nsogbu adịghị
The English phrase "no problem" is expressed in Igbo as nsogbu adịghị.
This phrase is used to indicate that no apology is necessary.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nsogbu (problem) and adịghị (is not/does not exist), literally translating to "problem there is not".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun nsogbu is the root for "problem" and can be used in other contexts, such as nsogbu dị to mean "there is a problem".
Did you know?
- While nsogbu adịghị is the literal translation, an Igbo speaker might instead say ọ dị mma ('it is good') to convey the same sentiment of acceptance.
- Because Igbo is a tonal language, the way you pitch the word nsogbu can change the weight of the statement, making a 'no problem' sound either genuinely dismissive or slightly sarcastic.
- The word nsogbu is used not only for a mistake but also to describe a physical ailment or a medical condition in certain dialects.
Example conversation
Ada apologizes to Obinna for being late to a meeting.
- ObinnaAda, kpọga m mgbaghara na m bịara late.Ada, please forgive me for coming late.
- AdaNsogbu adịghị, Obinna.No problem, Obinna.
- ObinnaDaalụ maka nghọta gị.Thank you for your understanding.
- AdaỌ dịghị mma, ka anyị gaa.It is fine, let us go.
