rozari nsọ
The English phrase "holy rosary" is translated into Igbo as rozari nsọ.
The phrase refers to the string of beads used within the Catholic Church to count prayers.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the loanword rozari (rosary) and the adjective nsọ (holy).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Igbo, the adjective nsọ follows the noun rozari which it modifies.
Did you know?
- The word rozari is a loanword that entered Igbo through Portuguese missionaries, rather than directly from English, reflecting the early influence of Portuguese Catholicism in West Africa.
- While nsọ means 'holy', it is also the root for the word meaning 'taboo'. To an Igbo speaker, something 'holy' carries the weight of being strictly 'forbidden' or 'off-limits' to the uninitiated.
- In Igbo-speaking Catholic environments, the phrase rozari nsọ is often used as a metonym for the entire practice of devotion, not just the physical object.
Examples in context
- E tinyere m rozari nsọ n'aka.They placed the holy rosary in my hand.
- Obi na-ejiri rozari nsọ na-ekpere Ike.Obi is praying to God using a holy rosary.
- I nwere ike ịzụta rozari nsọ n'ụlọ ụka.You can buy a holy rosary at the church.
Example conversation
Ada and Obinna are getting ready for church.
- AdaObinna, ị hụrụ rozari nsọ m?Obinna, did you see my holy rosary?
- ObinnaỌ dị n'elu tabulu ahụ.It is on that table.
- AdaImeela, Ada ga-achọta ya.Thank you, Ada will find it.
- ObinnaKa anyị gaa ụka ugbu a.Let us go to church now.
