enyi m
/éɲí m/word by word
The English phrase "my friend" is translated into Igbo as enyi m.
enyi m is used to refer to a person with whom you have a bond of mutual affection and trust.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun enyi (friend) followed by the possessive pronoun m (my).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Igbo, the possessive pronoun follows the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/éɲí m/
Did you know?
- The word enyi used for 'friend' is spelled the same as the word for 'elephant' in many dialects, which can lead to some humorous linguistic confusion.
- In many Igbo communities, calling someone enyi m can imply a much deeper, lifelong kinship than the casual 'my friend' used in English.
- Because Igbo is a tonal language, the meaning of enyi can change entirely depending on the pitch used when speaking.
Examples in context
- Nwanne m, kedu?My friend, how are you?
- Ọ bụ enyi m.He is my friend.
- Enyi m na-abịa.My friend is coming.
Example conversation
Ada introduces Ifeanyi to someone.
- AdaMeet Ifeanyi, ọ bụ enyi m.Meet Ifeanyi, he is my friend.
- IfeanyiUtutu ọma, Ada.Good morning, Ada.
- AdaIfeanyi bụ enyi m kacha nso.Ifeanyi is my closest friend.
- IfeanyiỌ bụ ọrụ dị mma.That is a good thing.
