ebee ka ị nọ?
ebee ka ị nọ? is the Igbo way to say "where are you?"
This phrase is used to ask for someone's current physical location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ebee (where), ka (that/as), ị (you) and nọ (are/exist/stay). Literally, it translates to "where is it that you are?"
Which one should you use?
The verb nọ is used specifically for physical presence or location, as opposed to di which is used for state or identity.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask "where are you?" to more than one person, replace the singular pronoun ị with the plural unu to form ebee ka unu nọ?
Did you know?
- Igbo is a tonal language, so changing the pitch of the word nọ can change the entire meaning of the sentence, potentially turning a question into a statement.
- The plural form ebee ka unu nọ? is not just used for a group of people, but can also be used to show extreme respect to a single elder or person of high status.
- The verb nọ in ebee ka ị nọ? can also mean 'to stay' or 'to dwell', meaning the same phrase can be used to ask where someone lives permanently.
Examples in context
- Ebee ka ị nọ ugbu a?Where are you right now?
- Ebee ka ị nọ?Where are you?
- Nne, ebee ka ị nọ?Mother, where are you?
Example conversation
Ada is calling Ifeanyi on the phone to find him.
- AdaIfeanyi, ebee ka ị nọ?Ifeanyi, where are you?
- IfeanyiAnọ m n'ụlọ ọrụ.I am at the office.
- AdaKedu oge ị ga-abịa?What time will you come?
- IfeanyiM ga-abịa n'oge egpere sunlight.I will come in the evening.
