ka chi fo
ka chi fo is the Igbo way to say goodnight.
The phrase is used as a parting wish before sleep, implying a wish for the person to see the next day's dawn.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'let the day break' or 'let the day dawn'.
Did you know?
- The word chi in ka chi fo refers to both the 'day' and a person's individual 'personal spirit' or 'guardian angel'. Wishing someone a goodnight is therefore a wish for their personal destiny to remain favorable until morning.
- Saying ka chi fo essentially treats the arrival of the morning as a celebration of survival through the night.
- Because Igbo is a tonal language, the specific pitch used when saying ka chi fo can alter the perceived meaning of the words.
Examples in context
- Ka chi fo, nwa m.Goodnight, my child.
Example conversation
Ada and Chidi are saying goodbye at the end of the day.
- AdaI meela, ka chi fo.Thank you, goodnight.
- ChidiKa chi fo, Ada.Goodnight, Ada.
- AdaKa chi fo.Goodnight.
