Basic Words

1. Ee

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic yes. Often enough on its own to keep a transaction moving

2. Mba

   No

   Usage

   The basic no. Pair it with a head shake to make refusal unmistakable

3. Biko

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request, including when you order by pointing at something

   Grammar Note

   Biko attaches to any request and works on its own as a polite "excuse me".

4. Daalụ

   Thank you

   Usage

   For anything you receive or any help you get. The single most-used word of a trip

   Grammar Note

   Daalụ covers both thanks and appreciation, and is also said to someone at work.

5. Biko gee m ntị

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger's or staff member's attention, or to squeeze past someone

6. Gbaghara m

   Sorry

   Usage

   An actual apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake, not for getting attention

7. Ọ dị mma

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both "no harm done" when someone apologises and a soft "no thanks" to an offer

8. Aghọtaghị m

   I don't understand

   Usage

   When you did not follow what was said. It usually prompts the other person to rephrase

9. Aghọtala m

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms the explanation landed. Clearer than just nodding

10. Emechaala m

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals a meal, payment or procedure is complete — also used to have plates cleared

11. Biko chere

    Please wait

    Usage

    To ask someone to hold on while you dig out luggage or paperwork

12. Chere nwa oge

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A lighter, shorter hold-on for a brief pause at a till or before a photo

13. Otu okenye

    One adult, please

    Usage

    For ticket desks and entrances where adult and child prices differ

14. Edobeghị m ebe

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Edobere m ebe

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it on arrival, then give your name to speed things up

16. Biko nyere m aka

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or an emergency. It is fine to say this loudly

17. Biko kwuo ọzọ

    Once more, please

    Usage

    When you missed what was said — handy for prices and room numbers

18. Biko kwuo nwayọọ

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem. Works well combined with "once more"

19. Ana m asụ ntakịrị

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Sets expectations early so the other person switches to simpler wording

20. Ị na-asụ Bekee?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when communication stalls. Usually works at hotels and airports

    Grammar Note

    Bekee is the Igbo word for English; English is an official language in Igboland, so this usually works.

21. Nke a

    This one

    Usage

    For choosing something within reach — the workhorse word at stalls and markets

22. Nke ahụ

    That one

    Usage

    For something further away. Igbo does not split "that" into near and far, so point as well

23. Ebe a

    Here

    Usage

    For showing where to stop or where to meet

24. Ebe ahụ

    There

    Usage

    For a place further off — use it together with a pointing finger

25. Mụ

    Me / I

    Usage

    The emphatic form of "I / me" — show it while pointing at yourself

26. Gị

    You

    Usage

    Point at the other person to mean "you" — handy for sorting out turns or shares

27. Ọzọ

    More / another one

    Usage

    Point at it to ask for a refill or one more

28. Ntakịrị

    Just a little

    Usage

    For asking for a smaller amount, of food or of anything else

29. Ọkara

    Half

    Usage

    Point at it to ask for half the amount

30. Ihe niile

    Everything / all of it

    Usage

    For taking the lot or ordering the whole thing

31. O zuola

    That's enough

    Usage

    Show it to stop someone serving or pouring more

32. Otu onye

    One person

    Usage

    For giving the head count at an eatery or on transport

33. Mmadụ abụọ

    Two people

    Usage

    For a head count — "mmadụ" is person, "abụọ" is two

34. Mmadụ atọ

    Three people

    Usage

    For a head count — "atọ" is three

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