Agụụ na-agụ m
Agụụ na-agụ m is the Igbo phrase for "I am hungry".
This phrase is used to express a physical need for food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Hunger is searching me" or "Hunger is eating me". In this construction, agụụ means hunger and na-agụ is the continuous form of the verb agụ, which can mean to search, to eat or to count.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun m at the end of the phrase functions as "me", indicating that the hunger is the subject acting upon the speaker.
Did you know?
- The pronoun m used for 'me' in this phrase is closely related to the 'n̄' used in the Yoruba language.
- Because agụ can mean 'to search', the phrase implies that hunger is actively hunting the speaker, treating a biological urge as a predator.
- The verb agụ used in this phrase is the same root used for 'reading' or 'counting' in Igbo, suggesting a conceptual link between hunger and a repetitive search or tally.
Examples in context
- Agụụ na-agụ m nke ukwu.I am very hungry.
- Agụụ na-agụ m ugbu a.I am hungry right now.
- Maka na agụụ na-agụ m, m chọrọ nri.Because I am hungry, I want food.
Example conversation
Ifeanyi and Chioma are at home during lunch time.
- IfeanyiChioma, agụụ na-agụ m.Chioma, I am hungry.
- ChiomaAgụụ na-agụ m kwa.I am hungry too.
- IfeanyiKedu ihe anyị ga-eri?What will we eat?
- ChiomaAnyị ga-eri nri ugbu a.We will eat now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries m, CC BY-SA 4.0.
