mara mma
The Igbo word for handsome is mara mma.
mara mma is used to describe someone as attractive.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers typically use different adjectives for men and women, such as 'handsome' or 'beautiful'. In contrast, mara mma is gender-neutral and can be used to describe both men and women.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Igbo, mara mma functions as a verbal phrase that acts as an adjective to describe someone as being handsome or beautiful.
Did you know?
- The term mara mma is closely related to the concept of mma, which can also mean 'gold' or 'precious metal' in certain contexts. This associates the idea of being handsome with being valuable or rare.
- Because mara mma is a verbal phrase, you can change the intensity of the compliment by adjusting the verb, rather than just adding an adverb like 'very'.
- The word mma used in the phrase is also a common name for various objects, such as a 'needle' or an 'instrument', depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Nwoke a mara mma nke ukwuu.This man is very handsome.
- Ọ bụ nwoke mara mma.He is a handsome man.
- Nwa nwoke mara mma ahụ bụ nwanne m.That handsome boy is my brother.
Example conversation
Ifunanya compliments Emeka on his new outfit.
- EmekaLee ya, anyị ga-aga izu ohi.Look at me, we are going to be surprised.
- IfunanyaEmeka, i mara mma nke ukwuu taa!Emeka, you are very handsome today!
- EmekaImela, Ifunanya. I nwe mmasị n'uwe m?Thank you, Ifunanya. Do you like my clothes?
- IfunanyaEe, ha mara mma nke ukwuu.Yes, they look very good.
