ike agwụla m
To say "I am tired" in Igbo, use ike agwụla m.
This phrase is used to express that you are experiencing a lack of physical or mental energy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "strength has finished me", where ike means strength, agwụla is the perfective form of "to finish" or "to exhaust" and m is the pronoun "me" or "I".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb agwụla is used in the perfective aspect, which indicates that the exhaustion is a completed action that has resulted in your current state of being tired.
Did you know?
- If someone says ike agwụla m during a conversation, it can serve as a polite cue to wrap up a meeting or a social visit.
- While ike means 'strength' in this context, it is also the word used to describe 'power' or 'authority' in political and spiritual discussions.
- The phrase ike agwụla m reflects a world view where tiredness is not a feeling you have but something that happens to you, as if strength is an external resource that has run out.
Examples in context
- Ike agwụla m n'ọrụ a.I am tired from this work.
- Maka na ike agwụla m, m ga-ehi ụra.Because I am tired, I will sleep.
Example conversation
Emeka and Nneka are cleaning the house together.
- EmekaNneka, ike agwụla m.Nneka, I am tired.
- NnekaIke agwụla gị rịọha?Are you tired already?
- EmekaEe, anyị agbaala ọsọ nke ukwu.Yes, we have rushed too much.
- NnekaGaa n'ime, kpachapụta ntara.Go inside and take a rest.
