Question Words

1. Gịnị?

   What?

   Usage

   A one-word request for clarification when you did not catch something

2. Ebee?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a location. Point at a map or photo while you say it

3. Kedu mgbe?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks for a time or date — useful for departure times

4. Onye?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who someone is or who is in charge

5. Gịnị mere?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason. It can sound blunt, so soften it with a smile

6. Kedu ka esi eme ya?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks how to do something — ticket machines, for instance

7. Ole?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. Ego ole ka ọ bụ?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard price question. In markets ask them to show the number on a calculator

9. Kedu nke?

   Which one?

   Usage

   For choosing between options — use it while pointing

10. Gịnị bụ nke a?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product to ask what it is

11. Ebee ka ụlọ mposi dị?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions of any trip. Works in shops, stations and hotels

12. Kedu awa ọ bụ?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful when your phone is dead

13. Ị nwere ya?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    A short way to ask about stock or availability while pointing at something

14. Ị nwere ike?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — card payment, changing money and so on

15. A na-akwụ ụgwọ?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Checks for an extra fee — luggage storage, Wi-Fi and the like

16. Ọ bụ n'efu?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free of charge — water or refills, for example

17. Ọ dị mma?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Ọ dịghị mma?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Ị dị mma?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Ọ dị mma?" which asks permission

20. N'ezie?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Ebee ka ị si?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

22. Kedu aha gị?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. Afọ ole ka ị dị?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age can feel intrusive depending on the person. Best used once you know someone better

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