nna nna
The Igbo word for grandpa is nna nna.
nna nna is used to refer to a grandfather. In some Igbo families, the term Papa is also used as an informal way to address a grandfather.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term nna nna is a reduplication of the word nna, which means father, so it literally translates to father father.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my grandpa', you add the possessive pronoun m to the end of the phrase, resulting in nna nna m.
Did you know?
- The word nna descends from the Proto-Igboid root *V́-ǹ-dà, making it a cognate with words in the Ekpeye and Ezaa languages.
- Addressing a grandfather as Papa is a common influence from English and European languages, reflecting the historical impact of colonialism on Igbo family titles.
- While nna nna means grandfather, the word nna is also used in phrases to describe a 'father of the house' or a provider, regardless of biological relation.
Examples in context
- Nna nna m dị mma.My grandpa is good.
- Nna nna m na-abịa.My grandpa is coming.
Example conversation
Ifunanya and Ifeanyi are talking about family visiting for the holidays.
- IfunanyaIfeanyi, nna nna gị ga-abịa echi.Ifeanyi, your grandpa will come tomorrow.
- IfeanyiỌ bụ na m na-atụ anya ya.It is true that I am expecting him.
- IfunanyaỌ ga-enwe anụrị ịhụ gị.He will be happy to see you.
- IfeanyiNna nna m na-ahụ m n'anya nke ukwu.My grandpa loves me very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
