Ka chi foo
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Igbo as Ka chi foo.
Ka chi foo is used as a farewell when parting ways at night or when going to sleep.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Igbo-Oka, Ka chi fo is used to say good night.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a subjunctive expression used to wish for the arrival of the next day.
Did you know?
- The phrase Ka chi foo literally prays for the day to break. In Igbo culture the word chi refers to both the dawn and a person's individual guardian spirit.
- Igbo is a tonal language where the pitch of a word changes its meaning. A slight change in the tone of chi could change the word from 'day' to 'god' or 'spirit'.
- In some dialects, the emphasis on the 'arrival' of the day implies that the speaker assumes the listener will survive the night to see it.
Examples in context
- Ka chi foo.Good night.
- Ka chi foo, nwa m.Good night, my child.
Example conversation
Ifunanya and Chidi are going to bed.
- IfunanyaChidi, ka chi foo.Chidi, good night.
- ChidiKa chi foo, Ifunanya.Good night, Ifunanya.
- IfunanyaKa anyi hụ n' echi.Let us see tomorrow.
- ChidiEe, ka anyi hụ n' echi.Yes, let us see tomorrow.
