Igbo Proverbs

English Meaning

1

Anwansị ka Mbe na-eme mgbe O na-akwado igaefe miri riri Enyi

It is a bravado of extreme proportion when a Tortoise is preparing to cross a rive that drowned an Elephant

2

Anaghị agba aka ahụ eze nwntakịrị

New Tooth development of each kid must be rewarded with monetary gifts by adults

3

A si nwata saa ahụ, ya sawaa afo ya.

When a small child is told to take a shower (bathe), he/she begins to body, his/her stomach (belly).

4

A tụọrọ ọmara, ọ mara, a tụọrọ ofeke,
o fenye isi n'ọhịa.

When a proverb is told to somebody wise, he understands and acts accordingly. But when told to a shallow mind(dumb), he reacts by running into the bush to hide.

5

Akwukwo juru n'ohia, ma a baa a choba okazi eji esi ofe.

There are many types of leaves in the bush, but people go in purposely to seek out useful and valuable okazi leaves for making soup.

6

A chụọ aja ma a hụghị udele, a mara n’ihe mere n’ala ndi Nmụọ

The absence of a Vulture in any sacrifice, signifies that something happened in the land of spirits.

7

A ma ka mmiri siri baa n'opi ugboghuru?

Who knows how water entered into the stalk of the pumpkin?

8

Agwọ emeghi ihie o jiri buru agwọ,
ụmụ aka achiri ya hie nku.

If a snake fails to show or use it’s dangerous venom, little kids will use it in to tie their firewood.

9

Bịa rie a bụghị (akpụtaghị_ bute nsogbu bịa

Invitation to a feast does not mean bring your problems

10

Bịa ngwangwa abụghị tufuo uche gi ma ina-aga

A call to hurry up to an invitation does not mean abandon your thought process

11

Biko bu olu okwu e ji eme udo

Please is a word towards peace

12

Beta beta bụ n’ahụ Nama

Everything has a limitation

13

Buru buru, abụghị buru n’isi gbaa ọtọ (akpọrị)

Hurrying to carry anything on the head does not mean don’t use a cushion on one’s head

14

Chi ewere ehihie jie

The unthinkable has happened

15

Egbe gbere Ugo bere, nke si ibe ya ebela nku kwaya

Live and let live; those who do not conform should receive severe mishap/punishment

16

Ebe onye bi ka Ọ na-awachi

Charity begins at home

17

Ewu atala m ịgị n'isi

I have been duped