The Igbo culture, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, is rich in wisdom and tradition. A big part of this wisdom is found in their proverbs. Proverbs are short, wise sayings that help teach lessons and values. They are used to pass on knowledge from one generation to the next. In the Igbo culture, proverbs are used in daily conversation, storytelling, and even during important discussions.
In this article, we will explore some popular Igbo proverbs, their meanings, and their English translations. This will help you understand how the Igbo people express their wisdom through simple yet powerful words.
1. “Ajuju ajụ, ma a na anwụrụ anwụrụ”
- English Translation: “The question that is asked, is the one that brings the answer.”
This proverb teaches the importance of asking questions. If you want to know something, you must ask. Just like when you are learning in school, asking questions helps you understand better. So, don’t be afraid to ask when you’re curious!
2. “Aka nri enweghi ike ibụ aka ekpe”
- English Translation: “The right hand cannot do the work of the left hand.”
This proverb is about teamwork. It tells us that no matter how skilled you are, you still need help from others. Just like how both hands work together to help you do things, people need to work together to achieve a common goal.
3. “Eziokwu bu ndu”
- English Translation: “Truth is life.”
This is one of the most powerful Igbo proverbs. It tells us that truth is very important in life. Without the truth, life cannot move forward. Telling the truth makes you a trustworthy person, and the world becomes a better place.
4. “O n’eme ya na-achọghị ihe, ya ga-achọ ihe”
- English Translation: “He who is doing something without expecting anything will eventually need something.”
This proverb talks about the value of work. It says that even when you are doing something without expecting any reward, there will come a time when you will need help. So, always be kind and generous, as one day you might need assistance too.
5. “A na-ahụ nkịta na-agba ọsọ, ma ọ bụ anụ ụlọ ọzọ”
- English Translation: “When you see a dog running, it’s probably chasing another animal.”
This Igbo proverb teaches us that actions often have reasons behind them. If you see someone doing something, there is usually a purpose or reason for their behavior. Just like the dog, which runs because it’s chasing something, people do things for different reasons.
6. “Ọ bụ onye jụrụ ọnụ, ka ọ na-ada n’ala”
- English Translation: “It is the person who asks for directions that does not get lost.”
This proverb encourages seeking help when you’re lost or confused. It teaches us that asking for help when we don’t understand something is the way to avoid mistakes. It could be as simple as asking your teacher a question if you don’t understand a subject in class.
7. “Ọkọkpọ na-ata ata, a sị na ọ na-achọ ịgba”
- English Translation: “A chicken that is making noise is not afraid of being eaten.”
This proverb means that sometimes, people who are not afraid will speak out boldly. It’s used to describe someone who is brave enough to speak their mind, even when they might face consequences. It reminds us that courage is important in life.
8. “Anụ manụ, enyi a na-eme ihe na-aga, ọ bụ onye na-eche ụzọ.”
- English Translation: “The animal may run, but the person who knows the way will get there first.”
This proverb speaks about knowledge and wisdom. It means that no matter how fast someone may be, the person who knows the right path will always arrive first. In life, knowing the right way to do things is better than rushing without a plan.
9. “Igbo enwe eze”
- English Translation: “The Igbo have no king.”
This proverb speaks about the importance of democracy and collective decision-making. In Igbo culture, there is no single king or ruler. The people make decisions together. It reminds us that sometimes, leadership is shared and that everyone’s voice should be heard.
10. “E ji ego na-ere ife, ọ bụ ezie na ọ bụ akụ nke ọma”
- English Translation: “Money is used to buy things, but it is not everything.”
This Igbo saying teaches us the value of things beyond money. While money is important, it does not buy happiness or true success. Other things, like kindness, love, and hard work, cannot be bought with money.
11. “Ọ dị mma, ọ dị mma”
- English Translation: “It is good, it is good.”
This proverb is often used to express approval or satisfaction. When something is done well, you can use this proverb to say, “Well done!” It teaches the importance of acknowledging and appreciating good work.
12. “A na-azụ nwa ogbu akwa, ọ bụ ihe ya na-akwụ”
- English Translation: “The child who refuses to learn will grow up without skills.”
This is a valuable lesson about education. It tells us that learning is important. If a child does not study and learn, they will grow up without the necessary skills to succeed in life. So, it’s always good to focus on your studies in school.
13. “Ọ bụghị onye na-acha anụ ọhịa bụ nna-azụ”
- English Translation: “It is not the person who wears animal skin that is the hunter.”
This proverb teaches that appearances can be deceiving. Just because someone looks a certain way doesn’t mean they have the ability or skill for a particular task. It reminds us to focus on a person’s abilities, not their appearance.
14. “Ụlọ akụ na-akpọọ, anụ ọhịa na-adọba ya.”
- English Translation: “The home of wealth calls, but it is the poor who enter it.”
This proverb talks about how wealth can attract people, even those who don’t have it. It means that sometimes, people who are in need may try to get to wealth by any means. However, this also teaches us that wealth should be earned through hard work and not by shortcuts.
15. “A bịa n’ala, ị ga-enwetara nwa”
- English Translation: “When you come to the land, you will get the child.”
This Igbo saying teaches that everything has its time. If you are patient and wait for the right moment, you will eventually get what you want. It encourages us to be patient in life and not rush into things before they are ready.
16. “Igbo adịghị n’ụwa, ọ bụ ndị mmadụ jiri bụrụ Igbo.”
- English Translation: “The Igbo do not live in the world; it is the people who make the Igbo.”
This proverb speaks about identity. It means that being Igbo is not just about living in a particular place. It is about the people and the values they carry with them wherever they go. This shows how important cultural values and traditions are in defining who you are.
17. “Ọ bụ ndị ohu na-ada n’ala, ọ bụghị ndị nwere akpa na-agbalị”
- English Translation: “It is the slave that is buried in the ground, not the wealthy man.”
This is another important lesson about life. It teaches us that wealth and power are not the most important things in the end. What matters most is how you live your life and treat others.
18. “Ebe onye bi, ka ọ na-achị”
- English Translation: “Where a person lives is where they rule.”
This Igbo proverb emphasizes the idea that everyone has control over their own environment. It means that people have the ability to influence and make decisions in the place where they live or work. Whether you are at school, in your community, or at home, you can make a positive impact by taking responsibility and showing leadership.
19. “Nwoke na-eme ihe, onye nwanyị na-enyocha”
- English Translation: “A man does the work, a woman watches.”
This proverb highlights the traditional roles in Igbo society, where men were often seen as the providers and women as the caregivers. However, this saying has evolved over time to also highlight the importance of collaboration and support. While men might be the ones working, women’s roles are just as important in supporting and watching over what is done. This teaches us that no task is complete without the effort of everyone involved.
20. “A na-achọ eziokwu n’ọnụ ọhịa”
- English Translation: “Truth is sought in the forest.”
This proverb is used to emphasize the fact that sometimes, finding the truth may require effort and patience. Just as searching for something in the forest may take time and perseverance, discovering the truth in life requires determination. It reminds us to be persistent in our search for knowledge and truth, even when it seems difficult.
21. “Mmadụ bụ onye na-enye aka”
- English Translation: “A person is the one who gives a helping hand.”
This simple yet important proverb teaches the value of kindness and helping others. In the Igbo culture, helping others is seen as an important virtue. Whether it’s lending a hand to a friend, helping a neighbor, or supporting your community, giving to others is considered a sign of a good person.
22. “Ọ bụghị onye kwụ, ka ọ na-anya”
- English Translation: “It is not the person who stands, that walks.”
This Igbo proverb speaks about the need to take action. Standing still is not enough if you want to move forward in life. To make progress, you must take steps and act. It encourages us to be proactive and not wait for things to happen on their own. If you want to achieve something, you need to get moving.
23. “Igba afọ na-eji akụ nyụọ”
- English Translation: “A year’s farming is enough for the harvest.”
This proverb teaches the importance of planning ahead. Just as a farmer works throughout the year to get a good harvest, in life, you need to put in the effort and plan for the future. Success doesn’t come overnight; it takes time and hard work. Be patient, and the results will come when the time is right.
24. “A hụ n’anya, ka onye ga-eru ụzọ”
- English Translation: “It is through love that one reaches the goal.”
This proverb highlights the power of love and how it can drive us to achieve great things. Whether it is the love for family, friends, or community, love motivates people to work hard and overcome challenges. It teaches us that when you are passionate and dedicated, the goal becomes easier to reach.
25. “A na-eme nke a na-akpọ na n’ihi ọ bụghị onye ndụ ya bụ mmadụ”
- English Translation: “It is done because life is not a person’s own.”
This is a deep proverb that reflects on the idea of life’s impermanence. It means that no one has control over the length or outcome of their life, so everything is done with an understanding that we are not the ultimate rulers of our fate. It teaches humility and reminds us that life is fragile, and we should cherish every moment we have.
26. “Ọ bụ mmadụ n’ime mmadụ ka e weere onye ọzọ”
- English Translation: “It is the person in a person that helps another.”
This proverb teaches us that our humanity is what connects us to others. It’s our kindness, empathy, and the good inside us that help others. Even when things seem difficult, reaching out to others in times of need shows the true value of human relationships.
27. “A na-ekwu eziokwu, ọ ga-efu n’anya, ma ọ bụ n’ahụ”
- English Translation: “Truth is spoken; it may disappear in the mouth, but it will not leave the body.”
This proverb reflects the lasting nature of truth. Even though sometimes people may forget what is said, the truth will always remain in our hearts and actions. It encourages us to stand by the truth, even when it is not immediately accepted by others.
28. “Chineke kpọrọ mmadụ, ọ bụ n’aka nke onye ga-esi”
- English Translation: “God calls the person, but it is in the hands of the person who will answer.”
This proverb teaches the importance of individual choice. While we all have a purpose in life, it is up to each person to decide whether they will follow that path or not. God may have a plan for us, but it’s our responsibility to take action and make the right decisions for our lives.
ConclusionIn Igbo culture, proverbs are not just words but valuable lessons that are passed down through generations. These proverbs are like treasures that contain deep wisdom, teaching important life lessons. Whether it’s about patience, hard work, love, or the importance of truth, these proverbs guide people through various aspects of life.
For primary school students, understanding these proverbs helps connect them to the wisdom of their ancestors. Proverbs can be used to explain difficult situations in a way that is easy to understand and relate to. It’s important for young people to learn these proverbs as they grow, as they provide timeless lessons on how to be a better person and live a meaningful life.
So, the next time you hear an Igbo proverb, think about its meaning and how it applies to your life. Remember, proverbs are not just words; they are pieces of wisdom that help shape who we are and how we interact with the world around us.
