Ndo
The Igbo phrase for "I am sorry" is Ndo.
Ndo is used to apologize for a mistake or accident, but it is also the standard way to express sympathy or condolences when someone experiences a misfortune.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are apologizing to a group of people, you can add the plural pronoun unu after the word to say "I am sorry to you all" (Ndo unu).
Did you know?
- If you are apologizing for a mistake that affected an entire family or community, you might use Ndo alongside a request for 'peace' to signal that you wish to restore the communal harmony that was broken.
- While Ndo is the standard word for apology, in some Igbo communities, a sincere apology is accompanied by a slight bow or a lowering of the gaze to show respect to an elder.
- The word Ndo is closely linked to the concept of 'healing' or 'comfort', reflecting a worldview where apologizing is intended to soothe the emotional wound of the other person.
Examples in context
- Ndo, agaghị m eme ya ọzọ.I am sorry, I won't do it again.
- Biko, nye m ndo.Please, forgive me.
Example conversation
Nneka accidentally knocks over Ifeanyi's water.
- NnekaNdo, Ifeanyi, m tụpụrụ mmiri gị.I am sorry, Ifeanyi, I knocked over your water.
- IfeanyiỌ dịghị mmasị, ọ bụghị nsogbu.It is okay, it is not a problem.
- NnekaKa m nyere gị aka ịhọbe ya.Let me help you clean it up.
- IfeanyiỊ nwere obi ọma, Nneka.You are kind, Nneka.
