ọ dị mma
The Igbo phrase for "alright" is ọ dị mma.
In informal settings, you may also hear the term Ee to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Did you know?
- Igbo is a tonal language, so changing the pitch of mma can change the meaning from 'goodness' to 'blood' or 'blade'.
- The word mma in ọ dị mma is the same root used to describe beauty, so when you say something is 'alright', you are literally saying it possesses 'goodness' or 'beauty'.
- If you use the informal Ee to mean 'alright', be aware that its meaning can shift from a simple 'yes' to a definitive 'I understand' depending on how long you hold the vowel sound.
Examples in context
- Ọ dị mma.It is alright.
- Ọ dị mma ka anyị malite.It is alright if we start.
- Ọ dị mma, i meela.Alright, thank you.
Example conversation
Ifunanya and Chidi are agreeing on a time to meet.
- IfunanyaỊ nwere ike ịbịa n'elekere abụọ?Can you come at two o'clock?
- ChidiỌ dị mma, m ga-anọ ebe ahụ.Alright, I will be there.
- IfunanyaDaalụ, Chidi.Thank you, Chidi.
- ChidiTobe ka anyị hụta.Until we see each other.
