mee ngwa ngwa
The English phrase "hurry up" is translated into Igbo as mee ngwa ngwa.
Go faster (verb).
Meaning: go faster (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mee, which means "to do" or "to make" and ngwa ngwa, which means "quickly" or "fast".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverbial component ngwa ngwa is formed by reduplicating the word ngwa to indicate speed or urgency.
Did you know?
- The word ngwa can also refer to a specific group of people and their language in Southeastern Nigeria, making it a homonym with the word for 'fast'.
- In Igbo culture, telling someone to 'hurry' can sometimes be perceived as more impolite than in English, depending on the social hierarchy of the speakers.
- Depending on the tone used, ngwa ngwa can shift from a helpful reminder to a stern command, as Igbo is a tonal language where pitch changes the emotional intent.
Examples in context
- Mee ngwa ngwa, anyị na-aga!Hurry up, we are going!
- Mee ngwa ngwa ka anyị nwee ike ịga.Hurry up so that we can go.
- Ifeanyi, mee ngwa ngwa!Ifeanyi, hurry up!
- Ọ dị mkpa ka ị mee ngwa ngwa.It is important that you hurry up.
Example conversation
Ifeanyi is waiting for Ifunanya to get ready to leave.
- IfeanyiIfunanya, mee ngwa ngwa biko.Ifunanya, hurry up please.
- IfunanyaAnọ m na-eme ya ugbu a.I am doing it now.
- IfeanyiOge agụla, anyị ga-aga.Time is up, we must go.
- IfunanyaỌ dị mma, m abụla.Okay, I am ready.
