enwe
The English word "monkey" is translated into Igbo as enwe.
enwe is a noun used to refer to the primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Did you know?
- If you mispronounce the tones in enwe, you might accidentally tell someone 'I have' instead of talking about a monkey.
- In traditional tales, the enwe occupies a trickster role similar to the 'Anansi' spider found in other West African cultures.
- The term enwe is frequently used in Igbo proverbs to describe someone who is mischievous or overly cunning. Calling someone a 'monkey' in this context refers to their personality rather than their appearance.
Examples in context
- Enwe ahụ na-agba ọsọ.That monkey is running.
- Enwe na-eri ihe oriri.The monkey is eating food.
Example conversation
Ifeanyi and Nneka are visiting a local zoo.
- IfeanyiNneka, lee enwe ahụ!Nneka, look at that monkey!
- NnekaỌ na-eme ihe ọsọsọ.It is doing funny things.
- IfeanyiEnwe ahụ na-asọ asọ.That monkey is playing.
- NnekaỌ bụ ezigbo ihe isi ike.It is very clever.
