Igbo Proverbs for Relationships, showcase the depth of wisdom in Igbo culture when it comes to relationships. By embracing these teachings, we can strengthen the bonds of love and mutual respect in our own lives.
In Igbo culture, proverbs are powerful tools used to express wisdom, values, and life lessons. They are passed down through generations, providing insight into relationships, family, love, and mutual respect. Below are 20 Igbo proverbs for relationships that highlight the importance of trust, communication, and understanding in building strong bonds.
A na-ekwughị onye ọjọọ okwu egwu, kama ọ na-eji ahịrịọ chọta nkịta n’ụlọ ya.
- Phonetic: A na-eh-koo-hee onye oh-jaw oh-kwu eh-gwuu, ka-mah oh na-ji a-hir-ee-oh choh-tah n-khee-tah n’oh-loh yah
- Translation: “One does not speak evil of a bad person; instead, they use a straight path to bring them home.”
- Meaning: In relationships, avoid speaking ill of the other person, even in tough times. Focus on resolving issues directly.
Otu onye adịghị, abụọ anaghị ekwe.
- Phonetic: O-too oh-nyeh ah-dih-hee, a-bwaw ah-na-eh kee
- Translation: “When one person does not agree, two cannot make peace.”
- Meaning: Successful relationships depend on mutual understanding. Both sides need to be in agreement for harmony to exist.
Nwoke dị ike, nwanyị kwụrụ ka ọ gbanye.
- Phonetic: Nwo-keh dee ee-keh, nwa-nyee kweh-ruh kah oh gbah-nyeh
- Translation: “A strong man is nothing without a woman by his side.”
- Meaning: Relationships are a partnership. Support from both sides strengthens the bond and brings success.
Ihe kwuru n’ụlọ nkịta, anaghị aga n’ụlọ ejima.
- Phonetic: Ee-heh kweh-ru n’oo-loh n’khee-tah, ah-na-ah-gi a-gah n’oo-loh eh-jee-mah
- Translation: “What is said in a dog’s house, does not go into the house of twins.”
- Meaning: Every relationship has its own privacy. What is shared between partners should remain sacred and not be shared with outsiders.
Enweghi onye na-achọghị inye aka, ọ gaghị enye aka n’ụlọ ezinụlọ.
- Phonetic: En-weh-hee oh-nyeh na-chaw-ree-hee in-yeh ah-kah, oh gah-hee eh-nyeh ah-kah n’oo-loh eh-zee-noo-loh
- Translation: “No one who is unwilling to help will give a hand at home.”
- Meaning: In relationships, be willing to contribute and offer support, especially when needed. A relationship thrives on mutual effort.
Akụkọ na-ejide ọnụ, a ka ọ na-ejide ọnụ.
- Phonetic: Ah-koo-koh nah-eh-jidee oh-noo, ah kah oh nah-eh-jidee oh-noo
- Translation: “A word spoken in the mouth, is still held in the mouth.”
- Meaning: Communication is key in relationships. Once spoken, words have lasting power, so be careful with what you say.
Nke a bụ ezigbo nwa, ọ ga-eti nkịtị nke ọma.
- Phonetic: Nkeh ah boo eh-zig-boh nwa, oh gah eh-tee n-kih-tee nkeh oh-mah
- Translation: “A good child will grow up to be quiet and respectful.”
- Meaning: In relationships, maturity and respect are important qualities. A well-meaning partner is one who respects boundaries and listens.
Ihe dịịrị nwoke na nwanyị adịghị aka ya.
- Phonetic: Ee-heh dee-ree nwokeh nah nwa-nyee ah-dee-hee ah-kah yah
- Translation: “What belongs to a man and woman cannot be taken by another.”
- Meaning: Relationships require exclusivity and trust. What is shared between partners should remain between them.
Onye kwere n’ime, mmadụ ka o mere.
- Phonetic: Oh-nyeh kweh-reh nee-meh, m-mad-oo kah oh meh-reh
- Translation: “He who believes in the inside is the one who acts on it.”
- Meaning: Trust and faith within a relationship drive actions. If you believe in your partner, it will reflect in your behavior.
Ọ bụrụ na m dị gị mma, ị ga-enwe nke ọma.
- Phonetic: Oh boo-ree nah m dee ghee mma, ee gah-en-weh nkeh oh-mah
- Translation: “If I treat you well, you will have a good life.”
- Meaning: Treating your partner with respect, love, and kindness creates a strong foundation for a fulfilling relationship.
A na-achọghi ekele nke ọma.
- Phonetic: Ah nah-chaw-ree-ghee eh-keh-leh nkeh oh-mah
- Translation: “One does not search for gratitude.”
- Meaning: True love and kindness in relationships shouldn’t be conditional. Love should be given freely, without expecting anything in return.
Ọchịchịrị anwụ na-arụ, onye na-echeghị bụ n’ahịrị.
- Phonetic: Oh-chee-chee-ree an-woo nah-roo, oh-nyeh nah-eh-cheh-hee boo n’ah-ree
- Translation: “When darkness falls, one who is patient stands firm.”
- Meaning: In relationships, patience through hard times will help both partners grow and strengthen the bond.
Enweghị ndị na-emegide gị, na-enweghị onye ga-azụ gị.
- Phonetic: En-weh-hee ehn-dyeh nah-eh-meh-gee-dee ghee, nah-eh-meh-hee oh-nyeh gah-ah-zoo ghee
- Translation: “Without those who fight you, there is no one to guide you.”
- Meaning: Even struggles in relationships can teach valuable lessons. They help you grow and become stronger as a couple.
Ebe onye kwụrụ, ebe o kwụsịrị.
- Phonetic: Eh-beh oh-nyeh kweh-ru, eh-beh oh kwee-see-ree
- Translation: “Where a person stands, is where they stand.”
- Meaning: Be honest and true to your partner. Where you stand emotionally and mentally is important for understanding in relationships.
A naghị agbaghị onye kwụrụ n’ala.
- Phonetic: Ah nah-hee ah-bah-gee oh-nyeh kweh-ru n’ah-lah
- Translation: “You do not strike someone who is already on the ground.”
- Meaning: In relationships, be compassionate. When your partner is down, support them instead of criticizing.
N’ịhụnanya, e nwere ike ime.
Phonetic: N’ee-hoo-nya, eh nweh-ree ee-keh ee-meh
Translation: “In love, everything is possible.”
Meaning: True love is powerful. If you love each other, you can overcome any challenge together.
Ọ bụghị onye ji n’aka na-enye ndụ.
- Phonetic: Oh boo-ree oh-nyeh jee n’ah-kah nah-eh-yeh ehn-duh
- Translation: “It is not the hand that gives life.”
- Meaning: In relationships, the strength of your bond is not just in actions, but in the emotions and trust you build.
Otu nwoke nọrọ n’akụkụ ya, o kwụrụ na nkechi.
- Phonetic: O-toh nwokeh noh-roh n’ah-koo-koo yah, oh kweh-ru nah nkeh-chee
- Translation: “A man who stands beside you stands for you.”
- Meaning: True partnership means standing by your partner through both good and tough times.
Onye weere ihe ọma, agaghị ewere nke ka mma.
- Phonetic: Oh-nyeh weh-reh ee-heh oh-mah, ah-gah-hee eh-weh-reh nkeh kah mah
- Translation: “One who takes what is good will not take what is better.”
- Meaning: Appreciate what you have in your relationship, and do not always chase for what might be better.
Mgbe onye ọzọ hụrụ gị, gịnị ka ị ga-eme n’ụwa?
- Phonetic: Mgbay oh-nyeh oh-zo hoo-ree ghee, ghee-nee kah ee gah-eh-meh n’oo-wah
- Translation: “When someone else loves you, what will you do on Earth?”
- Meaning: Love and respect your partner fully, for they are the ones who make your life meaningful.