nwa ọhụrụ
The English word "baby" is translated into Igbo as nwa ọhụrụ.
nwa ọhụrụ refers to a very young human being. In an informal context, one might also use the phrase Obi m to refer to a baby, which literally means "my heart."
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nwa ọhụrụ is composed of nwa, meaning "child" and ọhụrụ, meaning "new".
When do people say it?
When expressing affection for a baby, speakers may use the term Obi m ("my heart") to signify deep endearment.
Did you know?
- Igbo has distinct terms for babies based on their birth order, such as specific names for twins, which carry more social weight than the general term nwa ọhụrụ.
- In Igbo culture, the word nwa is used not only for 'baby' or 'child' but also to describe the young of any animal.
- The concept of 'newness' in ọhụrụ can also be applied to ideas or objects, making the phrase for 'baby' structurally similar to how one would describe a 'new' piece of cloth or a 'new' tool.
Example conversation
Chioma and Chidi are visiting a friend who just had a child.
- ChiomaChidi, lee nwa ọhụrụ a.Chidi, look at this baby.
- ChidiỌ dị ebube, Chioma.It is wonderful, Chioma.
- ChiomaNwa ọhụrụ a na-ehi ụra.The baby is sleeping.
- ChidiAnyị ga-anọ jụụ.We should be quiet.
