Few Igbo proverbs, their translation( for the love of our non-Igbo followers) and meaning.
1. Hapu ihe e dere na moto banye moto
Translation: Forget what is written on the vehicle’s body and enter the vehicle.
Meaning: Taking action is a priority over having details or previous knowledge.
2. Onye m ga-egbuli m ga rio chineke ka o nyere m aka?
Translation: Regarding the person that I can defeat easily, do I still need to beg God for assistance?
Meaning: The battles that can be easily overcome do not require additional effort OR some things can be achieved faster even without external assistance.
3. Ogbacha oso a gwuo mile
Translation: After the race, the miles or distance covered is calculated.
Meaning: Being reflective after a difficult task.
4. Agaracha must come back
Translation: He who wanders away must come back.
Meaning: You cannot totally shy away from your responsibilities.
5. Ejii ro ututu ama njo afia
Translation: You can’t judge that a market would be bad in the morning.
Meaning: Ones future can’t be determined by a bad start.
6. Nni bu ndu
Translation: Food is life.
Meaning: An empty stomach can lead to early grave. So, no matter what is happening around you, try and eat.
7. Ha na-asi na oku gbara Father I na-aju ma o gbakwara ma afuonu ya
Translation: It being rumored that a Reverend Father got burnt and you are there asking if his beards also got burnt. Amebo!
Meaning: Talking about the important and you are there talking something stupid or of less importance OR why ask a silly question when you know the obvious.
8. Ka ana achu aja, ka ikpe n’ amah ndi mmuo.
Translation: let’s keep sacrificing, let the gods take the blame.
Meaning: Do you part to avoid the blame
9. Egwu adiro atu afo, oburu uzo
Translation: Fear does not affect the stomach, that’s why it is always in front.
Meaning-Irrespective of the risk involved, an attempt must be made.
10. Okro anaghi eto kari onye kuru ya
Translation: The okro cannot grow taller than the planter.
Meaning: No matter how elevated you get in life, you can’t surpass the hand that groomed you.
11. Gini ozo ka a na cho na siga ma obughi anwuru-oku?
Translation: What else is expected of cigarette if not smoke?
Meaning: Purpose are always defined / there is a reason for everything.
12. Mmanu akara di uto; Onye ratu, ibe ya a ratu
Translation: Bean cake oil is sweet; one who tastes should allow others have a taste.
Meaning: Be good to the people on your way up the ladder.
13. O ji ngaji eri chetakwa ndi ji aka
Translation: He who eats with spoon should remember those who uses hand to eat.
Meaning: While enjoying yourself, always have the destitute at heart.
12. I tiela aka na tipa bu aja
Translation: You have placed you hand on tipper with load of sand.
Meaning: You are in a big mess/trouble.
13. Ogologo abughi na nwa m e tola
Translation: Tallness is not a yardstick to define maturity.
Meaning: Maturity in Life is not determined by the physical appearance (athletic build) of an individual.
14. Ara ga gba ndi ara
Translation: Lunatics shall soon run m.ad.
Meaning: Unbelievable/surprising things will happen.
15. Ukwu na ga wara; anya na ga wara na hu ya
Translation: A leg moving in a shady motion; an eye also moving in a shady motion will sees it…..Seê _ Morê
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