Chukwu
In Igbo, the English phrase God is translated as Chukwu.
Chukwu is the most common term used to refer to the Supreme Being in Igbo religious contexts.
Meaning: deity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Chukwu is a compound of Chi (deity/spirit) and ukwu (great/large).
Which one should you use?
While Chukwu refers to the supreme deity, Chi refers to a person's individual guiding spirit or a lesser deity.
Did you know?
- In many Igbo stories, a person's 'chi' can be negotiated with, meaning one can essentially argue for a better fate through ritual or character.
- Though ukwu means 'great' in Chukwu, it is a homonym for the Igbo word for 'foot'.
- In traditional Igbo cosmology, Chukwu is often viewed as distant, leading people to pray to smaller deities or ancestors to act as intermediaries.
Examples in context
- Chukwu nọ n'elu igwe.Chukwu is in the heavens.
- Nke a bụ ihe Chukwu mepụtara.This is something Chukwu created.
- Chukwu na-enye anyị ndụ.Chukwu gives us life.
Example conversation
Ifunanya and Chidi are talking about their faith.
- IfunanyaI kwenyere na Chukwu na-enyere anyi aka.I believe that God is helping us.
- ChidiEe, anyi ga-enwe nkasi obi.Yes, we will have hope.
- IfunanyaAnyi ga-ekpere Chukwu ekpere taa.We will pray to God today.
- ChidiO nwere nka m ga-eme nke ahụ.I have the time to do that.
