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Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
FAQ: What does “if” mean in Igbo?
The English conditional conjunction “if” is expressed in Igbo through two primary constructions: the elaborate phrase ọ bụrụ na (literally “if it is that”) and the simpler conjunction ma. Both introduce conditional clauses that establish circumstances under which the main clause’s action or state applies.
Ọ bụrụ na is the most formal and explicit conditional marker, composed of three elements: ọ (the third-person pronoun “it/he/she”), bụrụ (the conditional form of the copula “bụ” meaning “to be”), and na (the complementizer “that”). This construction emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the condition and is frequently used in proverbs, formal speech, and written Igbo.
Ma functions as a simpler, more conversational conditional marker, similar to how English speakers might use “if” in casual speech. It can also mean “whether” in interrogative contexts and serves as a coordinator meaning “and/or” in other grammatical environments.
This lesson explores how these conditional markers shape Igbo sentences, demonstrating their use across various contexts from everyday conversation to traditional proverbs and wisdom literature.
Understanding Igbo conditionals requires recognizing that ọ bụrụ na is a composite expression functioning as a single grammatical unit. The conditional clause introduced by either marker typically precedes the main clause, establishing the circumstance before presenting its consequence. Igbo’s tonal nature means that proper pronunciation affects meaning, and learners should pay attention to the tonal patterns of these frequently-used expressions.
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Igbo uses a modified Latin alphabet with 36 letters, including several digraphs (ch, gb, gh, gw, kp, kw, nw, ny, sh) and three vowels marked with subdots: ị [ɪ], ọ [ɔ], and ụ [ʊ]. The language also employs the nasal consonant ṅ [ŋ].
Igbo is a tonal language with three tones: -
High tone (marked with ´): pronounced at a higher pitch -
Low tone (marked with `): pronounced at a lower pitch -
Mid tone (often unmarked): pronounced at a neutral pitch
Vowel harmony divides Igbo vowels into two sets that rarely mix within native words: -
+ATR (Advanced Tongue Root): i, e, u, o -
-ATR (Retracted Tongue Root): ị, a, ụ, ọ
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44.1a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ị you bịa come m I ga-enyere FUT-help gị you
44.1b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ị (ɪ̀) you bịa (bɪ́à) come m (m̀) I ga-enyere (gà-èɲèré) FUT-help gị (gɪ́) you
44.2a Ma if ọ it dị is mma good anyị we ga-aga FUT-go
44.2b Ma (mà) if ọ (ɔ́) it dị (dɪ̀) is mma (m̀má) good anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-aga (gà-àgá) FUT-go
44.3a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that mmiri rain ezoo fall-NEG osikapa rice a DEM ga-anwụ FUT-die
44.3b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that mmiri (m̀mírí) rain ezoo (èzòò) fall-NEG osikapa (òsíkàpà) rice a (à) DEM ga-anwụ (gà-ánwʊ̀) FUT-die
44.4a Ma if i you nwere have ego money zụta buy nri food
44.4b Ma (mà) if i (í) you nwere (nwèré) have ego (égò) money zụta (zʊ̀tá) buy nri (nrí) food
44.5a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ị you gbara run okenye elder ọsọ race maka because-of ajọ bad ume breath ị you gaghị FUT-NEG enweta get amamihe wisdom
44.5b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ị (ɪ̀) you gbara (gbàrà) run okenye (òkéɲè) elder ọsọ (ɔ̀sɔ́) race maka (màká) because-of ajọ (àjɔ́) bad ume (ùmé) breath ị (ɪ̀) you gaghị (gàghɪ́) FUT-NEG enweta (ènwétà) get amamihe (àmàmíhè) wisdom
44.6a Ma if chi god/destiny gị your dị is mma good ihe thing niile all ga-adị FUT-be mma good
44.6b Ma (mà) if chi (chí) god/destiny gị (gɪ́) your dị (dɪ̀) is mma (m̀má) good ihe (íhé) thing niile (nííléè) all ga-adị (gà-àdɪ́) FUT-be mma (m̀má) good
44.7a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that anyị we jikọta unite aka hand anyị we ga-emeri FUT-conquer nsogbu problem a DEM
44.7b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that anyị (àɲɪ́) we jikọta (jìkɔ̀tá) unite aka (àká) hand anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-emeri (gà-èmérí) FUT-conquer nsogbu (nsɔ̀gbú) problem a (à) DEM
44.8a Ma if onye person ahụ that abịaghị come-NEG anyị we ga-amalite FUT-start n’enweghị without ya him/her
44.8b Ma (mà) if onye (óɲé) person ahụ (àhʊ́) that abịaghị (àbɪ̀àghɪ́) come-NEG anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-amalite (gà-àmálítè) FUT-start n’enweghị (n’ènwèghɪ́) without ya (yá) him/her
44.9a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ụmụaka children amụtaghị learn-NEG asụsụ language Igbo Igbo ọ it ga-anwụ FUT-die
44.9b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ụmụaka (ʊ̀mʊ̀àká) children amụtaghị (àmʊ̀tàghɪ́) learn-NEG asụsụ (àsʊ́sʊ́) language Igbo (Ìgbò) Igbo ọ (ɔ́) it ga-anwụ (gà-ánwʊ̀) FUT-die
44.10a Ma if ị you chọrọ want ịbụ to-be ọgaranya wealthy-person gbaa make mbọ effort
44.10b Ma (mà) if ị (ɪ̀) you chọrọ (chɔ̀rɔ́) want ịbụ (ɪ̀bʊ́) to-be ọgaranya (ɔ̀gàráɲà) wealthy-person gbaa (gbàá) make mbọ (m̀bɔ́) effort
44.11a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that nne mother m my hụrụ saw m me ọ she ga-aṅụrị FUT-be-happy ọṅụ joy
44.11b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that nne (nnè) mother m (m̀) my hụrụ (hʊ̀rʊ́) saw m (m̀) me ọ (ɔ́) she ga-aṅụrị (gà-àŋʊ̀rɪ́) FUT-be-happy ọṅụ (ɔ̀ŋʊ́) joy
44.12a Ma if ị you maara know ihe thing i you mere did ị you gaghị FUT-NEG eme do ya it ọzọ again
44.12b Ma (mà) if ị (ɪ̀) you maara (màárà) know ihe (íhé) thing i (í) you mere (mèré) did ị (ɪ̀) you gaghị (gàghɪ́) FUT-NEG eme (èmé) do ya (yá) it ọzọ (ɔ̀zɔ́) again
44.13a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that agwọ snake emeghi do-NEG ihe thing o it ji hold bụrụ be agwọ snake ụmụaka children ewere take ya it kee tie nkụ firewood
44.13b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that agwọ (àgwɔ́) snake emeghi (èmèghí) do-NEG ihe (íhé) thing o (ó) it ji (jí) hold bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be agwọ (àgwɔ́) snake ụmụaka (ʊ̀mʊ̀àká) children ewere (èwèré) take ya (yá) it kee (kéé) tie nkụ (nkʊ́) firewood
44.14a Ma if ezigbo good mmadụ person nọ is n’ụlọ in-house nsogbu problem adịghị be-NEG
44.14b Ma (mà) if ezigbo (èzígbò) good mmadụ (m̀màdʊ́) person nọ (nɔ̀) is n’ụlọ (n’ʊ́lɔ̀) in-house nsogbu (nsɔ̀gbú) problem adịghị (àdɪ̀ghɪ́) be-NEG
44.15a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ọkụ fire adighi be-NEG anwụrụ smoke ọkụ fire apụghị emerge-NEG ịpụta to-come-out
44.15b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ọkụ (ɔ̀kʊ́) fire adịghị (àdɪ̀ghɪ́) be-NEG anwụrụ (ànwʊ́rʊ́) smoke ọkụ (ɔ̀kʊ́) fire apụghị (àpʊ̀ghɪ́) emerge-NEG ịpụta (ɪ̀pʊ́tà) to-come-out
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44.1 Ọ bụrụ na ị bịa, m ga-enyere gị. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɪ̀ bɪ́à, m̀ gà-èɲèré gɪ́.) “If you come, I will help you.”
44.2 Ma ọ dị mma, anyị ga-aga. (Mà ɔ́ dɪ̀ m̀má, àɲɪ́ gà-àgá.) “If it is good, we will go.”
44.3 Ọ bụrụ na mmiri ezoo, osikapa a ga-anwụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà m̀mírí èzòò, òsíkàpà à gà-ánwʊ̀.) “If rain does not fall, this rice will die.”
44.4 Ma i nwere ego, zụta nri. (Mà í nwèré égò, zʊ̀tá nrí.) “If you have money, buy food.”
44.5 Ọ bụrụ na ị gbara okenye ọsọ maka ajọ ume, ị gaghị enweta amamihe. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɪ̀ gbàrà òkéɲè ɔ̀sɔ́ màká àjɔ́ ùmé, ɪ̀ gàghɪ́ ènwétà àmàmíhè.) “If you stay away from elders because of bad breath, you will not learn wisdom.”
44.6 Ma chi gị dị mma, ihe niile ga-adị mma. (Mà chí gɪ́ dɪ̀ m̀má, íhé nííléè gà-àdɪ́ m̀má.) “If your destiny is good, all things will be good.”
44.7 Ọ bụrụ na anyị jikọta aka, anyị ga-emeri nsogbu a. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà àɲɪ́ jìkɔ̀tá àká, àɲɪ́ gà-èmérí nsɔ̀gbú à.) “If we unite, we will overcome this problem.”
44.8 Ma onye ahụ abịaghị, anyị ga-amalite n’enweghị ya. (Mà óɲé àhʊ́ àbɪ̀àghɪ́, àɲɪ́ gà-àmálítè n’ènwèghɪ́ yá.) “If that person does not come, we will start without him.”
44.9 Ọ bụrụ na ụmụaka amụtaghị asụsụ Igbo, ọ ga-anwụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ʊ̀mʊ̀àká àmʊ̀tàghɪ́ àsʊ́sʊ́ Ìgbò, ɔ́ gà-ánwʊ̀.) “If children do not learn the Igbo language, it will die.”
44.10 Ma ị chọrọ ịbụ ọgaranya, gbaa mbọ. (Mà ɪ̀ chɔ̀rɔ́ ɪ̀bʊ́ ɔ̀gàráɲà, gbàá m̀bɔ́.) “If you want to be wealthy, make effort.”
44.11 Ọ bụrụ na nne m hụrụ m, ọ ga-aṅụrị ọṅụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nnè m̀ hʊ̀rʊ́ m̀, ɔ́ gà-àŋʊ̀rɪ́ ɔ̀ŋʊ́.) “If my mother sees me, she will rejoice.”
44.12 Ma ị maara ihe i mere, ị gaghị eme ya ọzọ. (Mà ɪ̀ màárà íhé í mèré, ɪ̀ gàghɪ́ èmé yá ɔ̀zɔ́.) “If you knew what you did, you would not do it again.”
44.13 Ọ bụrụ na agwọ emeghi ihe o ji bụrụ agwọ, ụmụaka ewere ya kee nkụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà àgwɔ́ èmèghí íhé ó jí bʊ́rʊ́ àgwɔ́, ʊ̀mʊ̀àká èwèré yá kéé nkʊ́.) “If a snake fails to act like a snake, children will use it to tie firewood.”
44.14 Ma ezigbo mmadụ nọ n’ụlọ, nsogbu adịghị. (Mà èzígbò m̀màdʊ́ nɔ̀ n’ʊ́lɔ̀, nsɔ̀gbú àdɪ̀ghɪ́.) “If a good person is in the house, there is no problem.”
44.15 Ọ bụrụ na ọkụ adịghị, anwụrụ ọkụ apụghị ịpụta. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɔ̀kʊ́ àdɪ̀ghɪ́, ànwʊ́rʊ́ ɔ̀kʊ́ àpʊ̀ghɪ́ ɪ̀pʊ́tà.) “If there is no fire, smoke cannot emerge.”
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44.1 Ọ bụrụ na ị bịa, m ga-enyere gị. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɪ̀ bɪ́à, m̀ gà-èɲèré gɪ́.)
44.2 Ma ọ dị mma, anyị ga-aga. (Mà ɔ́ dɪ̀ m̀má, àɲɪ́ gà-àgá.)
44.3 Ọ bụrụ na mmiri ezoo, osikapa a ga-anwụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà m̀mírí èzòò, òsíkàpà à gà-ánwʊ̀.)
44.4 Ma i nwere ego, zụta nri. (Mà í nwèré égò, zʊ̀tá nrí.)
44.5 Ọ bụrụ na ị gbara okenye ọsọ maka ajọ ume, ị gaghị enweta amamihe. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɪ̀ gbàrà òkéɲè ɔ̀sɔ́ màká àjɔ́ ùmé, ɪ̀ gàghɪ́ ènwétà àmàmíhè.)
44.6 Ma chi gị dị mma, ihe niile ga-adị mma. (Mà chí gɪ́ dɪ̀ m̀má, íhé nííléè gà-àdɪ́ m̀má.)
44.7 Ọ bụrụ na anyị jikọta aka, anyị ga-emeri nsogbu a. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà àɲɪ́ jìkɔ̀tá àká, àɲɪ́ gà-èmérí nsɔ̀gbú à.)
44.8 Ma onye ahụ abịaghị, anyị ga-amalite n’enweghị ya. (Mà óɲé àhʊ́ àbɪ̀àghɪ́, àɲɪ́ gà-àmálítè n’ènwèghɪ́ yá.)
44.9 Ọ bụrụ na ụmụaka amụtaghị asụsụ Igbo, ọ ga-anwụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ʊ̀mʊ̀àká àmʊ̀tàghɪ́ àsʊ́sʊ́ Ìgbò, ɔ́ gà-ánwʊ̀.)
44.10 Ma ị chọrọ ịbụ ọgaranya, gbaa mbọ. (Mà ɪ̀ chɔ̀rɔ́ ɪ̀bʊ́ ɔ̀gàráɲà, gbàá m̀bɔ́.)
44.11 Ọ bụrụ na nne m hụrụ m, ọ ga-aṅụrị ọṅụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nnè m̀ hʊ̀rʊ́ m̀, ɔ́ gà-àŋʊ̀rɪ́ ɔ̀ŋʊ́.)
44.12 Ma ị maara ihe i mere, ị gaghị eme ya ọzọ. (Mà ɪ̀ màárà íhé í mèré, ɪ̀ gàghɪ́ èmé yá ɔ̀zɔ́.)
44.13 Ọ bụrụ na agwọ emeghi ihe o ji bụrụ agwọ, ụmụaka ewere ya kee nkụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà àgwɔ́ èmèghí íhé ó jí bʊ́rʊ́ àgwɔ́, ʊ̀mʊ̀àká èwèré yá kéé nkʊ́.)
44.14 Ma ezigbo mmadụ nọ n’ụlọ, nsogbu adịghị. (Mà èzígbò m̀màdʊ́ nɔ̀ n’ʊ́lɔ̀, nsɔ̀gbú àdɪ̀ghɪ́.)
44.15 Ọ bụrụ na ọkụ adịghị, anwụrụ ọkụ apụghị ịpụta. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɔ̀kʊ́ àdɪ̀ghɪ́, ànwʊ́rʊ́ ɔ̀kʊ́ àpʊ̀ghɪ́ ɪ̀pʊ́tà.)
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The Two Conditional Markers
Igbo employs two primary constructions to express conditionality:
1. Ọ bụrụ na (formal/emphatic “if”)
This elaborate construction breaks down as follows: -
Ọ — third-person singular pronoun (”it/he/she”), functioning here as an expletive subject -
Bụrụ — conditional form of the copula bụ (”to be”), expressing hypotheticality -
Na — complementizer (”that”), introducing the subordinate clause
The literal meaning is “if it be that...” or “should it be that...” This construction emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the condition and appears frequently in proverbs, formal discourse, and written Igbo.
2. Ma (conversational “if”)
The conjunction ma serves multiple functions in Igbo: -
As a conditional marker meaning “if” -
As a coordinator meaning “and” or “or” -
In questions meaning “whether”
Context determines which meaning applies. When introducing a conditional clause, ma provides a simpler, more conversational alternative to ọ bụrụ na.
Clause Order
In conditional sentences, the if-clause (protasis) typically precedes the main clause (apodosis):
Conditional Clause → Main Clause (Ọ bụrụ na ị bịa) → (m ga-enyere gị) “If you come” → “I will help you”
Tense and Aspect in Conditional Sentences
The main clause of an Igbo conditional often uses the future marker ga- (prefixed to the verb), indicating what will happen if the condition is met. The conditional clause itself can feature various tenses: -
Present: ọ bụrụ na ọ dị mma (”if it is good”) -
Past: ọ bụrụ na ị maara (”if you knew”) -
Negative: ọ bụrụ na o meghị (”if he/she does not do”)
Negative Conditionals
To negate the conditional clause, the verb takes the negative suffix -ghị/-ghi: -
ọ bụrụ na ị bịaghị (”if you do not come”) -
ma mmiri ezoo (”if rain does not fall”)
To negate the main clause, use gaghị (future negative) or other negative constructions: -
ị gaghị enweta amamihe (”you will not obtain wisdom”)
Related Conditional Expressions
Igbo has additional conditional markers for specific meanings: -
Ọbụrụgodu na — “even if” -
Belụsọ / E wezụga — “except if” / “unless” -
Ma ọ bụ — “or if” (in questions)
Mistake 1: Using na alone as “if” The complementizer na means “that” and cannot stand alone as a conditional marker. Always use the full ọ bụrụ na construction or ma.
Mistake 2: Omitting the complementizer na after ọ bụrụ While some dialects allow this in casual speech, standard Igbo retains na for clarity.
Mistake 3: Wrong tone patterns Both ọ bụrụ and ma have specific tonal patterns that affect meaning. Mispronouncing tones can lead to confusion.
Mistake 4: Placing the main clause before the conditional While occasionally possible for emphasis, the standard order places the condition first.
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Conditional constructions appear extensively in Igbo proverbs (ilu), riddles (ajụjụ), and wise sayings (okwu ọgụgụ). These expressions often present hypothetical scenarios to convey moral lessons, social expectations, or observations about human nature.
The proverb in Example 44.5 demonstrates this beautifully: “Ọ bụrụ na ị gbara okenye ọsọ maka ajọ ume, ị gaghị enweta amamihe” (”If you stay away from elders because of bad breath, you will not learn wisdom”). This conditional structure presents a choice and its consequence, teaching that minor discomforts should not prevent one from seeking knowledge.
Example 44.13 draws from traditional wisdom: “Ọ bụrụ na agwọ emeghi ihe o ji bụrụ agwọ, ụmụaka ewere ya kee nkụ” (”If a snake fails to act like a snake, children will use it to tie firewood”). This proverb warns against abandoning one’s essential nature or capabilities.
Example 44.6 references chi, a fundamental concept in Igbo cosmology. Chi represents one’s personal god, destiny, or guardian spirit. The conditional “Ma chi gị dị mma” (”If your chi is good”) reflects the Igbo belief that individual fate is partly determined by one’s chi, while still leaving room for personal agency and effort.
Ọ bụrụ na appears more frequently in: -
Traditional proverbs and sayings -
Formal speeches and addresses -
Written Igbo literature -
Ceremonial contexts
Ma predominates in: -
Daily conversation -
Casual discourse -
Questions and informal writing
Dialectal differences exist across Igboland regarding conditional expressions. Some dialects favor ọ bụrụ without na, while others use variant forms. Standard Igbo (Igbo Izugbe), taught in schools and used in media, employs both ọ bụrụ na and ma as described in this lesson.
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The following proverbs, collected from traditional Igbo oral literature, demonstrate authentic usage of conditional constructions.
F-A: Interlinear Analysis
Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that onye person gbochiri block enyi friend ya his/her ịbụ to-be eze king agaghị FUT-NEG enwe have enyi friend bụ who-is eze king
Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that onye (óɲé) person gbochiri (gbòchírí) block enyi (èɲí) friend ya (yá) his/her ịbụ (ɪ̀bʊ́) to-be eze (ézè) king agaghị (àgàghɪ́) FUT-NEG enwe (énwè) have enyi (èɲí) friend bụ (bʊ́) who-is eze (ézè) king
Uriom chick hapụ leave nne mother ya its kpawa search nri food egbe hawk eburu carry ya it
Uriom (úríòm) chick hapụ (hàpʊ́) leave nne (nnè) mother ya (yá) its kpawa (kpàwá) search nri (nrí) food egbe (égbè) hawk eburu (èbúrú) carry ya (yá) it
F-B: Authentic Text with Translation
Ọ bụrụ na onye gbochiri enyi ya ịbụ eze, agaghị enwe enyi bụ eze. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà óɲé gbòchírí èɲí yá ɪ̀bʊ́ ézè, àgàghɪ́ énwè èɲí bʊ́ ézè.) “Whoever hinders his friend from becoming a king won’t have a king as a friend.”
Uriom hapụ nne ya kpawa nri, egbe eburu ya. (Úríòm hàpʊ́ nnè yá kpàwá nrí, égbè èbúrú yá.) “The chick that ventures to search for food alone is the one that the hawk gets to pounce on.”
F-C: Original Text Only
Ọ bụrụ na onye gbochiri enyi ya ịbụ eze, agaghị enwe enyi bụ eze. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà óɲé gbòchírí èɲí yá ɪ̀bʊ́ ézè, àgàghɪ́ énwè èɲí bʊ́ ézè.)
Uriom hapụ nne ya kpawa nri, egbe eburu ya. (Úríòm hàpʊ́ nnè yá kpàwá nrí, égbè èbúrú yá.)
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Notes
The first proverb uses the full ọ bụrụ na construction to introduce a conditional clause about preventing someone’s success. Note the relative clause bụ eze (”who is king”) modifying enyi (”friend”).
Key vocabulary: -
gbochiri — blocked, hindered (past tense of gbochi) -
ịbụ — infinitive “to be” -
eze — king, ruler
The second proverb employs an implied conditional structure common in Igbo proverbial speech, where the condition is understood from context rather than explicitly marked. The meaning is “If a chick leaves its mother to search for food alone, the hawk carries it away.”
Key vocabulary: -
uriom — chick, young chicken -
kpawa — search for, look for -
egbe — hawk (a bird of prey) -
eburu — carried away
F-E: Literary Commentary
These proverbs exemplify the Igbo tradition of encoding moral wisdom in conditional scenarios. The first proverb teaches reciprocity and the importance of supporting others’ ambitions; the second warns against premature independence and the dangers of isolation from protective community bonds. Both reflect core Igbo values of communal interdependence and the pragmatic assessment of risk and benefit in social relationships.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The following dialogue depicts a family discussing various decisions and possibilities, demonstrating natural conditional usage in everyday Igbo conversation.
44.16a Nna father m my ma if anyị we ga-azụ FUT-buy ụlọ house ọhụrụ new ebe where anyị we ga-ebi FUT-live
44.16b Nna (nnà) father m (m̀) my ma (mà) if anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-azụ (gà-àzʊ́) FUT-buy ụlọ (ʊ́lɔ̀) house ọhụrụ (ɔ̀hʊ́rʊ́) new ebe (ébè) where anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-ebi (gà-èbí) FUT-live
44.17a Nne mother m my ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that anyị we zụrụ buy ụlọ house n’obodo in-town ụmụaka children ga-enwe FUT-have ụlọ school akwụkwọ book dị be nso near
44.17b Nne (nnè) mother m (m̀) my ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that anyị (àɲɪ́) we zụrụ (zʊ̀rʊ́) buy ụlọ (ʊ́lɔ̀) house n’obodo (n’óbòdò) in-town ụmụaka (ʊ̀mʊ̀àká) children ga-enwe (gà-énwè) FUT-have ụlọ (ʊ̀lɔ́) school akwụkwọ (àkwʊ́kwɔ́) book dị (dɪ̀) be nso (nsò) near
44.18a Ada Ada ma if i you gụchara finish-reading akwụkwọ book gị your i you nwere have ike ability ịga to-go ịkpọ to-call enyi friend gị your
44.18b Ada (Àdá) Ada ma (mà) if i (í) you gụchara (gʊ̀chárà) finish-reading akwụkwọ (àkwʊ́kwɔ́) book gị (gɪ́) your i (í) you nwere (nwèré) have ike (íké) ability ịga (ɪ̀gá) to-go ịkpọ (ɪ̀kpɔ́) to-call enyi (èɲí) friend gị (gɪ́) your
44.19a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that nna father m my kwenyere agree m I ga-eji FUT-take ego money m my chekwara save zụọ buy bicycle bicycle ọhụrụ new
44.19b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that nna (nnà) father m (m̀) my kwenyere (kwèɲèré) agree m (m̀) I ga-eji (gà-èjí) FUT-take ego (égò) money m (m̀) my chekwara (chékwàrà) save zụọ (zʊ̀ɔ́) buy bicycle (báísíkụ̀) bicycle ọhụrụ (ɔ̀hʊ́rʊ́) new
44.20a Ma if mmiri rain ozuzo rain ezoo fall anyị we agaghị FUT-NEG aga go n’ahịa to-market taa today
44.20b Ma (mà) if mmiri (m̀mírí) rain ozuzo (òzúzò) rain ezoo (èzòò) fall anyị (àɲɪ́) we agaghị (àgàghɪ́) FUT-NEG aga (àgá) go n’ahịa (n’áhɪ̀á) to-market taa (tàá) today
44.21a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that nwanne sibling m my nwoke male alọtala return site from n’ụlọ from-house akwụkwọ school anyị we ga-eri FUT-eat nri food abalị evening oge time
44.21b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that nwanne (nwánnè) sibling m (m̀) my nwoke (nwòké) male alọtala (àlɔ̀tàlá) return site (sìté) from n’ụlọ (n’ʊ́lɔ̀) from-house akwụkwọ (àkwʊ́kwɔ́) school anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-eri (gà-èrí) FUT-eat nri (nrí) food abalị (àbálɪ́) evening oge (ógè) time
44.22a Ma if ị you chọrọ want ịzụta to-buy akwa cloth a DEM gwa tell m me m I ga-enye FUT-give gị you ego money
44.22b Ma (mà) if ị (ɪ̀) you chọrọ (chɔ̀rɔ́) want ịzụta (ɪ̀zʊ̀tá) to-buy akwa (ákwà) cloth a (à) DEM gwa (gwá) tell m (m̀) me m (m̀) I ga-enye (gà-éɲè) FUT-give gị (gɪ́) you ego (égò) money
44.23a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that nna father m my ochie old bịara come anyị we ga-achụ FUT-kill ewu goat maka for oriri celebration
44.23b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that nna (nnà) father m (m̀) my ochie (òchíé) old bịara (bɪ̀àrá) come anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-achụ (gà-àchʊ́) FUT-kill ewu (éwú) goat maka (màká) for oriri (órírí) celebration
44.24a Ma if nkịta dog anyị our anwụọ die ụmụaka children ga-eru FUT-feel ụjụ sadness nke INTENS ukwuu great
44.24b Ma (mà) if nkịta (nkɪ́tà) dog anyị (àɲɪ́) our anwụọ (ànwʊ́ɔ̀) die ụmụaka (ʊ̀mʊ̀àká) children ga-eru (gà-érú) FUT-feel ụjụ (ʊ̀jʊ́) sadness nke (nké) INTENS ukwuu (úkwúù) great
44.25a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ọ he/she gụsịrị finish ọrụ work ya his/her anyị we ga-aga FUT-go ịhụ to-see sinima cinema
44.25b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ọ (ɔ́) he/she gụsịrị (gʊ̀sɪ́rɪ́) finish ọrụ (ɔ̀rʊ́) work ya (yá) his/her anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-aga (gà-àgá) FUT-go ịhụ (ɪ̀hʊ́) to-see sinima (sínímà) cinema
44.26a Ma if i you nweghị have-NEG oge time gwa tell m me m I ga-enyere FUT-help gị you aka hand
44.26b Ma (mà) if i (í) you nweghị (nwèghɪ́) have-NEG oge (ógè) time gwa (gwá) tell m (m̀) me m (m̀) I ga-enyere (gà-èɲèré) FUT-help gị (gɪ́) you aka (àká) hand
44.27a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ụmụaka children richara finish-eating nri food ha they nwere have ike ability ịgba to-play egwu play
44.27b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ụmụaka (ʊ̀mʊ̀àká) children richara (rìchárà) finish-eating nri (nrí) food ha (há) they nwere (nwèré) have ike (íké) ability ịgba (ɪ̀gbá) to-play egwu (égwú) play
44.28a Ma if anyị we ga-elekọta FUT-take-care-of osisi plant ndị PL a DEM nke ADV ọma well ha they ga-amịpụta FUT-produce mkpụrụ fruit
44.28b Ma (mà) if anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-elekọta (gà-èlékɔ̀tá) FUT-take-care-of osisi (òsísí) plant ndị (ndɪ́) PL a (à) DEM nke (nké) ADV ọma (ɔ́má) well ha (há) they ga-amịpụta (gà-àmɪ́pʊ̀tá) FUT-produce mkpụrụ (m̀kpʊ́rʊ́) fruit
44.29a Ọ it bụrụ be-COND na that ọ it dị is ọkụ hot nke ADV ukwuu very anyị we ga-anọ FUT-stay n’ime inside ụlọ house
44.29b Ọ (ɔ̀) it bụrụ (bʊ́rʊ́) be-COND na (nà) that ọ (ɔ́) it dị (dɪ̀) is ọkụ (ɔ́kʊ́) hot nke (nké) ADV ukwuu (úkwúù) very anyị (àɲɪ́) we ga-anọ (gà-ànɔ́) FUT-stay n’ime (n’ímé) inside ụlọ (ʊ́lɔ̀) house
44.30a Ma if anyị we niile all jikọtara unite aka hand ọ it dịghị is-NEG ihe thing anyị we apụghị can-NEG ime do
44.30b Ma (mà) if anyị (àɲɪ́) we niile (nííléè) all jikọtara (jìkɔ̀tàrá) unite aka (àká) hand ọ (ɔ́) it dịghị (dɪ̀ghɪ́) is-NEG ihe (íhé) thing anyị (àɲɪ́) we apụghị (àpʊ̀ghɪ́) can-NEG ime (ímé) do
44.16 Nna m, ma anyị ga-azụ ụlọ ọhụrụ, ebe anyị ga-ebi? (Nnà m̀, mà àɲɪ́ gà-àzʊ́ ʊ́lɔ̀ ɔ̀hʊ́rʊ́, ébè àɲɪ́ gà-èbí?) “Father, if we are going to buy a new house, where will we live?”
44.17 Nne m, ọ bụrụ na anyị zụrụ ụlọ n’obodo, ụmụaka ga-enwe ụlọ akwụkwọ dị nso. (Nnè m̀, ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà àɲɪ́ zʊ̀rʊ́ ʊ́lɔ̀ n’óbòdò, ʊ̀mʊ̀àká gà-énwè ʊ̀lɔ́ àkwʊ́kwɔ́ dɪ̀ nsò.) “Mother, if we buy a house in town, the children will have a school nearby.”
44.18 Ada, ma i gụchara akwụkwọ gị, i nwere ike ịga ịkpọ enyi gị. (Àdá, mà í gʊ̀chárà àkwʊ́kwɔ́ gɪ́, í nwèré íké ɪ̀gá ɪ̀kpɔ́ èɲí gɪ́.) “Ada, if you finish your homework, you can go call your friend.”
44.19 Ọ bụrụ na nna m kwenyere, m ga-eji ego m chekwara zụọ bicycle ọhụrụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nnà m̀ kwèɲèré, m̀ gà-èjí égò m̀ chékwàrà zʊ̀ɔ́ báísíkụ̀ ɔ̀hʊ́rʊ́.) “If my father agrees, I will use the money I saved to buy a new bicycle.”
44.20 Ma mmiri ozuzo ezoo, anyị agaghị aga n’ahịa taa. (Mà m̀mírí òzúzò èzòò, àɲɪ́ àgàghɪ́ àgá n’áhɪ̀á tàá.) “If it rains, we will not go to the market today.”
44.21 Ọ bụrụ na nwanne m nwoke alọtala site n’ụlọ akwụkwọ, anyị ga-eri nri abalị oge. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nwánnè m̀ nwòké àlɔ̀tàlá sìté n’ʊ́lɔ̀ àkwʊ́kwɔ́, àɲɪ́ gà-èrí nrí àbálɪ́ ógè.) “If my brother has returned from school, we will eat dinner on time.”
44.22 Ma ị chọrọ ịzụta akwa a, gwa m, m ga-enye gị ego. (Mà ɪ̀ chɔ̀rɔ́ ɪ̀zʊ̀tá ákwà à, gwá m̀, m̀ gà-éɲè gɪ́ égò.) “If you want to buy this cloth, tell me, I will give you money.”
44.23 Ọ bụrụ na nna m ochie bịara, anyị ga-achụ ewu maka oriri. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nnà m̀ òchíé bɪ̀àrá, àɲɪ́ gà-àchʊ́ éwú màká órírí.) “If my grandfather comes, we will slaughter a goat for the celebration.”
44.24 Ma nkịta anyị anwụọ, ụmụaka ga-eru ụjụ nke ukwuu. (Mà nkɪ́tà àɲɪ́ ànwʊ́ɔ̀, ʊ̀mʊ̀àká gà-érú ʊ̀jʊ́ nké úkwúù.) “If our dog dies, the children will feel great sadness.”
44.25 Ọ bụrụ na ọ gụsịrị ọrụ ya, anyị ga-aga ịhụ sinima. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɔ́ gʊ̀sɪ́rɪ́ ɔ̀rʊ́ yá, àɲɪ́ gà-àgá ɪ̀hʊ́ sínímà.) “If he/she finishes his/her work, we will go to see a movie.”
44.26 Ma i nweghị oge, gwa m, m ga-enyere gị aka. (Mà í nwèghɪ́ ógè, gwá m̀, m̀ gà-èɲèré gɪ́ àká.) “If you don’t have time, tell me, I will help you.”
44.27 Ọ bụrụ na ụmụaka richara nri, ha nwere ike ịgba egwu. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ʊ̀mʊ̀àká rìchárà nrí, há nwèré íké ɪ̀gbá égwú.) “If the children have finished eating, they can play.”
44.28 Ma anyị ga-elekọta osisi ndị a nke ọma, ha ga-amịpụta mkpụrụ. (Mà àɲɪ́ gà-èlékɔ̀tá òsísí ndɪ́ à nké ɔ́má, há gà-àmɪ́pʊ̀tá m̀kpʊ́rʊ́.) “If we take good care of these plants, they will produce fruit.”
44.29 Ọ bụrụ na ọ dị ọkụ nke ukwuu, anyị ga-anọ n’ime ụlọ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɔ́ dɪ̀ ɔ́kʊ́ nké úkwúù, àɲɪ́ gà-ànɔ́ n’ímé ʊ́lɔ̀.) “If it is very hot, we will stay inside the house.”
44.30 Ma anyị niile jikọtara aka, ọ dịghị ihe anyị apụghị ime. (Mà àɲɪ́ nííléè jìkɔ̀tàrá àká, ɔ́ dɪ̀ghɪ́ íhé àɲɪ́ àpʊ̀ghɪ́ ímé.) “If we all unite, there is nothing we cannot do.”
44.16 Nna m, ma anyị ga-azụ ụlọ ọhụrụ, ebe anyị ga-ebi? (Nnà m̀, mà àɲɪ́ gà-àzʊ́ ʊ́lɔ̀ ɔ̀hʊ́rʊ́, ébè àɲɪ́ gà-èbí?)
44.17 Nne m, ọ bụrụ na anyị zụrụ ụlọ n’obodo, ụmụaka ga-enwe ụlọ akwụkwọ dị nso. (Nnè m̀, ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà àɲɪ́ zʊ̀rʊ́ ʊ́lɔ̀ n’óbòdò, ʊ̀mʊ̀àká gà-énwè ʊ̀lɔ́ àkwʊ́kwɔ́ dɪ̀ nsò.)
44.18 Ada, ma i gụchara akwụkwọ gị, i nwere ike ịga ịkpọ enyi gị. (Àdá, mà í gʊ̀chárà àkwʊ́kwɔ́ gɪ́, í nwèré íké ɪ̀gá ɪ̀kpɔ́ èɲí gɪ́.)
44.19 Ọ bụrụ na nna m kwenyere, m ga-eji ego m chekwara zụọ bicycle ọhụrụ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nnà m̀ kwèɲèré, m̀ gà-èjí égò m̀ chékwàrà zʊ̀ɔ́ báísíkụ̀ ɔ̀hʊ́rʊ́.)
44.20 Ma mmiri ozuzo ezoo, anyị agaghị aga n’ahịa taa. (Mà m̀mírí òzúzò èzòò, àɲɪ́ àgàghɪ́ àgá n’áhɪ̀á tàá.)
44.21 Ọ bụrụ na nwanne m nwoke alọtala site n’ụlọ akwụkwọ, anyị ga-eri nri abalị oge. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nwánnè m̀ nwòké àlɔ̀tàlá sìté n’ʊ́lɔ̀ àkwʊ́kwɔ́, àɲɪ́ gà-èrí nrí àbálɪ́ ógè.)
44.22 Ma ị chọrọ ịzụta akwa a, gwa m, m ga-enye gị ego. (Mà ɪ̀ chɔ̀rɔ́ ɪ̀zʊ̀tá ákwà à, gwá m̀, m̀ gà-éɲè gɪ́ égò.)
44.23 Ọ bụrụ na nna m ochie bịara, anyị ga-achụ ewu maka oriri. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà nnà m̀ òchíé bɪ̀àrá, àɲɪ́ gà-àchʊ́ éwú màká órírí.)
44.24 Ma nkịta anyị anwụọ, ụmụaka ga-eru ụjụ nke ukwuu. (Mà nkɪ́tà àɲɪ́ ànwʊ́ɔ̀, ʊ̀mʊ̀àká gà-érú ʊ̀jʊ́ nké úkwúù.)
44.25 Ọ bụrụ na ọ gụsịrị ọrụ ya, anyị ga-aga ịhụ sinima. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɔ́ gʊ̀sɪ́rɪ́ ɔ̀rʊ́ yá, àɲɪ́ gà-àgá ɪ̀hʊ́ sínímà.)
44.26 Ma i nweghị oge, gwa m, m ga-enyere gị aka. (Mà í nwèghɪ́ ógè, gwá m̀, m̀ gà-èɲèré gɪ́ àká.)
44.27 Ọ bụrụ na ụmụaka richara nri, ha nwere ike ịgba egwu. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ʊ̀mʊ̀àká rìchárà nrí, há nwèré íké ɪ̀gbá égwú.)
44.28 Ma anyị ga-elekọta osisi ndị a nke ọma, ha ga-amịpụta mkpụrụ. (Mà àɲɪ́ gà-èlékɔ̀tá òsísí ndɪ́ à nké ɔ́má, há gà-àmɪ́pʊ̀tá m̀kpʊ́rʊ́.)
44.29 Ọ bụrụ na ọ dị ọkụ nke ukwuu, anyị ga-anọ n’ime ụlọ. (Ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà ɔ́ dɪ̀ ɔ́kʊ́ nké úkwúù, àɲɪ́ gà-ànɔ́ n’ímé ʊ́lɔ̀.)
44.30 Ma anyị niile jikọtara aka, ọ dịghị ihe anyị apụghị ime. (Mà àɲɪ́ nííléè jìkɔ̀tàrá àká, ɔ́ dɪ̀ghɪ́ íhé àɲɪ́ àpʊ̀ghɪ́ ímé.)
Verb Serialization in Conditionals
Several dialogue examples demonstrate Igbo verb serialization, where multiple verbs combine in sequence. In 44.18, “i nwere ike ịga ịkpọ enyi gị” shows three verbs: nwere (have), ịga (to go), and ịkpọ (to call). The modal construction nwere ike (have ability/can) is followed by infinitives marked with the ị- prefix.
Completive Aspect with -chara/-chịrị
The suffix -chara (or -chịrị in some dialects) indicates completed action: -
gụchara (44.18) — finished reading -
richara (44.27) — finished eating
This completive marker is important in conditional contexts, as it establishes whether an action is complete before the consequence applies.
Family Terminology
The dialogue introduces several kinship terms: -
nna m — my father -
nne m — my mother -
nwanne m nwoke — my brother (lit. “my sibling male”) -
nna m ochie — my grandfather (lit. “my father old”)
Note that Igbo uses descriptive compounds rather than distinct lexical items for some extended family relationships.
Temporal Expressions -
taa — today -
abalị — evening/night -
oge — time
These combine with conditionals to establish when events will occur under specified circumstances.
Emphatic Negation
In 44.30, the construction ọ dịghị ihe anyị apụghị ime (”there is nothing we cannot do”) uses double negation for emphatic effect. The negative existential dịghị combines with the negative potential apụghị to create a strongly positive assertion.
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Key Sounds
The conditional markers require careful attention to tone and vowel quality:
Ọ bụrụ na /ɔ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ nà/ -
Ọ: Low-tone open-mid back rounded vowel [ɔ̀] -
bụrụ: High tones on both syllables; [ʊ] is the close-mid back rounded vowel with retracted tongue root -
na: Low tone; [a] is open central unrounded
Ma /mà/ -
Single syllable with low tone -
Open central unrounded vowel [a]
Common Pronunciation Challenges for English Speakers
The subdot vowels (ị, ọ, ụ) require the tongue root to be retracted rather than advanced. English speakers often substitute the ATR+ vowels (i, o, u), which changes meaning in Igbo.
Practice minimal pairs: -
ọkụ [ɔ̀kʊ́] “fire” vs. oku [ókù] “voice” -
ụlọ [ʊ́lɔ̀] “house” vs. ulo would be ungrammatical (vowel harmony violation)
Tone Practice
Record and compare your pronunciation of these conditional phrases: -
Ọ̀ bʊ́rʊ́ (Low-High-High) -
mà (Low) -
gà-àgá (Low-Low-High) — “will go” -
gàghɪ́ (Low-High) — “will not”
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This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Modern Language Course series, providing systematic vocabulary building through frequency-ranked word lists. The interlinear glossing methodology enables autodidact learners to access authentic language structures from the earliest stages of study.
The Latinum Institute has been creating language learning materials since 2006, serving students worldwide through innovative approaches to classical and modern languages.
Course Resources: -
Full course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index -
Trust Pilot reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
Methodology
The construed text approach presented in this lesson reflects centuries of proven language pedagogy. By providing word-by-word glosses alongside natural sentences, learners develop intuitive understanding of grammatical structures while building vocabulary systematically.
For Igbo specifically, the dual-line format addresses the particular challenges of tonal languages by providing both standard orthography and pronunciation guidance. This allows learners to: -
Connect written forms to their meanings directly -
Understand tonal patterns through explicit marking -
Build reading fluency while developing accurate pronunciation
Acknowledgments
Igbo language resources consulted for this lesson include academic grammars, the Ezinaụlọ Igbo learning platform, and traditional proverb collections. The authentic proverbs demonstrate how conditional constructions encode Igbo cultural wisdom.
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✓ Lesson 44 Igbo complete
Ọ bụrụ na i mụtara asụsụ Igbo, ị ga-enwe ọṅụ ukwuu! “If you learn the Igbo language, you will have great joy!”
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