nna
The Igbo word for dad is nna.
nna is a noun meaning father. Beyond biological relations, it is used as a term of respect for older men or elders in general.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas within the Igbo culture, the term Nnam is used to address your dad.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my dad," you add the possessive pronoun m to the word nna to form nna m.
When do people say it?
The informal term Papa is often used by Igbo children to refer to their fathers.
Did you know?
- While nna means 'father', it is frequently used in the expression nna m to address a close male friend, similar to saying 'my man' or 'my brother' in English.
- In some Igbo dialects, nna is used as an exclamation of surprise or emphasis, acting almost like an interjection rather than a noun.
- In traditional Igbo naming customs, a child may be given a name that includes the word nna to honor the father's lineage or a specific paternal ancestor.
Examples in context
- Nna m na-eri nri.My dad is eating.
- Nna gị dị ebe a.Your dad is here.
Example conversation
Obinna and Nneka are talking about their family.
- ObinnaNneka, ebee ka nna gị nọ?Nneka, where is your dad?
- NnekaNna m nọ n'ụlọ.My dad is at home.
- ObinnaỌ na-aga okoku?Is he going to the market?
- NnekaEe, nna m na-aga ugbu a.Yes, my dad is going now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
