nwanne nna
The Igbo word for uncle is nwanne nna.
nwanne nna is used to refer to the brother or brother-in-law of a person's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term nwanne nna literally translates to 'sibling of the father'.
Which one should you use?
While nwanne nna refers specifically to a paternal uncle (the sibling of the father), the form nwanne nne is used to specify a maternal uncle, which is the sibling of the mother.
Did you know?
- In many Igbo contexts, an 'uncle' is not just a relative but often carries a level of authority and responsibility similar to a second father.
- While nwanne nna is the descriptive term, in actual conversation, Igbo speakers often use a shortened title or a specific honorific based on the uncle's seniority within the family.
- The word nna used in the phrase shares a deep linguistic history with similar words in related languages like Ekpeye and Ezaa.
Examples in context
- Nwanne nna m na-abịa.My uncle is coming.
- Nwanne nna m bụ onye ọganihu.My uncle is a successful man.
- E nwere nwanne nna m n'ime ụlọ.There is my uncle inside the house.
Example conversation
Chioma and Chidi are looking at a family photo.
- ChiomaOnye bụ nwanne nna gị n'foto a?Who is your uncle in this photo?
- ChidiNke a bụ nwanne nna m, Emeka.This one is my uncle, Emeka.
- ChiomaỌ dị mma nke ukwuu.He looks very good.
- ChidiEe, ọ bụ mmadụ na-enwe obi ọma.Yes, he is a kind person.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
