Ndeewo
The English phrase "hi" can be translated into Igbo as Ndeewo.
Ndeewo is used as a friendly and informal greeting. If you wish to ask "What's up?" or "How are you?" in an informal context, you can also use Kedu.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Did you know?
- In many traditional settings, one might greet the 'land' or the 'ancestors' implicitly through the way they approach a household. A greeting is often the first step in a ritualized sequence of entering a new space.
- In Igbo culture, failing to greet others when entering a room or meeting on a path is considered a significant social taboo. A greeting like Ndeewo is seen as a necessary acknowledgment of the other person's humanity.
- The word Ndeewo can be used both as a greeting when arriving and as a polite way to acknowledge someone as you leave, acting as a multipurpose social lubricant.
Examples in context
- Ndewo! Kedu?Hi! How are you?
- Ndeewo, enyi m.Hi, my friend.
- Ndeewo, olee otú ị dị?Hi, how are you?
- Ndeewo, nwanne m.Hi, my sibling.
Example conversation
Emeka and Nneka meet at the market.
- EmekaNdeewo, Nneka!Hi, Nneka!
- NnekaNdeewo, Emeka. Kedu ka i mere?Hi, Emeka. How are you?
- EmekaỌ dị m mma, daalụ.I am fine, thank you.
- NnekaỌ dị m mma kwa.I am also fine.
