Nnọọ (welcome)
Learn Igbo
Igbo is rich in proverbs, music, and warmth. Start gently, keep listening, and let your ear lead the way.
1. Start free
Free lessons, games, and a free dictionary.
- Asụsụ Ọma (Igbo for “good language”), a free app and website with native speaker recordings. No ads, no subscription. Works in any browser, and an Android app is in beta.
- US Foreign Service Institute and Peace Corps Igbo courses, free to download
2. Listen and read
Real Igbo, every day, at no cost.
- BBC News Igbo, news written in Igbo
- Asụsụ Ọma Igbo dictionary, with tone-marked spellings
3. Learn words and sounds
Hear the tones, then say them.
- Forvo, native speakers pronouncing Igbo words
- Omniglot, the alphabet, pronunciation, and phrases
- More free ways to practice
Try your first words
Say them out loud. Even a small effort is warmly received.
Nnọọ
Welcome
Ndeewo
Hello
Kedu?
How are you?
Daalụ
Thank you
Biko
Please
Did you know?
Igbo is a tonal language, so high and low tones can change the meaning of a word. That is why recordings from native speakers make such a difference.
At the pharmacy counter or in the lab
- Greet first with Ndeewo (hello), then ask Kedu? (how are you?). Say Ndo (sorry for your trouble) to someone who is unwell.
- Ask how a name is pronounced, and listen to it on Forvo.
- Use a qualified medical interpreter for counseling, consent, and medication instructions. More for pharmacists and scientists
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