kedu ka ị mere?
In Igbo, 'how are you?' is expressed as kedu ka ị mere?
The phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being. The most generic and commonly used version for 'How are you?' is simply Kedu?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kedu ka ị mere? literally translates to 'how are you doing?' Here, kedu means 'how', ka is a particle used for connection, ị means 'you' and mere is the past tense of 'to do'.
Which one should you use?
Kedu? is a shorter, more casual version of kedu ka ị mere? used in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mere is in the past tense, which is standard for this greeting in Igbo even when asking about a current state. To address more than one person, replace the singular pronoun ị (you) with the plural unu to say kedu ka unu mere?
When do people say it?
When someone asks kedu ka ị mere?, a common response is ọ dị mma, which literally means 'it is well'.
Did you know?
- Igbo is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say kedu can change the meaning of the word entirely.
- In many Igbo communities, it is common to greet an elder with a slight bow or a respectful gesture while saying kedu ka ị mere?
- In traditional Igbo culture, greetings are often exchanged in a series of call-and-response phrases rather than a single question and answer.
Examples in context
- Kedu ka ị mere?How are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- IfeanyiNneka, kedu ka ị mere?Nneka, how are you?
- NnekaỌ dị m mma, Ifeanyi.I am fine, Ifeanyi.
- IfeanyiObi ụtọla ị nụrụ ya.I am glad to hear that.
- NnekaImeela, ezigbo enyi m.Thank you, my good friend.
