy punishment (from the first prison yard at Asaba): Ndị mmụ̄ọ tìnyèlì yà nà ǹga The ancestors inflicted lifelong punishment (i.e. lingering sickness) on him

ǹga mkpụlụ ọkà ǹga ọlụ ikē life imprisonment imprisonment with hard labour: A tụ̀lụ̀ ya ǹga ọlụ ikē He was imprisoned with hard labour

onye n̄ga prisoner

ụnọ̄ n̄ga prison-yard

ǹgaāv

have it; take: Ǹgaā egō Have some money

ngàdàbàn

branch (of tree): Kòbe akwà gị na ngàdàbà osisi afụ̄ dị̄ n’òbi Hang your cloth on the branch of that tree in the court

ǹgàjìn

spoon

ngàlan

pride

-gàla ngàla be proud

onye ngàla proud person

ǹgàlị̀n

bribe

-li ǹgàlị̀ take bribe

ngalịga

see ngịlịga

ǹgàmàsùn

native court

ǹganān

laziness

onye n̄gana lazy person

nganga1n

slim; slim in build

nganga2

see ngịlịga

ǹgàǹgàn

arrogance; rudeness; insolence; pride

-kpa ǹgàǹgà be arrogant, insolent, rude: Àchọrọ̄ m ịfụ̄ nwatà afụ̄ nā-akpa ǹgàngà I don’t want to see that arrogant boy

ǹgedelegwu,n

xylophone (basket-work over pot, with two bars)

ǹgedegwū

ǹgènèn

water welling from a spring

ọnụ ǹgènè (place of a) spring of water

ǹgìgèn

fence; hedge; rope marking off or enclosing a place

-gè ǹgìgè cordon round with rope

ǹgịpron

(emphatic; 2nd pers. sg.) you (singular); thou; thee: (Ọ) ǹgị kà mụ nà-àgwa It is you I am talking to

ǹgị nà ònwe gị̄ you yourself (emphatic)

ǹgị nwà you yourself

ngị̄gan

round basket, often used for smoke-curing of fish, keeping pepper, ògìlì, etc.; usually kept in or suspended from ùko over the fire-place

ǹgịlịn

used in:

ngịlị, ǹgịlị afọ̄ intestines; bowels

ngị̀lị̀gọ̀ crooked (of road)

ngịlịga, ngalịga,n

ragged; contemptible (cf. nkịlịka)

nganga

ngịlịga akwà rag; ragged cloth

ngịlịga mmādụ̀ stupid, hopeless person; ruffian: Bikō akpọ̄kwọna Ọ̀fọ àbịa bē m màkà nà adị̄ m àchọ ịfụ̄ ngịlịga mmādụ̀ be m̄ Please never visit my home in the company of Ọfọ because I resent the presence of ruffians in my home

ngon

money, reward received for services rendered; bribe

-go ngo give a present, reward

-li ngo receive money, reward, or bribe for services

ọ̀kpụ īsi elī ngo ringworm of the head (tinea capitis) (lit. barber who receives no pay)

ngōn

upper part, place: Anà m̀ àgbago ngō I am going upwards

ngòlin

exultation; rejoicing (-gòli rejoice)

ngongon

steep place

ngọn

type of food [check]

ngọ̀n

bride-wealth; deposit paid to wife’s family which is refunded in the event of a divorce and remarriage

-fieta ngọ̀ receive back bride-price from wife’s relations

-gba ngọ̀ reckon up bride-price

-kwụ ngọ̀ pay bride-price: Ànyị nà-èje ịkwụ̄ ngọ̀ nnwa èzè m nà-àkwadebe ịnū We are going to pay the bride-price of the princess I am preparing to marry

ọ̀kwụkwụ ngọ̀ payment of bride-price

ngọ̀2n

crookedness; bend

-gba ngọ̀ be bent, crooked

ǹgọ1n

bribe: Ọ nàlụ̀ yà ǹgọ wèe wèlụ yā n’ọlụ He took a bribe from him before giving him a job

-li n̄gọ accept a bribe

ǹgọ2n

doubt

-si ǹgọ doubt (obstinately)

òsi n̄gọ doubter

ǹgọ̀ǹgọ̀1n

stumbling; staggering

-sọ ǹgọ̀ǹgọ̀ stumble; stagger: Ọ̀yị̀ gị nwaànyị̀ gà-àkpatalụ gị̄ ịsọ̄ ǹgọ̀ǹgọ̀ Your girlfriend will cause you to stumble

ǹgọ̀ǹgọ̀2n

joy; gladness

-tụ ǹgọ̀ǹgọ̀ rejoice (usu. of women)

ngọzin

A. blessing (-gọzi bless) B. male and female name

ngun

long stick with hooked end for plucking fruits; crook

ngùgù, ngwùgwùn

780 large cowries = 13 ùkwù

ǹgụ̀gụ̀1n

ribs; lungs; loins; waist

mkpịsị ǹgụ̀ rib

ǹgụ̀gụ̀2n

spoke, metal skewer

ngwan

haste; swiftness

ngwa n̄gwa quickly

ǹgwen

grinder; apparatus, machine for grinding (-gwe grind)

ǹgwèlèn

lizard (general term, including olubulu, but esp. the common agama lizard (Agama agama Linn.); cf. okpodi, which refers only to the male agama)

ǹgwèlè anwụ̄ "iguana"; monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus Linn.)

ngwọ̀1n

raphia palm (Raphia hookeri Mann and Wendl.); wine from the raphia palm (= ọ̀gọ̀lọ̀)

akwalā ngwọ̀ fibre of stem of ngwọ̀

mmanya ngwọ̀ raphia palm wine

ose ngwọ̀ raphia palm wine tapped from raphia palms at the river or stream bank

ngwọ̀ 2., ụgwọ̀n

kind of skin disease; eczema (Yoruba ifo)

ǹgwọ̀n

period of ọ̀mụgwọ̀ (seclusion following birth of a child); observation of ọ̀mụgwọ̀

ǹgwọ̀lụ̀ǹgwọlụ,n

(slang) food prepared by mashing together different kinds of

ǹgwọ̀lụ̀ǹgwọ

food (e.g. akpụ a gwọ̄lụ agwọ - shredded cassava mashed with ụkwà or òkwè)

ǹgwun

tool for digging out yams (-gwu 1. dig)

ǹgwu ànị̀ tool for digging; digger

ngwùgwù1n

parcel; bundle

ngwùgwù nnū block, parcel of salt

ngwùgwù2

see ngùgù

ǹgwùlùn

compound (of a dwelling)

ǹgwụn

type of bat found in ceilings (not edible)

ngwụchan

end (-gwụcha end)

ngwụcha arọ̀ end of year

ǹgwụlọ̄n

cripple; lame person: Ǹgwụlọ̄ adị̄rọ àgba ọsọ̄ A lame person never runs Ọ̀yị̀ m nwokē adàgo n̄gwụlọ My friend has become crippled (fig.) lazy, powerless, person: Ǹgwụlọ̄ kà ị bụ̀ Powerless person that you are!

-dà ǹgwụlọ̄ be lame

-gwọ ǹgwụlọ̄ sit with the legs drawn up (like a lame person, usually on the floor)

-kụ̀ ǹgwụlọ̄ sit on floor with legs crossed: Akụ̀zị̀nà ǹgwụlọ̄ n’iru onye ọbị̀à Stop sitting cross-legged in the presence of the stranger

-niv

put in a place; tie up (animals, canoes, etc.)

-nibe lay down, put down (child, sick person, corpse, etc.)

-nido tether (an animal)

-ninye lay down

-nìv

bury

ònìnì burying

-nìnye bury

-nì ozu bury corpse: Enìgo m̄ ozu nkịtā m nwụ̄lụ ǹnyàafụ̀ I have buried the body of my dog which died yesterday

inì grave

niīv

Take it! Here! (in offering something)

niīnequant

all; every

èkpè niīne always; at all times

fa niīne all of them

m̀gbè niīne at all times; every time

ụnụ̀ niīne all of you

ụ̀wà niīne all over the world

-ni-riv

rise up; start; depart

-niri ọtọ stand up

-nị̀1v

despise, overlook, endure (e.g. insult); forgive: Anà m̀ anị̀ mkpalị I overlook insults Anị̀go m̄ ife ọjọọ̄ i mèlù m n’ọnwa gālụ aga I have forgiven you your offence of last month: Anà m̀ anị̀ ọnwụ nnē m I am enduring the death of my mother Proverb: E nenị̀a nwiìtè ọ̀ gbọnyụa ọkụ̄ If a small pot is despised it will bubble over with boiling water and extinguish the fire

-nị̀2ext. suff. 1

describes a shrivelled or wrinkled state

-dọnị̀ be tough, fibrous (like meat or tendon, ligament, etc.): Anụ ị nyelụ m̄ mè ndọnị̀ The piece of meat you gave me is tough

-fenị̀ be shrivelled; shrivel

-kwụnị̀ be tough: Ọsè m zọ̀lụ̀ n’ugbō ǹnyàafụ̀ èfenị̀go The pepper I transplanted in the farm yesterday has shrivelled up

ǹjan

brass leg spiral (no longer worn)

ǹjàkị̀lị̀n

friendly joking

ǹjen

mosquito larva

ǹjè, ǹjèm̀n

journey; going (-je 1. go)

njenjen

any type of ‘hot drink’ (spirits)

ǹjèǹjèn

travelling, walking, wandering aimlessly: Anà m̀ àkaba ārụ ịgwā ọ̀yị̀ m nwokē kà ọ kwụsị ijē ǹjèǹjè màkà nà ǹjèǹjè abàrọ̀ ulù I have been trying my best to persuade my friend to stop gadding about because gadding about does not bring any gain Ụbọ̀sị̀ òje ǹjèǹje jèkwụ̀dòlù ife ọjọọ̄ kà ọ gà àkwụsị ǹjèǹjè The day a person who is fond of wandering around runs into trouble he will stop wandering around

ǹjin

blackness; darkness (-ji 3. be black)

-ji nji be black, dark: Igwē nà-èji n̄ji The sky looks black Àdâ jìnàrị̀lị̀ Ọjị̀ ǹji Ada is darker than Ọjị (in complexion)

njìnà

see ejùnà

ǹjọn

evil; badness; wickedness; sin

afọ n̄jọ, afọ njọ̄ unkindness

-jọ ǹjọ be bad, wicked, evil, ugly; refuse to share (esp. food): Ọ dị̀ ǹjọ It is bad

onye n̄jọ, onye njọ̄ sinner; miserly, niggardly person

ǹjun

one full measure

ǹju āka handful: Tìnye nnu n̄ju akā naàbọ̀ n’ime ofe afụ̀ Put two handfuls of salt into that soup

ǹju īko cupful: Bikō mànyelụ m̄ ǹju īko gàrị naàbọ̀ Please measure out two cupfuls of gari for me

ǹju ọ̄nụ mouthful

njùnà

see ejùnà

nkan

old age; oldness

-ka nka tear; decay; grow old; wear out

ǹkàn

art: Ǹkà adị̄rọ n’ife ọ pị̀lị̀ There is no art in what he carved

onye ǹkà craftsman; skilled workman; artist; sculptor; designer

ǹkaà this (assimilated form of ǹke à)

ǹkaà nụnwà this (particular) one

arọ̀ ǹkaà this year

ǹkakwụ̄n

Musk Shrew (Crocidura spp.), a small, sharp-nosed creature which feeds on insects and protects itself with an obnoxious smell

nkàtan

conversation (from -kà 4. speak)

-kpa nkàta converse

ǹkàtàn

A. round basket B. fish sp.-trap

-kpà ǹkàtà make, weave basket

ǹkèn

that of x B. female name

ǹke à, ǹkaà this (one)

ǹkè afụ̀, ǹkàafụ̀ that (one)

ǹke ātọ (the) third

ǹke ānyị our; ours

ǹkè fa, ǹkè fa nwà ǹkè i, ǹkè gị their; theirs your (sg.); yours; thy; thine

ǹkè irū the one to come, expected

ǹkè irū kà A. that to come is greater

ǹke ìzìzì first

ǹke ị̀bụ̀a (the) second

ǹke ị̄saà (the) seventh

ǹke ị̄satọ (the) eighth

ǹke ị̄tọ (the) third

ndụ̀dụ̀gandụ̄ ǹke ị̄tọ third generation

ǹkè m, ǹkè mụ nwà ǹke m̄bụ mine; my own (the) first

ǹke òne n̄dị whose? (pl.)

ǹke ōnye whose?

ǹke ọ̀bụnà whichever; either

ǹke ọ̄zọ the other

ǹkè ụnụ̀ your (pl.); yours

ǹkè ya, ǹkè nya his; her; hers; its

nwà

ndị ǹkè nya his own people

onye ǹkè relation; supporter

nkekelen

shell

nkekele ejùnà snail-shell

nkekele mbè shell of tortoise

nkenken

shortness

-bì nkenke cut short (a speech)

nwa nkenke very short

ǹkenūn

small bird which nods its head

ǹkìn

face or body mark; tattoo

-dọ ǹkì cut face, body marks; tattoo

-tụ̀ ǹkì cut face, body marks; tattoo

nkịlịkan

raggedness; contemptible state (more used to refer to people than ngịlịga)

nkịlịka akwà rag

nkịlịka mmādụ̀ rough, rascally person

nkịlịsịn

used in:

òlòma nkịlịsị lime (lit. small orange)

nkịtān

dog

nkịta ọfị̄a tree bear, tree-hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis sylvestris Temm.)

nkịtị̀n

silence

-gbachi nkịtị̀ keep silence; refrain from answering; endure

-gba nkịtị̀ be silent; endure (an insult, provocation)

ǹkịtịn

nothing; simple, common, ordinary, good-for-nothing thing or person B. a useless person

ife n̄kịtị nothing; useless, contemptible thing

mmadụ̄ n̄kịtị A. ordinary person; man in the street

nà ǹkịtị in vain; for nothing

ndị n̄kịtị common people

-tọgbọ̀ ǹkịtị be empty, desolate, neglected

ǹkòn

hook (-kò 2. hook)

ǹkò ụzọ̀ ajā hook attached to window to keep it steady and prevent the glass from being shattered by the wind

nkonko, okokon

empty container

nkonko isī the skull

nkọ1n

sharpness; intelligence; nimbleness; acuteness

aka nkọ̄ handy; quickhanded

nkọ 2., ǹkọn

side: Dinā n̄kọ Lie on your side

ǹkọ̀n

tool with curved edge for hollowing out a canoe

nkọwan

explanation (-kọwa explain)

ǹkù1n

A. wing of bird; fin of fish; projecting part of body B. barb of a hook or spear

ǹkù akā elbow

ǹkù anyā eyebrow (= ìkù anyā)

ǹkù irū forehead

-ti ǹkù flap wings

ǹkù2n

used in:

ǹkù umē breath (-kù ume breathe)

nkụn

wood; dry wood; firewood

(àkpịlị̄) -kpọ nkụ azụ̀ nkụ be intensely thirsty stockfish (cf. okpòloko)

ibe nkụ̄ plank; piece of wood

ibelibe nkụ̄ splinter

-kpa nkụ fetch firewood

-kpọ nkụ to dry up: Akwụkwọ afụ̀ àkpọgo nkụ̄ The leaf has dried up

okpì nkụ̄ hard wood

onye nkụ̄ wood-cutter or gatherer

ọ̀kpụkpọ nkụ, drought; dryness

ọ̀kpụkpọ nkụ̄

ọ̀nọ̀kọ̀ nkụ̄ half-burnt piece of wood

ùkwù nkụ̄ bundle of firewood

nkụzin

teaching; instruction

onye nkụzi teacher

onye nkụzi ụkà church teacher; catechist

nkwà1n

promise: Nkwà kà ọ bụ̀ It is a promise

-kwe nkwà make promise; give pledge: Ọ kwèlụ̀ m̀ nkwà He promised me

-me nkwà keep, fulfil a promise

nkwà2n

drum

Ǹkwọ2n

Igbo market day following Àfọ̀, personified as an alụ̄sị: Echi bụ̀ Ǹkwọ Tomorrow is Nkwọ Otu N#kwọ Onitsha main market

ǹkwọ2n

grater (-kwọ 1. grate)

nkwụn

oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.); palm wine from nkwụ B. palm fronds; long broom prepared from palm fronds, used for sweeping outside

nkwụ enū "up-wine" from crown of nkwụ

àkpa nkwụ̄ A. grub found on palm tree and in decaying palm trunk

arụrụ nkwụ̄ earwig

m̀manya nkwụ̄ wine from oil palm

-gba nkwụ hold traditional marriage ceremony

-te nkwụ tap oil palm for wine

ǹlan

children’s ailment (rash); tinea carcinata (cf. ọ̀kpụ īsi tinea capitis)

nlòn

softness

-gba nlò be soft, watery (esp. of food)

obì nlò tenderness

nlọn

dream

-lọ̀ nlọ dream a dream: Alọ̀lụ̀ m̀ kà Èjìma bị̄alụ I dreamt that Ejima arrived

nlọgọ̀n

crookedness; bend; winding, sinuous, tortuous condition (from -lọgọ̀ be bent)

nnàn

father

nnǎ dī father-in-law (more personal and affectionate than nnā dī): Nnǎ dī m gà-àzụtalụ m̄ ife n’Ọ̀nị̀chà o jèlụ̀ My father-in- law is going to buy me a present from Ọnịcha

nnā dī (more formal than nnǎ dī) father-in-law: Nnā dī m àbịago ịfụ̄ di m̄ àrụ nà-esògbu My husband’s father has come to see my sick husband

nnà egwū patron (of dancing society)

nnà milichukwu godfather

nnà ochīè mother’s father; ancestor

nnà ukwu master; employer; boss

àda nne nnà paternal aunt

afà nnà father’s name

àkụ̀ nnà patrimony

nwa nnà brother, sister (not of the same mother); relative; blood relation

nwunyè nnà stepmother

ụmụ̀ nnà half-brothers and/or sisters; relatives (viewed collectively); family; extended family

ǹnà1n

miserliness; closefistedness; meanness; niggardliness; stinginess; selfishness

-kpa ǹnà be miserly: Ndi nā-akpā ǹnà adị̄rọ ènwe ọ̀yị̀ Miserly people hardly have friends

onye ǹnà miser

ǹnà2n

fish weevil

ǹnàgbuledèn

wild cat

nnen

A. mother B. mature female (of animal); contrast nwunyè, immature female animal: Azụ̀tàlụ̀ m nne ewū n’afịa Àfọ̀ Nnoòbì n’ụbọ̀sị̀ àfọ gālụ àga I bought one female goat at the Afọ Nnoobi market last Afọ market day

nne dī husband’s mother

nne egwū patroness of a dancing-club, musical group, etc.

nne milichukwu godmother

nne nnà paternal grandmother

nne nnē maternal grandmother

nne nwunyè mother-in-law

nne ochīè maternal grandmother

nne ukwu mistress; manageress; female head or director

àda nne nnà paternal aunt

àda nne nnē maternal aunt

ikwu nnē one’s mother’s home town

nnēn

many; plenty

-ri nnē be many, much, numerous, plentiful, plenty; be abundant, very much

-ru nnē grow (of tuber); grow to be more than average size (of tuber)

nnekwu, nnekwūn

hen

nnekwu ọcha white hen

ǹnekwu, ǹnukwu,n

size; bigness; importance; (nnē + ukwu):

nnekwū, nnukwū

M̀madụ̄ à dị̀ ǹnukwu This man is big/important: Ǹnukwu mmādụ̀ a èrika The importance of this man is obvious: Ǹnukwu ifē kà ọ mèlụ̀ It is a great thing he did

nnin

food

nni abụbọ food prepared with vegetables

nni akpụ̄ fufu (cassava)

nni anyàsị̀ supper

nni edè pounded cocoyam

nni efìfìè lunch

nni egbè cartridge

nni jī pounded yam

nni ọ̀gbàdụ agidi (see nni ọkà)

nni ọkà agidi; food prepared from maize by grinding, sifting, boiling until thick and stiff and sometimes wrapping in leaves for selling

nni ọlà yesterday’s food; stale food

nni nnụ̀nụ̀ corn, millet grain; chicken food

nni ūchichì late supper

nni ụ̄tụtụ̀ breakfast

afọ nnī gluttony

ajọ̄ nni bad cooking

aka nnī right hand

akwa nnī stinginess over food

akwụkwọ nnī vegetable

-bè nni cut up food for eating

-gbaghalị nni stir food

ibe nnī piece of food (like yam, cocoyam)

-kụ̀ nni supply with food; cultivate

-kpa nni (of animals) wander about in farm, forest, etc., in search of food

m̀kpịsị (nnī) spike used for bringing boiled pieces of yam or meat out of the pot

-ra nni knead pounded food in plate, mortar, etc.

-ta nni graze (of animals)

-tinye aka na nni dine; have meal; dine with (as an invitation to a friend present during a meal)

-wè nni reap; harvest (lit. take food)

òwùwè nnī harvest; crop

Ǹnọ̀dụp.n

shortened form of the name Nọ̀dụlụm̄ or Nọ̀nyelụm̄

ǹnọọ̀, ǹnụàint

Welcome! (greeting to visitors or to someone passed on the way)

nnun

salt

nnu ākanwụ potash stone

nnu oyìbo sugar (imported)

nnu ụtabà potash stone

-gba nnu spit salt on (e.g. wound)

-tụ nnu season with salt

-tụnye nnu season with salt; (fig.) exaggerate, make more interesting (of story); embellish

ǹnukwu

see ǹnekwu

nnụ̀n

400

nnụ̀ egō twenty pounds (= 400 shillings)

nnụ̀ kwùlu nnụ̀ innumerable; myriads; one million

ọ̀gwọ ǹnụ̀ ọyà panacea; medicine capable of curing all diseases (lit. curer of 400 diseases)

ǹnụà

see ǹnọọ̀

nnụ̀nụ̀n

bird (generic)

ezè nnụ̀nụ̀ eagle; king of the birds

ǹnwa, nnwa, nwan

(nwa when first word in combination) A. child; (fig.) used as term of endearment by older to younger person (cf. ụmụ̀ for plural) B. Used as first element of names, preceding name of market day on which someone was born: C. young of animal D. used to make a noun phrase (often corresponding to an English adjective) out of a descriptive word

nwaàdikē warrior; hero

nwa afọ̄, nnwa afọ̄ nwa āgbọọ̀, freeborn child girl of marriageable age

āgbọghọ̀,

āgbọghọbị̀à

nwa bī be child living in one’s house

nwadiànị̀ social name of a child in his mother’s family, home, locality, village or birthplace: e.g. Each of the children of a woman who hails from Obi’s family is known as a nwadiànị̀ among Obi’s family and kin. If a child’s home town is Nneewi but his mother’s birthplace is Nnoobi, that child is a nwadiànị̀ at Nnoobi; if the mother’s birthplace is the United States the child when in Nigeria is said to be nwadiànị̀ in the United States

nwa dibị̀à native doctor’s attendant; native doctor

nwa di ọtā, nwa di ntā hunter’s attendant

nwa ègwu doll

nwa èjìma a twin

nwa ezè alā ajā instep of foot (lit. the king’s baby never licks the sand)

nwa kā ibè ya form of praise for one who excels his colleagues; first among equals

nwa m̄ba cat

nwa mgbèyì, nwa ogbènyè orphan; destitute child

nwa mkpùkpù newborn infant

mmē

nwa m̄madụ̀ freeborn person; well-behaved person

nwa nnà brother, sister (not of same mother); relative; blood relation

nwa nnabè echo (cf. ọ̀kpọnàkpọ òkù)

nwannē brother, sister (strictly of same mother but also brother, sister of same father but not of same mother, i.e. half-brother and sister); sibling, relative; blood relation; also used as term of address to a close friend

nwanne afọ̄ brother or sister of same father and mother; full brother or sister (lit. brother or sister of same womb)

nwannē ārụ close relative

nwanne echī day after tomorrow

nwannē nwaàyị̀ sister; female relative

nwannē nwokē brother; male relative

nwa nnwā grandchild

nwa nwaàyị̀ female child; daughter

nwa nwokē male child; son

nwa ogbènyè, nwa mgbèyì orphan; destitute child

nwa ōkolo lad; boy; youth

nwa ōkolọbị̀à youth; boy

nwa òlukpùlu blindman’s buff

nwa ōnogbò cat

nwa òseāka prodigal son

nwa ọfụụ̄ new-born child

nwa ọ̄gban̄je child believed to belong to a group in the world of spirits to which he/she returns after dying in infancy, only to go back to his mother’s womb again. See ọ̀gban̄je

nwa ọlụ̄ apprentice

nwatà, nwantà child

nwatà akwụkwọ nwatà nwaàyị̀ schoolchild; student girl; daughter (from nwa ntà nwaàyị̀)

nwatàkịlị young child (from nwa ntàkịlị)

nwa ùyòm chick

àkpà nnwā womb; uterus

àkpà nwaāmmili aŋụ̀lị nnwā bladder child feast (e.g. "outing", christening, etc.)

-gba aka nwā be childless

-kwọ̀ nnwa (n’àzụ) -lòlu ǹnwa carry child (on the back) adopt a child

obele nnwā small child; caressing words used by mothers to their children

ùme nnwā frequent loss of children soon after birth (by death)

ụmụ̀ nwaànyị̀ women

ụmụ̀ nwokē men (as opposed to women

Nwan̄kwọ, Nweēke, Nwooyè, Nwaàfọ̀ for men born on Ǹkwọ, Èke, Oyè, and Àfọ̀ respectively, and Nwam̀gban̄kwọ, Nwam̀gbeēke, Nwam̀gbaàfọ̀ for women born on Ǹkwọ, Èke, and Àfọ̀ respectively. It is also used preceding the name of a deity, person, or set of circumstances, etc., after which a person is named: e.g. Nwudō (son of Udō, a deity); Nwọọ̀rà (son of all); Nwoòlìsà (son of Òlìsà, God); Nwachukwu (son of God); Nwiijè (for a son born away from home)

nwa agụ̄ very young leopard

nwa atụlụ̄ lamb

nwa ewū young goat; kid

nwa àkàkpọ̀ dwarf; stunted person

nwa bị̀àlị̀ị̀ soft, smooth quality

nwa bùù quietness; ease

nwa mkpìlìkpì very small, short, quality or amount (cf. mkpìlìkpì)

nwa mkpìlìkpì ogè nwa m̄pe, mpe moment; minute; very short time very short, little, smallish state (of human beings in particular, and animals):

Nwa m̄pe kà ọ bụ̀ nwa nkenke He is smallish very short (cf. nkenke)

nwa ntịkọ̄lọ very little, small amount, etc.: Tìnye nwa ntịkọlọ mmīli n’ime ìtè Put very little water into the pot

nwantịntị small amount, state, etc.: Chèlụ nwantịntị Wait a little

nwa pe, nwa mpe a very small, little

nnwọọ̀

see nwọọ̀

ǹnyan

sticky gum

ǹnyàafụ̀,n

yesterday:

ǹnyàafụ̀lụ, ǹnyàa

Mmilī zòlù ǹnyàafụ̀ It rained yesterday

-nov

swallow

ònuno swallowing

-nodà swallow down

-nomìna swallow down

-no uno try to eat more than one’s share

-nọ +1v

be slimy, slippery

-nọ ànọ be slippery, slimy (as okra or ọ̀gbọ̀nọ̀ soup, gum, etc.): Ofe nọ̄lụ ànọ adị̄rọ àsọ m̄, ya kpàtàlụ̀ nà mụ adị̄rọ èli ofe ọ̀gbọ̀nọ̀ I dislike slimy soups; for that reason I do not eat ọ̀gbọ̀nọ̀ soup

-nọcha slide; slip (= nwàcha, -kwàcha): Ànị̀ nà-ème nnọcha n’ụ̀tụtụ̄ à màkà nà mmilī ezòka ǹnyàafù The ground is slippery this morning because there was a lot of rain yesterday

ofe ọ̄nịnọ soup prepared with okra, or ọgbọnọ, or both

-nọ2v

rub thoroughly; massage

-nọcha rub; clean; polish: Achọ̀lụ̀ m̀ ìnọ̄cha mmà m kà ọ na-akwā màlàmàlà I want to polish my sword so that it will be glittering

-nọ ọgwụ̀ rub balm (on a particular place)

-nọ +3v.:

-nọ mmilī (used with obì or ume) be fearful, worried: Èri m jì nụ nà ụgbọ gbùlù mmadụ̀ n’ụzọ̄ Āba kà obī jì ànọ m̄ mmilī màkà nà nwụnyè m jēlụ ịzụ̄ta ife n’Àba akà ànatarọ Since learning that somebody was killed by a lorry on the Aba road I have been worried, because my wife who is away in Aba to buy something has not returned

-nọ̀v

be in a place (of animate creatures); stay; dwell; be at home (cf. -bi, which refers to more permanent living); sit B. block the vein: Agà m̀ anọ̀chi ị̄ anya kà ị ghàlụ ịfụ̄ ife a nà-ème n’ime ụnọ̀ ọ̀fụma I am going to block your view in order to prevent you from seeing what is going on in the room properly

ọ̀nụ̀nọ̀ staying; dwelling

-nọ̀ anya represent; be in place of

-nọ̀chi usurp someone’s place; take the place of; succeed

-nọ̀chi anya A. take the place of (somebody); succeed; follow: Samsị̀n nà-àbịa ịnọ̀chì anya m̄ Samson is coming to replace me

-nọ̀chibìdo besiege; prevent; hinder: Ndi ilō m nà-àkwado ịnọ̄chìbìdò m ịbà n’òtù ụmụ̀ òkolọbị̀à My enemies are trying to bar my entry into the young men’s association

-nọ̀dèbe sit, stay near

-nọ̀dide continue, remain (of person)

-nọ̀do sit on: Ọ̀ gịnị̄ kpatalụ nwa nkịtā afụ̄ jì èbe akwā? Ọ bụ̀ Èjìmâ nọ̀dòlụ̀ ya n’isi, mà adọ̄go m̄ ya aka na ntị̀ kà ọ rapụ̀ ịnọ̀dò nwa nkịtā n’isi màkà nà nwa nkị̀tā nwèlụ̀ ike ịtā ya Why is that puppy crying? It is Ejima who is sitting on its head, but I have warned her to stop sitting on its head because it may bite her

-nọ̀dolụ be with: Nọ̀dolụ m̄ nwantịntị ogè Stay with me for a short while Nọ̀dụlụm̄ Stay with me (name for an ọ̀gban̄je)

-nọ̀dụ ànị̀ sit; sit down: Gwa yā kà ọ nọ̀dụ ànị̀ Tell him to sit down

nọ̀dụ mmā goodbye (to one going home)

-nọ̀fè sit around

nọ̀gboo greeting to a person travelling (lit. return early!)

-nọ̀kọ sit together; assemble

-nọ̀kọba ọnụ̄ assemble; sit together

-nọ̀kọ ọnụ̄ sit together, assemble: Ànyị gà-anọ̀kọ ọnụ̄ We shall sit together

-nọ̀kwu stay longer: Bikō nọ̀kwue Please stay longer!

-nọ̀lịlị stay up to the present; be still waiting, staying: Ị̀ nọ̀lị̀lị̀? Are you still waiting, staying, here?

-nọ̀ n’aka ebē stand surety

-nọ̀ nà m̀be stand surety for

-nọ̀ n’ọkwa be in a post, position

-nọ̀ n’ùdo live in peace

-nọ̀ n’ụ̀fụ be in distress

-nọ̀ n’ụjụ̄ [check] -nọ̀ n’ụnọ̀ be (in) mourning be at home: Nnā ānyị nọ̀ n’ụnọ̀ Father is in

-nọ̀nyelụ dwell with; stay with; sit with Nọ̀nyelụm̄ Stay with me (name for an ọ̀gban̄je)

-nọ̀ ọdụ̀ tarry; stay long; delay; remain

-nọ̀pụ̀ta withdraw (esp. from fire); sit away from

-nọ̀rube surround; sit round

-nọ̀rụka stay long; sit on one side; sit out of the way

-nọ̀sasị sit scattered apart

-nọ̀sị finish staying

-nọ̀tè aka be far away, at a distance; stay away long

-nọ̀ ụ̀wà be reborn; reincarnate: Òkeēke nọ̀lụ̀ nwa mụ ụ̀wà Okeeke has reincarnated as my child: Ọ bụ̀ nnā ānyị ochiè nọ̀lụ̀ mụ̀ ụ̀wà It is our grandfather who is reincarnated in me

-nọ̀wanye sit down carelessly and uninvited among a group

-nọ̀zi sit straight, properly

nọọ̀fụ so; thus; in this manner: Kà ọ dị nọọ̀fụ It is enough, or Stop it at that, or, Let it remain like that, in that form

nọọ̀nwọ, nọọ̀nwa so; thus; here (cf. n’ebe à): Ọ dị̀ nọọ̀nwọ It is here

nrān

fine

-dà nrā fine

-li nrā fine: Fâ lìlì ya nrā They fined him

-ra nra pay a fine; levy a fine

ǹran

comb

-ra isi comb the hair: Anà m̀ àchọ ịrā isi m̄ I want to comb my hair

-ra ǹra comb (with comb)

ǹràmanyan

equality (-rà 1. be equal)

-kè ǹràmanya divide equally: Bikō kèe anụ afụ̀ ǹràmanya Please divide that meat equally

ǹrin

used in:

ụkwalā n̄ri whooping-cough (cf. ụkwalà ntị̀rịị̀rị̀)

Ǹrìn

A. settlement of Nri, founded by Nri son of Èrì, and its people; (more loosely) people who claim some kind of relationship with Nri B. (in Nri) the highest ritual-political title in Nri and Oreri: Ǹrì bụ̀ echichi Nri is a title

àka Ǹrì dwarf associated with Nri people Ama Ǹrì the Nri village square, believed by many surrounding groups to be a resting place en route to the land of the dead Ezē Ǹrì the sacred king of Nri

nwa Ǹrì an Nri man who has taken the Ichi title and travels widely through Igbo-land exercising ritual and political authority

ọ̀dị̀nàànị Ǹrì Nri culture

ǹrịkọ̄n

crab

nrùn

service; bondage; homage; veneration B. church service; religious worship (Protestant usage)

-fè nrù serve; wait upon; pay tribute; worship

ifè nrù serving; tribute

òfùfe ǹrù A. traditional presentation of gifts to the ọkpala, esp. at great feasts

ǹsalan

watery soup; "pepper soup"

ofe n̄sala watery soup (sometimes with little or no oil); "pepper soup"

nsamn

small shellfish found in salt water; periwinkle (cf. ejùnà, kòso)

nsansa 1., nshanshan

small amount (of liquid)

nsansa mmīli shower of rain; few drops of rain

nsansa2n

flatness

afele nsansa flat plate

ǹsèlin

(-sè 1. bring out) used in:

ǹsèli àzụ̀ heron

nsin

poison; sorcery

-ghe nsi prepare poison

-gwọ nsi work sickness or death by means of magic or poison

-kọ nsi practise sorcery against

-kụ nsi poison; practise sorcery against

-nye nsi poison

ǹsìsìn

a measure of volume

ǹsịn

dung; faeces; excreta, manure, shit

ọ̀chị̀chị n̄sị defecation with grunts

ǹsị ègbè (fig.) gunpowder

ǹsịkọ̄n

used in:

m̀kpà ǹsịkọ̄ cramp; pins and needles

ǹson

nearness; the vicinity of

-bịa ǹso approach

-dị ǹso be near; be at hand

-kpụdèbè ǹso draw, come near

nsòn

queue

nsògbun

trouble (-sògbu trouble)

nsọn

A. (in general) sacredness; things or acts that are holy and/or forbidden (including both asọ and nsọ B.) B. be a saint: Pọọ̀lụ dị̄ nsọ St Paul Òlili Nsọ (Christian usage) Holy Communion B. forbidden things and acts, including both those which are forbidden or taboo (= nsọ C.) and those which are abominations (nsọ ànị̀, = alụ̄) C. taboo; forbidden act which if committed must be undone

-dị nsọ A. be holy, revered: Ọ dị̀ nsọ It is holy

ụnọ̀ nsọ̄ Church building

nsọ ànị̀ an act forbidden by the land, or abomination, which cannot be ritually undone but must be ‘dragged’ in an expiatory ritual which involves dragging a live chicken tied to ọ̀mụ round the town: Onye mē nsọ ànị̀ mèlụ̀ alụ̄; ọ gà-àkpụ alụ̄ Whoever commits an act forbidden by the land commits abomination; he must ‘drag’ the abomination

-dị na nsọ: be forbidden, prohibited, taboo: Ọ dị̀ na nsọ It is forbidden

-me nsọ break a taboo; do a forbidden thing: Onye mē nsọ, ọ gà-èmegha nsọ̄ Whoever commits a forbidden act must undo it

-sọ nsọ forbid; prohibit; taboo: Ànyị nà-àsọ yā We forbid it (for ritual reasons)

ǹsụn

stammering

onye n̄sụ stammerer

-sụ ǹsụ stammer; stutter

nsụkpe, nsụtụn

noise as of a steamboat; puffing

nsụsụ̀n

light jab (-sụ̀ 2.)

nsụsụ̄ ọ̄nụ kiss

nsụtụ, nsụkpen

noise as of a steamboat; a puffing

ntan

hunting

nta egō striving for money

-chụ nta hunt; go hunting

di ntā hunter

-gba nta hunt

-je nta hunt

ndị ntā hunters

nwa di ntā hunter’s attendant

ọ̀gba n̄ta hunter

ntà

used in:

anwụ ntà mosquito

ntàkịlị very small

nwatà ntà small child

ụkwalà ntà tuberculosis

ǹtaǹtan

bogeyman (used to frighten children) (= m̀bùm̀bu)

ǹtàǹtan

meat

ǹtàtàlabụ̀,n

used in:

ǹtàtabụ̀labụ̀

-yi ǹtàtàlabụ̀ tickle (to make laugh)

ǹte, ntēn

small cricket

ǹtin

beater (shortened form of ǹtiti) (-ti 1. beat)

ǹti āja instrument for smoothing wet wall, especially of a new building (lit. beater of walls)

ǹti àkwà club-like wooden instrument shaped like a short pestle and used by native washermen in place of an iron in smoothing thick heavy native clothes (lit. beater of clothes)

ǹti ụ̄nọ̀ wooden tool for smoothing house walls and floor

ǹtìn

cheek

ǹtitin

tool for smoothing walls and floors (see ǹti)

ntị̀n

ear

ntị̀ akwà hem or edge of cloth

ntị̀ ikē obstinacy; perverseness

ntị̀ ịkpọ̄ headstrongness

onye ntị̀ ịkpọ̄ a headstrong person (mainly used for children): Ọ bụ̀ onye ntị̀ ịkpọ̄ He is a headstrong person waterleaf (Alo Uno, Nsukka) Nwaozuzu Ph.D. 291

ńtị̀ ńkịtā

ntị̄ ōke wild waterleaf; Talinum triangulare or Indigofera macrophylla; “a loose term applied to various plants” (Burkill < JMD)

-che (be) ntị̀ listen

-chi ntị̀ be deaf, obstinate, disobedient

-do ntị̀ warn; admonish; exhort

-gè ntị̀ listen

-gba ntị̀ probe the ear

-kachi ntị̀ be stubborn, wilful, disobedient

-kpà ntị̀ listen carelessly; pretend not to hear; be obstinate (lit. close ear)

-kpọchi ntị̀ be deaf, stubborn (lit. lock ear)

mkpọchi ǹtị̀ stubbornness; habitual disobedience (usu. of young person)

-naghà ntị̀ act wilfully

-ŋa ntị̀ listen; heed; incline the ear; pay attention

-tọ̀ ntị̀ n’ànị̀ hearken; pay attention (lit. lay the ear on the ground)

ntị̄ oke edible leaf growing on waste land (Talinum triangulare Willd.)

ntị̀rịị̀rị̀n

used in:

ụkwalà ntị̀rịị̀rị̀ whooping-cough (cf. ụkwalā n̄ri)

ǹtọ̀1n

kidnapping; captivity

-tọ̀ ǹtọ̀ kidnap

ǹtọ̀2n

used in:

ǹtọ ànị̀ foundation; origin: Achọ̀lụ̀ m̀ ịmā ǹtọ ànị̀ emume afụ̀ I want to know the origin of the custom

-tọ̀ ǹtọ ànị̀ lay foundation

ǹtun

nail (used in carpentry)

ǹtùn

(-tù 1.) down (= ùlumē)

ǹtù azụ̀ scales of fish

ǹtu ọ̄kụkọ̀ soft body feathers or down

ntubu1n

difficulty

ntubu2n

rolling

ntùtùn

hair (of head, etc.; cf. ajị, body hair)

ntùtù anyā eyelash

ntùtù isī hair of head

ntụn

ash; powder

ntụ egbè gunpowder

ntụ n̄tụ grey; ash-coloured: Òkpu afụ̀ nà-àcha ntụ n̄tụ The cap is ash-grey

ntụ ọkụ̄ ash

ogbènyè ọnụ ntụ̄ -wụ ntụ very poor, destitute, person buy gunpowder

ǹtụn

deception; guile; craft; cunning

-tụ n̄tụ tell a lie:

Ị nà-àtụ n̄tụ You are telling a lie

ǹtụ̀n

used in:

ǹtụ̀ akā whitlow

ntụlụn

hardship; misfortune

ǹtụmādị, ǹtụmaden

suddenness; unexpectedness

ife n̄tụmādị unexpected, sudden thing; accident: Ọ bụ̀ ife n̄tụmādị It is an unexpected thing: Ife n̄tumādị̂ mèlụ̀ An unexpected thing happened

nà ǹtụmade suddenly; unexpectedly: Afụ̀ m̀ Ọjị̀ nà ǹtụmade I saw Ọjị unexpectedly

ǹtụ̀màdị̀, ǹtụ̀màdụ̀, tụ̀màdị̀, tụ̀màdụ̀n

used in:

mà ǹtụ̀màdị̀ especially; particularly: Ọ nà-àsọ m̄ ijē mkpaghalị nà m̀gbèdè anyàsị̀ tụ̀màdụ̀ nà m̀ nọ̀dụ n’èzùmike I love going on a stroll in the evenings, particularly when I am on leave

ǹtụtụ̄n

needle

-nu1v

push; take hold of and cause to move

ònunu pushing

-nu aka push

-nubà push in

-nu enu urge; force someone to do something against his wish

-nufù mislead; deceive; advise wrongly; seduce; push out of the way

-nughalị go about (in a herd or crowd); push about

-nukpọ urge on; hurry on

-nunù entangle; perplex; bewilder; be entangled

-nunye push into (e.g. trouble, problematic situation); mislead into

-nupụ̀ push out; sail, push off (a boat); set off (in vehicle)

-nupụ̀ afọ act as purgative; have a big belly

-nupụ̀ta force out; gush out

-nurù take hold and shake

-nutù push down

-nu +2v

be bitter

-nu inu be bitter: Ọgwụ̄ ǹkaà nà-ènu inū This drug is bitter

-nu3v

buy (palm wine, or other native drink); cf. -go, -zụ buy (anything else); -kpa (buy oil only)

-nuta mmanya buy native wine (e.g. palm wine): Jèe nùtalụ m̄ mmanya Go and buy me some palm wine

-nu4v

rear animals

ònunu rearing (animals)

ife enunu domestic animals; cattle; poultry

-nu +5v.:

-nu ọbị̀à offer hospitality (= -ne ọbị̀à)

-nù +1v.:

-nù inu ask riddle; use proverb: Bikō nùelụ m̄ òfu inū Please give me a proverb

-nù2deriv. suff

ever: Ọ̀ bịanùrọ̀ ebe à He never visited here: Ọ̀ fụnùgo ụzọ̀? Was he ever able to see?

-nùta (deriv. suff.) never; not ever (with negative verb): Ọ mā enwenùta ike ibūtù m̀ n’ànị̀ She will never be able to throw me to the ground

nụenc

indicates strong request, begging (stronger than lị̀) Gwànụ m̄ Please tell me Nyènụ m̄ nnu Give me some salt, please!

-nụ +1v

hear

ọ̀nụnụ hearing

-nụ anụ hear; obey

-nụcha hear well

-nụfìè hear incorrectly

-nụfịalụ overhear

-nụ isì smell; scent

-nụ okwu hear; obey

-nụta ìkpè hear bad talk about someone (and often report it)

-nụ +2v

marry

ọ̀nụnụ marrying: Anụ̀lụ̀ m̀ ya ǹnyàafụ̀ I married her yesterday

-nụ di marry (of woman)

-nụ nwaànyị̀ marry (of man)

-nụ nwunye marry (of man)

-nụ +3v.:

-nụ ọkụ be warm

-nụ ọkụ n’obì be zealous, enthusiastic; agitate; anger; enrage

nụ̀

enc. plural: Bị̀anụ̀! Come, you people!: Dàalụ nụ̀ Greetings to you all: Kà ànyị lie nụ̀ Let’s eat: Fa bị̄ago nụ̀ They’ve come

-nụ̀v

fight; war; strive

-nụ̀ agha fight a war; war

-nụ̀cha loot

-nụ̀ ọ̀gụ̀ fight (a fight)

-nụ̀pụ̀ isi be disobedient; rebel; revolt

-nụ̀sò strive, fight, against; war with

-nụ̀sò agha war against; engage in battle against

-nụ̀sò ọ̀gụ̀ fight against

-nụ̀ta fight for; spoil; rob; loot: Òkeēke tìlì nwa Okaàfọ̀, Okaàfọ̀ weè je ịnụ̀tà ọ̀gụ̀ Okeeke beat Okaafọ’s son, so Okaafọ went to fight on his behalf

-nụ̀ ụ̀nụ̀ struggle

onye nnụsō ọ̀gụ̀ an enemy

ọ̀nụ̀mà severe displeasure; wrath; fury (stronger than iwe)

-nụ̀-chav

purify; prove; try; refine; be purified, proved, etc. (metals, by fire)

nụfụ̀dem

that yonder:

Nye m̄ ifeē nụfụ̀ Give me that thing yonder

nụnwàdem

this (cf. nwà)

nụụ̀dem

that; that yonder

nwa

see nnwa

nwàenc

very, -self (used with nominals): Kèdụ màkà gị nwà? And how are you yourself?

mụ nwà I myself

ndi à nwà these very ones

ǹgị nwà you; yourself; thou; thyself (emphatic)

-nwà1

attempt; try; essay; tempt; prove

ọ̀nwụ̀nwà temptation; trial; proof

nwà kene! just try! Try first!

-nwàne try; tempt; attempt

-nwànye try (to a praiseworthy extent)

-nwà òkò try one’s best

-nwà2

-nwàpụ̀ spit out

nwaāmịlị,

n. urine

nwaāmili

nwaàyị̀, nwaànyị̀

n. woman

nwaànyị̀ akpụ̀ obì nwaànyị̀ imē freshwater flying fish (Pantodon buchholzi) (= òjì ǹkù) pregnant woman

agadiị̀ nwaànyị̀ old woman

agbàlà nwaànyị̀ woman of great influence or of strong, stout build

àjàdù nwaànyị̀ widow

enyì nwaàyị̀ girl-friend; woman friend

ezè nwaàyị̀ queen

-nụ nwaànyị̀ marry (of man)

nwannē nwaàyị̀ sister; female relative

ọgọ̀ nwaàyị̀ mother-in-law; female relative-in-law;

-nwà-chav

be slippery (as of mud)

nwantaǹtan

unknown person; dummy; make-believe; creature of imagination; bogey-man

nwantaǹta anyā pupil of eye

nwayọ̀, nwayọ̀ọ̀n

gentleness; quietness; slow, gentle movement: Nwayọ̀ọ̀ Gentle (advice, greeting, warning, sympathy) Wèlụ nwayọ̀ọ̀ Be gentle, careful Adị̀ m̀ nwayọ̀ọ̀ I am gentle, quiet (by nature) Wèlụ nwayọ̀ọ̀ na-èje Be walking, going, gently Nọ̀dụ nwayọ̀ọ̀ Sit or stay quietly or, Be quiet Nwayọ̀ọ̀ bụ̀ ijè The best way of doing anything is to go about it gently, carefully and confidently. (Lit. Gentleness is journey)

nwayọ̀ọ̀ nwayọ̀ọ̀ very gently, slowly, softly; gradually Na-àkpụ yā nwayọ̀ọ̀ nwayọ̀ọ̀ Be pulling it gently or slowly

-nwe

v. have; own

ònwunwe having

-nwe afọ ọma be generous, kind, benevolent

-nwe àgbà have a say in; have influence

-nwe aka ntachi be stingy, miserly

-nwe ākọ be intelligent

-nwe anya ukwu -nwe àtụ̀ covet have an equal, another of its kind

-nwe efè have a chance; find it convenient; have an opportunity: Ènwerọ̄ m efè I have no chance, opportunity

-nwe èzi nà ụnọ̀ become a householder

-nwefọ have remaining

-nwe ifelē be shy, reserved, considerate

enwē ifelē unrestrained; unabashed

-nwe ike be capable, strong, able

enwē ike weak, feeble, incapable, incompetent, useless

-nwe isi be reasonable; be successful, fruitful

enwē isi useless

-nwe isi akwụkwọ -nwe isi awelē be brainy, brilliant (at studies) be lucky; have good luck

-nweka have much: Anà m̀ ènweka letà I have a lot of mail

-nwekọlịta have in common: Ò nwerọ̄ ife ayị nwèkọ̀lị̀tàlụ̀ ọnụ We have nothing in common

-nwe ònwe be free

-nwe ọ̀fọ be innocent, in the right, just

-nwe ọnụ̄

A. be talkative

B. have an (influential) voice in; be in a position to be listened to

-nweta obtain; get

-nwe uchè be sensible, wise

enwē uchè simpleness; foolishness

-nwe ụ̀bụlụ̀ be intelligent, brainy, sensible, brilliant

o nwee if; suppose; supposing that

onye nwē lord; master; mistress; owner Onye nwē ayị The Lord

-nwè

see -nwò

-nwo

v. pluck; remove (grains of maize, ripe palm-nuts, from cob or bunch); fall out (e.g. from the socket like a joint or ripe fruit)

-nwoji break off

nnwòji, nnwoji sprain; dislocation

-nwojipụ̀ be out of joint

-nwosị pluck, remove (grains of maize or ripe palm-fruits from cob or bunch respectively)

-nwosịsị̀ drop leaves or unripe fruit (of tree)

-nwò, -wò, -nwè

v. change; be changed; metamorphose; transfigure

ònwùnwè, changing

ònwùnwò

-nwò àrụ, -wò àrụ -nwò ènwò, -wò change bodily appearance (e.g. put mask on or off) change; be changed; metamorphose; be transfigured

èwò

-gbanwò change; exchange Bikō gbanwòolụ m̄ ji ǹkaà màkà nà o lèlụ̀ ùle Please change this yam for me, for it is rotten: Ndị àfè ojiiị̀ jìdèlụ̀ òfu nwokē nā-agbanwò egō n’afịa The police arrested a man exchanging money in the market: Anà m̀ èje ụnọ̄ àkụ̀ ịgbānwò ego ochiị̀è m fụ̀lụ̀ n’akpàtì m ǹnyàafụ̀ I am going to the bank to change the old money I found in my box yesterday

nwokē, nnwokē

n. man; male

agadiị̀ nwokē old man

-ma nnwokē not to be in state of virginity (of woman) (lit. know a man)

nwannē nwokē brother; male relation

nwa nwokē male child; son

nwatà nwokē boy; son

ọgọ̀ nwokē father-in-law; male relative-in-law

ụmụ̀ nwokē men (as opposed to women)

nwọọ̀, ǹnwọọ̀, wọọ̀

dem. this; at this time; now; like this: Ife ǹnwọọ̀ fa dèbèlụ̀ n’agị̀ga iị̀lo nà-èyi ụmụ̀ akā egwù This thing they placed beside the road frightens the children. Etu ọ dị̀lị̀ n’ìzìzì kà ọ dị̀ nwọọ̀... As it was in the beginning, is now ...: Mèe yā ǹnwọọ̀ Do it like this Etu m dị̀ kà m dị̀ nwọọ̀ ènwerọ̄ m ịke ịtā afụfụ màkà nà abụ̀ m̀ nnukwu ọ̀gàlànyà As I am (in my present position) I cannot suffer any deprivation because I am a fabulously rich man

-nwu

v. shine; burn; be clean, pure, bright; flare; blaze

ònwunwu shining; burning; being clean

-nwuchapụ̀ be thoroughly clean; wash, rinse out; absolve

-nwuchita anya dazzle the eyes

-nwu enwu

A. shine; blaze; flare

B. be clean, pure, bright

-nwu gbàà shine, glitter, very brightly; be very white

-nwugha change colour

-nwulàpụ̀ flash

-nwulu ọkụ catch fire

-nwu màlàmàlà dazzle; be dazzling

-nwupụ̀ glitter

-nwusà shine around; illuminate

nwunyè, nwunyì

n. female; wife

nwuny+e diị̀ co-wife

nwunyè nnà stepmother

ego nwunyè bride-price

-kùchi nwunyè take the wife of a dead person

-nụ nwunyè marry (of man)

-nwụ

1. v.

A. die

ọ̀nwụnwụ dying

-nwụ anwụ be dead

-nwụnye ọlụ be very ill, half-dead

-nwụ ọnwụ Chiị̀ die a natural death: Nwoke afụ̀ nwụ̀lụ̀ ọnwụ Chiị̀ ya The man died a natural death

-gbanwụ wither; shrink; be numb

B. be paralysed

C. be very incapable, inefficient

anwụ̄ anwụ neg. noun phrase, as in: Onye à bụ̀ anwụ̄ anwụ This person never seems to get old, or, This person bears a charmed life

-nwụ2v

catch; grip

-nwụ àrụ make ill; be ill; cause illness

(àrụ) nwụ be sick: Àrụ nà-ànwụ yā He is sick

àrụ ọ̄nwụnwụ illness

-nwụde catch; grip; seize; throw in wrestling; catch (e.g. thief) red- handed

-nwụdo catch; snare

-nwụ̀-1

v.:

-nwụ̀chi anya close, shut eyes

-nwụ̀2ext. suff

again; re- (denoting repetition of an action)

-denwụ̀ re-iron; iron again: Achọ̀lụ̀ m̀ kà ị denwụ̀a akwà afụ̀ I want you to re-iron that cloth

-sụnwụ̀ re-wash; wash again: Ọ gà-àsụnwụ̀ akwà ọ sụ̀lụ̀ n’ụ̀tụtụ̀ She will re-wash the cloth she washed in the morning

-nwụ̀, -ñụ̀- 3. +

v.

-nwụ̀ ọnwụ̀ take without permission from a close friend: Ọ chị̀lị̀ àfe ị̀gọzi ijì nwụ̀sa ykā ọnwụ̀ She took Ngọzi’s clothes because they were intimate (implies N. can easily spare them and will not be annoyed)

-nwụ̀ta borrow (clothes, accessories, etc.) to wear to make a good impression