ehi
The English word 'cow' is translated into Igbo as ehi.
The term refers to an adult female of the species Bos taurus.
Meaning: adult female of species Bos taurus (noun)
Did you know?
- In many Igbo-speaking communities, cattle are not just livestock but are often used as a central component in traditional marriage negotiations.
- While English uses different words for young and adult female cattle, many Igbo dialects use the same root word for the entire species of bovine.
- In Igbo culture, the ehi is often associated with wealth and status, and owning cattle is a traditional symbol of high social standing and prestige.
Example conversation
Ifunanya and Obinna are visiting a farm.
- IfunanyaObinna, lee ehi ahụ!Obinna, look at that cow!
- ObinnaỌ bụ ehi chọkọrọ.It is a big cow.
- IfunanyaO nwere nnukwu ehi ọzọ?Does he have another big cow?
- ObinnaEe, ọ nwere ehi ọtụtụ.Yes, he has many cows.
