kedu ka ị mere?
How are you? in Igbo is kedu ka ị mere?
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as kedu (how), ka (as), ị (you) and mere (did).
Which one should you use?
While kedu ka ị mere? is the full way to ask the question, Kedu? is a shorter, more casual way to say "How are you?" or "How is it?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mere is the past tense form of me, which is why the phrase literally asks how you "did". To address more than one person, replace the singular pronoun ị (you) with the plural unu (you all) to say kedu ka unu mere?
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is Ọ dị mma, which means "It is well" or "It is good".
Did you know?
- Igbo is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say kedu can change the meaning of the word entirely if not pronounced correctly.
- The use of Ọ dị mma as a reply is culturally significant, as it can also be used to express resignation or acceptance of a difficult situation.
- In highly formal or traditional settings, asking kedu ka ị mere? might be preceded by a series of greetings to other family members present before addressing the individual.
Examples in context
- Kedu?How?
- Kedu ka ị mere?How are you?
- Nwanne m, kedu ka ị mere?My sibling, how are you?
Example conversation
Obinna and Chioma meet on the street.
- ObinnaChioma, kedu ka ị mere?Chioma, how are you?
- ChiomaỌ dị mma, Obinna.I am fine, Obinna.
- ObinnaỊ nọ n'udo?Are you at peace?
- ChiomaEe, anọ m n'udo.Yes, I am at peace.
