Lexicon · 297 entries

O

o

see ọ

o2

emph. used at end of sentence when speaking to someone at a distance; sign of affirmation, or assent to a salutation: Bị̀a ebe à o Come here! "Dàalụ nụ̀ o" "Oo, gàba o" "Greetings to you all". "Yes, come in"

-o

see -a

obē, ọbēn

ladder; cross; cross-shaped loom: Wèlu obē lị̀golu enu ụnọ̀ Go up the house with a ladder

-kpọdo n’obē nail to the cross, crucify: A kpọ̀dòlụ̀ Jisùs n’ọbē màkà ndị n̄jọ Jesus was crucified for sinners Onye a kpọ̀dòlụ̀ n’obē He who was crucified

òbèjìlìn

sword with sheath

obelē, ọbelē1n

small size

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

obelē2n

kind of bird

obì1n

heart; chest; bosom; breast; centre B. be foolhardy (= nzuzù): Ijī aka jìde agwọ dị̄ ndụ̀ bụ̀ obì ịdị̄ n’àzụ Picking up a live snake is foolhardy B. kind-heartedness B. be open-hearted, easygoing, without malice B. yearn over; be affectionate B. be bold, brave

obì agụ̄ daring, fearless like a leopard; brave: Enwèlụ̀ m̀ obì agụ̄, ejīgo m̄ aka tigbue nkịtā alā I am very brave, I once beat a mad dog to death with my hands

(obì) -dị n’àzụ A. be extremely wicked: Ịpị̄a nwatà àrụ esirọ̄ ike ị̀tàlị̀ bụ̀ obì ịdị̄ n’àzụ Flogging a child who is ill is extremely wicked

obī ēbelè mercy; kindness: Ụkọ̀chukwu bī n’òbòdo ānyị̂ nwèlụ̀ obī ēbelè The priest who lives in our town is kind, merciful

obì ikē hardheartedness; relentlessness

obì mgbalụ̀ melancholy; troubled mind

obì mgbawa great anger; broken heart: Ìlùlò bànyelụ ọnwụ ụmụ̄ Ōbi naàbọ̀ n’otù mbọ̀sị̀ nà- ewètalụ yā obì mgbawa Brooding on the death in one day of his two children is causing Obì heartbreak

obì mkpofù act of forgiving people; good-natured character: Ndụ̀ nwèlụ̀ obì ọkụ̄ mà nwekwuazị obì mkpofù Ndụ̀ is quick-tempered but he does not bear a grudge

obì mkpū queen termite

obì ndidè A. nausea; indigestion: Nni m rìlị̀ n’ụ̀tụtụ̀ nà-èdidē m̄obì The food I ate in the morning is causing me nausea

obì nlò tenderness; tender-heartedness: Enwèlụ̀ m̀ obì nlò I am tender-hearted

obī ōkwutē stony-heartedness; hard-heartedness

obì ònyìnye generous mind; benevolent disposition

obì ọcha pure heart

obì ọjọọ̄ ill-will; malice; bad temper; wickedness

obì ọkụ̄ anger; hot temper

obì ọma goodness; kindness; benevolence: O jì obì ọma me ife o mèlụ̀ He acted in good faith

obì ụnọ̀ homesickness: Obì ụnọ̀ nà-ème m̄I am homesick

obī ụ̄sọ cheerfulness; happiness: Ọdụ̀dụ nnē m ènweka obī ụ̄sọ The last-born of my mother is very cheerful, jovial, has a rich sense of humour

-bu n’obì learn by heart

-chìchapụ̀ obì A. stand with chest thrust forward

-dàjụ obì propitiate; appease; atone

-dìdè obì A. make feel sick; cause nausea

obì ndidè nausea

-dìdo obì be patient

-gbafù obì take the breath away; startle; shock; make shudder (lit. make the heart run away)

-gbu mgbu obì pain in the heart

iwe obì ill-nature; malice

-ka obì A. be determined

-kasị̀ obì comfort (usually a bereaved person)

nkasị̀ obì comfort; consolation

-kù n’obì hold at the breast; carry in the bosom

-mafù obì take the breath away

-malụ̀ obì soothe the heart

mkpụlụ obì heart

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

-tachi obì bear up; endure

ntachi obì endurance

-ta obì mmīli be callous, wicked, determined

-ti obì embrace (lit. knock chests)

-tụkwàsị obì trust; count on; hope in

ntụkwàsị̀ obì trust; hope; confidence

onye ntụkwàsị obì -wèpụ̀ obì person being trusted dismiss from the mind

obì2n

a fathom (used mainly for measuring cloth)

obì akwà one Igbo yard of cloth

obì3n

act of dwelling (-bi 1. dwell)

àgbàtà obì neighbourhood; neighbour

onye àgbàtà obì neighbour; next-door neighbour

ànị̀ obì empty plot for future building (of dwelling)

-ro obì migrate; go and dwell elsewhere

òbi 1., òbun

A. ancestral house of the father (founder) of a village; house belonging to the head of the family (as opposed to m̀kpukè, woman’s house). The head of the house often retires here for a rest or to entertain visitors, to perform ceremonies, settle cases, and sometimes make offerings of his god(s). This building also houses the family’s images like chi, nkwù, arọ̀ etc.; part of it is used as a store, e.g. for ropes for climbing palmtrees B. palace; court; reception house

ime ōbi name given to interior of the palace where the king mostly stays

òbi2n

title of a King

òbibin

living (-bi 1. dwell)

òbìbì1n

termination; end (-bì 2. terminate)

òbìbì2n

printing (-bì 1. press)

òbòn

disease where holes appear in flesh

òbòdòn

town; country. An òbòdò is, in the Onitsha area, usually subdivided into three ‘quarters’ and named Ezi, Ìfìtè and Ìkeǹgà B. the police

ndi n̄che òbòdò A. the town or village guards

Òbòdò Isi Ōji Africa

obodobon

width; breadth (cf. obosala)

obodobo irū broad face

akwụkwọ broad leaf:

ōbodòlòbo Di ntā gbàgbùlù ọ̀sa wèlụ akwụkwọ òbodòlòbo kechie yā The hunter killed a squirrel and wrapped it in a broad leaf Proverb: Akwụkwọ ōbodòlòbo gwàlụ̀ ọ̀sa kà ọ wèlụ nwayọ̀ọ̀ na-àkpọ màkà nà ọ bụlụ nà di ntā àbịa gbagbue yā nà ọ bụ̀ ya bụ̄ akwụkwọ ōbodòlòbo kà di ntā gà-akụ̀lụ wèlụ kechi ọ̄sa Lit. The broad leaf warned the squirrel to call gently because when the hunter was attracted by the squirrel’s call it was he, the broad leaf, that the hunter was going to cut and use for wrapping up the squirrel. Meaning:- Be careful how you expose yourself to danger, risks, trouble, etc., because whenever you involve yourself in trouble it is going to be I (we) who will bear the brunt of it

obosalan

width; breadth; levelness (of surface) (cf. obodobo)

òbu

see òbi 1.

òbùn

Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis)

òbùbòn

heap (cf. òòbò)

òbùbò ọkụ̄ heap of glowing coals

òbùbùbùn

(slang) a mass of persons or things

oche, ọchen

chair; stool; bench; seat

-wèlụ ọche take a seat: Wèlụ ọchē Take a seat

oche ezè throne

ochīè, ochìè A. old; aged; ancient

abụ̀ ochīè old hymn book

Àgbà Ochīè Old Testament

àgwà ochīè old custom

m̀gbè ochīè in the olden days

ndepụ̀ta ochīè old edition

nne ochīè maternal grandmother

òchin

A. cupping; drawing of blood with horn or horn-shaped calabash from any part of the body to relieve congestion, swelling, pain; getting rid of impure or stagnant blood B. instrument used for cupping or letting blood

-chi òchi cup; let blood

-gbu òchi cup; let blood

òchìn

palm wine tapper

di òchì professional palm wine tapper

òchiche1n

waiting; watching (-che 1. watch, wait)

òchiche2n

offering (-che 2. present, offer)

òdìn

taciturn person

òdiìnaàbọ̀ midnight

òdìbọ̀n

servant

-gba òdìbọ̀ serve (as a servant): Agụ̄ nà-àgbalụ m̄òdìbọ̀ Agụ is working for me as my servant

òdìdèn

small stool; footstool

odōn

wooden mortar for yam, etc.

aka odō wooden pestle for yam pounding

nwa odō pestle

odòdon

A. purple, crimson B. man’s name

òdòdòn

flower

òdogwun

champion; one of great prowess; hero; title for such a one; male name: Òdogwu kà ọ bụ̀ He is a hero A. scorpion B. (fig.) a tough powerful person

òdogwu nnụ̀nụ̀ kind of large bird

òdogwu ọ̀zàlà (cf. akpị̀)

òdozin

repairer B. the name of a chief notorious in Abakaliki for his manipulation of a secret head-hunting cult. He was hanged in 1959 for the murder of several people

òdozi òbòdò A. one who takes care of a town or a community

òdun

Kemp’s Gerbil (Tateri kempi)

òdùdùn

tsetse fly (they bite human beings and animals and suck their blood)

òdùdù enyī species of ….

òdùdù (biggest species with most painful bite and highest capacity for sucking blood)

òduduūn

damp; cold(ness)

ofe, ọfen

"soup"; sauce; stew

ofe ēgwusi melon soup

ofe Ìgbò palm oil (= mmanụ akwụ̄)

ofe n̄sala watery kind of soup

ofe ōnugbù soup prepared with bitter leaves

ofe Òwèlè watery kind of soup very common among the Owere people

ofe ọ̄nịnọ soup prepared with ọ̀gbọ̀nọ̀ and okro

ofe ụ̀tàzị̀ ụ̀tàzị̀ soup

ìtè ofē soup pot

-te ofe make soup, broth, stew, palmoil chop

-teghalị ofe stir soup

ofe, ọfe2n

(= aŋàlà, anyàlà) a kind of egg-plant with tiny fruits and edible leaves

ofè, ọfèn

A. far side of river or road B. excess (i.e. passing the limits) (from -fè 2. cross)

òfe, ọ̀fen

free gift (Y. ọ̀fẹ̀)

n’ọ̀fe freely; gratis; for nothing

òfegà, ofega

N. used in:

-kwu òfegà talk in a flippant way

òfèkè, ọ̀fèkèn

a rascal

òfelè, ọ̀felèn

ease: Ọ dị̀ ọ̀felè It is easy

n’òfelè easily

òfì1n

yaws (cf. àkwụ̀mà)

òfì2n

see -ŋe òfì

òfifin

boil (-fi 3. develop a boil)

ofilin

used in:

ofili isī pillow

ofìlìn

A. a weight for keeping a door shut B. heavy club

òfun

one; the same; a certain; united; alone; lone: Òfu nwokē bị̀àlụ̀ ebe à n’ụ̀tụtụ̀ A certain man came here in the morning: Onye ezè afụ̀ gwàlụ̀ ndi yā kà fa ghàlụ ịnụ̄sòzì ònwe fā ọ̀gụ̀ màkà nà fâ bụ̀ òfu The chief pleaded with his subjects to stop fighting each other, for they were one: Òfu nnwā kà m bụ̀ I am the only child of my parents, or I am an only child B. (fig.) same character or behaviour (of human beings only, to describe two persons with similar character): Ọ bụ̀ òfu chī kèlụ̀ Okaàfọ̀ nà Nwoōsu Okaafọ and Nwoosu behave the same way, or have the same idiosyncrasies

òfu à this same

òfu afụ̀ that very thing

òfu chī A. one god

òfu efù (one) at all (with verb in negative); not even one: Ji noōne dị̀ n’ọbā? Òfu efù adị̄rọ dị nà ya How many yams are in the barn? Not even one is there

òfu jī seed yam

òfu m̀gbè (= otū once upon a time; at one time; once

m̀gbè)

òfu mkpụlụ̄ only one

òfuù nụnwà this same; this very thing

òfu obì one heart; (fig.) unanimity, co-operation, agreement, unity

òfu ōfu one by one; singly

òfu ogè at one time; once upon a time; once

òfu onye one person; a certain person: Achọ̀lụ̀ m̀ òfu onyē I want one person

òfu ùgbòlò once

n’òfu together

n’òfu n̄je at once; immediately; simultaneously

n’òfu n’òfu each; one by one

n’òfu n̄tabì anyā in the twinkling of an eye; instantaneously; immediately; in a second

n’òfu ogè, n’òfu at the same time; once upon a time

m̀gbè

-sò n’òfu be of the same age

sọ̀ òfu only one; one only

sọ̀ òfu akpō once only; once for all

sọ̀ òfu n̄je only once

sọ̀ òfu ùgbòlò only once

-tinyekọ ọnụ̄ n’òfu speak the same thing; be unanimous

ogè, ọgèn

time, opportunity; time span (cf. m̀gbè)

ogē à this time; at this time

ogē ìkpe āzụ the last time; at last; finally

ogè ịwā ji annual yam festival

ogē m̄bụ at first; initially

ogē nā ogè from time to time; now and then

ogè ǹcha at all times; always (cf. ọgè niīne)

ogè niīne always; at all times

ogē ọ̀bụ̀nà every time; any time

ogē ụ̄fọdụ sometimes; from time to time

-me n’ogè be punctual; do something in good time

mkpụlụ ogè a few moments

n’ogè in time

nwa mkpìlìkpì ogè moment, minute, very short time

ògèdè, ọ̀gèdèn

plantain, banana (Musa sapientum var. paradisiaca Linn.)

ògèdè oyìbo pawpaw

-ghe ògèdè fry plantains

ògenèn

metal gong; iron clapperless bell struck with a stick

ògene mkpị̀ naàbọ̀ double gong, two bells arranged in parallel and joined by a semi-circular strip of iron

-kụ ògenè strike a metal gong

ogìdìn

pillar; column

ògìgèn

enclosure; garden; yard; compound; fence; hedge (-gè 2. fence off)

-gba ògìgè fence compound or farm

ògìlìn

seed of a pumpkin; ingredient used for flavouring soups, made from ògìlì seeds Parkia

ògìli ụ̄gba castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis Linn.)

ògilìsìn

sacred tree (P. Beauv.) Seeman ex Bureau), (Newbouldia laevis much used as a live fence and commonly seen around shrines, especially of Agwụ̀. A white cloth is often tied round its trunk as an offering. It is honoured as a divinity)

ogō1n

height; maturity; full age

-lu ogō be of age, mature enough to be able to do something: Elū go m̄ogo ịnụ̄ nwaànyị̀ I am already of marriageable age: Ụmụ̀ akā ezi òmùme gà-ènyelụ nne nà nnà fa akā ogè fa lùlù ogō Good children will help their parents when they are of age

-to ogō be tall

ogō2n

platform of logs for sitting outdoors

ògo, ogòn

namesake

ògòn

farm (cf. ugbō, ubì)

ògòlìn

(rare) wife; esp. first wife (when a person has more than one wife) (cf. nwunyè)

ọ̀fọ ògòlì a prodigal; spendthrift; womaniser

ogonogon

length, height (of persons, trees, but not buildings): Ibè tòlụ̀ ogonogo Ibe is tall: Egbùlụ̀ m̀ agwọ tōlụ ogonogo n’ụ̀tụtụ̄ à I killed a long snake this morning

ogonogo ndụ̀ long life

ogonogo ogè òne? How long? (of time): Ogonogo ogè òne kà ị gà-anọ̀ nà m̀milī? How long are you going to stay at the stream?

-so ogonogo be tall, long

ogùn

piece of wood used in taking oaths

-ji ogù assert one’s innocence: Ejì m̀ ogù I am innocent

ògùdùn

used in:

ògùdu ànị̀ wine from felled palm-tree

ogùgùn

stripped midrib of palm fronds

ògùgù

see ògwùgwù

ògùlùn

yellow(ness)

ògùlù akwụ̄ inferior palm-oil (yellow in colour)

ògùlu ògùlù yellow

ịbā ògùlù jaundice

ogùlùgùn

rainbow

ogumogwūn

thumb-piano (cf. ụ̀bọ)

ogbe, ọgben

sample; specimen

ogbè, ọgbè1n

lump; piece; loaf; whole (of ball-like objects, e.g. bread, cake, ụkwà, etc.): Ọgọ̀ m nwokē wètààlụ̀ m ọgbē àchị̀chà naàbọ̀ ǹnyàafụ̀, m̀ nyawaa ōfu ọgbè ị̀bụ̀ọ nye Ēke òfu mkpekele, wèlụ ōfu ọgbē fọ̄dụlụ debe n’ime akpàtì nnī My father-in-law brought me two loaves of bread yesterday. I broke one loaf into two and gave Eke one half, and kept the remaining loaf in the food-box.

ogbè akwụ̄ head of palm nuts

-bù ogbè be big

ogbè, ọgbè2n

‘village’, i.e. a residential unit smaller than one of the three ‘quarters’ (Ezi, Ìfìtè, and Ìkeǹgà) into which a ‘town’ (òbòdò) is divided, and larger than a lineage or ‘family’ (ụmụ̀ nnà)

Kèdu ogbè i bì? Which quarter do you live in? Ọgbē Ị̀jọ Ịjọ Quarters Ọgbè ǹdị̀dà a village in Onitsha Inland town

ògbe, ọ̀gben

one variety of "garden egg" or egg-plant (probably Solanum incanum Linn.); cf. àfụfā, the general term for all varieties of Solanum

ògbè1

quietly; softly

ògbè2n

small market

ògbè3n

gourd used for carrying water

ògbè mmānya calabash for wine

ogbènyà, ogbènyèn

poverty; poor person; pauper; orphan

ogbènyè ọnụ ntụ̄ -dà ogbènyè very poor, destitute, person be, become poor

nwa ogbènyè orphan; destitute child

ogbī, ogbìn

(deaf and) dumb person; dumbness: Ogbī adị̄rọ èkwu okwū A dumb person never speaks

-dà ogbī be dumb: Ị̀ dịrọ̄ àza m̄ajụ̀jụ m nà-àjụ gị̄. Ị̀ dàlụ̀ ogbì? You do not answer my questions. Are you dumb?

ògbon

A. sponge; rolled fibre used in sponging the body during bath B. loofah; creeper whose fibre is used for scouring (Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.)

ògbòn

namesake; age-mate (cf. agụ̀)

-bụ ògbò be namesake, age-mate: Ndụ̀bezè bụ̀ ògbò m Ndụbeze is my namesake

ògbòdìn

(coll.) fool; ignoramus

ogbòlòn

traditional seat in village square, consisting of pieces of wood supported by forked sticks

ògbòmàn

wizard; kind of male witch capable of travelling where it wishes unseen by day. Fewer in number than the ordinary witch, but capable of greater damage once offended (cf. Yoruba ọsò)

ògbòǹdùn

cannon

ògbu1n

depth

ògbu mīli deep water; the sea

ògbu ụlā deep sleep

ògbu2n

killer (-gbu kill)

Ògbu āgụ title; holder of Ògbu āgụ title; male name (lit. leopard killer)

ògbu ānụ animal-killer

Ògbuēfi title; holder of

Ògbuēfi title; used for non-title holders as mark of respect; master; head chief; male name (lit. slayer of cattle): # Ògbu ēfi Nnànyèlùgò Onye ọ gà-àdịlị mmā Title for late Dr. Nnamdì Azị̀kiwe

ògbu m̄madụ̀ murderer

ògbunam̀kpọ disease of fowls

ògbùgbòn

intervention; warding off (of need) (-gbò ward off)

oghē, ọghēn

opening

-ghe oghē be open: Ụzọ̀ ghè oghē The door is open

oghēle, ọghēle,n

opening; opportunity (cf. oghē; -ghe 1. be open):

oyēle

Ịbụ̄ onye ọlụ oyìbo nà-àgụ m̄, mà àka m̄nwerọ oghēle m gà-èji bà ya bụ̄ ọlụ I have a desire to be a civil servant, but I have not got the opportunity to enter the service: Akpàtì m nwèlụ̀ oghēle n’òfu akụ̀kụ̀ My box has an opening on one side

oghele imī nostril

oghūn

play; fun

-kpọlị oghū play

òghùn

flying squirrel

oghùlùn

tall tree with bole up to 3-4’ in diameter (Hannoa klaineana Pierre and Engl.). It is fast-growing; the wood is light and white and used for planks, canoes, etc. Medicinally the bark is used for curing fevers (ịbà) by soaking pieces of it in water for some days and drinking the water, and by other ways of preparation

ogwè, ọgwèn

A. trunk of tree B. tree across pathway or stream, used as a bridge C. limb (as compared with a tree-trunk)

-fè ogwè cross a bridge

ogwè akā arm

ogwè ụkwụ̄ leg

ogwūn

thorn B. (fig.) trouble; tribulation: Òyị m̄nwokē Deviìd nọ̀ n’ogwū nà ọkị̀lị̀kà My friend David is in great trouble

ogwu akā whitlow

ogwū nà ọkị̀lị̀kà A. hedge

osisi ogwū thorny tree

ogwùgwùn

hole

Ògwùgwù, Ògùgùn

female spirit who gives or withholds husbands and children, and helps men to achieve ambitions such as taking a title

nkwụ Ògwùgwù palm-trees associated with ogwugwu

ogwùlùgwùn

A. plentifulness; abundance B. well-developed or -proportioned (of humans)

òhoò!int

Oho! (surprise)

ojìn

iron bell-staff; ceremonial staff of dibị̀à

dibị̀à which rings when struck on ground

òjin

A. blackness

òji ōji black; blackish

-ji òji be dark, dark-coloured

Òji B. Africans; Black race

Isi Ōji Africa; Africans; Blace race

Ndi Isi Ōji the Africans; the Black race

Òbòdò Isi Ōji Africa

òjìn

used in:

òjì ǹkù freshwater flying fish; butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi) (= nwaànyị̀ akpụ̀ obì)

ojiīn

black

ịbà ojiī malaria; jaundice without yellow coloration of eyeballs and fingernails

onye àfè ojiī policeman or woman

ojōn

light wood used for canoe making (Cleistopholis patens (Benth.) Engl. and Diels)

ụgbọ ojō small canoe

òjò, èjòn

general name for fish of the genus Distichodus

òjoron

cheating in a game

òjukwūn

variety of oil-palm, which does not produce heavy crops of nuts, but whose oil is bright red in colour and highly esteemed

oke1n

male

nwokē man (see separate entry

oke2n

big size B. any serious misfortune B. precious: Ọ̀bàla Kraị̀st dị oke ọnụ̄ àgbapụ̀tago ānyị We have been redeemed by Christ’s precious blood: Ọnā dị̄ ichè ichè dị oke ọnụ̄ dị̀ nà òbi èze ānyị There are different previous metals in our king’s court C. big mouth (used to describe a talkative person): Nwa òdìbọ̀ m nwèlụ̀ oke ọnụ̄; ogè ǹcha nà ebe niīne kà ọ nà-èkwu okwū My servant is a chatterbox; he talks all the time and everywhere D. great mouth (used to describe a person, usually a child, who surpasses others in eating); gluttonous: Nwatà afụ̀ nwèlụ̀ oke ọnụ̄, o līsịgo nni e dèbèèlụ̀ ya nà ụmụ̀ akā ībè ya sọ̀ọsọ̀ ya The child is a voracious eater, he has eaten the food placed for him and other children all by himself

oke ākpa large broom (for outdoor sweeping) (Okigbo Fig. 28))

oke àmàm̀ife great wisdom

oke anwụ̄ intense sunshine

oke ārụ A. serious sickness: Ọ yàlụ̀ oke ārụ He was seriously sick

oke ēfifìè naàbọ̀ noonday; midday

oke egō fantastic riches

oke egwù terror

oke ekwulèkwu talkativeness; bragging

oke ìkùkù tempest

oke mkpà great need

oke mmādụ̀ a man of great reputation

oke mmīli heavy downpour of rain

okènyè, okènyà see separate entry

oke ōlili great pain

oke òrìmìlì nnū ocean

oke ozū great man

oke ọ̄chịchọ excessive desire; greed

oke ọfị̄a thick bush; jungle

oke ọ̀kpà cock

oke ọnụ̄ A. of great price; costly; expensive; dear: Agà m̀ àzụtalụ nwūnyè m akwā dị̄ oke ọnụ̄ ọ gà-èji wèlụ gba Christmas na-abịa I am going to buy my wife costly clothes for the celebration of next Christmas

oke ọnụ afị̄a (cf. oke ọnụ̄ A. and B.): Agà m̀ ejì ife dị̄ oke ọnụ afị̄a wèlụ je kènee nnē m n’ogē èzùmiike m̄ na-abịa I am going to give my mother a precious gift during my forthcoming leave

oke ọyà great sickness; leprosy

oke ufèlè great wind

oke ụbọ̀sị̀ great day

-la oke mmānya drink to excess; get drunk

okè, ọkèn

mark; boundary; line of demarcation (from -kè 1. divide)

-bifè (okè) live too long (in a place)

-fè okè surpass; pass the bounds

-gafè okè be in excess

-kpa okè make boundary; move (objects) aside to show demarcation

ọ̀dụ̀dụ̀ okè a kind of plant used for fences and for marking land boundaries

-wa okè make a boundary; put a mark; demarcate

òken

rat

òkelekwū rat, or any small animal

òke oyìbo guinea-pig

òke ọfị̄a bush rat

òke ụnọ̀ house rat (Rattus rattus)

ntị̄ ōke wild waterleaf

òkèn

portion; share; division (-kè 1. divide)

òkè naàbọ̀ two parts

-kèlụ òkè take a share

-kèta òkè take (and bring back) a share: Anà m̀ èje na nzùkọ ụmụ̀ nnà ikètà òkè ụ̀mụ̀ nnē m I am going to the family meeting to bring back the share (of something) of my brothers

-zù òkè, okè be correct; suffice; be complete, perfect, sufficient

òkekelen

small high-pitched drum used with ọ̀kàǹgà

okēlụwà, okelụ̀wàn

fate

okènyè, okènyàn

full-aged, elder, principal person; senior (person)

-me okènyè be aged, elderly, old

oke ọ̄bụgbōn

type of lily

òkikēn

ivory tusk (of elephant)

òkìkèn

A. creation; (in Nri thought) one of the aspects of Chukwu, manifested in the creation of things visible and invisible and in the laws of nature (-kè create) B. elephant tusk owned by an ọzọ̄ man which symbolizes his òkìkè

Chukwu Òkìkè God the creator

Ọnwa Òkìkè tenth traditional month in the Nri calendar, in which the ọzọ̄ men of each lineage gather their òkìkè in the lineage’s temple and offer a bloody sacrifice

okìlì1n

guinea-corn

okìlì2n

iron object with two prongs into which a charm can be inserted and which is then pushed into ground (larger than àbà)

òkìlìkilin

round shape (circular, not spherical); surrounding parts:

òkìlìkili ụnọ̀ round about the house: (fig.) Òkìlìkilî bụ̀ ijè Agwụ̀ (Lit. cycle is the movement of Agwụ̀), i.e. Agwụ̀ moves in a cycle, or Agwụ̀ moves from one person to another until appeased). Used by workers or performers, e.g. doctors and actors, who run rounds of duty, to describe the nature of their work. Also used by other people to describe such people, or similar conditions which are rotative in nature

-dị òkìlìkili be round: Ụ̀wà dị̀ òkìlìkili The world is round

okon

A. head, ear (of corn, etc.) B. bunch (of plantains, bananas)

oko ọkà ear of corn (maize)

oko unèlè bunch of bananas

òkò1n

full strength; one’s best or utmost

-nwà òkò try one’s best: Anwàgo m̄ òkò m I have done my best

-pụ̀ òkò be able

òkò2n

yam cultivar

Okōkòòko!int

exclamation of pain, grief, surprise

okokpòlòn

A. bachelor B. poor person (fig.)

okòlòn

under; the underpart (of persons, between the thighs)

òkolon

boy; youth; young man; male name A. lad; boy; young man B. male name

òkolọbị̀à, òkolobị̀à, ìkolobị̀à (ìkolobị̀à is an old pl. form, but nowadays both ò- and ì- are used indiscriminately for sg. or pl.) youth; young man

-gbà òkolobị̀à become adolescent (of man)

ìkènye ìkolobị̀à middle-aged men

isi okolobị̀à men in the prime of life

-me òkolobị̀à act as, be, a young man

nwa ōkolọbị̀à youth; adolescent boy

òtù ụmụ̀ òkoloọbị̀à nwa ōkolo, young men’s society

nwoōkolo

okòm̀n

yam cultivar

okonkon

empty container

òkoòkon

parrot (cf. icheǹkù or ichoòkù)

òkòso, kòson

A. small snail-shell used for playing tops; also a metal type made by blacksmiths B. the game itself (cf. Yoruba ìkòto)

okotin

used in:

okoti ākpo male lizard

òkùn

call, shout; invitation; feast; festival: Bị̀a sòlu m̄jèe òkù nà Ǹneēwi Accompany me to a feast at Nnewi

iche òkù parrot

ji òkù variety of Yellow Guinea Yam (cf. ji òyìbò)

-kpọ òkù call

ọ̀kpọ nà-àkpọ òkù òkǔ jī echo Yam festival (no longer celebrated)

-rị̀ òkù shout for; call loudly

-za òkù answer a call

okukon

skin of a fruit, used by dibị̀à

okuko ākwa eggshell

òkukūn

horn-shaped calabash used for cupping and divining: (fig.) Etīnyezina ọnụ̄ n’ime ōkukū wèlụ èkwu okwū Stop speaking behind someone’s back (lit. Stop putting your mouth into a small calabash while you talk)

okùokwèn

yam cultivar

òkutā, òkutē

see òkwutē

òkùtàn

officers and leading members of a divinity’s club or cult

okpēnsi

see okpōsi

okpēsi

see okpōsi

okpètè, ọkpètè,n

sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.)

okpòtò, ekpètè

okpòtò gbaǹgà ginger lily (Costus afer Ker-Gawl. and/or C. schlecteri Winkler)

okpìn

stoutness, sturdiness (e.g. of tree, not of person)

okpì nkụ̄ hard wood

òkpò1n

intestinal worm

okoòkpò (from oke òkpò) tapeworm

òkpò2n

kind of large tree, white wood, very small leaves

okpodin

male agama lizard (cf. ǹgwèlè)

òkpokō1n

large bird, plantain-eater

òkpokō2n

large morsel of pounded food

òkpokō ụtàlà large morsel of fufu

-ma òkpokō mould large morsel of pounded food: Mànye yā òkpokō Mould him a large piece of pounded food

okpokolon

empty (container) B. (fig.) empty-headedness, foolishness

okpokolo isī A. skull; cranium

okpòkolon

can; small pot used for keeping oil, etc.

okpòkpòn

walking stick

okpolon

highway; street; road (esp. in town; more specific than ụzọ̀ in referring to a large road or highway)

okpolo īlo road, street (esp. in town): Pụ̀ta n’okpolo īlo Leave the road

okpolo ụzọ̀ roadway; public path (less specific than okpolo īlo)

okpòlò +n

stalk; rod; stem

okpòlò igwè rod of iron

okpòlò osisi rod of wood; stalk of plant; stem of young tree of sapling

òkpòlòfifìèn

whistle; whistling

-gbu òkpòlòfifìè whistle: Gbùelụ m̄òkpòlòfifìè ogē ọ̄bụnà ị nà-àgafè Whistle to me whenever you are passing

okpòlokō1n

stockfish = azụ̀ nkụ̄

okpòlokō2n

variety of oil-palm which produces nuts of very fine appearance, but which have not much flesh, the kernel being large in proportion

òkpòmọkụn

heat (from: -kpò ọkụ be hot) Ànị Òkpòmọkụ the Tropics (lit. hot land): Ndi bī n’ànị òkpòmọkụ nà-àdị galagala People in the tropics are brisk and active

-kpò òkpòmọkụ be hot: Àfe ǹkaà nà-ekpō òkpòmọkụ This garment absorbs heat

òkpòntụn

grey

òkpoǹzàlan

plant with edible fruit (Aframomum daniellii (Hook. f.) K. Schum.)

òkpoòdùdùn

bean that provokes thirst

òkpoòfùfùn

perspiration B. labour over; take pains over; sweat over

-gba òkpoòfùfù A. perspire

-kpò òkpoòfùfù perspire; cause perspiration

okpōsi, okpēsi,n

simple, faceless image carved (usually from ògilìsì) to

okpōnsi, okpēnsi

represent a dead ancestor after his final funeral rites; they are usually dumb-bell shaped, except that those for married daughters are cylindrical; all the family okpōsi are kept together and offered food or libations from time to time while the protection of the ancestors is solicited

okpòtò

see okpètè

okpotokpon

big size (of persons, fruits) A. Zụ̀talụ m̄ndị gbālụ okpotokpo Buy me the big type

okpotokpo mmādụ̀ huge person; person of big build: Ụmụ̄ Okeēke ànaàgbaka okpotokpo Mr Okeeke’s children are usually big for their age and of sturdy build: Q. Kèdụ ụ̄dị àgwà ị chọ̀lụ̀ kà m zụtalụ gị̄, ọ bụ̀ ndị gbālụ okpotokpo kọ̀ọ ndị gbālụ kịlịkịlị? What kind of beans do you want me to buy for you from the market, the big type or the small type?

òkpun

hat; cap; head covering

òkpu ezè crown

-kpù òkpu put on, wear hat, cap

-kpù òkpu ezè wear crown

-kpù òkpu ogwū -kpupụ̀ òkpu wear crown of thorns remove hat, cap, etc.

òkpùkpùn

A. storey, floor (of a house); roofing B. set, group; stack (from -kpù 1. cover)

òkpùkpu īkwu ridging of a house: Òkpùkpu īkwû bụ̀ ọlụ sīli ike Ridging a house is hard work

òkpùkpù naàbọ̀ double stack: Ị gà-èdo jī òkpùkpù naàbọ̀ n’ime ọbā You will place the yams in two stacks inside the barn

okpulun

kind of stiff bag made by Hausas for packing clothes, etc.

òkpulùn

under; beneath; the underpart; bottom: Ọ nọ̀ n’òkpulù m He is junior to me (lit. He is under me). (fig.) the real thing; the inside story: Gwa m̄òkpulù okwū Tell me what really happened. (fig.) secret: Àdịrọ̄ m èkwu okwu ōkpulù I do not talk in secret

òkpùlùn

poor, pitiable, person or object; term of commiseration: Èkeèmezie adị̄ ènyeju ụmụ̀ ya afọ̄, nwoòkpùlù, ò nwerọ̄ onye ēnyemaka Ekeemezie no longer feeds his children properly, poor man, he has no helper

okpulukpun

shell (like that of the tortoise)

okpulukpu mbè tortoise shell

okpùlùkpùn

kind of instrument

okpùlùkpu òkwè stringed instrument

òkwè1n

A. tree sp. (Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Pax), sometimes sacred when grown at shrines, with long stalk and broad leaves, used as livestock food B. the seeds of the tree, used in divining C. a game played with the seeds on a board with twelve partitions; "warri" (= Yoruba áyò)

-chị òkwè pay divine homage to òkwè (hence village name, Isi òkwè)

-chị òkwè divine, with beads, nuts

òkwè2n

bean which grows in a pod, red, brown or white in colour and used mainly in eating shredded cassave. Òkwè when properly boiled is mashed thoroughly with shredded cassava by hand, with other normal cooking ingredients - pepper, oil and salt - added

òkwè oyìbo horse-radish tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

òkwon

general name for fish of the Polypteridae family

òkwo igwè Polypterus senegalus (= ụ̀kata)

òkwo àfọ̀yị̀ Polypterus ansorgei, P. endlicheri, Calamoichthys calabaricus (= ụ̀kata)

òkwòlin

kingfisher

okwu1n

word; speech; affair; matter; dispute; quarrel: Bikō rapụ̄ m aka màkà nà okwu adị̄rọ n’ètitì mụ nà gị! Please leave me alone, since there is no quarrel between us B. eloquence

okwu alụ̄ blasphemy; abominable word

okwu āsị lie Okwu Chūkwu Word of God; the Gospel; sermon

okwu īnyo foolish talk

okwu mkpalị insulting word(s)

okwu nà ụkà trouble; quarrel

okwu ọlà (fig.) stale, old quarrel

amà okwū verse

ànị̀ okwū most important part of the story

-chọ okwu provoke, seek, a quarrel

ezi okwū true word, saying; truth

n’ezi okwū really; in reality; indeed; truly: Ezi okwū bụ̀ ndụ̀ Truth is life: Ọ bụlụ nà i kwūe ezi okwū agà m̀ àgbaghàlụ gị̄ If you speak the truth I will forgive you

-gbabu okwu speak all together; jumble words together

-gbagha okwu contradict; argue

isi okwū meaning of the word

-kè okwu give judgement; settle a palaver

-kò okwu (fig.) cause trouble; invite quarrel, dispute (usually deliberately); assault

-kwu ezi okwū speak the truth

-kwu okwu alụ̄ speak abominable word(s)

-kwu okwu āsị speak falsehood

-kwu okwu āzụ slander, back-bite

-kwu okwu ụ̄gha -naghà okwu speak falsehood interrupt

-napụ̀ta okwu force someone to speak out

-nụ okwu hear; obey

ọ̀kà okwū A. orator

ọkpụ̀lụ̀kpụ̀ okwū -sè okwu very important discussion quarrel: Di nà nwunyè afụ̀ nà-esè okwū The husband and wife are quarrelling

okwu, ọkwụ2n

cover; lid; stopper; cork (from -kwu 2. cover)

òkwun

Basically refers to ‘home’; specific uses are: A. a small house with a steep thatched roof and a single door, used as a sleeping house in mosquito-infested areas and as a storehouse B. shed for domestic animals C. nest for ants: Arụrụ èrika n’ebe à. Bị̀a kà ị fụ òkwu fā There are many ants here. Come and see their nest D. shrine

òkwu alụ̄sị shrine of a spirit

òkwu Ànị̀ communal shrine for the Earth Goddess

okwuchi, ọkwụchin

cork; stopper; lid (cf. okwu 2.)

òkwùdùkwudū,n

owl (= okwumkwudo)

òkwukwuū

òkwukwen

agreement; assent; obedience (from -kwe 1. agree)

òkwùkwèn

creed; faith (-kwe 1. agree)

òkwùkwe Ndi Ozī The Apostles’ Creed

òkwukwuū

see òkwùdukwudù

òkwùlùn

womb (cf. àkpà nnwā)

òkwùman

native ointment; shea-butter

okwumkwudon

A. (arch.) owl: Òkwùdùkwudū sị̀ nà afà ya bụ̀ okwumkwudo, mà azị̀ nà- àkpọ yā òkwùdùkwudū The owl says that his name is ‘okwumkwudo’, but young people call him ‘òkwùdùkwudū’ B. (fig.) advance warning (as the owl warns by hooting): Okwu à bụ̀ okwumkwudo This is an advance warning

òkwutē, òkutā, rock; stone (cf. Yoruba òkuta, Ẹdo (Bini) òkutá)

òkutē

òkwute anwụ̄lụ̀ stone for grinding snuff

òkwutē ụ̀wà tụụ̀wà aks ōkwutē Rock of Ages (ref. to Bible) stone for grinding corn

obī okwutē stony-hearted

olin

food made from maize

òlin

one who eats (-li 1. eat)

òli àkụ̀ (beloved) wife (lit. devourer of wealth): Ndụ̀bụezè nà òliàkụ̀ ya nà-àbịa Ndụbụeze and his wife are coming

òli mmādụ̀ cannibal

òli ǹzèlè chief; titled man

olìghìlì

see èlùlù

òlilin

meal; feast

-li òlili have a feast

òlilon

pain

oke ōlilo great pain

Òlìsàn

The Great God Òlìsà ebùlu ụ̀wà God who supports the world Òlìsà elòka God thought deeply (male name) Òlìsà èmeka God has done a lot (male name) Nwolìsà the son of God (male name)

òlìsìlìn

used in:

òlìsìlì ọkụ̀ treasure

òlokōn

praying mantis

òlòkòm̀bụbā

see ùlùkòm̀bụbā

ololon

bottle (cf. onono, the typical Onitsha form)

òlòman

orange (Citrus aurantium Linn.)

òlòma nkịlịsị lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

òlòma oyìbo grapefruit

olòngōnon

A. praying mantis B. (fig.) very slim person

Olun

"people that live by the water", term used to denote those who live by the bank of the River Niger

ndi olū "men of the waterside", those who live by the bank of the River Niger

òlun

used in: B. sleeping sickness; trypasonomiasis

òlu ụlā A. doze

(òlu ụlā) -tụ slumber; doze

olubulun

lizard, brightly coloured;? Bosc’s Monitor (but only about 1’ long without tail)

òlukun

cotton (plant)

Olumbànasāp.n

group of seven villages in Anambra Division which speak Igala as their first language

Om!int

salutation of respect to an old woman (esp. a pagan)

omen

shoot of a plant

-gba ome send out shoot when not yet planted

-ke ome jī break off premature yam shoots

òme +n

used in:

òme ākwụ respectful form of address to women

òme ǹkà carpenter; artisan; craftsman

òmenàànị̀n

custom (cf. ọ̀dị̀ben̄di)

òmìmìn

depth; (fig.) ; behaviour

-kpọ òmìmì dive

-mì òmìmì dive

-tụ òmìmì dive

òmùmen

action; act; conduct; doing

ezi òmùme good deeds; righteousness

òne?1int

how much? how many? which?

òne mbọ̀sị̀? which day?

òne m̀gbè? when? at what time?

òne n̄dị who (plural)? which people?

ùgbòlò òne? how often? how many times?: Gwa m̄ugbòlò òne i jègòlu ebe afụ̀ Tell me the number of times you have been to that place

ònenòne, ònemòne few; some: Ọ bụ̀ mmadụ̀ ònemòne kà m chọ̀lụ̀ kà fa sòlụ m̄ jee kène ezē chīlụ ọfụụ̄ It is only a few people that I want to go with me to greet the newly-installed chief

onìn

bigger stake for yam

ònìinun

fish sp. (Labeo senegalensis)

ònìnìn

burial (from -nì bury)

ònogbò, onogbòn

cat (cf. Yoruba ològbò, Edo (Bini) òlògbò)

nwa ōnogbò cat

ònòlìn

title for a red-cap chief

onono, ololon

bottle

Ònoòwun

chief next in rank to the king of Ọ̀nị̀chà (and certain other towns), conveniently translated ‘Prime Minister’, who places the cap on the head of a titled man

onun

A. neck B. (human) voice: Onu m̄nà-àtọ ụ̄tọ My voice is melodious: Anụ̀lụ̀ m onu nnà m I hear the voice of my father: Bikō nụ̀lụ onū m̄: Please hear me: Ndi egwu ụmụ̀ àgbọghọ̀ àbịago, bị̀a nụ̀lụ onū fa The lady singers have arrived, come and hear them: Chukwu nụ̀lụ onu ụmụ̀ gị God, hear the pleading of Thy children (or, prayer of thy children)

akpụ̀ onū goitre

-dinàji onu strain or crick the neck while sleeping

ife onū necklace

onu ànị̀ low tones: Fa nà-àgụ egwu n’onu ànị̀ They were singing in low tones

ònugbùn

bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del. and V. colorata (Willd.) Drake)

ofe ōnugbù soup prepared with bitterleaf

ònunon

devouring; swallowing (-no swallow)

onùnùn

hole; pit; valley [?]

-kpochi onùnù fill hole

ònwen

self

ònwe āyị ourselves

ònwe fā themselves

ònwe ī, ònwe gị̄ yourself

ònwe m̄ myself

ònwe ụnụ̀ yourself

ònwe yā himself; herself; itself

amā onwe senselessness; unconsciousness

-gbatị̀ ònwe stretch oneself (e.g. for exercise)

-lụ onwē ụkà be disciplined, self-controlled

ngị nà ònwe gị̄ you yourself

-nwe ònwe be free

onwènen

carpenter; craftsman; artist

ònwun

anything that shines

ònwu màlàmàlà flashing

ònwùnwòn

change

ònwunwun

cleanness; brightness; shining

onyen

A. person (human or superhuman; its plural is ndị) B. imposter B. seller, dealer (preceding name of article dealt in) B. carefree person C. habitual drunkard

onye àbọọ̄, àbụ̀ọ another, a second (person)

onye àfè ojiī policeman (-woman)

onye afị̄a merchant; customer; trader: Jèe nàtalụ m̄azụ̀ ego naàbọ̀ n’aka onye afị̄a m Go and get me twenty kobo’s worth of fish from my merchant

onye àgbàtà obì neighbour: Àzụụ̀kà bụ̀ onye àgbàtà obì m Azụụka is my neighbour

onye aghā, ayā soldier; warrior

onye āghala, āyala onye aka ebē wild person; careless person a witness, surety: Onye ikpē afụ̀ gwàlụ̀ mmadụ̀ naàbọ̀ kà fa jee kpọta ndi aka ebē fa The judge asked the two persons to go and bring their witnesses

onye alā mad person

onye àmà talebearer; gossip; informer

onye ànị̀ fellow-countryman

onye ànị m̄madụ̀ onye āsị foreigner; stranger liar

onye ìbèriìbè fool; harmless idiot

onye ijè traveller

onye ikpē judge

onye ìkpè backbiter

onye ilō enemy; person bearing malice towards one

onye isī head; headman; leader; boss

onye ìsì blind person

onye isi ikē stubborn person; person who is habitually disobedient (lit. hard-headed person)

onye ị̀kọ̀lịị̀kọ̀ melancholy or slightly mad person

onye ịtà witness

onye mmụ̀ta scholar; pupil

onye nā-efe ọlụ̄ superintendent; overseer; foreman

onye n̄che watchman; guard

onye n̄du leader; guide

onye n̄ga prisoner

onye ngàla proud person

onye n̄gana lazy person

onye n̄jọ, onye njọ̄ onye ǹkà sinner; niggardly person craftsman; skilled workman; artist; sculptor; designer

onye ǹkè relation; supporter: Ọ bụlụ nà onye ǹke ōnye enyērọlụ ya aka, ọ̀ bụ̀zị̀ ònyê dị̀ ịtụ̄kwàsị̀ obì? If one’s relation (supporter) does not help one, who else is worthy of trust?

onye nkèta inheritor (lit. sharer)

onye nkụ̄ wood-cutter or gatherer

onye nkụzi teacher: Abụ̀ m̀ onye nkụzi I am a teacher

onye nkụzi ụkà church teacher; catechist; person who assists the clergyman or catechist in the Ministry

onye nligbu rogue; exploiter; cheat

onye ǹnà miser

onye nnapụ̀ga Redeemer (cf. onye nzọpụ̀ta)

onye nnụsō ọ̀gụ̀ an enemy

onye nsògbu troublesome person

onye nsọkwù fool

onye ntā hunter

onye n̄tụ A. liar

onye ntụkwàsị obì onye nzinye person being trusted creditor

onye nzọpụ̀ta Saviour

onye nzuzù fool

Onye nwē Lord; master; mistress; owner

onye ogbì, ogbī dumb person

onye ōji a black person

onye òkìkè creator

onye orī thief

onye ōsiālị witness: Jèe kpọ̀ta onye ōsiālị gị Go and bring your witness

onye oshī see onye orī

onye òtù companion; fellow; member (of a club, association, etc.): Abụ̀ m̀ onye òtu Ọ̀gàniru I am a member of the Ọ̀gàniru society

onye òtù Chukwu onye òtuū Kraị̀st onye ozī Christian Christian messenger

onye ōzizi instructor; teacher

onye ọbị̀à, onye ọ̀rà onye ọ̀bọ̀ stranger; visitor (colloq.) lazy person; sluggard

onye ọ̄bụnà, ọ̀bụ̀nà onye ọcha anybody; anyone; (with negative verb) no one a white person

onye ọlụ̄ workman; labourer

onye ọzọ̄ holder of ọzọ title

onye ọ̄zọ another person, person who is not a relative; outsider

onye ụgwọ̄ debtor

onye ụjọ̄ coward; person who cannot endure pain

Onye Ụkà Christian

onye ụkọ̀ intermediary

onye ụ̀kpọ̀ one of retarded development

onye ụtā archer

onye ụ̀tà deceiver; enticer

onye anụ̄ meat-seller (-dealer)

onye mmānụ oil-seller

onye mmānya A. (palm-) wine seller

òkpu onye a schoolboy’s cap worn sideways (by carefree person)

mmānya

ònyeint

who? Ònyê mà echi? Who knows tomorrow?

ònyènyèn

woman (cf. nwaànyị̀)

ònyìnyen

gift; (catholic usage) offertory

ònyìnyòn

shadow

ife ònyìnyò image; likeness; resemblance

òòbòn

heap (shortened form of òbùbò)

òòbò ifē heap of something

òòbò ọkụ̄, òbùbò ọkụ̄ furnace, heap of coal, charcoal, etc.; fire

-tụ òòbò pile; heap up

òpìn

animal horn; horn, pipe, used as musical instrument

òpi àchàlà Peugeot 404 (so called because of streamlined shape; lit. horn of bamboo)

òpì ụgbọ̀gụ̀lụ̀ pumpkin leaf stalk (tube-like) (lit: pumpkin tube)

-gbu òpì blow horn, bugle

opòpòn

sapling (also opòpò osisi) (= ìpopo)

opotò, obotòn

used in:

opotò, obotò ọkụ̄ burning coal; embers; heap of glowing charcoal (= òbùbò ọkụ̄)

òpùnèn

soft spot (of a thing like a covered pit, the top of which is however still so soft that it can give way if the top is pressed hard or stepped upon)

òpùnè isī anterior fontanelle

òpùnè isi āzụ posterior fontanelle

orīn

theft 

ori ifelē shameful theft

ife orī stolen goods

onye orī thief

òrìn

see -ŋe òfì, òrì

òrìmìlìn

river (large); sea; ocean

òrìmìlì nnū sea; ocean

oke òrìmìlì sea; ocean

orun

twenty; score

oru ị̀bụ̀a forty; two score

oru nà òfu twenty-one

oru nà àbụ̀a twenty-two

bèlị ōfu n’oru nineteen (lit., remove one from twenty)

orùn

slave

-gba orù work as slave: N’ogè kịtāà madụ̀ adā àgbazịlị ibè ya orù Nowadays no one works as a slave for another

-gbapụ̀ n’orù redeem from slavery, servitude

ndi orù slaves

-pụ̀ n’orù be free from slavery

ose1n

waterside

ose àkwà waterside at Ihīàlà

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

ose ogbē Ị̄jọ waterside where the Ịjọ reside

ose ọ̀kwọ̀ọdụ̄ bank of River Niger

ose2n

foreleg, forequarter, shoulder of animal carcase

ose anụ̄ see ose

osèn

pepper

osè agwọ̄ weak alligator pepper

osē ànị̀ kind of uncooked soup, made of fried groundnuts or egusi, ị̀sha (crayfish), and pounded yam

osè nwam̄kpi goat pepper, used by children to play cooking

osè oyìbo large pepper (lit. English pepper)

osè ọjị̄ alligator pepper (Aframọmum melegueta K. Schum.) (lit. kola pepper; usually chewed with kola)

-kwọ osè grind pepper

ǹkwọ òsè pepper-grinder (stone, machine, etc.)

mkpụlụ osè seed of pepper

-zọ osè transplant pepper

òsèn

A. puller; drawer B. epilepsy; convulsions; meningitis (loosely used for various diseases with convulsive attacks) (from -sè 1. pull)

òsèkpaàkpaà, epilepsy

ọ̀sèkpaàkpaà

òseākan

vagabond; prodigal; spendthrift; ne’er-do-well

nwa òseāka prodigal son

Òsebùlu-ụ̀wàn

The Great God

òsèkèn

native spade

osin

tree (when followed by name of the tree; cf. osisi) e.g. osi ụkwà African Breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne.) tree

òsịālịn

witness (-sị àlị witness)

-gba òsịālị bear witness

onye ōsiālị a witness

osiamān

anvil

òsikapan

rice (˂ H.) cf. Skinner 1981.

osisi1n

tree, stick

osisi anyikē wooden handle of axe

akwụkwọ osisi leaf of tree

anaka osisi branch of tree

àtụ̀tụ̀ osisi sap of tree

-bụ̀ osisi uproot tree

-gha mkpụlụ osisi ibe osisi sow seeds (broadcast) part of tree (split from the main body)

-lụ̀do osisi stick a stick into the ground

mkpìlìsì osisi stump of tree

mkpụlụ osisi fruit

mmili osisi sap

oke osisi (fig.) great person (lit. great tree)

okpòlò osisi rod of wood; stalk of plant; stem of young tree or sapling

opòpò, ìpopo osisi ukwù osisi sapling stump of tree

ụ̀mị̀ osisi (sweet) juice of fruit

ụ̀tụ osisi sawdust, powder from dry wood as a result of grub activity inside the wood

-zọ osisi transplant tree; plant tree cuttings

osisi2n

shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa)

òsìmìlì, òsìmìrìn

river (usually refers to Niger)

osòmà, osòmèn

affliction; distress; great trouble (e.g. court cases); danger; evil

òsun

person dedicated as slave to service of a deity, or whose ancestors were so dedicated; thus the son of an òsu is an òsu. Moreover anyone who is proved to have had contact with an òsu also becomes an òsu

-gbana n’òsu seek refuge with a deity

ndi ōsu outcasts; people owned by deities

òtèlèn

arms (southern form?)

òtin

knocker; beater (-ti 1. beat)

òti īsi headache (lit. head-knocker)

òtim̄kpọkọn

old, worn vehicle, etc.; beat-up object (-ti kpọkọ beat noisily)

òtitèn

the greatest feast, held at the end of the harvesting of ‘tuber’ yams

òtòbòn

hippopotamus

otogbōn

A. any long gown, robe (e.g. surplice) B. (fig.) any greatly oversized piece of clothing

otokon

thigh

òtòlòn

dysentery; diarrhoea (òtòlò) -gbagbu die of dysentery, diarrhoea: Òtòlò gbàbue gị̄ May you be killed by dysentery

òtòtòn

flower

otun

waterside; riverbank

Otu ị̀kwọ Onitsha main market

otu ọ̀kwọ̀ọdụ̄ waterside of Onitsha

Otu Ọ̀nị̀chà Onitsha market, hence town

otù1n

large size: Nnwa à dị̀ otù This is a big baby

otù nnī big lump of food

otù nnwā heavily-built person

otù2n

one (cf. òfu, the more typical Onitsha form)

òtùn

organised band, company, club

òtù egwū dancing club: Abụ̀ m̀ onye òtù egwu ọjà I am a member of the egwu ọjà club

òtuū Kraị̀st Christianity

onye òtuū Kraị̀st a Christian: Ndụ̀beezè bụ̀ ezigbo onye òtuū Kraị̀st Ndụ̀beeze is a good devoted Christian

ndị òtuū Kraị̀st the Christians

òtù ndị nkụzi teachers’ association: Abụ̀ m̀ onye òtù ndị nkụzi I am a member of the teachers’ association

òtu ọ̄gbọ age group, grade

òtù ụmụ̀ òkolọbị̀à -rọ̀ òtù young men’s society discriminate; choose group, society, club

otùbòn

navel; umbilicus

otùgolun

ladder (cf. obē)

òtùnèn

A. buttocks B. anus

òtùtò, òtùton

praise; glory (-tò praise): Òtùto dị̀lị Chinēkè na-ebe kāchasị enū Glory be to God in the highest: Tòo Chukwu Praise God

abụ̀ òtùto songs of praise

otùtù1n

blacksmith’s hammer (the biggest of all the blacksmith’s hammers). This tool is ceremonially the most important item for an apprentice who has just completed his period of apprenticeship and is going to set up as a master blacksmith, in that it is symbolic of his master’s status. On the day of the celebration of his freedom, which features much feasting, the otùtù is set on a stool in the middle of the gathering of master smiths who were invited to the occasion. Shortly before the celebration is over the young master is called to the middle. The master holds out the otùtù towards the young master as one who is handing to another a staff of office. The master recites some blessings and incantations, at the end of which he hands the otùtù to the young master. An apprentice who has completed his course but who has not completed his obligations (usually monetary) is not given the otùtù and his freedom is not celebrated. The apprentice can leave his master for some period in search of money. He sometimes has to secure a temporary job, like farm labour, to get the required money, both for his training fees and for the celebration expenses. He then comes back to do the freedom celebration. To every master smith the otùtù is the most important item in his tools, for though it is rarely used because of its weight, the blacksmith, particularly the non-Christian one, kills cocks on top of his otùtù from time to time and on special occasions, letting the blood pour over the otùtù. Afterwards some down is scattered on top of the wet blood, which sticks it firmly to the otùtù

otùtù2n

conical basket for fishing

òtutun

intoxication

Òwèlè, Òwèrèn

Owerri: Achọ̀lụ̀ m̀ ijē Òwèrè I want to go to Owerri

òwèlè, ọ̀wèlèn

A. outskirts of a town; bush around a town B. backyard immediately beyond the compound wall

ụzọ̄ òwèlè path to the back of the compound or outskirts of town

òwu, òwulùn

cotton wool, plant, thread; cf. Sugia 9 for Songhai origin

òwu akpụ̄ kapok from akpụ tree

òwu īduù physic nut (Jatropha curcas Linn.) used for hedging; the sap stains indelibly, seeds are purgative

òwu isī black cotton thread used by women for plaiting the hair

òwu ọkụ̄, ukpē wick

-gba òwu thread

-tụ òwu spin; make thread

owùmaàgànàn

chameleon

Oyè, Olìèn

an Igbo market day, following Èke, personified as an alụ̄sị

oyī1n

cold; chill; fever: Oyī nà-àtụ It is cold: Ọfịa dị̄ n’àzụ ụnọ̀ akwụkwọ āyị nà-àtụ oyī The bush at the back of our school is cold (causes cold): Enwèlụ̀ m̀ oyī I have fever Oyī jì m Fever has gripped me, or I am feverish (more acute than Enwèlụ̀ m̀ oyī)

oyi ụgụ̀lụ̀ harmattan cold

ajọ̄ oyi rheumatism

akwà oyī blanket

-jụ oyī be cold: Kùtelụ m̄mmili jụ̄lụ oyī Bring me cold water

mmili oyī cold water: Kùtelụ m̄mmili oyī Bring me cold water

(oyī) -tụ feel cold, chilly: Oyī nà-àtụ m̄I am feeling cold, chill.

ǹtụ̀m̀oyī cold; cold weather

oyī2n

ugly, nauseating appearance

-sọ oyī disgust; be ugly to; be ugly (e.g. faeces or jagged ulcer)

-yi oyī be ugly, nauseating: Abụ afụ̄ tāsalụ n’ànị̀ ụnọ̀ nà-èyi m̄oyī The pus which has poured on the floor is ugly to me

oyìbon

white person; European; foreign (added to name of anything to denote that the thing is foreign or European in origin, or when something of a different species (usually better), but of foreign origin, exists side by side with the local species)

afà oyìbo English name

akụ oyìbo = akụ coconut (lit. European kernel)

bèkeè

ego oyìbo (lit. European money) name given to the present currency when it existed side by side with cowrie currency

ji òyìbò, òyìbe Yellow Guinea Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis)

m̀manya oyìbo gin; imported wine or spirits

nzu oyìbo chalk; lime

ògèdè oyìbo pawpaw

òke oyìbo guinea-pig

òlòma oyìbo grapefruit

osè oyìbo large pepper

ọ̀kụkọ̀ oyìbo fowls kept by agricultural settlements and institutions. It is called European because it was introduced by the Agricultural Department and is also larger than the local type

ọkwụlụ oyìbo pawpaw; papaya

Ọlụ Oyìbo civil service

ùbe oyìbo pear

ùde oyìbo factory-prepared pomade

ụgbọ oyìbo steamer

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

òyòoyòn

beautiful: Ọ nụ̀tàlụ̀ òyòoyò nwaànyị̀ He married a very beautiful woman

òze, ọ̀zen

lead

òzèn

kind of fruit-bearing tree Pentadesma butyracea or Trilepisium madagascariense

ozin

message; errand; housework Ozi ọma the Gospel; good news, message: Ozi ọma dịkà Luùk dèlụ̀ yà n’akwụkwọ The Gospel according to Saint Luke

-gbasà Ozi ọma spread the Gospel

-je ozi go on a message; serve; do housework

ndị ozī messengers; the Apostles: Ọlụ Ndị Ozī The Acts of the Apostles

onye ozī messenger

-ra ozi send on errand

-zì ozi send, deliver a message: Achọ̀lụ̀ m̀ izì gị̀ ozi I want to send you on an errand, or I want to deliver a message to you: Jèbenụ̀ ebe niīne izīsà Ozi Ọma Go everywhere to spread the Gospel

òzìn

drum played only for kings and chiefs on special occasions

òzìgbo quickly; immediately; straight away; instantly: Mèe yā òzìgbo Do it immediately: Ọ gà-àrapụ̄ gị̄ òzìgbo It (he/she) will leave you immediately: Ọ mèlụ̀ yà òzìgbo fụ̀ He has just quickly done it

òzìgbo òzìgbo! for emphasis the word can be repeated, meaning immediately, instantly

ozun

corpse; whole carcase; (fig.) worthless, good-for-nothing person: Ozu kà ị bụ̀ You are a worthless, hopeless person

ozu efī carcase of cow

akpàtì ozū coffin

-bọ ozu exhume a body

inì ozū cemetery; burial ground; burial place

-nì ozu bury corpse

-kwa ozu perform a funeral

oke ozū great man