Chineke ekwela
The Igbo phrase for 'God forbid' is Chineke ekwela.
Chineke ekwela is used as an interjection to ward off a bad omen or a negative possibility mentioned in conversation.
Meaning: don't let it be (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as an interjection.
Did you know?
- If someone accidentally predicts something bad, a listener might shout Chineke ekwela even before the speaker finishes their sentence to 'cancel' the thought mid-air.
- The term Chi in Chineke refers to a concept of a personal guardian spirit that is central to Igbo cosmology, suggesting that the phrase is not just about a distant god but a personal protector.
- Because Igbo is a tonal language, saying Chineke ekwela with the wrong pitch could change the entire meaning or make the phrase unrecognizable to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Chineke ekwela ka ihe ahụ mee.God forbid that that thing happens.
Example conversation
Nneka and Ifeanyi are discussing a potential car accident.
- NnekaKedu ihe ga-eme ma ọ bụrụ na ụgbọala ahụ dabala?What would happen if that car crashed?
- IfeanyiChineke ekwela, Ifeanyi agaghị ekwe ka ihe ahụ mee.God forbid, Ifeanyi will not let that happen.
- NnekaEziokwu, anyị ga-ekwesịrị ịkpachara anyị anya.True, we will need to be careful.
- IfeanyiOnye ọ bụla ga-enwe ncheme.Everyone will be cautious.
