Ilu Igbo · ProverbsIgbo proverbs and their meanings
Read what each proverb means and when to use it.
A few proverbs to start with
- Nwata kwọcha aka ya, ọ soro ọgaranya rie ihe.Good conduct can open doors.
- Ụtọ ka mma n’ote aka.Some relationships benefit from space.
- Aka ekpe kwọọ aka nri, aka nri akwọ aka ekpe.Help is strongest when it goes both ways.
- Imi bewe, anya ebewe.What hurts one part of a community affects others.
- Gidigidi bụ ugwu eze.A leader's standing comes from the people behind them.
- Ọgụ egbe adịghị mma n’ụlọ.Violence within a community harms those closest to it.
Browse by theme
- Ịdị n'otuImi bewe, anya ebewe.What hurts one part of a community affects others.See all living together proverbs
Living together
How people share space and look after one another. - AmamiheMberede ka e ji ama dike.Character shows itself when an unexpected challenge arrives.See all wisdom proverbs
Wisdom
What experience and close attention can teach. - MgbalịOnye kwe, chi ya ekwe.Commitment begins with the person who wants to act.See all effort proverbs
Effort
Choices, work, and what follows from them. - NdụEchi dị ime.No one knows what tomorrow will bring.See all life proverbs
Life
Uncertainty, change, and what people value.
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