nwunye
The English word wife is translated into Igbo as nwunye.
The word nwunye is used to refer to a female partner in a marriage. In a romantic context, you may also hear the term Nkem, which is a term of endearment meaning "My own" and can be used by either a husband or a wife to address their spouse.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
nwunye is a noun that does not change its form to indicate plurality.
Did you know?
- A husband may use the term Onye nwem to address his wife in a way that elevates her, suggesting she is the one who holds sway over his heart.
- In traditional Igbo marriage rites, the 'bride price' is not seen as buying a 'wife' but as a symbolic gesture to seal the union between two kinship groups.
- Depending on the dialect, words for 'wife' may literally translate to 'the one who has been brought home', highlighting the historical movement of the bride.
Examples in context
- Ọ bụ nwunye mShe is my wife
- nwunye mMy wife
- Nwunye ya dị mma.His wife is good.
- Ọ bụ nwunye m.She is my wife.
- A na-achọ nwunye ọma.One looks for a good wife.
Example conversation
Ada and Chidi are talking about a friend's wedding.
- AdaChidi, i hụrụ nwunye ya?Chidi, did you see his wife?
- ChidiEe, nwunye ya mara mma nke ukwuu.Yes, his wife is very beautiful.
- AdaHa abanwe nwere obi ụtọ.They both look happy.
- ChidiEziokwu, ha bụ ndị ezigbo mmadụ.True, they are good people.
