gịnị
The English word "what" is translated into Igbo as gịnị.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'What is your name?', you do not use the word 'what' as a direct object, but rather ask 'How are you called?'
- In many Igbo dialects, the way you pronounce the vowels in gịnị can change the entire meaning of a sentence, making subtle tone shifts vital.
- In certain Igbo social contexts, asking 'what' too directly can sometimes be perceived as being blunt or impolite if not accompanied by appropriate greetings.
Examples in context
- Gịnị?What?This example shows how to use gịnị to ask the question "What?"Tatoeba #8853382 by linguascroll, translation #36088 by brauliobezerra
- Gịnị bụ aha gị?What is your name?
- Gịnị ka ị na-eme?What are you doing?
Example conversation
Chidi and Ifunanya are talking in a quiet room.
- ChidiIfunanya, gịnị ka ị na-achọ?Ifunanya, what are you looking for?
- IfunanyaAchọrọ m akwụkwọ m.I want my book.
- ChidiGịnị bụ ihe ọzọ?What else is there?
- IfunanyaEbe m nọ, m chọrọ naanị akwụkwọ m.As for me, I only want my book.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
