ezigbo nwaanyị
The English phrase "good woman" is translated into Igbo as ezigbo nwaanyị.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of two parts: ezi, which literally means "true" or "real" but functions as "good" or "virtuous" when describing people and nwaanyị, which means "woman".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ezi remains fixed and does not change its form to agree with the noun nwaanyị in terms of gender or number.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'goodness' in the word ezi is inseparable from the concept of 'truth', making a 'good person' and a 'truthful person' linguistically identical.
- The word nwaanyị is used not just for an adult female, but can be the basis for various social titles that denote a woman's status within a community.
- In many Igbo contexts, calling someone an ezi person is a higher compliment than simply saying they are 'kind', as it implies their character is fundamentally 'true' and 'authentic'.
Examples in context
- Ọ bụ ezigbo nwaanyị.She is a good woman.
- Nne m bụ ezigbo nwaanyị.My mother is a good woman.
Example conversation
Emeka is complimenting Nneka on her kind character.
- NnekaImeela maka ozi gị.Thank you for your message.
- EmekaNneka, ị bụ ezigbo nwaanyị.Nneka, you are a good woman.
- NnekaDaalụ maka okwu ndị ahụ.Thanks for those words.
- EmekaỌ bụ eziokwu.It is the truth.
