ọ dị mma
The English phrase "ok" is translated into Igbo as ọ dị mma.
ọ dị mma is a standard way to express that something is fine or acceptable. However, in casual spoken Igbo, many speakers simply use the English loanword 'ok' or 'okay'.
Meaning: acknowledgement or acceptance (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ọ dị mma literally translates to 'it is good'. It is composed of the pronoun ọ (it), the verb dị (to be/exist) and the adjective mma (good/beautiful).
Did you know?
- In Igbo, the word mma can describe both the moral 'goodness' of a person's character and the physical 'beauty' of an object.
- While ọ dị mma means 'ok', changing the tone of the word dị can transform the entire sentence into a completely different verb.
- The phrase ọ dị mma uses a specific 'to be' verb that only describes qualities or states, which is different from the verbs Igbo uses for identity or location.
Examples in context
- Ọ dị mma.It is okay.
- Ọ dị mma, m ga-abịa.Okay, I will come.
- Ọ dị mma, i meela.Okay, thank you.
Example conversation
Emeka and Ifunanya are agreeing on a meeting time.
- EmekaỊ nwere ike ịhụ m n'elekere itoolu?Can you see me at nine o'clock?
- IfunanyaỌ dị mma, Emeka. Aga m abịa.Ok, Emeka. I will come.
- EmekaAnyị ga-ezu n'ọkọkọ ụzọ.We will meet at the gate.
- IfunanyaỌ dị mma, m ghọtara.Ok, I understand.
