Time, Dates, and Market Days in Igbo Language

Let’s discuss Time, Dates, and Market Days in Igbo Language.

I have noticed that many people struggle to read and understand Igbo Language when I post anything in Igbo language. It is quite shameful to see an Igbo person asking others to interpret Igbo Language for them in English. So, I would like to contribute my knowledge to help. Please note that I am not an Igbo teacher and my understanding may not be as deep as those who study Igbo Language in university. This post is based on my own knowledge as an Igbo man, not as an Igbo linguist.

Now, let’s talk about Time:

Time – oge / elekere
clock – elekere

when – oge

What time is it?/What is the time? – Gịnị na-akụ?

It is 10 minutes past nine in the morning. / It is 9:10 AM. – O jirila nkeji iri gafee elekere itoolu nke ụtụtụ.

It is 12:30 PM/It is 12:30 in the afternoon. – Ọ kụọla elekere iri na abụọ na ọkara nke ehihie.

It is 6:50 PM/It is 10 minutes to 7 at night. – Ọ fọdụrụ nkeji iri na-aga elekere asa nke abalị.

early – ụzọ / oge

evening – mgbede

sunset – odida anyanwụ

night – abalị

midnight – ime abalị

last night – abalị gara aga/abali ụnyaahụ

tonight – n’abalị taa

tomorrow morning – ụtụtụ echi

this morning – ụtụtụ a

yesterday morning – ụtụtụ ụnyaahụ

in the morning – na ụtụtụ