Welcome to Lesson 23 of the Latinum Institute’s Modern Igbo Course. This lesson introduces the essential Igbo conjunction mana (but), used to express contrast between two ideas or clauses.
For the full course index, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
What does “but” mean in Igbo?
The Igbo word mana functions as the primary adversative conjunction, directly equivalent to English “but.” It connects two contrasting statements, introducing an exception, contradiction, or unexpected turn in meaning. Igbo also uses the shorter form ma for “but” in some contexts, though ma more commonly means “if/whether” or “and also.”
How mana will be used in this lesson:
Throughout the 30 examples in this lesson, you will see mana used to: -
Connect contrasting descriptions of people, places, and situations -
Introduce unexpected outcomes or exceptions -
Balance positive and negative statements -
Express concession and contradiction in everyday speech
Key Takeaways -
Mana is invariable—it does not change form regardless of subject, tense, or number -
It typically appears between two complete clauses or sentences -
The clause before mana states an expectation; the clause after provides the contrast -
Igbo is a tonal language; pay attention to tone marks (´ high, ` low, ¯ mid) on vowels -
Special Igbo vowels include ọ and ụ (with dots below), which are distinct phonemes
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Igbo uses the Latin alphabet with modifications known as the Önwu orthography. Key features include:
Special vowels: ọ (open-mid back rounded vowel, like “aw” in “law”) and ụ (close back unrounded vowel)
Tone marks: Igbo is tonal with three primary tones: -
High tone (´): higher pitch -
Low tone (`): lower pitch -
Mid tone (¯ or unmarked): intermediate pitch
Digraphs: ch, gb, gh, gw, kp, kw, nw, ny, sh represent single sounds
Syllabic nasals: m and n can carry tone as syllables (ḿ, ǹ)
Vowel harmony: Igbo words typically contain vowels from one of two groups: -
Group A (light): a, ị, ọ, ụ -
Group B (heavy): e, i, o, u
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Each example provides word-by-word glossing. Line (a) shows standard Igbo orthography with diacritics; line (b) shows simplified transcription for pronunciation guidance.
23.1a Ọ (ọ) he dị (dị) is mma (mma) good mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) he dịghị (dịghị) is-not ọgaranya (ọgaranya) wealthy
23.1b O (aw) he di (dee) is mma (m-mah) good mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) he dighi (dee-ghee) is-not ogaranya (aw-gah-rah-nyah) wealthy
23.2a Nri (nri) food ahụ (ahụ) that dị (dị) is ụtọ (ụtọ) sweet mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) it dị (dị) is ọkụ (ọkụ) hot
23.2b Nri (n-ree) food ahu (ah-hoo) that di (dee) is uto (oo-taw) sweet mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) it di (dee) is oku (aw-koo) hot
23.3a Ọ (ọ) she chọrọ (chọrọ) wanted ịbịa (ịbịa) to-come mana (mana) but mmiri (mmiri) rain zoro (zoro) fell
23.3b O (aw) she choro (chaw-raw) wanted ibia (ee-byah) to-come mana (mah-nah) but mmiri (m-mee-ree) rain zoro (zaw-raw) fell
23.4a M (m) I maara (maara) know ya (ya) him mana (mana) but anyị (anyị) we abụghị (abụghị) are-not enyi (enyi) friends
23.4b M (m) I maara (mah-ah-rah) know ya (yah) him mana (mah-nah) but anyi (ah-nyee) we abughi (ah-boo-ghee) are-not enyi (eh-nyee) friends
23.5a Ụlọ (ụlọ) house ya (ya) his bụ (bụ) is nnukwu (nnukwu) big mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) it dị (dị) is ochie (ochie) old
23.5b Ulo (oo-law) house ya (yah) his bu (boo) is nnukwu (n-noo-kwoo) big mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) it di (dee) is ochie (aw-chee-eh) old
23.6a Ha (ha) they biara (biara) came n’oge (n’oge) on-time mana (mana) but ụlọ (ụlọ) house nzukọ (nzukọ) meeting mechiri (mechiri) closed
23.6b Ha (hah) they biara (bee-ah-rah) came n’oge (naw-geh) on-time mana (mah-nah) but ulo (oo-law) house nzuko (n-zoo-kaw) meeting mechiri (meh-chee-ree) closed
23.7a Akwụkwọ (akwụkwọ) book a (a) this dị (dị) is mma (mma) good mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) it dị (dị) is oke (oke) great ego (ego) money
23.7b Akwukwo (ah-kwoo-kwaw) book a (ah) this di (dee) is mma (m-mah) good mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) it di (dee) is oke (aw-keh) great ego (eh-gaw) money
23.8a Nwoke (nwoke) man ahụ (ahụ) that bụ (bụ) is onye (onye) person nkuzi (nkuzi) teaching mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) he naghị (naghị) does-not aru (arụ) work n’ụlọ (n’ụlọ) in-house akwụkwọ (akwụkwọ) school
23.8b Nwoke (nwaw-keh) man ahu (ah-hoo) that bu (boo) is onye (aw-nyeh) person nkuzi (n-koo-zee) teaching mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) he naghi (nah-ghee) does-not aru (ah-roo) work n’ulo (noo-law) in-house akwukwo (ah-kwoo-kwaw) school
23.9a Ọ (ọ) she mara (mara) is mma (mma) beauty mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) she bụ (bụ) is onye (onye) person nganga (nganga) pride
23.9b O (aw) she mara (mah-rah) is mma (m-mah) beauty mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) she bu (boo) is onye (aw-nyeh) person nganga (n-gahn-gah) pride
23.10a Anyị (anyị) we chọrọ (chọrọ) wanted iri (iri) to-eat nri (nri) food mana (mana) but ụlọ (ụlọ) house oriri (oriri) food ahụ (ahụ) that mechiri (mechiri) closed
23.10b Anyi (ah-nyee) we choro (chaw-raw) wanted iri (ee-ree) to-eat nri (n-ree) food mana (mah-nah) but ulo (oo-law) house oriri (aw-ree-ree) food ahu (ah-hoo) that mechiri (meh-chee-ree) closed
23.11a Nna (nna) father ya (ya) his bụ (bụ) is ọgaranya (ọgaranya) wealthy-person mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) he anaghị (anaghị) does-not enye (enye) give ego (ego) money
23.11b Nna (n-nah) father ya (yah) his bu (boo) is ogaranya (aw-gah-rah-nyah) wealthy-person mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) he anaghi (ah-nah-ghee) does-not enye (eh-nyeh) give ego (eh-gaw) money
23.12a Ugbu (ugbu) now a (a) this bụ (bụ) is oge (oge) time ọrụ (ọrụ) work mana (mana) but ọ (ọ) he nọ (nọ) is n’ụra (n’ụra) in-sleep
23.12b Ugbu (oo-gboo) now a (ah) this bu (boo) is oge (aw-geh) time oru (aw-roo) work mana (mah-nah) but o (aw) he no (naw) is n’ura (noo-rah) in-sleep
23.13a Ụmụaka (ụmụaka) children na-agụ (na-agụ) are-reading akwụkwọ (akwụkwọ) book mana (mana) but ha (ha) they aghọtaghị (aghọtaghị) do-not-understand ihe (ihe) thing ha (ha) they na-agụ (na-agụ) are-reading
23.13b Umuaka (oo-moo-ah-kah) children na-agu (nah-ah-goo) are-reading akwukwo (ah-kwoo-kwaw) book mana (mah-nah) but ha (hah) they aghotaghi (ah-ghaw-tah-ghee) do-not-understand ihe (ee-heh) thing ha (hah) they na-agu (nah-ah-goo) are-reading
23.14a Obodo (obodo) town ahụ (ahụ) that dị (dị) is anya (anya) far mana (mana) but ụzọ (ụzọ) road ya (ya) its dị (dị) is mma (mma) good
23.14b Obodo (aw-baw-daw) town ahu (ah-hoo) that di (dee) is anya (ah-nyah) far mana (mah-nah) but uzo (oo-zaw) road ya (yah) its di (dee) is mma (m-mah) good
23.15a Ọ (ọ) he gwara (gwara) told m (m) me okwu (okwu) word niile (niile) all mana (mana) but m (m) I ekwetaghị (ekwetaghị) did-not-believe ya (ya) him
23.15b O (aw) he gwara (gwah-rah) told m (m) me okwu (aw-kwoo) word niile (nee-leh) all mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I ekwetagi (eh-kweh-tah-ghee) did-not-believe ya (yah) him
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23.1 Ọ dị mma mana ọ dịghị ọgaranya. O di mma mana o dighi ogaranya. “He is good but he is not wealthy.”
23.2 Nri ahụ dị ụtọ mana ọ dị ọkụ. Nri ahu di uto mana o di oku. “That food is delicious but it is hot.”
23.3 Ọ chọrọ ịbịa mana mmiri zoro. O choro ibia mana mmiri zoro. “She wanted to come but rain fell.”
23.4 M maara ya mana anyị abụghị enyi. M maara ya mana anyi abughi enyi. “I know him but we are not friends.”
23.5 Ụlọ ya bụ nnukwu mana ọ dị ochie. Ulo ya bu nnukwu mana o di ochie. “His house is big but it is old.”
23.6 Ha biara n’oge mana ụlọ nzukọ mechiri. Ha biara n’oge mana ulo nzuko mechiri. “They came on time but the meeting hall was closed.”
23.7 Akwụkwọ a dị mma mana ọ dị oke ego. Akwukwo a di mma mana o di oke ego. “This book is good but it costs a lot of money.”
23.8 Nwoke ahụ bụ onye nkuzi mana ọ naghị arụ n’ụlọ akwụkwọ. Nwoke ahu bu onye nkuzi mana o naghi aru n’ulo akwukwo. “That man is a teacher but he does not work at the school.”
23.9 Ọ mara mma mana ọ bụ onye nganga. O mara mma mana o bu onye nganga. “She is beautiful but she is a proud person.”
23.10 Anyị chọrọ iri nri mana ụlọ oriri ahụ mechiri. Anyi choro iri nri mana ulo oriri ahu mechiri. “We wanted to eat but that restaurant was closed.”
23.11 Nna ya bụ ọgaranya mana ọ anaghị enye ego. Nna ya bu ogaranya mana o anaghi enye ego. “His father is wealthy but he does not give money.”
23.12 Ugbu a bụ oge ọrụ mana ọ nọ n’ụra. Ugbu a bu oge oru mana o no n’ura. “Now is work time but he is sleeping.”
23.13 Ụmụaka na-agụ akwụkwọ mana ha aghọtaghị ihe ha na-agụ. Umuaka na-agu akwukwo mana ha aghotagi ihe ha na-agu. “The children are reading books but they do not understand what they are reading.”
23.14 Obodo ahụ dị anya mana ụzọ ya dị mma. Obodo ahu di anya mana uzo ya di mma. “That town is far but its road is good.”
23.15 Ọ gwara m okwu niile mana m ekwetaghị ya. O gwara m okwu niile mana m ekwetagi ya. “He told me everything but I did not believe him.”
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23.1 Ọ dị mma mana ọ dịghị ọgaranya. O di mma mana o dighi ogaranya.
23.2 Nri ahụ dị ụtọ mana ọ dị ọkụ. Nri ahu di uto mana o di oku.
23.3 Ọ chọrọ ịbịa mana mmiri zoro. O choro ibia mana mmiri zoro.
23.4 M maara ya mana anyị abụghị enyi. M maara ya mana anyi abughi enyi.
23.5 Ụlọ ya bụ nnukwu mana ọ dị ochie. Ulo ya bu nnukwu mana o di ochie.
23.6 Ha biara n’oge mana ụlọ nzukọ mechiri. Ha biara n’oge mana ulo nzuko mechiri.
23.7 Akwụkwọ a dị mma mana ọ dị oke ego. Akwukwo a di mma mana o di oke ego.
23.8 Nwoke ahụ bụ onye nkuzi mana ọ naghị arụ n’ụlọ akwụkwọ. Nwoke ahu bu onye nkuzi mana o naghi aru n’ulo akwukwo.
23.9 Ọ mara mma mana ọ bụ onye nganga. O mara mma mana o bu onye nganga.
23.10 Anyị chọrọ iri nri mana ụlọ oriri ahụ mechiri. Anyi choro iri nri mana ulo oriri ahu mechiri.
23.11 Nna ya bụ ọgaranya mana ọ anaghị enye ego. Nna ya bu ogaranya mana o anaghi enye ego.
23.12 Ugbu a bụ oge ọrụ mana ọ nọ n’ụra. Ugbu a bu oge oru mana o no n’ura.
23.13 Ụmụaka na-agụ akwụkwọ mana ha aghọtaghị ihe ha na-agụ. Umuaka na-agu akwukwo mana ha aghotagi ihe ha na-agu.
23.14 Obodo ahụ dị anya mana ụzọ ya dị mma. Obodo ahu di anya mana uzo ya di mma.
23.15 Ọ gwara m okwu niile mana m ekwetaghị ya. O gwara m okwu niile mana m ekwetagi ya.
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These are the grammar rules for mana (but):
1. Function and Position
Mana is an adversative coordinating conjunction that connects two contrasting clauses. It always appears between the two elements it joins:
[First clause] + mana + [Contrasting clause]
The first clause typically states an expectation, fact, or positive quality. The clause following mana presents a contrast, exception, or unexpected element.
2. Invariability
Unlike verbs in Igbo, mana never changes form. It remains mana regardless of: -
The subject (singular/plural, 1st/2nd/3rd person) -
The tense (past/present/future) -
The mood (statement/question)
3. Alternative Forms
The shorter form ma can also mean “but,” though it has multiple meanings: -
ma = “but” (shorter form of mana) -
ma = “if/whether” (conditional) -
ma = “and also/including”
Context determines the meaning. For clarity in expressing contrast, mana is preferred.
4. Related Conjunctions -
mana - but (adversative) -
kama - instead of, rather than -
ọ bụ ezie na - although, even though -
ma ọ bụ - or (alternative)
5. Sentence Structure with Mana
Igbo follows Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order. When mana connects clauses, each clause maintains its own SVO structure:
Ọ dị mma (He is good) + mana + ọ dịghị ọgaranya (he is not wealthy)
6. Negation Patterns
Contrast often involves negation. Common negative patterns include: -
dịghị - is not (negative of dị) -
abụghị - is not (negative copula) -
anaghị - does not habitually -
naghị - is not doing (negative progressive) -
aghọtaghị - does not understand
Common Mistakes -
Word order: English speakers may want to move mana to the beginning of a sentence. In Igbo, it connects clauses rather than starting them. -
Confusing ma with mana: Remember that ma has multiple meanings (if, whether, and also) while mana specifically means “but.” -
Tone awareness: While not marked in everyday writing, be aware that Igbo is tonal. The meaning of words changes with tone, though mana is typically pronounced with two low-mid syllables. -
Vowel harmony: When constructing sentences, remember that Igbo words typically use vowels from one harmonic group. Mana uses Group B vowels (a).
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Frequency and Usage
Mana is one of the most frequently used conjunctions in everyday Igbo speech and writing. It appears in: -
Casual conversation -
Formal discourse -
Traditional proverbs and sayings -
Modern literature and journalism -
Religious texts (especially Igbo Bible translations)
Register Considerations
Mana is neutral in register—equally appropriate in formal and informal contexts. There is no separate formal or colloquial form.
Dialectal Variations
While mana is standard across major Igbo dialects (Onitsha, Owerri, Enugu, Nsukka, etc.), pronunciation may vary slightly. The word is universally understood across the Igbo-speaking region.
Proverb Tradition
Igbo culture is rich in proverbs (ilu), and many use mana to express wisdom through contrast. As the Igbo say, proverbs are “the palm oil with which words are eaten.” The structure [positive observation] + mana + [cautionary contrast] is common in traditional wisdom.
Contemporary Usage
In modern Igbo media, journalism, and social media, mana functions exactly as “but” does in English, making it one of the most immediately transferable concepts for English-speaking learners.
Igbo Philosophy of Balance
The frequent use of mana reflects an Igbo worldview that acknowledges duality and balance. Many Igbo concepts come in complementary pairs, and mana serves to articulate the ever-present other side of any situation.
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The following proverb is widely attributed to traditional Igbo wisdom and appears in collections of Igbo sayings:
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
Eze (eze) king mbe (mbe) tortoise sị (sị) said na (na) that olu (olu) work ọha (ọha) community dị (dị) is mma (mma) good mana (mana) but oriri (oriri) eating ọha (ọha) community na-aka (na-aka) is-greater ahụ (ahụ) body
Eze (eh-zeh) king mbe (m-beh) tortoise si (see) said na (nah) that olu (aw-loo) work oha (aw-hah) community di (dee) is mma (m-mah) good mana (mah-nah) but oriri (aw-ree-ree) eating oha (aw-hah) community na-aka (nah-ah-kah) is-greater ahu (ah-hoo) body
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Eze mbe sị na olu ọha dị mma, mana oriri ọha na-aka ahụ. Eze mbe si na olu oha di mma, mana oriri oha na-aka ahu. “The tortoise king said that community work is good, but feeding the community is embarrassing (difficult).”
F-C: Original Igbo Only
Eze mbe sị na olu ọha dị mma, mana oriri ọha na-aka ahụ. Eze mbe si na olu oha di mma, mana oriri oha na-aka ahu.
F-D: Vocabulary and Grammar Notes -
Eze mbe - “King tortoise” or “the tortoise” (Mbe, the tortoise, is a trickster figure in Igbo folklore, known for his cunning and wisdom) -
sị na - “said that” (introduces reported speech) -
olu ọha - “community work” (collective labor) -
dị mma - “is good” (dị = is/exists, mma = good/beautiful) -
oriri ọha - “communal eating” or “feeding the community” -
na-aka ahụ - “exceeds the body” (idiomatic: is burdensome, embarrassing, or overwhelming)
This proverb beautifully illustrates the use of mana to present a contrast between two related concepts. The tortoise acknowledges the benefit of collective work while noting the burden of collective consumption—a wisdom about the cost of leadership and hospitality.
F-E: Literary Commentary
The tortoise (mbe) is the central trickster figure in Igbo oral tradition, comparable to Anansi the spider in Akan folklore or the fox in European tales. Tortoise proverbs often reveal uncomfortable truths about human nature through humor and irony.
This particular proverb is frequently cited in discussions about leadership, community obligations, and resource management. The mana construction perfectly captures the tortoise’s characteristic wisdom: acknowledging a truth while immediately undercutting it with a harder truth.
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The following dialogue takes place between Adaeze (a customer) and Chukwuemeka (a trader) at an Igbo market. The conversation demonstrates natural uses of mana in everyday negotiation and conversation.
Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
23.16a Adaeze: Kedu (kedu) how ọnụ (ọnụ) price ahịa (ahịa) market akwa (akwa) cloth a (a) this
23.16b Adaeze: Kedu (keh-doo) how onu (aw-noo) price ahia (ah-hee-ah) market akwa (ah-kwah) cloth a (ah) this
23.17a Chukwuemeka: Ọ (ọ) it dị (dị) is puku (puku) thousand ise (ise) five mana (mana) but m (m) I ga-enye (ga-enye) will-give gị (gị) you ego (ego) money mbelata (mbelata) reduction
23.17b Chukwuemeka: O (aw) it di (dee) is puku (poo-koo) thousand ise (ee-seh) five mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I ga-enye (gah-eh-nyeh) will-give gi (gee) you ego (eh-gaw) money mbelata (m-beh-lah-tah) reduction
23.18a Adaeze: Akwa (akwa) cloth ahụ (ahụ) that mara (mara) is mma (mma) beauty mana (mana) but ọnụ (ọnụ) price ya (ya) its dị (dị) is elu (elu) high
23.18b Adaeze: Akwa (ah-kwah) cloth ahu (ah-hoo) that mara (mah-rah) is mma (m-mah) beauty mana (mah-nah) but onu (aw-noo) price ya (yah) its di (dee) is elu (eh-loo) high
23.19a Chukwuemeka: Akwa (akwa) cloth a (a) this bụ (bụ) is nke (nke) one ọhụrụ (ọhụrụ) new mana (mana) but m (m) I ga-ere (ga-ere) will-sell gị (gị) you ya (ya) it puku (puku) thousand anọ (anọ) four
23.19b Chukwuemeka: Akwa (ah-kwah) cloth a (ah) this bu (boo) is nke (n-keh) one ohuru (aw-hoo-roo) new mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I ga-ere (gah-eh-reh) will-sell gi (gee) you ya (yah) it puku (poo-koo) thousand ano (ah-naw) four
23.20a Adaeze: Ọ (ọ) it dị (dị) is mma (mma) good mana (mana) but m (m) I nwere (nwere) have naanị (naanị) only puku (puku) thousand atọ (atọ) three
23.20b Adaeze: O (aw) it di (dee) is mma (m-mah) good mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I nwere (nweh-reh) have naani (nah-ah-nee) only puku (poo-koo) thousand ato (ah-taw) three
23.21a Chukwuemeka: M (m) I chọrọ (chọrọ) want inyere (inyere) to-help gị (gị) you mana (mana) but ahịa (ahịa) market taa (taa) today sịrị (sịrị) is ike (ike) hard
23.21b Chukwuemeka: M (m) I choro (chaw-raw) want inyere (ee-nyeh-reh) to-help gi (gee) you mana (mah-nah) but ahia (ah-hee-ah) market taa (tah-ah) today siri (see-ree) is ike (ee-keh) hard
23.22a Adaeze: M (m) I ghọtara (ghọtara) understand mana (mana) but biko (biko) please tụkwasị (tụkwasị) add obi (obi) heart ebere (ebere) mercy
23.22b Adaeze: M (m) I ghotara (ghaw-tah-rah) understand mana (mah-nah) but biko (bee-kaw) please tukwasi (too-kwah-see) add obi (aw-bee) heart ebere (eh-beh-reh) mercy
23.23a Chukwuemeka: Ị (ị) you bụ (bụ) are ezigbo (ezigbo) good onye (onye) person ahịa (ahịa) market mana (mana) but m (m) I ga-ere (ga-ere) will-sell gị (gị) you ya (ya) it puku (puku) thousand atọ (atọ) three na (na) and narị (narị) hundred ise (ise) five
23.23b Chukwuemeka: I (ee) you bu (boo) are ezigbo (eh-zee-gbaw) good onye (aw-nyeh) person ahia (ah-hee-ah) market mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I ga-ere (gah-eh-reh) will-sell gi (gee) you ya (yah) it puku (poo-koo) thousand ato (ah-taw) three na (nah) and nari (nah-ree) hundred ise (ee-seh) five
23.24a Adaeze: Daalụ (daalụ) thank-you mana (mana) but m (m) I nwere (nwere) have ajụjụ (ajụjụ) question ọzọ (ọzọ) another
23.24b Adaeze: Daalu (dah-ah-loo) thank-you mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I nwere (nweh-reh) have ajuju (ah-joo-joo) question ozo (aw-zaw) another
23.25a Chukwuemeka: Gịnị (gịnị) what ka (ka) is-it ọ (ọ) it bụ (bụ) is
23.25b Chukwuemeka: Gini (gee-nee) what ka (kah) is-it o (aw) it bu (boo) is
23.26a Adaeze: Akwa (akwa) cloth ndị (ndị) PL a (a) this si (si) from Aba (Aba) Aba mana (mana) but ha (ha) they dị (dị) are ka (ka) like nke (nke) one Lagos (Lagos) Lagos
23.26b Adaeze: Akwa (ah-kwah) cloth ndi (n-dee) PL a (ah) this si (see) from Aba (ah-bah) Aba mana (mah-nah) but ha (hah) they di (dee) are ka (kah) like nke (n-keh) one Lagos (leh-gaws) Lagos
23.27a Chukwuemeka: Ee (ee) yes ha (ha) they si (si) from Aba (Aba) Aba mana (mana) but ndị (ndị) PL Aba (Aba) Aba na-emepụta (na-emepụta) are-producing ezigbo (ezigbo) genuine akwa (akwa) cloth ugbu (ugbu) now a (a) this
23.27b Chukwuemeka: Ee (eh-eh) yes ha (hah) they si (see) from Aba (ah-bah) Aba mana (mah-nah) but ndi (n-dee) PL Aba (ah-bah) Aba na-emeputa (nah-eh-meh-poo-tah) are-producing ezigbo (eh-zee-gbaw) genuine akwa (ah-kwah) cloth ugbu (oo-gboo) now a (ah) this
23.28a Adaeze: M (m) I nụrụ (nụrụ) heard nke (nke) that ahụ (ahụ) that mana (mana) but m (m) I chọrọ (chọrọ) want ịhụ (ịhụ) to-see akwa (akwa) cloth ọzọ (ọzọ) other
23.28b Adaeze: M (m) I nuru (noo-roo) heard nke (n-keh) that ahu (ah-hoo) that mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I choro (chaw-raw) want ihu (ee-hoo) to-see akwa (ah-kwah) cloth ozo (aw-zaw) other
23.29a Chukwuemeka: Ọ (ọ) it dị (dị) is mma (mma) good mana (mana) but leekwa (leekwa) look-also nke (nke) one a (a) this tupu (tupu) before ị (ị) you pụọ (pụọ) leave
23.29b Chukwuemeka: O (aw) it di (dee) is mma (m-mah) good mana (mah-nah) but leekwa (leh-eh-kwah) look-also nke (n-keh) one a (ah) this tupu (too-poo) before i (ee) you puo (poo-aw) leave
23.30a Adaeze: Nke (nke) one ahụ (ahụ) that mara (mara) is mma (mma) beauty mana (mana) but m (m) I ga-alọta (ga-alọta) will-return echi (echi) tomorrow iṅụ (ịnụ) to-buy ya (ya) it
23.30b Adaeze: Nke (n-keh) one ahu (ah-hoo) that mara (mah-rah) is mma (m-mah) beauty mana (mah-nah) but m (m) I ga-alota (gah-ah-law-tah) will-return echi (eh-chee) tomorrow inu (ee-noo) to-buy ya (yah) it
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Part B: Natural Sentences
23.16 Adaeze: Kedu ọnụ ahịa akwa a? Kedu onu ahia akwa a? “Adaeze: What is the price of this cloth?”
23.17 Chukwuemeka: Ọ dị puku ise mana m ga-enye gị ego mbelata. O di puku ise mana m ga-enye gi ego mbelata. “Chukwuemeka: It is five thousand but I will give you a discount.”
23.18 Adaeze: Akwa ahụ mara mma mana ọnụ ya dị elu. Akwa ahu mara mma mana onu ya di elu. “Adaeze: That cloth is beautiful but its price is high.”
23.19 Chukwuemeka: Akwa a bụ nke ọhụrụ mana m ga-ere gị ya puku anọ. Akwa a bu nke ohuru mana m ga-ere gi ya puku ano. “Chukwuemeka: This cloth is new but I will sell it to you for four thousand.”
23.20 Adaeze: Ọ dị mma mana m nwere naanị puku atọ. O di mma mana m nwere naani puku ato. “Adaeze: That is fine but I only have three thousand.”
23.21 Chukwuemeka: M chọrọ inyere gị mana ahịa taa sịrị ike. M choro inyere gi mana ahia taa siri ike. “Chukwuemeka: I want to help you but the market today is difficult.”
23.22 Adaeze: M ghọtara mana biko tụkwasị obi ebere. M ghotara mana biko tukwasi obi ebere. “Adaeze: I understand but please have mercy.”
23.23 Chukwuemeka: Ị bụ ezigbo onye ahịa mana m ga-ere gị ya puku atọ na narị ise. I bu ezigbo onye ahia mana m ga-ere gi ya puku ato na nari ise. “Chukwuemeka: You are a good customer but I will sell it to you for three thousand five hundred.”
23.24 Adaeze: Daalụ mana m nwere ajụjụ ọzọ. Daalu mana m nwere ajuju ozo. “Adaeze: Thank you but I have another question.”
23.25 Chukwuemeka: Gịnị ka ọ bụ? Gini ka o bu? “Chukwuemeka: What is it?”
23.26 Adaeze: Akwa ndị a si Aba mana ha dị ka nke Lagos. Akwa ndi a si Aba mana ha di ka nke Lagos. “Adaeze: These clothes are from Aba but they look like those from Lagos.”
23.27 Chukwuemeka: Ee, ha si Aba mana ndị Aba na-emepụta ezigbo akwa ugbu a. Ee, ha si Aba mana ndi Aba na-emeputa ezigbo akwa ugbu a. “Chukwuemeka: Yes, they are from Aba but Aba people are producing quality cloth now.”
23.28 Adaeze: M nụrụ nke ahụ mana m chọrọ ịhụ akwa ọzọ. M nuru nke ahu mana m choro ihu akwa ozo. “Adaeze: I heard that but I want to see other cloths.”
23.29 Chukwuemeka: Ọ dị mma mana leekwa nke a tupu ị pụọ. O di mma mana leekwa nke a tupu i puo. “Chukwuemeka: That is fine but also look at this one before you leave.”
23.30 Adaeze: Nke ahụ mara mma mana m ga-alọta echi ịzụ ya. Nke ahu mara mma mana m ga-alota echi izu ya. “Adaeze: That one is beautiful but I will return tomorrow to buy it.”
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Part C: Igbo Text Only
23.16 Adaeze: Kedu ọnụ ahịa akwa a? Kedu onu ahia akwa a?
23.17 Chukwuemeka: Ọ dị puku ise mana m ga-enye gị ego mbelata. O di puku ise mana m ga-enye gi ego mbelata.
23.18 Adaeze: Akwa ahụ mara mma mana ọnụ ya dị elu. Akwa ahu mara mma mana onu ya di elu.
23.19 Chukwuemeka: Akwa a bụ nke ọhụrụ mana m ga-ere gị ya puku anọ. Akwa a bu nke ohuru mana m ga-ere gi ya puku ano.
23.20 Adaeze: Ọ dị mma mana m nwere naanị puku atọ. O di mma mana m nwere naani puku ato.
23.21 Chukwuemeka: M chọrọ inyere gị mana ahịa taa sịrị ike. M choro inyere gi mana ahia taa siri ike.
23.22 Adaeze: M ghọtara mana biko tụkwasị obi ebere. M ghotara mana biko tukwasi obi ebere.
23.23 Chukwuemeka: Ị bụ ezigbo onye ahịa mana m ga-ere gị ya puku atọ na narị ise. I bu ezigbo onye ahia mana m ga-ere gi ya puku ato na nari ise.
23.24 Adaeze: Daalụ mana m nwere ajụjụ ọzọ. Daalu mana m nwere ajuju ozo.
23.25 Chukwuemeka: Gịnị ka ọ bụ? Gini ka o bu?
23.26 Adaeze: Akwa ndị a si Aba mana ha dị ka nke Lagos. Akwa ndi a si Aba mana ha di ka nke Lagos.
23.27 Chukwuemeka: Ee, ha si Aba mana ndị Aba na-emepụta ezigbo akwa ugbu a. Ee, ha si Aba mana ndi Aba na-emeputa ezigbo akwa ugbu a.
23.28 Adaeze: M nụrụ nke ahụ mana m chọrọ ịhụ akwa ọzọ. M nuru nke ahu mana m choro ihu akwa ozo.
23.29 Chukwuemeka: Ọ dị mma mana leekwa nke a tupu ị pụọ. O di mma mana leekwa nke a tupu i puo.
23.30 Adaeze: Nke ahụ mara mma mana m ga-alọta echi ịzụ ya. Nke ahu mara mma mana m ga-alota echi izu ya.
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Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
Market Language Features
This dialogue showcases several important Igbo structures beyond mana:
1. Price Negotiation Vocabulary -
ọnụ ahịa - price (literally “mouth of market”) -
ego mbelata - discount (reduction money) -
ọnụ ya dị elu - its price is high -
puku - thousand (borrowed from English) -
narị - hundred
2. Future Tense with ga- The prefix ga- indicates future action: -
m ga-enye - I will give -
m ga-ere - I will sell -
m ga-alọta - I will return
3. Progressive Aspect with na- The prefix na- indicates ongoing action: -
na-emepụta - are producing
4. Numbers Used -
atọ - three -
anọ - four -
ise - five
5. Polite Expressions -
biko - please -
daalụ - thank you -
tụkwasị obi ebere - have mercy (literally: add heart of mercy)
6. Use of Mana in Negotiation
Notice how mana functions rhetorically in market negotiation: -
Acknowledging value while stating limitation: “Ọ dị mma mana m nwere naanị...” (It’s good but I only have...) -
Showing willingness while explaining constraints: “M chọrọ inyere gị mana...” (I want to help you but...) -
Complimenting while maintaining position: “Ị bụ ezigbo onye ahịa mana...” (You’re a good customer but...)
This use of mana softens positions and maintains politeness during price negotiation—a crucial social skill in Igbo market culture.
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Key Sounds for This Lesson
Mana /mà.nà/ -
Both syllables have low-mid tone -
m - like English “m” -
a - like “a” in “father” -
n - like English “n”
Special Igbo Vowels
ọ /ɔ/ - Open-mid back rounded vowel, similar to “aw” in “law” but shorter. Found in: ọnụ, ọgaranya, ọhụrụ
ụ /ʊ/ - Close back unrounded vowel, between “u” and “oo”. Found in: ụlọ, ụmụaka, ịzụ
ị /ɪ/ - Close front unrounded vowel, like “i” in “bit”. Found in: dịghị, abụghị, gị
Tone Examples from This Lesson
High tone (´): -
ákwụ́kwọ́ (book) - notice the high tones -
ọ́nụ́ (price/mouth)
Low tone (`): -
m̀ (I) -
yà (him/her/it)
Consonant Digraphs
gh /ɣ/ - Voiced velar fricative, like gargling. Found in: dịghị, naghị
kw /kʷ/ - Labialized velar, “k” + “w” together. Found in: akwụkwọ, okwu
nw /nʷ/ - Labialized nasal. Found in: nwoke, nwere
gb /g͡b/ - Implosive, both “g” and “b” pronounced together. Found in: ugbu, ezigbo
Audio Resources
For authentic pronunciation, consult: -
Igbotique.com (text-to-speech tool for Igbo) -
Forvo.com (native speaker pronunciations) -
YouTube channels teaching Igbo pronunciation
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The Latinum Institute has been creating language learning materials since 2006, serving autodidact learners worldwide. Our approach combines: -
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See exact correspondence between target language and English -
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Lesson 23 Complete
✓ Lesson 23 Igbo (mana - but) complete
Vocabulary Summary
Core word: mana (but) - adversative conjunction expressing contrast
Related forms: ma (but/if/whether - shorter, multipurpose)
Key structures learned: -
[Positive clause] + mana + [Contrasting clause] -
Using mana in negotiation and polite disagreement -
Combining mana with negation patterns
Next Lesson Preview
Lesson 24 will introduce another essential element of Igbo grammar, continuing to build your foundation in this rich Niger-Congo language.
Ndewo! (Goodbye!)
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