Ilú Anyị — traditional Igbo proverbs, preserved with their translations and context. Browse by category, search for a theme, or start with the proverb of the day.
16 proverbs in the collection.
whoever cuts firewood around their own compound, will not lack food (ndị o bula na-akpara nku nọ n’ụlọ be ha, o na-eghere ha nri)
Meaning: people who work diligently within their own space, community, or means will be sustained
what a flute-player blows is between him and his nose. (ihe onye ofụ ọpị fụtara, ya na imi ya.)
Meaning: mind your own business / someone’s affairs are their own responsibility.
what is seen with the eyes is accepted (a hụ n’anya e kwe)
Meaning: seeing brings acceptance
when one comes to a small stream, one throws in a pole (a gafee nwa iyi a tụnyere ya akpara ma ọ bụ ogu)
Meaning: be cautious with dangerous or mysterious things before committing yourself
whoever cuts firewood around their own compound, will not lack food (ndị o bula na-akpara nku nọ n’ụlọ be ha, o na-eghere ha nri)
Meaning: people who work diligently within their own space, community, or means will be sustained