gị
The English word "you" is translated into Igbo as gị.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Which one should you use?
Use ị for an informal singular address and unu when addressing more than one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group, use the plural form unu.
Did you know?
- Igbo speakers often avoid saying ị or gị directly when speaking to elders, preferring to use a title or a kinship term instead.
- The vowel in ị is a 'dotted' vowel, which signifies a specific phonetic sound distinct from the standard 'i'.
- In many Igbo dialects, the distinction between 'you' singular and 'you' plural is not just about numbers, but also about the social hierarchy and respect between speakers.
Examples in context
- Onye rịọrọ gị ohere?Who asked you for a chance?
Example conversation
Chioma and Obinna are greeting each other on the street.
- ChiomaKedu ka gị na ezinụlọ gị mere?How are you and your family?
- ObinnaAnyị anọ mma, Chioma.We are fine, Chioma.
- ChiomaObinna, a hụrụ m gị n'ike.Obinna, I see you are strong.
- ObinnaDaalụ maka okwu gị.Thank you for your words.
