ndewo
The English word 'hello' is translated into Igbo as ndewo.
ndewo is used as a versatile greeting to say hello. It is often used in formal contexts.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ndewo is a general greeting for hello, the word nnoo is a common alternative used specifically to say 'welcome' to someone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ndewo is a formal or respectful way to greet others and is commonly used in formal situations throughout the day.
Did you know?
- If you are greeting an elder, it is culturally common to use the plural form of words or specific honorifics to reflect the respect implied by ndewo.
- Because Igbo is a tonal language, the way you pronounce the syllables in ndewo can change the weight and social nuance of the greeting.
- Greeting elders in Igbo often involves a specific sequence where the younger person must initiate the greeting before the elder acknowledges them.
Examples in context
- Ndewo!Hello!This example shows how to use the form ndewo.Tatoeba #8853385 by linguascroll, translation #373330 by CK
- Ndewo, sir/ma. Kedu?Hello, sir/ma. How are you?
- Nnoo, nwoke oma/nwaanyị oma. Kedu?Hello, good man/good woman. How are you?
- Ndewo, uncle.Hello, uncle.
- Ndewo, chị nne.Hello, big sister.
Example conversation
Emeka sees Ada walking down the street.
- EmekaNdewo, Ada.Hello, Ada.
- AdaNdewo, Emeka.Hello, Emeka.
- EmekaKedu ka ị mere?How are you?
- AdaỌ dị mma.I am fine.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
