àba [àbá] n.
an old-fashioned deferential address term used for an elderly male as part of a greeting:
“Dọmọ, aba!”^ ― “Greetings, old father!”
(cf. Esán aba ― “father”).
ába [ábà] n.
anklet worn by an ọmada (palace young male attendant and sceptre-bearer), also more commonly known as ẹrọnmwọn.
ababe [àbábè] n.
witchcraft practice (cf. ọmwanbabe).
abakuru [àbákùɽú] n.
1^.^ error, mistake, oversight.
2. (in the religious sense) ― sin:
ya abakuru mwan bọ mwan, Osanobua ― “Forgive us our sins, O God.”
aban [ábã̀] n.
1. native hand-cuffs, traditionally used for restraining prisoners or mentally deranged persons.
2. a native-doctor’s implement.
abe [àbé] n.
guilt (in a case, or lawsuit):
a bu abe gbẹe ― “He was found guilty”
.
abẹe [ábɛ́è] n.
1. pen-knife.
2. native single-edged knife with a sheath, used mainly for shaving.
abẹkpẹn [àbɛ̀kpɛ̃̀] n.
a special knife used for slaughtering animals.
abẹmwẹn1 [àbɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
stammerer. (cf. bẹmwẹn).
abẹmwẹn2 [àbɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
disputation; quarrelsomeness:
Ọ mu abẹmwẹn gbe ― “She is excessively fond of disputation”^
. (cf: abọ; ẹmwẹn).
abigẹngẹn [ábigɛ̃́gɛ̃́] n.
a derogatory nickname for a very skinny or undernourished person.
abodẹ [àbòdɛ̀] n.
gnat; a tiny insect that typically flies into people’s eyes.
abọ [àbɔ́] n.
1. branch, extension:
aberhan (< abọ-erhan) “tree branch”
.
2. edge, corner:
abiba (< abọ-iba) “edge of a slab”
;
abukpọn (< abọ-ukpọn) “corner of a large cloth”
. Other compounds derived from abọ include
abutete (< abọ-utete) ― “edge of a hill”
;
abukpo (< abọ-ukpo) ― “edge of the road”, “curb”
;
abuhae (< abọ-uhae) ― “edge of a well”
;
abẹvbo (< abọ-ẹvbo) ― “corners of the town”
, etc.
3. strap:
abẹkpo (abọ-ẹkpo) ― “straps of a bag.”
4. sleeves (of a garment).
abọ [àbɔ́] n.
sane or sober mood; normalcy. Usually occurs in the expression ―
Ei re ọghe abọ ― “it is not normal”
― implying that the event or state is subject to the influence of some extraneous forces, such as witchcraft, magic, madness, alcohol, etc.
abọkpọ [ábɔ́kpɔ̀] n.
a staff carved like a machet, which is carried by each of the female relatives of the deceased during the dances in traditional burial ceremonies. It is believed to serve to ward off evil spirits from the family.
àda [àdà] n.
crossroads; road junction.
áda [ádá] n.
The sceptre or state-sword ceremonially borne before the Ọba as symbol of his royal and imperial authority. It is also borne before certain senior chiefs and native religious priests. (cf. ọmada).
adazẹ [àdàzɛ́] n., adj.
an affluent and respectable person in a community:
Adazẹ-ọmwan nọ ― “He is a respectable person”
.
adekẹn [àdèkɛ̃́] n.
female cricket (cf. ogoro).
adesẹ [àdèsɛ̀] n.
1. centre, middle:
ọ mudia ye adesẹ ode ― “He stood at the centre of the road.”
2. between:
ọ mudia ye adesẹ iran eveva ― “he stood between them both”
; (also adesẹneva).
3. core, kernel:
rhie adesẹ ọre mẹ ― “Give its core to me”
.
adẹlẹ1 [àdɛ́lɛ̀] n.
a square shape.^
adẹlẹ2 [àdɛ́lɛ̀] n.
indiscriminate purchases; unnecessary spending;
adẹlẹ bun ẹrrẹn gbe ― “He is too fond of indiscriminate spending.”
ádẹn [ádɛ̃́] n.
a long pole with a hook at its tip, used for picking fruit from tall trees.
àdẹn [àdɛ̀] n.
placenta; afterbirth.
adiyẹ [ádìyɛ́] n.
chicken; fowl (cf. ọkhọkhọ).
adogbannọ [àdógbã̀nɔ̃̀] n.
success; accomplishment.
adọlọ [ádɔ̀lɔ́] n.
reconciliation.
Adọlọ [ádɔ̀lɔ́] n.
name of an Ọba of Benin who reigned from 1848 ― 1888. He was the father of Ọba Ovọnramwẹn (Egharevba: 1968, pp. 46-47).
Aduwawa [àdúwàwà] n.
name of an Edo village on the outskirts of Benin to the East.
afa [àfá] n.
a Moslem priest (cf. Yoruba “àlùfaá”).
afian [àfyã́] n.
chisel.
afiangbe [àfyã́gbè] n.
blessing:
afiangbe Osanobua ― “God’s blessing”
.
afianma [àfyã́mà] n.
apprehension; fear; worry:
afianma fian mwẹn ighẹ ọ gha de ― “apprehension grips me that he might fall”
i.e. I am worried that he might fall.
afienrhan [afyẽ́řã̀] n.
headache.
afiwerriẹ [àfíwèrryiɛ́] n.
change, transformation:
Arrioba mu afiwerriẹ nibun rri Ẹdo ― “The government brought many changes to Benin”
.
afọ [àfɔ́] n.
1. greens; vegetable (also ebafọ).
2. soup prepared from vegetables.
afuedẹ [àfwédɛ̀] n.
1. a grey-haired person.
2. an old person.
afuozu [àfwózú] n.
a blind person (cf. arhuaro).
agalezi [àgàlèzí] n.
1. a young lizard.
2. a nickname for a tall and clumsy person.
agan [àgã̀] n.
1. a childless woman;
2. an infertile person or plant.
aganmwinsoso [àgã́ɱĩ̀sósó] n.
a serious case of whitlow, believed to be caused by the poison of a certain kind of caterpillar known as “isue”.
agiẹghẹ [àgyɛ́ɣɛ̀] n.
coins used as small change; change (in monetary transactions).
agikpa [àgìkpá] n.
an adult male; a full-grown male:
ọ khian agikpa nẹ ― “He has become a full-grown person already.”
agiẹn [agiɛ̃́] n.
corrosive acid.
agiẹngiẹn [ágyɛ̃́gyɛ̃́] n.
sensitivity; concern; interest:
agiẹgiẹn ọmọ i giẹe kpa se iran rae ― “Her motherly concern will not let her desert them.”
agio [àgyó] n.
a kind of root dye that changes white cloth, or similar materials, to yellow.
agobọ [àgóbɔ̀] n.
left hand side; left hand.
agọ [àgɔ́] n.
camp; temporary settlement.
aguegbero [àgwégbeɽò] n.
1. being in agreement, matching each other.
2. (in mathematics): equivalence: congruency.
aguẹ [àguɛ̀] n.
a seven-day fast held at the Oba’s palace, as well as at the households of some senior chiefs. It is usually held in January after Iguẹ festival.
agukisinmwiongie [àgúkísĩ́myṍgye] n.
the morning star. Its name no doubt derives from its extreme brightness: (<
a-gue-uki-sinmwin-ogie ― “that who with the moon struggles for supremacy” i.e. the moon’s rival
).
aguobegbe [àgwóbegbè] n.
compatibility; having mutual accord; harmony.
aguro [àgúɽò] n.
correspondence; match.
àgbada [àg͡bàdà] n.
a two-edged sword used mainly by butchers.
ágbada [ág͡bádá] n.
the large and flowing outer robe of men’s Nigerian national dress.
agbadi [àg͡bàdì] n.
bridge (Melzian).
Agbado [àg͡bàdò] n.
name of one of the oldest native markets of Benin City, situated along Akpakpava Road.
agbaka [àg͡bákà] n.
crocodile.
agbakpan [àg͡bákpã̀] n.
a bald person. (cf. akpan).
agban [àg͡bã́] n.
wicker basket with a wooden base, used mainly for conveying foodstuffs.
agbanmwẹn [àg͡bã̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
chin; lower jaw.
agbaziro [ág͡bàzíɽò] n.
confidant; one with whom one confers.
Agbaziro [ág͡bàzíɽò] n.
name of one of the local government areas in the Esan-speaking part of Bendel State.
agbegue [àg͡bégwe] n.
covering up; making secret.
agbeva [àg͡bèvà] n.
something made up of two components; dual; twin.
agbẹn [ág͡bɛ̃́] n.
1. line, row.
2. course, route.
agbẹtẹ [àg͡bɛ́tɛ̀] n.
one afflicted with one or more body ulcers, especially on the legs.
Agbodo [àg͡bódó] n.
1. the name of a lake in Ugo.
2. general term for a cave or any deep and wide hollow in the ground.
Agboghidi [ág͡bóɣìdì] n.
the name of a famous and historic ruler of Ugo.
agbọkhokho [àgbùxòxò] n.
hornet.
agbọn [àg͡bɔ̃̀] n.
1^.^ the world, the universe; mortal life, as opposed to the immortal realm of spirits.
2. a collective reference to the people of the earth.
agha [àɣá] n.
a wood-carver’s implement.
aghadaghada [àɣàdàɣádà] n.
Each of the four lines constituting the cross (+) configuration has in the Edo game, Isẹ. The significance of aghadaghada in the game derives from the mystical meaning of the + symbol.
aghanghan [áɣ̃ã́ɣ̃ã́] n.
a very high price; expensive value:
aghanghan ẹre i hae ye owa nii ― “It was a very high price that I paid for that house.”
aghẹn [àɣ̃ɛ̃̀] n.
native mat made from strips of the pulpy stem of “ẹkpogho” plant.
aghọnghọn [áɣ̃ɔ̃ɣ̃ɔ̃̀] n.
shadow.
ahannọzẹ [àhã̀nɔ̃̀zɛ́] n.
a select group; an exclusive group.
ahẹ [áhɛ̀] n.
convulsion (typically afflicts infants).
ahianmwẹn [áhyã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
bird;
ahianmwẹn-Osa ― “the African Pied wagtail”
.
ahobẹkun [àhóbɛ̀kṹ] n.
state of being lost or irrecoverable.
ahoẹmwẹn-egbe [àhwɛ̀ɱɛ̃égbé] n.
mutual love; caring for each other.
ahoẹmwọnọmwan [àhwɛ̀ɱɛ̃́ɔɱã̀] n.
love, amity; goodwill.
ahoo [àhòó] n.
goodwill, benevolence.
ahuẹmwẹn [àhwɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
troublemaker; (also aruẹmwẹn).
aibanuafo [àíbã̀nũã́fòó] n.
small under-garment worn by men.
airebaa [àíɽébàá] n.
very potent poison, hence its name which literally means “one-does-not-eat-in-addition-to -it”.
aitalọ [áytàlɔ́] n.
sore-throat (also atalọ).
áka [ákà] n.
a common kind of grass snake.
àka [àká] n.
a shelf over the traditional kitchen hearth used for drying meat and fish and for preserving other ingredients such as crayfish, etc.
akaba [àkàbà] n.
a ritual dance which forms part of the Ọkhuahẹ festival.
Akaẹrọnmwọn [ákaɛ́ɽ̃ɔ̃̀ɱɔ̃̀] n.
The Palace Court Jester.
akasan [àkàs̃ã́] n.
corn pudding, usually dispensed in molds wrapped in special leaves known as ebiẹba [èbíɛ̀bá].
akanmwundu [àkã̀ɱũ̀dù] n.
a dimunitive object. (cf. kanmwan).
akeegbe [àkèègbé] n.
a pretentious person.
akenni [àkẽ́nì] n.
ivory (< akon-eni) “elephant’s tooth” (cf. akọn).
Akẹngbuda [àkɛ̃́gbúdà] n.
the name of the Oba of Benin who reigned from 1750 to 1803 (Egharevba 1968: p. 74).
Akẹnzua [ákɛ̃́zuà] n.
the name of two past Obas of Benin: Akenzua I 1713 to 1734 and Akenzua II 1933 to 1978.
akia [ákià] bound morpheme.
month; it occurs with numerals to express monthly periods of time; e.g.
ákiàhá = three-month period
;
akiaihinrin = nine-month period
.
akiyẹyẹ [ákíyɛ̀yɛ́] n.
foolery, joke.
áko [ákò] n.
a fruit tree (Dennettia tripetala), whose fruit is peppery-hot when ripe, and is very popular and used as a hospitality gift.
àko [àkò] n.
gift parcel; present; (also oko).
àko [àkò] n.
1. normal location; place
2. enclosure; bag; case; sheath:
àkoọmọ ― “the case for a child”: womb
.
akobẹ [àkòbɛ̀] n.
metal trap, used mainly for catching small animals such as house mice.
akobiẹ [akobyɛ̀] n.
a mud idol moulded in human shape.
akoọmọ [àkwọ́mọ̀] n.
womb (cf. àko).
akota [àkòtà] n.
evening time: from about 4 p.m. to nightfall;
akota khuẹrhẹẹ ― “late evening”
.
akọn [àkɔ̃̀] n.
tooth; akingho (akọnighó) “milk teeth”.
akọsọ [ákɔ́sɔ́] n.
a thorny creeper (Uvaria macrotricha).
akọwe [ákɔ̀wé] n.
clerk. (cf. Yoruba: akọwe).
akuenrhankuinrri [ákw̃éřã́kw̃ĩ̀rì] n.
pupa encased in a shell of twigs and strings.
akuete [àkwétè] n.
1. something of tremendous size or quality:
amẹ akuete ẹre ọ rhọre ― “It was an extraordinarily heavy rain that fell.”
2. the name of a woven fabric made in Ghana.
akugbe [àkúg͡bè] n.
unity; accord;
akugbe nọhuanrẹn ― “Holy Communion”
.
akughagha [àkúɣàɣà] n.
tree bear.
akuirọn [àkwíɽ̃ɔ̃̀] n.
a dark-brown bird with fluffy plumage.
akha [àxà] n.
weaver bird.
akhaẹn [àxãɛ̃̀] n.
stinginess.
akharha [àxàřà] n.
crutch; also a euphemism for the genitals.
akharho [àxářò] n.
a variety of monkey.
akhasẹ [áxasɛ̀] n.
prophet.
akhe [àxé] n.
a clay pot usually used for drinking water.
akhiẹ [àxyɛ̀] n.
mourning.
akhiọnkpa [àxĩɔ̃̀k͡pà] n.
loner (also okhiọnkpa).
akhọnmiotọ [àxɔ̃́mĩ̀ṍtɔ̀] n.
success, fulfilment, victory.
akhọwa [àxɔ̀wà] n.
1. night-watchman; security guard.
2. deputy.
ákhuankhuinsan [áxw̃ãxw̃ĩsã̀] n.
dungbeetle.
akhuanwa [áxw̃ã́wà] n.
wall ghecko.
akhuarhamwunnu [áxwáráɱũ̀nṹ] n.
lips.
ákhuẹ1 [áxwɛ̀] n.
marble.
ákhuẹ2 [áxwɛ̀] n.
tomorrow.
àkhuẹ [àxwɛ́] n.
wash; bath.
akhuẹn [áxwɛ̃́] n.
joint.
akpá [àk͡pá] n.
1. foetus;
2. spirit.
akpà [àk͡pà] n.
a foolish person.
akpakomiza [àk͡pàkómìzà] n.
hyena.
akpakpa [àk͡pák͡pà] n.
spider.
Akpakpava [àk͡pàk͡pávà] n.
the name of one of the streets in Benin City, it leads from the Ring Road to Ikpoba Slope.
akpalakperhan [àk͡pàlàk͡pèřã́] n.
Grey woodpecker.
akpalode [àk͡pálódè] n.
a belt worn as a protection against evil forces and charms.
akpan [ák͡pã́] n.
baldness; bald head (cf. agbakpan).
akpata [ák͡pátá] n.
an indigenous musical instrument that is played like a harp.
akpanmwunse [àk͡pã̀ɱũ̀sè] n.
eczema.
akpannigiakọn [àk͡pã̀nigyakɔ̃̀] n.
soregums; infected gums.
akpẹlẹ [àk͡pɛ̀lɛ̀] n.
a woman pregnant for the first time.
akpo [àk͡pò] n.
a nickname for a very short person.
akpolo [àk͡pólò] n.
a string of beads worn around the waist by girls.
akpọkọ [ák͡pɔ́kɔ́] n.
a variety of native pepper that’s very small and hot.
Akpọlọkpọlọ [àk͡pɔ̀lɔ̀k͡pɔ́lɔ̀] n.
one of the praise titles of the Ọba of Benin: Ọmọ n’Ọba n’Ẹdo, Uku Akpọlọkpọlọ.
alagbodẹ [àlág͡bòdɛ̀] n.
the last born of a woman. lit. meaning: “one who passes and blocks the way.”
alaghodaro [àláɣòdárò] n.
progress; improvement.
alama [àlàmà] n.
meddling (cf. igbalama).
alasẹ [àlásɛ̀] n.
carelessness/irresponsibility:
ọ ya igho fi alasẹ gbe = he-uses-money-make-carelessness excessively i.e. “he is too careless with money.”
alele [àlélè] n.
procedure; established way of doing things; (also ilele ).
alẹlẹ [álɛ̀lɛ̀] n.
a creeper that’s mainly used for tying yam.
alẹvbẹ [àlɛ̀ʋɛ̀] n.
a bat-like night bird that flies only a short distance when stirred.
alimoi [àlìmoí] n.
orange; alimoinegiere-lime.
alubarha [àlùbářà] n.
onion; (Yoruba: àlùbọ́sà).
alughaẹn [àlúɣã̀ɛ̃] n.
difference.
alumagazi [àlùmàgázì] n.
a pair of scissors; (cf. Yoruba: àlùmɔ́gàjí) (also ugbeto; etuheru).
alumẹ [àlùmɛ̀] n.
a bird.
alumiọghọn [alumyɔ̃́ɣɔ̃̀] n.
the smooth-skinned lizard, which is also smaller than the normal lizard.
ama1 [ámã̀] n.
1. mark:
ọ vin ama yọ ― “he drew a mark on it”
;
2. sign, symbol: ama emwin nodee ọna khin (the sign of thing coming this is) “this is a sign of things to come.”
ama2 [ámã̀] n.
a bronze or brass casting:
Iran sa ọre ye ama ― “They cast it in bronze/brass.”
i.e. “They immortalized it.”
amazẹ [ámazɛ̀] n.
carved or moulded figurines in a shrine.
ameda [àmédà] n.
rain-water (collected from a drainage tunnel on a roof, or as it flows down the roof). (cf. amẹ; eda).
amerhẹn [àméřɛ̃̀] n.
hot water (cf. amẹ; erhẹn).
ameve [àmévè] n.
tears (cf. evé).
amẹ [àmɛ̃̀] n.
1. water.
2. rain:
amẹ rhọọ ― “Rain is falling”
.
3. liquid:
ọ de amẹ ― “It has liquified”
.
4. juice:
amẹ alimoi ― “orange juice”
.
amẹmẹ [ámɛ̃̀mɛ̃̀] n.
a tree whose leaves have sandy surfaces like sandpaper. (cf. ebamẹmẹ), and is usually used for polishing wooden surfaces.
amẹzẹ [àmɛ̃́zɛ̀] n.
stream water (believed to be very cool):
Ọ furre vbe amẹzẹ ― “It is cool like stream water”
.
amiẹkue [àmyɛ̃́kwè] n.
concession; admission as accurate or true.
amivin [àmĩ́vĩ̀] n.
coconut milk.
amolokun [àmṍlókũ̀] n.
sea-water. (cf. Olokun).
amọgba [àmɔ̃̀g͡bà] n.
pipe-borne water.
amuẹtinyan [àmwɛ̃́tĩỹã̀] n.
faith, trust.
amufi [àmũ̀fì] n.
acrobats who used to perform at the isiokuo ceremony.
amunu [àmṹnũ̀] n.
verbal abuse or insult.
amuro [àmṹɽò] n.
sympathy, consideration.
amurhukpa [àmṹřùkpà] n.
kerosine.
amwenbọ [áɱẽ̀bɔ́] n.
favourite wife.
amwẹn [àɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. female;
2. wife.
amwọnba [áɱɔ̃́bá] n.
1. wife of the Ọba of Benin (also oloi);
2. wife of a ruler.
anini [ánĩ́nĩ́] n.
an old Nigerian coin that was worth 1/10 of a Kobo.
apiẹntisi [àpỹ́ɛ̃́tisì] n.
1. apprentice driver.
2. apprentice in general. (cf. Engl.).
araba [áɽábà] n.
1. rubber.
2. plastic wares (cf. Engl.).
áranmwẹn [áɽ̃ã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
tongue.
àranmwẹn [àɽ̃ã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. animal, usually wild rather than domestic.
2. game meat.
arebun [àɽébũ̀] n.
a variety of white yam.
arevbukhu [áɽèʋúxù] n.
inheritance; heritage; legacy (cf. ukhu).
arẹkẹn [àɽɛ̀kɛ̃̀] n.
a variety of snake that feeds on eggs.
arẹnrẹn [áɽ̃ɛ̃ɽ̃ɛ̃̀] n.
priggishly professing to know.
arighẹghan [aɽiɣɛɣã] n.
a painful swelling in the groin region.
áro [áɽó] n.
dye; indigo dye:
ọ rhuan ukpon áro ― She is wearing a cloth that has been dipped in indigo dye
.
àro [àɽò] n.
1. eye;
2. face:
ọ gbe orhue ye àro ― She rubbed chalk on her face
.
3. front or right side:
Ọ mu ukpọn aro daa iyeke ― She turned the front side of the cloth to the back
.
4. variety; kind:
àro ughughan ― “different kinds”
.
aroegbe [àɽwég͡bè] n.
a matching set; things of the same kind.
aroewu [àɽwéwù] n.
hearth.
aroẹrinmwin [àɽwɛ́ɽ̃iɱĩ̀] n.
1. the shrine at which the rites of ẹrinmwin (the ancestors) are performed.
2. (idiom) the brink of death:
Emianmwen ne ọ khuọnmwin kiekie naa, aroẹrinmwin ẹre a ke na ya wọlọ ẹre rhie ladian ― “This sickness that afflicted him lately, it was from the brink of death that he was saved.”
aroẹtẹ [àɽwɛ́tɛ̀] n.
the surface of an ulcer.
aroirofiekhoewerriẹ [àɽwíɽofyéxɔéwèriyɛ̀] n.
repentance (lit: one-thinks-thought-changes-mind.)
aroọma [àɽwɔ́mà] n.
good fortune
àro ọma: “^face (of) goodness:”
T’u gha miẹ aroọma: “May you find good fortune.”
arovbẹmwẹn [àɽòʋɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
greed (aro + vbẹ-mwẹn)^: “eye ― wideness”:
ọ mwẹn arovbẹmwẹn gbe ― “he is too greedy.”
arowa [àɽòwà] n.
1. master, boss.
2. husband.
arọ [àɽɔ̀] n.
cripple; paralysed person.
arọkpa [àɽɔ́kpá] n.
oneness; solidarity.
Arúkhọ [àɽúxɔ̀] n.
name of the ill-treated wife of Ogiso in Ẹdo folklore.
arhẹrhẹ [ářɛ̀řɛ́] n.
gentle persuasion, coaxing.
arhiema [àřyémà] n.
demonstration, proof.
arhiọkpaegbe [àřyɔ́k͡paègbé] n.
resurrection; (Christian sense) Easter.
Arhuanràn [ářw̃ã́ɽã̀] n.
name of the historic giant sized brother of Ọba Ẹsigie.
arhuaro [àřw̃áɽò] n.
a blind person (cf. afuozu).
arhuẹ [àřwɛ̀] n.
circumcision.
arhunmwun [ářṹɱṹ] n.
individual person:
arhunmwun-ọkpa ― “one person”
(also orhunmwun).
arhunmwontọ [ářũ̀ɱṍtɔ̀] n.
viper.
arra [àrá] n.
a variety of green caterpillar, typically found underneath leaves, and causes extreme irritation of the skin when one comes into contact with it.
arrale [áralè] n.
a busybody; a gossip.
arriana [àryíanã̀] n.
this life, as opposed to the previous or the next re-incarnation.
arre [árè] n.
tradition; cultural history:
emwin-arre ― historical event
.
arriavbehe [àryáʋèhé] n.
next reincarnation.
arrianusin [àriànṹsĩ̀] n.
the previous life (i.e. before the present one).
arriọba [àryɔ́bá] n.
kingdom; government.
arriọkpa [àryɔ́kpà] n.
the colourful tail feather of a rooster.
arriukpa [àryìúkpà] n.
a variety of moth that hovers around lamps at night.
arrọn [àr̃ɔ̃] n.
a flaky skin disease that affects domestic animals such as goats and sheep.
asaka [àsákà] n.
a variety of large black ant that troops in a single file and stings when encountered. It also gives off a very strong smell when squashed. asaka-nokhiọnkpa [àsákànóxĩɔ̃̀kpà] a variety of black ant that goes singly. It typically has a painful sting.
asan [ásã́] n.
cane, usually used for flogging people or animals.
asanikaro [àsàníkàɽò] n.
pioneer.
asanmwonto [àsã̀ɱõ̀tò] n.
a variety of brown ants that troops in large numbers, and typically collects over greasy surfaces and left-over foods in garbage dumps.
ase [àsé] n.
state of being in the right in a case or a quarrel ―
Ozo ọ rri-ase vbe ẹmwẹn naa ― “Ozo is in the right in this case.”
asefẹn [àsèfɛ̃̀] n.
the sides of the human body.
aseza [ásézà] n.
soldier; (possibly from English: soldier); warrior (also ovbi-iyokuo).
ásẹ [ásɛ́] n.
1. proximity; environ ―
ásẹ ni ọ rhie ẹre yi ― “It is around that place that he put it”
;
ásẹ ni ọ na ru ẹre ― “It was around that time that he did it.”
àsẹ [àsɛ́] n.
authority.
asẹgiẹ [ásɛ́gyɛ́] n.
iron rod used by farmers for harvesting yam.
asẹlẹ [ásɛ̀lɛ́] n.
cricket (also ọsẹlẹ).
asẹsẹ [ásɛ̀sɛ́] n.
a bird: robin.
asimo [ásímó] n.
a nickname for a very lean person.
asokito [ásòkítò] n.
hospital (cf. English: hospital) (variant forms are: asikito; ọsupito; etc).
asokosagba [ásókósàg͡bà] n.
a bikini-type underwear.
asologun [àsólógṹ] n.
xylophone.
asoro [ásóró] n.
a spear.
asoso [ásósó] n.
a wild fruit that’s very sweet, borne by a local plant known as ebiẹba.
asuẹn [áswɛ̃́] n.
a shrub (Carpolobia lutea) whose wood is used for making the native harp, akpata [ákpátá].
asukpẹ [àsùk͡pɛ̀] n.
hiccups.
ata [àtá] n.
a variety of monkey.
atabatibo [àtàbàtíbó] n.
something that has developed or has been extended out of proportion:
Ọ ya mwẹn emwẹn khian atabatibo ― “He has turned my words into an incredible exaggeration; i.e., he has exaggerated my words beyond recognition.”
ataighimua [àtáiɣimw̃ã̀] n.
a final resolution (a-ta-ai-ghi-mua) ― “that which is said and is not to be debated”^.
ataikpin [àtàik͡pĩ̀] n.
a variety of snake, which is like a boa, but of a smaller variety.
Atakparhakpa [àtàk͡pářàk͡pà] n.
1. name of the legendary rogue who was reputed to be a most skillful robber:
Atakparhakpa ne ogie-oyi ― “Atakparhakpa, the chief of robbers.”
2. nickname for a thief.
atalakpa [àtàlàkpà] n.
leopard.
atalọ [átàlɔ́] n.
sore-throat (also aitalọ).
atanunuyan [àtánũ̀nṹỹã̀] n.
a nickname for a very talkative person (a-ta-ne-unu-yan): “one who talks till (his) mouth tires.”
atata- [átátá] bd. n.
surface, as in atata-obọ ― palm (i.e. surface of hand); atata-owẹ ― “sole of the feet.”
atauvbi [àtàuʋì] n.
the period just before sunset, characterized by the warm glow of the setting sun.
ateete [átèétè] n.
grasshopper.
atẹ [àtɛ́] n.
displayed merchandize, traditionally on cane trays (atẹtẹ) in the market place.
atẹtẹ [àtɛ̀tɛ̀] n.
the traditional cane tray on which merchandize, such as pepper, crayfish, etc., is displayed in measured portions for sale in the market place.
atiebi [àtyèbì] n.
a large insect that typically makes its characteristic calls at dusk; hence its name, which literally means: “caller of darkness”.
atimakasa [àtìmàkásà] n.
antimacassar a crotchetted covering thrown over chairs and other pieces of furniture as protection from grease or as an ornament. (cf. English).
atita [àtítá] n.
childish term for “meat”.
ato [àtó] n.
grassy plain; savana.
atọrhi [àtɔ̀ří] n.
gonorrhoea.
atọwọ [àtɔ̀wɔ̀] n.
whitlow on the finger, believed to be caused by the poison of the caterpillar, isue.
atugiẹn [àtùgỹɛ̃́] n.
a variety of monkey.
ava [àvá] n.
wooden or iron wedge used for splitting wood.
àvan [àvã̀] n.
1. afternoon;
2. daylight (as opposed to asọn ― nighttime).
aván [àvã́] n.
thunder and lightning; also avan-nukhunmwun.
aviẹn [àvỹɛ̃́] n.
clitoris.
Avbiama [àʋyámá] n.
the name of an Ẹdo-Speaking village.
avbiẹ [àʋyɛ́] n.
few or of limited quantity:
igho ne ọ mwẹn ― i-re avbiẹ ― “the money that he has is limitless”
.
avbiẹrẹ [àʋiɛ̀ɽɛ̀] n.
1. a coward; a weak person.
àwa [àwá] n.
dog (also ekita; ovbiakota).
áwa [áwà] n.
hour (cf. Engl. hour).
awanwan [áw̃ã̀w̃ã̀] n.
brightness, light.
áwẹ [áwɛ́] n.
a large bird with a tuft on its head.
àwẹ [àwɛ̀] n.
a fast, usually associated with the Muslim religion.
awuekia [àwwékyà] n.
impotent man.
ayaengbọmwan [àyáeg͡bɔɱã̀] n.
1^.^ independence (in the political sense);
2. freedom from apprenticeship.
ayegbema [àyégbémà] n.
self-betrayal.
ayegbemiẹ [àyégbemỹɛ̃̀] n.
endurance.
ayere [àyèɽè] n.
memoriam; remembrance.
ayi [áyì] n.
creation; nature.
ayighẹ [áyíɣɛ́] n.
a weakling; also ayinghẹn.
ayintọ [àỹítɔ̀] n.
(a-yin-tọ) ― “dwelling with longevity” a traditional greeting expressed to somebody who has just completed either the foundation of a residence or the entire building, to wish him long life.
ayọ [áyɔ̀] n.
the norm; the usual moderation; it is usually preceded by the comparative verb sẹẹ:
ọ rhiẹnrhiẹn sẹẹ ayọ ― it is sweet surpassing moderation, i.e. “it is extremely sweet”
.
ayenhọ [àyẽ́hɔ̀] n.
1. a deaf person;
2. (idiom) a stubborn person.
àyọn [àyɔ̃́] n.
1. wine;
2. beverage;
3. alcoholic drink.
áyọn [áyɔ̃̀] n.
black rubber tree.
ayọnni [áyɔ̃̀nĩ̀] n.
pressing iron (cf. English: iron).
aza [ázà] n.
1. store-room in the house;
2. bank.
azagba [àzàgbà] n.
the open; a public place:
ghẹ talọ ẹmwẹn mwẹn sẹ azagba ― “don’t announce my affairs to the open, i.e. keep my affairs secret.”
Azama [àzámà] n.
the name of a deity of the Ọba, said to have been an historic royal courtier.
azanna [àzã̀nã̀] n.
boar (bush and domestic).
azebe [ázébè] n.
library (aza ebe) “bank of books”.
azẹ [àzɛ́] n.
fee; contribution; levy.
azi [ázì] n.
adze (cf. Engl.).
azigan [àzìgã́] n.
jiggar (cf. English: jiggar).
ázigho [ázíɣó] n.
(aza-ígho) “store of money”: commercial bank.
àzigho [àzíɣò] n.
stag bettle.
dabadogun [dàbàdógṹ] n.
a tree, Parinarium.
ebaan [èbã́ã̀] n.
now; at this time. (Also: ebanban; ewaan; ewanwan).
ebaba [èbàbá] n.
address term, used mainly by the young, for father. Other terms include evbavba; erha.
ebafọ [èbáfɔ̀] n.
a small plant whose leaves are used as vegetable in afọ soup.
ebakhuẹ [èbáxwɛ̀] n.
the red feathertail of a parrot.
ebakpẹ [èbákpɛ] n.
a plant (millettia thonningii) whose leaves are used for medication against dysentery.
ebamẹmẹ [èbámɛ̃̀mɛ̃̀] n.
the leaf of a local shrub with abrasive surface, and used for cleaning and shining rough surfaces.
eban [èbã́] n.
the act of stripping off clothes (cf. ban).
ebe [èbé] n.
1. leaf;
2. vegetable;
3. paper; book.
ebeebe [èbéèbé] n.
1. greenish colour;
2. foliage.
ebekhue [èbéxwé] n.
the leaves of “garden egg” used in a variety of soups as vegetable.
ebeni [èbénĩ̀] n.
a kind of leaf used for making the thatched roof of traditional houses.
ebevbarrie [èbéʋàryɛ́] n.
(< ebe + evbarie) a kind of fish (usually smoked) used in soups and stews.
ebẹn1 [èbɛ̃̀] n.
a boundary, a line of demarkation, especially between adjacent farms.
ebẹn2 [èbɛ̃̀] n.
dangerous debris, usually in the form of broken bottles and metal rods used to prevent trespassers from farms and other restricted territories.
ebi [èbí] n.
night; darkness;
ebi ro: “darkness has fallen.”
(Also ebiebi);
ebiebi so: “night has fallen i.e. it has become dark.”
ebiakabianu [èbyàkábyanu] n.
nonsensical talk; unintelligible utterances.
ebiavan [èbyávã̀] n.
“afternoon darkness”: eclipse of the sun.
ebibi [èbíbì] n.
aimless groping or wandering.
ebiẹ [èbíɛ̀] n.
beer (cf. Engl.).
ebiẹba [èbíɛ̀bá] n.
a local leaf traditionally used for parcelling cooked food such as boiled rice (izẹ) or ekusu (a kind of corn pudding), etc.
ebihieghe [èbíhyèɣè] n.
(< ebe + ihieghe) the fresh leaves of a tree (Myrianthus arboreus) used as vegetable in a variety of soup.
ebitẹtẹ [èbítɛ̀tɛ̀] n.
the leaves of a small plant used as vegetables in afọ soup.
ebiwinna [èbíwĩ̀nã̀] n.
“work paper”: job application.
ebiyẹn [èbíyɛ̃̀] n.
report; newsletter.
ebiyọyọ [ebíyɔ́yɔ́] n.
another name for ebitẹtẹ.
ebo [ébo] n.
white-man; European.
eboriwo [èbóɽíwò] n.
(< ebe + oriwo) “bitter leaf”, the leaves of a shrub, bitter in taste, often used with ikpogi (melon seeds) to make a common Edo soup.
ebọbọzi [èbɔ̀bɔ̀zí] n.
thin slices of boiled cassava, soaked in cold water, usually eaten as a snack, rather than as a meal.
ebọdọndọn [èbɔ́dɔ̃dɔ̃] n.
“water leaf”; the leaves of a small plant (Talinum triangulare) used as vegetable in preparing a variety of soups.
ebọlu [èbɔ́lù] n.
ball (also; ibọlu) (cf. Engl.) (also ibọru/ebọru).
ebọrhẹrhẹ [èbɔ́řɛ̀řɛ́] n.
a variety of local vegetable used in preparing soup.
ebubẹ [èbùbɛ̀] n.
fine sand; dust.
ebuka [ébúkà] n.
food canteen.
ebuluku [èbùlúkù] n.
a full-gathered wrap-around skirt that women traditionally wear under their wrappers. It is also worn as an outer garment by some native priests.
ebumwẹn [èbúɱɛ̃̀] n.
“salt leaf” a creeper (Manniophyton africanum); it is said to cause itching when touched.
ebumwẹnkhẹn [èbúɱɛ̃̀xɛ̃́] n.
“pumpkin leaf” a creeper whose fresh leaves are used as vegetable in soup. The seeds of the fruit are also edible when boiled.
eda [èdá] n.
rain water collected from the eaves of a roof. (cf. daa3).
Edaikẹn [èdàíkɛ̃́] n.
the title of the heir-apparent to the Ẹdo throne; his court is at Uselu.
edanmwẹn [èdã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
examination (cf. danmwẹn2).
ede [èdé] n.
bush-cow; buffalo. (also ẹhan).
edede [èdèdé] n.
old woman.
edẹ [èdɛ́] n.
grey hair.
edigue [èdìgwè] n.
villager; unsophisticated person.
edigun [èdígũ̀] n.
iron.
ediọn [èdỹɔ̃̀] n.
1. the elders of a clan or village usually about 42 and above in age;
2. pl. of ọdiọn: “older ones.”
ediọnmwan [èdỹɔ̃̀ɱã́] n.
old man.
ediran [èdíɽ̃ã̀] n.
this way; this side; this part; (also oderan: < odẹ + eran).
edirẹva [èdírɛ́và] n.
driver of a vehicle (cf. Engl.: driver) (also edrrẹva).
Edogun [èdógṹ] n.
title of a warchief.
Edọhẹn [èdòhɛ̃́] n.
title of one of the chiefs belonging to the Uzama.
edọkita [èdɔ́kítà] n.
doctor (cf. Engl.) (also ẹdokita).
edọn [édɔ̃̀] n.
flying termite.
edu [èdú] n.
translation (used with the vb. zẹ).
efa [èfá] n.
disgrace; embarrassment.
efada [èfàdá] n.
a Roman Catholic Father. (cf. Engl.).
efẹn [èfɛ̃̀] n.
1. side of the body.
efẹnrhinyẹn [èfɛ̃̀řĩ́ỹɛ̃̀] n.
a snack prepared from unsifted cassava, eaten mainly in the delta area of Bendel State.
efiaide [èfyaídè] n.
Friday (cf. Engl.).
efoni [èfónì] n.
telephone.
efoto [èfòtó] n.
photograph; picture.
efọnkpa [èfɔ̃́k͡pá] n.
1. a certain place; a certain location;
2. the same place (also ehọkpa).
efun [èfṹ] n.
boneless meat; flesh of animals or human beings; muscle. (also ifun).
ega-ifi [ègáifì] n.
an enclosed area in which traps are set.
egalahi [ègàláàhì] n.
a tiny drinking glass used for serving liqueur.
egedege [ègédége] n.
storey building.
egilẹ [égìlɛ̀] n.
snail.
egirramu [ègírámù] n.
gram (cf. Engl.).
egirrepi [ègírépì] n.
grape-fruit (cf. Engl.).
egosimeti [ègòsìmétì] n.
gold-smith (cf. Engl.).
Egọ [ègɔ̀] n.
a Bini village situated on the road leading to Siluko.
eguẹva [ègùɛ́và] n.
guava. (cf. Engl.).
egui [ègwí] n.
land-tortoise.
eguọ [ègwɔ̀] n.
a feat; an exploit; a performance.
egba [èg͡bá] n.
hunter’s ambush.
egbaha [ég͡bàhà] n.
the beam placed above a door to support the wall above it in traditional houses.
egbakhian [èg͡bàxyã́] n.
1. lovers;
2. a close friend of any sex.
egbalaka [ég͡bàlàkà] n.
ladder.
egbe1 [èg͡bé] n.
1. body;
egbe hia khia mwẹn ― “all my body hurts me”
;
2. bulk:
ẹkpẹtin na mwẹn egbe ― “This box has bulk.”
egbe2 [èg͡bé] n.
one another; each other:
Iran tuẹ egbe ― “They greeted each other.”
egbe3 [èg͡bé] n.
kind, variety;
egbe ọna ẹre ọ yẹẹ mwẹn ― “It is this kind that pleases me; i.e. This is the kind I like.”
egbebalọmwẹn [èg͡bèbálɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
hot temper; quick temper. (also ibalegbe).
egbedamwẹn [èg͡bèdáɱɛ̃̀] n.
being acutely sensitive to physical or emotional discomfort; being accutely affected by external stimuli, especially those that cause pain.
egbegiengiẹnmwẹn [ègbègỹɛ̃́gỹɛ̃ɱɛ̃̀] n.
being incapable of enduring or accommodating pain.
egbekanmwẹn [èg͡bèkã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
being easily irritable.
egbekẹn [èg͡békɛ̃̀] n.
wall (especially of a house).
egbemumwẹn [ègbèmúɱɛ̃̀] n.
excitement.
egberọkhọmwẹn [èg͡bèɽɔ́xɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
peace and comfort; luxury and leisure.
egberranmwẹn [èg͡bèrã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
health.
egbewọmwẹn [èg͡bèwɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
tiredness and fatigue.
egbowa [èg͡bówà] n.
the out-house used for toilet facilities:
Egbowa nokhua “the big out-house; i.e. latrine”
;
egbowa nekherhe ― “urinary”
.
égbọ [ég͡bɔ̀] n.
a variety of traditional songs sung on solemn occasions such as funerals.
ègbọ [èg͡bɔ́] n.
the phase of tree-felling in the process of making a new farm.
egbọn [ég͡bɔ̃̀] n.
a high fence made of ikhinmwin trees, and standing at the entrance of a village (ughe); it serves to ward off evil spirits and bad charms from the village.
egbọna [ègbɔ́nà] n.
(< egbe3 + ọna) “this kind”; this variety (cf. egbe3 ).
egbọghọ [égbɔ̀ɣɔ̀] n.
native tobacco; it has a very pungent smell.
egbu [égbú] n.
a kind of woodpecker which has a very big head and short beak.
Eghaẹvbo [èɣàɛ̀ʋò] n.
the title of two sets of Edo chiefs: 1. Eghaẹvbo Nore, and 2. Eghaẹvbo Nogbe. The latter is made up of officials of the palace (eguae), while the former consists of town chiefs; such as Iyasẹ, Esọgban, Esọn and Osuma.
eghan1 [éɣã̀] n.
metal chain used for harnessing convicts.
eghan2 [éɣã̀] n.
imprisonment; confinement.
eghẹrẹ [èɣɛ́ɽɛ̀] n.
idleness; something of ineffective value; something lacking in purpose or worth.
eghian [éɣỹã̀] n.
enemy; 2. pl. of oghian ― enemy.
egho [èɣó] n.
the over-night rubbish lying in the house before it is swept in the morning.
egho [èɣó] n.
(of food) staleness, resulting from lack of preservatives, especially over-night; 2. (of persons) the bad breath before mouth is cleaned in the morning.
eghorẹ [èɣóɽɛ̀] n.
an idiomatic expression for pregnancy.
eghọẹn [èɣɔ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
foreigner.
eghute [éɣúté] n.
1. beach; riverside;
2. port; harbour.
Ehaẹkpẹn [èháɛkpɛ̃̀] n.
title of a category of Edo chiefs.
ehẹankọn [èhɛ̃́ã̀kɔ̃̀] n.
plaque on teeth.
ehaya [èháyà] n.
rent; hire:
ọ mu imọto ẹre ye ehaya ― “He put his car on rent.”
ehe1 [èhé] n.
1. place; location (also eke)
De ehe ne i gha mu enrẹn yi ― “What place shall I put it?”
2. journey:
I gha ye ehe akhuẹ ― “I shall go on a journey tomorrow.”
ehe2 [èhé] n.
menstruation.
eheha [èhéhà] n.
groups of three; threes.
eheikehe [èhéikèhé] n.
anywhere; wherever:
eheikehe ne u rhirhi na miẹ ọnrẹn, u ghu khama mwẹn ― “wherever you happen to find it, you tell me.”
Ehẹngbuda [èhɛ̃́gbúdà] n.
Name of a past Oba of Benin who reigned from about 1578 to about 1607 (Egharevba 1968:73).
Ehẹnmihẹn [èhɛ̃̀mĩ́hɛ̃̀] n.
name of a past Ọba of Benin who reigned in the first half of the thirteenth century (Egharevba 1968:73).
ẹhẹnnẹdẹn [èhɛ̃́nɛ̃́dɛ̃́] n.
perfect health and wholesomeness.
ehiagha1 [èhyaɣà] n.
cf. ihiagha.
ehiagha2 [èhyaɣà] n.
(with ivin) palm kernel:
Ọ ya ivin-ehiagha wọn igari ― “He used palm kernel to drink garri; i.e. he ate garri with palm kernels.”
ehianmwẹn [éhyã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
the hard shell of a fruit or nut:
ehianmwẹn-ivin ― “coconut shells”
.
ehiẹn [éhỹɛ̃́] n.
nails (of human); claws (of birds) (also ihiẹn).
ehionbọ [éhyṍbɔ̀] n.
(< ehiẹn-obọ) finger-nails (also ihionbọ).
ehionwẹ [éhyṍwẹ̀] n.
(< ehiẹn-owe) toe-nails (also ihionwẹ).
ehọ1 [èhɔ́] n.
1. ear.
2. edge.
ehọ2 [èhɔ́] n.
an annual festival of sacrifice to the ancestors.
Ehọ [èhɔ̀] n.
Ehor, a town on the boundary between Ẹdo and Esan-speaking people.
ehọkpa [èhɔ́kpá] n.
same as efọnkpa.
Ehọndọn [èhɔ̃́dɔ̃́] n.
title of a chief whose special function is to oversee the slaughtering and butchering of sacrificial animals at all the Oba’s sacrifices.
ehọnmwẹn [èhɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
purification.
Eka [èká] n.
The Ika people and their language. They are a branch of the Igbo-Speaking people.
eka [ékà] n.
a variety of fried traditional cake made from maize or beans, and eaten mainly as snack.
ekaere ― fried bean cake
.
ekabita [èkábítà] n.
carpenter (cf. Engl.).
ekaebo [ékáebò] n.
(< eka + ebo): “Whiteman’s cake”: biscuits.
ekagha [èkàɣà] n.
muzzle; gag.
ekainkain [èkãĩ́kãĩ́] n.
traditionally brewed gin.
ekalaka [èkàlákà] n.
drinking-glass; tumbler (cf. Port.: caneca).
ekasa1 [èkàsà] n.
1. a tree (Omphalocarpum procerum);
2. the rattle made from the husks of the seeds of the tree, strung with raffia and worn around the ankles by dancers.
ekasa2 [èkàsà] n.
a very colourful dance performed by a dance troupe from Ogbelaka as part of the ceremonies to celebrate the Oba’s coronation.
ekasiu [èkàsiú] n.
cashew: the plant, the fruit and the nut. (cf. Engl.).
Ekatakpi [èkátákpì] n.
a nickname for a short and fat person, with short limbs; it derives from a character in Edo folklore who was a stump.
ekatapila [èkàtàpílà] n.
caterpillar; truck (cf. Engl.).
eke [èké] n.
place; location:
I yo eke ne ọ na winna ― “I visited the place where he works.”
(cf. ehe).
eke [èké] n.
stunted round yam, used mainly for planting.
ekẹkẹrẹbo [èkɛ̀kɛ̀ɽɛ́bò] n.
something of little worth or consequence.
ekẹn1 [èkɛ̃́] n.
one of the four days in the traditional week on which no market-day falls. The other days of the week are: ẹkiọba; ekẹn naka; and agbado.
ekẹ̀n [èkɛ̃̀] n.
soil, mud; 2. wall of a house.
ekẹnnekhui [èkɛ̃̀néxuì] n.
(< ekẹn + nekhui)^― “black soil”; humus.
ekẹnnẹkẹnnẹ [èkɛ̃̀nɛ̃̀kɛ̃́nɛ̃̀] n.
a spotted design; a pattern of spots:
ẹwu ẹre gbẹnne ẹkẹnnẹkẹnnẹ ― “His garment is spotted in design.”
ekẹtẹkẹtẹ [èkɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́] n.
ass; donkey.
eki [ékì] n.
(same as ukuoki) a pad placed to wedge a load on the head.
ekiawa [ékyáwà] n.
a shrub, Erythrina species.
ekilo [èkílò] n.
kilogram (cf. Engl.).
ekilomita [èkìlómítà] n.
kilometre (cf. Engl.).
ekinyanwo [èkĩ́ỹã́wó] n.
guinea-fowl egg (< ekẹn + iyanwo) (cf. Yoruba ẹyin-awo).
ekiosisi [ékyósísí] n.
(< ekia + osisi) “penis of gun”: trigger of a gun.
ekita [ékítà] n.
dog (also awa; ovbiakota).
eko1 [èkó] n.
temporary camp; settlement used for purposes of hunting, farming and, in the past, war.
Eko2 [èkó] n.
the Edo name of Lagos, which originated with the use of the territory as a war-camp by Edo warriors in the 15th and 16th centuries.
ekoko [èkókò] n.
Utte masquerades, noted for the long chins of their masks. The masquerade is said to date back to the reign of Oba Ohẹn in the 14th century.
ekokodia [èkòkódyà] n.
ceremonial name for coconut.
ekokohiẹn [ekókóhỹɛ̃̀] n.
a long snail’s shell previously used as native spoon.
ekokoma [èkókómà] n.
a variety of native pop dance.
ekokoo [èkòkóò] n.
cocoa (cf. Engl.).
ekonbuẹ [èkõbúɛ] n.
(< ekẹ̀n + obuẹ) clay; soil with a large proportion of clay.
ekongbe [èkṍgbè] n.
(< ekẹ̀n + ogbe) “wall of Ogbe”; the wall that encloses the Oba’s palace in Benin City.
ekororo [ékóroro] n.
(< eka + ororo) bean cakes fried in groundnut oil, rather than palm oil.
ekọka [ékɔ́kà] n.
(< eka + ọka) “maize cake” traditional cake made from ground corn, and fried in palm oil.
ekọnka [èkɔ̃́kà] n.
the dried out cob of corn to which the grains are attached in an ear of maize.
ekọnkhọkhọ [èkɔ̃́xɔxɔ̀] n.
(< ekẹ́n + ọkhọkhọ) chicken egg.
ekọtu [èkɔ́tù] n.
law-court (cf. Engl.). (also ikotu).
ekuabọ [ékwábɔ̀] n.
upper arm.
ekuawẹ [ékwáwɛ̀] n.
thigh.
ekuẹ [ékwɛ́] n.
bellows.
ekuku [èkúkù] n.
cook (cf. Engl.).
ekuọmọ [ékwɔ́mɔ̀] n.
a fat brown rat (also known as ẹbete).
ekuyẹ [èkùyɛ́] n.
spoon (cf. Port.: colher).
ekha [èxá] n.
a declaration; an authoritative statement:
Ekha gue Osa ― “Declarations are with god; i.e. god proposes.”
ekhaẹmwẹn [èxàɛɱɛ̃̀] n.
chiefs; pl. of okhaemwen.
ekhaosisi [éxàosísí] n.
(< ekhae + osisi) “sand of gun”: gun-powder.
ekhàrha [èxàřà] n.
umbrella (also ugbinnamẹ).
ekhárha [èxářà] n.
recitation; recital.
ekhekhae [éxèxàe] n.
(< ekhae + ekhae) full of sand; being sandy.
ekherhe [èxéřé] n.
a little bit (of something).
ekhẹn [èxɛ̃̀] n.
a band of travellers, whether on foot or by some public means of transport:
ekhẹn ni rrie ẹki ― “travellers going to the market”
;
ekhẹn ni rrie ugbo ― “travellers going to the farm.”
ekhọe1 [éxɔ̀e] n.
mind; will:
ekhọe daan ― “wickedness”; “meanness.”
ekhọe2 [éxɔ̀e] n.
palm-branch shed of its leaves, used for tying yams.
ekhuae [éxwàe] n.
a group of charm made of pounded medicines used in both cursing and blessing rituals.
èkhue [èxwè] n.
1. shame, embarrasment.
2. shyness; self-consciousness.
ékhue [éxwé] n.
garden-egg; egg plant.
ekhuẹkhuẹ [èxwɛ́xwɛ̀] n.
palm-wine tapped from fallen palm tree (also udegbotọ).
ekhui [èxwì] n.
the scaly ant-eater.
ekhuọrhọ [éxwɔ̀řɔ̀] n.
swamp; muddy soil; slush.
èkpa1 [èk͡pá] n.
vomiting; vomit.
èkpa2 [èk͡pá] n.
consideration; cause;
Èkpa ruẹ ẹre ọ ya mwẹn rre ― “It was on account of you that I came.”
ékpa [ék͡pà] n.
1. fist:
ọ kuun ékpa da mwẹn ― “He clenched his fist at me”
;
2. hitting with the fist; boxing:
ọ fi mwẹn ékpa ― “He boxed me”
.
ekpaghudo [èk͡pàɣúdò] n.
a tree, Albizzia zygia.
ekpakara1 [èk͡pákáɽá] n.
a variety of beetle found mainly on the raffia palm; it sucks juice out of the cuttings made by wine-tappers.
ekpakara2 [èk͡pákáɽá] n.
convulsion; it afflicts mainly children.
ekpakpahunmwangan [èk͡pàk͡pàhṹɱã̀gã̀] n.
scorpion.
ekpalakpala [èk͡pàlàk͡pálá] n.
a flat fish with many bones and rough scales.
ekpamaku [èk͡pàmákù] n.
1. corrugated iron sheet, used for roofing modern houses, in place of the traditional thatch;
2. enamel plate, dish or bowl used in the household.
ekparhurhu [èk͡pářuřù] n.
a variety of wasp that makes its nest on creepers. It has a very painful sting.
ekpaye [èk͡pàyɛ̀] n.
followers; attendants.
ekpelekpele [èk͡pèlèk͡pélé] n.
mosquito lava swimming under the water surface.
ekpẹkpẹyẹ [èk͡pɛ́k͡pɛ́yɛ́] n.
duck. (cf. Yoruba pẹ́pẹ́yẹ).
ekpẹtẹsi [èk͡pɛ̀tɛ́sì] n.
storey building (also egedege). (cf. Yoruba pẹtẹsi).
ekpinni [ék͡pĩ̀nĩ̀] n.
half-penny (cf. Engl.).
ekpo [èk͡pò] n.
1. masquerade;
2. a particular masquerade society of young boys.
ekpokpo [èk͡pók͡pò] n.
traditional bronze toy “guns” which children mount on wooden holders and shoot with nails, using match-stick heads and sand as gun-powder.
ekpọkọ [èk͡pɔ́kɔ̀] n.
milky drivel emitted by babies, especially after a meal.
ekpọnkpọndọn [èk͡pɔ̃́kpɔ̃dɔ̃́] n.
a U-shaped pin used as a hair dressing implement by women.
ekpọnmwẹn [èk͡pɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. thanksgiving performed by a newly-made chief in the form of a procession to the palace and various shrines.
2. (in the Christian context) a special service of thanksgiving in which special offerings are made to the church in gratitude to God for some special goodwill recently experienced by donor ― such as the birth of a child; successful completion of education, etc.
ekpukpu [èk͡púk͡pú] n.
a dish prepared from cassava.
elaghalogho [èláɣáloɣò] n.
a bell used in the Ọkhuahẹ cult, shaped like ẹgogo, but with a nail inside it.
elalọ [èlálɔ̀] n.
ringworm.
elapurhu [èlápuřù] n.
fugitive swellings in the groin.
elarhẹlarhẹ [èlářɛ̀lářɛ̀] n.
a disease in which fluid collects in cavities or tissues of the body; dropsy.
elawagbọn [èláwagbɔ̃̀] n.
maturity and experience that one acquires through diversified contacts and exposure.
elẹdẹ [élɛ́dɛ̀] n.
domestic pig.
elẹdi [èlɛ́dì] n.
lead; lead pencil.
elikhukhu [èlíxùxù] n.
pigeon (also enikhukhu).
elita [èlítà] n.
litre (cf. Engl.).
elọya [èlɔ́yà] n.
lawyer (also ulaya) (cf. Engl.).
elukeluke [èlùkélùké] n.
river-tortoise (also ẹruvbọ).
ema1 [èmà] n.
drum; there are different varieties, such as emẹdo; emighan; emugho; etc.
ema2 [èmà] n.
1. pounded yam; yam fufu;
2. a collective name for the different varieties of yam tuber, such as ikpẹn; igbin; ivu, etc.;
3. the soft pulp of fruits, usually edible:
ema-orunmwun ― “the pulp of native pear.”
emaba [èmàbà] n.
1. a variety of drum made from calabash, with a rattle attached to it; it is played in palace festivals;
2. a dance for which the emaba drum is used.
emabule [èmábule] n.
a nickname for a very stupid person.
emaili [èmaílì] n.
mile (also ibiriki) (cf. Engl.).
emakaesọn [èmàkàésɔ̃̀] n.
bicycle repairer.
emakaliki [èmàkálìkì] n.
mechanic; auto technician (cf. Engl.).
emasini [èmàsínì] n.
machine:
1. sewing machine; grinding machine and similar appliances;
2. motor-cycle:
U miẹ emasini ne Ozo da dẹ? Did you see the motor-cycle that Ojo just bought?
ematọn [èmátɔ̃̀] n.
metal;
ematọn nọwegbe ― “steel”
.
emazuọkọ [èmázuɔ́kɔ́] n.
a very stupid person; imbecile.
emehe [èméhè] n.
1. reserve; extra stock kept for future use:
Ọ ya evbare nii zẹ emehe ye iran ihẹ: “He packed that food for them as reserve”
;
2. gift:
Osanobua ọ ya re kpe emehe gun mwẹn ― “God sent it to me as a gift.”
emẹ [èmɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
a general name for apes; individual varieties, include alazi, akharho, ọsa, etc.
emẹdo [èmɛ̃̀dò] n.
(< ema + Ẹdo) “drum of Benin”: a big round drum beaten with one stick and beaten during ugie ukpetuẹ.
emẹlu [èmɛ̃̀lú] n.
bull.
emi [émĩ̀] n.
bulk, thickness; weight:
Ọkpan na mwẹn emi ― This plate has bulk
.
emiamwẹn [èmỹã̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
illness (also uhunmwonva);
emiamwẹn-Uhobo ― “Urhobo sickness”
, i.e. gonorrhea.
emiegbe [èmyẽ́gbè] n.
beads, worn around the neck, wrist, or around the hips. (also emwin-egbe).
emiehọ [èmyẽ́hɔ̀] n.
ear-rings (also emwin-ehọ).
emiekhue [èmyẽ́xwè] n.
disgrace; shame. (also emwienkhue).
emiẹki [èmyɛ̃́kì] n.
native pudding made from yam; it is steamed in wraps of ebiẹba leaves.
emighan [èmĩ́ɣã̀] n.
a drum for chiefs, placed on the ground and beaten with two sticks.
emilẹ [émĩ́lɛ̀] n.
a variety of red yam.
emiowo [èmyṍwò] n.
meat (also aranmwẹn).
emita [èmĩ́tá] n.
meter (cf. Engl.).
emitan [èmítã̀] n.
laziness; indolence.
emitẹ [émĩ̀tɛ̀] n.
a dwarf; a stunted person.
emizaduma [èmĩ́zàdùmã́] n.
a war drum.
emizagbẹdẹ [èmĩ́zàgbɛ́dɛ́] n.
a drum played for the izagbẹdẹ dance.
emọnde [èmɔ̃́dè] n.
Monday (cf. Engl.).
emorhọ [èmṍřɔ̀] n.
(< ema-orhọ) “yam of rainy season”: new yam.
emosima [èmṍsimã̀] n.
a kind of tortoise said to have been charmed by Ọkhuahẹ, and put in the bush surrounding his shrines.
emota [èmṍtà] n.
(< ema + ota) “pounded yam of the evening”, evening meal; supper.
Emotan [èmṍtã̀] n.
the name of an Edo heroine of the 15th century commemorated by the bronze statue of a queen mounted in 1954 at her grave site where a sacred uruhe tree once grew, in front of the Ọba market; this had been cut down inadvertently by a construction firm. By Ewuare’s decree, the Oba makes sacrifices to it, and every traditional burial procession visits the statue and offers it cowries and chalk.
emọ [èmɔ̃́] n.
children; off-spring (pl. of ọmọ).
emọwẹ [èmɔ̃́wɛ̀] n.
a variety of white yam, generally not used for pounding.
emuẹn [èmwɛ̃̀] n.
ashes.
emugho [èmṹɣò] n.
a small dancedrum beaten by hand, and used mainly by women.
emunẹmunẹ [èmũ̀nɛ̃̀mṹnɛ̃̀] n.
firefly; glow-worm.
emwanmwan [èɱã́ɱã̀] n.
arrangement; preparation (cf. mwanmwan).
emwẹnmwẹn [èɱɛ̃́ɱɛ̃̀ɛ̃̀] n.
madness.
emwienhọ [eɱyẽhɔ] n.
ear-rings (also emiehọ).
emwienkhue [èɱĩẽ́xwè] n.
disgrace; shame; embarassment. (also emiekhue).
emwin [èɱĩ́ĩ́] n.
thing; object; issue.
emwinnekhua [èɱĩ̀néxwà] n.
“the great things”: the idiomatic designation for the burial rites of an Ọba.
emwindamwẹn [èɱĩ̀dáɱɛ̃̀] n.
tighthandedness; stinginess.
emwinfi [èɱĩ̀fí] n.
smallpox.
emwingbeni [èɱĩ́g͡bénĩ̀] n.
“thing that killed elephant”: tooth-ache (also emwinrrakọn).
emwinkemwin [èɱĩ̀kèɱĩ́] n.
anything; whatever thing.
emwinrebo [èɱĩ́ɽébò] n.
chinaware; porcelain.
emwinrẹnrẹn [èɱĩ̀ɽ̃̀ɛ̃̀ɽ̃̀ɛ́] n.
creeping insects (cf. rẹnrẹn).
emwinrrakọn [èɱĩ̀rákɔ̃̀] n.
“something in the teeth”: toothache (also emwinrrunu).
emwinrraro [èɱĩ̀ɽáɽò] n.
fever; also yellow fever or malaria fever (also evbirraro).
emwinrri [èɱĩ́rì] n.
“thing of the rope”: domesticated animals, such as sheep and goats.
emwinrrọbẹvbo [èɱĩ̀rɔ́bɛʋò] n.
“things that are in the Oba’s land”: male youth of 7 ― 14 years; traditionally they constituted an age-grade responsible for sweeping the streets. In villages, they also empty the refuse. (also evbirrẹvbo).
emwionko [èɱỹṍkɔ́ɔ̀] n.
farm crops; mainly cash crops.
emwionrhọ [èɱỹṍřɔ̀] n.
harvest.
emwiunbiẹmwẹn [èɱyúbyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
“matter-of-childbirth.” labour.
emwiunwawa [èɱỹṹwàwà] n.
bean pottage made with palm oil.
enaimwẹn [ènã́iɱɛ̃̀] n.
“my owner”; “my lord”; a deferential address term used by women to their husbands and the latters’ relatives.
enẹghẹdẹnẹ [ènɛ́ɣɛ́dɛ̀nɛ̃̀] n.
four days ago.
ení [ènĩ́] n.
elephant;
ení-amẹ ― “water elephant”: hippopotamus
.
enì [ènĩ̀] n.
name (also erin).
enibokun [ènĩ́bòkṹ] n.
cattle egret.
enigie [ènĩ́gyè] n.
chiefs and other titled rulers.
enikaro [ènĩ́kàɽò] n.
(< ene-i-karo) “those who came in front”.
1. the ancestors.
2. pioneers.
enikẹre [ènĩ́kɛ̀ɽè] n.
the others; the remainder.
enikhukhu [ènĩ́xùxù] n.
pigeon (also elikhukhu).
enitan [énĩ̀tã̀] n.
prawns and shrimps.
eniwanrẹn [ènĩ́w̃ãɽ̃ɛ̃̀] n.
1. a deferential address term used for a group of elderly people. (sg. ― enọwanrẹn);
2. elders.
eniwanrẹn-asọn ― “elders of the night”: an idiomatic expression for witches, wizards, and other evil spirits
.
(e)nokpa [ènɔ́kpà] n.
the other one.
enọyaenmwan [ènɔ̃́ỹãɛ̃́ɱã̀] n.
“our owner”: (in Christian sense): our Lord.
epa [èpàá] n.
a colloquial address term for a man, used mainly by young people. (cf. Engl. Pa).
epẹntiro [èpɛ̃̀tiɽó] n.
petrol (cf. Engl.).
epianpian [èpyã́pyã̀] n.
the piping hornbill.
ère [èɽè] n.
1. profit; gain; advantage;
2. reward.
Ọ rri ere iwinna esi ne ọ winnaẹn ― He got the reward of the good things he had done
.
Erediauwa [éɽédyàúwà] n.
name of the reigning Ọba of Benin.
Eresọyẹn [éɽésɔ̀yɛ̃̀] n.
name of a past Ọba of Benin.
erẹrẹ [èɽɛ́ɽɛ̀] n.
deception.
ero [èɽó] n.
deception; trick.
eruan [èɽ̃w̃ã́] n.
any harmful charm.
erha [éřá] n.
1. father; male parent;
2. ancestor for whom a shrine is mounted in the home.
erherha [éřéɽ̌á] n.
“father’s father”: paternal grandfather.
erhiye [éříyé] n.
“mother’s father”: maternal grandfather.
erha-nagbọn [éřànág͡bɔ̃̀] n.
“earthly father”; lover.
erha-nasagbọnmiẹn [éřànàsàg͡bɔ̃̀myɛ̃́] n.
“father-one-reaches the world to find”: foster father or benefactor.
erha-nọkhua [éřànɔ́xwà] n.
“big father”: grandfather.
erha-odede [érháodèdè] n.
great grandfather; also grandfather.
Erhamwonsa [éřàɱṍsà] n.
“Osa, my father” an appellation for the Supreme God, Osa.
erhan [èřã́] n.
1. tree; plant; shrub;
2. wood; stick, rod;
3. magical charm.
erhe1 [èřè] n.
part of the palm fruit by which it is attached to the tree.
erhe2 [èřè] n.
a copper stool said to have been sent to the Ọba of Benin by the Portuguese (Melzian p. 40).
erhẹnbavbogo [èřɛ̃̀bàʋógò] n.
1. a shrub, Enantia afinis; the wood is bright yellow on the inside and gives off a yellow sap;
2. yellow colour.
erhẹnzọ [èřɛ̃́zɔ́] n.
(< erhẹn + ẹzọ) “wood of the law-suit” ― dock, witness box.
Iran tie ẹre ne ọ do sẹ osẹ vbe erhẹnzọ ― “He was called to the witness box to testify”
.
erhẹrhẹ [èřɛ́řɛ́] n.
a variety of melon, used for soup.
erhigọẹn [èřìgɔ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
heron (also etingọẹn).
erhindo [eřĩ́do] n.
(< erhan + ido) “loom stick”: the rod to which the threads are fastened in a loom.
erhọn [éřɔ̃́] n.
craw-craw; rashes. erhọnfọ ― heat rash.
erhuan [èřw̃ã́] n.
shedded skin or scales (e.g. of a snake).
erhuaengbe [èřw̃ã̀ɛgbè] n.
disciples; followers; attendants.
erhumohi [èřúmohì] n.
the darkheeled Cuckoo or Senegal Coucal.
erhunmwun [èřũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
prayer (mainly Christian sense, but also used in traditional religion); blessing.
erhunmwunrriarria [èřũ̀ɱũ̀ryáryà] n.
butterfly.
erhunmwunyẹn [èřṹɱũ̀yɛ́] n.
stranger; guest in a house.
erhuru [èřúɽú] n.
a variety of yam that has a slightly bitter taste when boiled.
erri [èrì] n.
knotty part in a piece of wood or creeper.
erria1 [èryá] n.
grazing.
erria2 [èryá] n.
1. interpretation, explanation (e.g. of code terms in oracles or riddles).
erriarra [èryáryà] n.
sandfly.
errọ [èrɔ́] n.
1. the state of being a tenant rather than landlord:
errọ ẹre o ye vbe òwa nii ― “He is a tenant in that house.”
;
2. suspense; uncertainty.
erru [èrú] n.
a rack on which yam harvest is arranged and tied for storage and safe keeping.
esa [èsá] n.
relevance; connection; contribution in some enterprise:
wẹ i mwẹn esa ne u ye vbe ẹmwẹn na ― “You have no relevance in this matter, i.e. there is no contribution you can make in this matter.”
esagiẹn [èságỹɛ̃̀] n.
blood (also ẹrhaẹn).
Esago [ésàgó] n.
the name of the god of thunder, Sango; (also esango; isango; & isago) (cf. Yoruba sango).
èsago [èságò] n.
a large narrow-necked bottle, usually encased in wickerwork.
Esagho [ésàɣò] n.
the name of the chief wife of Ogiso, typically depicted in Edo folktales as ill-fated.
esakpaede [èsákpáedè] n.
1. a variety of drum, used for a dance by the same name, and danced to by men (ighele).
esakparẹghodin [èsákpáɽɛɣòdĩ̀] n.
great-grandchild.
esalebo [èsàlébò] n.
a plant, whose black seeds are strung around a calabash to make the musical instrument known as “ukusẹ”.
esalọ [èsálɔ̀] n.
a disease in the form of small sores on hands and feet.
Esama [ésàmã́] n.
the title of the chief who performs the ama ceremony.
Esan [ésã̀] n.
the Ishan people, one of the tribes in the Edo ethnic group.
esatọde [èsátɔ̀déè] n.
Saturday (cf. Engl.).
esanmwan [èsã̀ɱã̀] n.
any carved bone or ivory.
ese [èsè] n.
any sacrifice that should have been made according to the prediction of an oracle:
ese ọ rre ọre egbe ne ọ na khuọnmwin ― “He is sick because he is in default of making a sacrifice that was predicted.”
eseku [èsèékʋ] n.
a dwarf-like being believed to wander in the dense forest, with a woven mat tucked under his armpit.
Esere [èsèrè] n.
the title of a senior chief of the Iwẹguae society.
esẹghẹsẹghẹ [esɛɣɛsɛɣɛ] n.
the gum-tree (Tetrapleura tetraplera).
esẹntimẹta [èsɛ̃̀tímɛ̃tà] n.
centimetre (cf. Engl.).
esi1 [èsì] n.
bush-pig (also esi-oha). esi-ebo ― domestic pig; hog.
esi2 [èsì] n.
goodness; the right or desirable qualities:
ọmwan esi ― “a person of goodness”; i.e. a good person
;
emwin esi ― “a thing of goodness”: a good thing
.
esia [èsyá] n.
hale; ikpesia ― “halestone”.
esiasio [èsyásyò] n.
the Bristlebill bird.
esiesi [èsyési] n.
(< esi + esi) excellent quality; perfection.
esieki [èsyɛ́kì] n.
cheque (cf. Engl.).
esiga [èsìgá] n.
cigarette (cf. Engl.).
esikpogho [èsíkpóɣò] n.
the Bulbul.
esiliki [èsílikì] n.
silk; also rayon (cf. Engl.).
esimẹti [èsìmẽ́tì] n.
cement (cf. Engl.).
eso [èsó] n.
some:
eso rre emwan ― “some are here.”
esoghosogho [èsóɣósóɣó] n.
baby’s rattle. (cf. sogho).
esosomaye [èsósómàyè] n.
a charm, having predictive power, owned by the Ọba.
esọbiri [èsɔ́bìɽì] n.
shovel, spade (cf. Engl.).
esọbu [èsɔ́bù] n.
shop; trading store; workshop. (cf Engl.).
Esọgban [ésɔ̀gbã́] n.
the title of a senior chief, who is a member of the Eghaevbo n’Ore, and who acts for the Iyasẹ in his absence.
esọkisi [èsɔ́kìsì] n.
socks (cf. Engl.).
Esọn [ésɔ̃̀ɔ̃́] n.
the title of a senior chief, who is a member of the Eghaẹvbo n’Ore.
esọnde [èsɔ̃́dè] n.
Sunday (cf. Engl.).
esọsi [èsɔ́sì] n.
Church (cf. Engl.).
Esu [èsù] n.
1. in traditional religion: the name of a harmful deity believed to be sent by the other gods to cause trouble: it cannot kill a man, but would lead him into danger or temptation;
2. In the Christian sense, the Devil; Lucifer.
esughusughu [èsùɣùsúɣù] n.
owl.
esuku [èsùkúù] n.
school (cf. Engl.).
eta [ètá] n.
talk; speech (also pl. of ọta ― speech).
etalọ [ètálɔ̀] n.
1. utterances;
2. talkativeness.
etalugbo [ètálúg͡bó] n.
a farmer’s small wrap that he wears to the farm; loin-cloth.
etaro [ètáɽò] n.
(< eto ― aro) “hair of the eyesbrows”: eyebrows.
ete [ètè] n.
crisis; problem; trouble.
etebetebe [ètébétébé] n.
a very small insect that runs on the surface of water in rivers, streams and ponds.
eteburu [ètébùɽù] n.
table. (cf. Engl.).
etekia [ètékyá] n.
(< eto ― ekia) “hair of the penis”: male pubic hair.
etẹbitẹ [ètɛ́bítɛ̀] n.
eternity; forever.
etẹlivisọn [ètɛ̀lìvisɔ̃̀] n.
television (also etiivi).
etẹn [ètɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
relatives; siblings. (also pl. of ọtẹn ― relation).
etianran [ètĩã́ɽ̃ã̀] n.
1. peacock;
2. silk.
etifuanro [ètífũã́ɽò] n.
(< eto ― ifuẹn ― aro): “hair of the wings of the eyes”: eyelashes.
etivi [ètìívì] n.
television. (also etẹlivisọn).
etingọẹn [ètĩ̀gɔ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
heron (also erhigọẹn).
etisa [ètísà] n.
teacher (cf. Engl.).
etitibiiti [ètìtìbíìtì] n.
a black bird with a lyre-shaped tail, believed to be the king of birds.
eto [ètó] n.
hair;
eto nakiin ― “hair plaited with thread”
;
eto namẹn ― “braided hair”
;
etonukẹn ― “kinky hair”
.
etolotolo [ètòlótòló] n.
turkey.
etobatoba [ètòbàtóbá] n.
1. something that has become permanently glued on to something else;
2. a permanent stain. (cf. toba).
etọghọtọghọ [ètɔ́ɣɔ́tɔ́ɣɔ́] n.
rooster’s crest at its throat.
etọnni [etɔ̃́nĩ̀] n.
ton (cf. Engl.).
etuhe [ètúhè] n.
(< eto ― uhe) “hair of the vagina”: female pubic hair.
etuheru [ètùhéɽù] n.
scissors (also ugbeto; alumagazi).
eturarri [ètúɽàrí] n.
frankincense.
evẹbu [èvɛ̃̀bù] n.
verb (cf. Engl.).
evavu [èvávù] n.
valve, in cars, motorcycles and bicycles; (also evav) (cf. Engl.).
evè [èvè] n.
elephantiasis of the scrotum.
evẹn [èvɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
wrestle.
evie [évyé] n.
a block with an iron surface on which smiths work metal; anvil.
evuato [évwátò] n.
grass-cutter.
evue [évwé] n.
a variety of ant that is found on corpses.
evbaakhuẹ [èʋàáxwɛ] n.
soap.
evbarriẹ [èʋàryɛ́] n.
an ingredient prepared from melon, used in native soups.
evbàvba [èʋàʋá] n.
an address and reference term meaning “father”, used mainly by adults. It also conveys some degree of respect and deference; in Christian prayers, it is usually used as an address term for God.
evbávba [èʋávà] n.
1. the supreme authority;
2. an address term often used for the Ọba.
evbayamose [èʋàyámòsé] n.
soap (also evbakhuẹ).
evbayawuo [èʋàyáwùó] n.
body cream; pomade.
evbibiọmọ [eʋibyɔmɔ̃] n.
parents.
evbihiọrọ [eʋihyɔɽɔ] n.
reptile.
evbikhọọ [èʋìxɔ̀ɔ́] n.
something of no value; a “no-good”.
evbisun [èʋìsṹ] n.
a general name for the different varieties of snails, such as egile, akikọ, etc., derived from their mode of crawling motion.
evbu [èʋúù] n.
dew; morning mist.
ewa [èwá] n.
sleeping-mat made out of the stems of ebiẹba.
ewan [èwã́ã̀] n.
now (cf. eban).
ewanniẹn [èwã́nỹɛ̃̀] n.
response; reply; answer.
ewanmwẹn [éwã̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
palm branch with the leaves on.
ewẹn [èwɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
1. breast;
2. milk:
ya ewẹn nẹrẹn wẹn ― “breast-feed it.”
ewẹnmila [èwɛ̃́mìlá] n.
(< ewẹn ― emila) “cow’s milk”: dairy milk.
ewi [éwí] n.
a variety of fish, usually sold in the smoked form.
ewindo [éwĩ́dò] n.
window (cf. Engl.).
ewinso [èwĩ́sò] n.
whistle (cf. Engl.).
ewisiki [èwìsìkí] n.
whisky (cf. Engl.).
éwọe1 [éwɔ́è] n.
whistling (by mouth).
éwoe2 [éwɔ́è] n.
lava of a fly found under mats on mud beds that had been urinated on. It causes itching and craw-craw.
èwoe [èwɔ̀è] n.
attendants; followers.
Eyaẹn [èỹã̀ɛ̃́] n.
the name of a village on the outskirts of Benin along the Benin ― Auchi Road.
eyan [èỹã́] n.
pledge; promise (cf. yan).
eyanyan [èỹã́ỹã̀] n.
yawn (cf. yanyan); yawning.
eyeyẹ [èyéyɛ̀] n.
(< eyẹ ― eyẹ) “grandchild-grandchild”: cousins.
eyẹ [èyɛ́] n.
grandchild.
ezẹ [èzɛ́] n.
a chisel-like blade used by wine-tappers; (cf. afian).
ezẹgizẹgi [èzɛ́gízɛ́gí] n.
dysentery diarrhoea.
ezikẹn [ézíkɛ̃̀ɛ̃́] n.
1. flute; it is made from a long thin calabash, and played during certain palace festivals;
2. the whining of a child.
ezini [ézĩ̀nĩ̀] n.
engine (cf. Engl.).
ezinniya [èzĩ̀nĩ́yà] n.
engineer (cf. Engl.).
ezọbu [èzɔ́bù] n.
job: usually daily-paid labour, often requiring no specialized skill.
Ezọti [èzɔ́tì] n.
name of a past Ọba who reigned in about 1473. (Egharevba 1968:73).
ẹbae [ɛ́bàe] n.
a meal made from processed cassava and eaten with soup.
ẹbee [ɛ̀béè] n.
danger; adversity.
ẹbete [ɛ́bétè] n.
a variety of brown bush rat (also ekuọmọ).
ẹbẹn1 [ɛ̀bɛ̃̀] n.
a ceremonial sword carried by chiefs as part of their status symbols; it ranks lower than the sceptre, ada.
ẹbẹn2 [ɛ̀bɛ̃̀] n.
a tree, found near water, (Mitragyna macrophylla), from which ceiling planks are obtained.
ẹbi [ɛ̀bíì] n.
a force that draws one into danger or peril.
ẹbibi [ɛ̀bìbì] n.
1^.^ (used with the verb zẹ), bustle; excited activity:
ẹbibi zẹ vbe ore ― “there is a lot of bustle in town”^
;
2. publicity; news of a person’s reputation:
ebibi ẹre sẹ ehe hia nẹ ― “his publicity had reached everywhere”
.
ẹbo1 [ɛ́bò] n.
a variety of sedge, whose stems are used for weaving mats and bags.
ẹboo [ɛ̀bóò] n.
charm, medicine.
Ẹbomisi [ɛ̀bómìsí] n.
name of an Ẹdo deity who is said to have transformed himself into the hill now known as Oke Ẹbomisi along the Benin ― Agbor road.
ẹbọ [ɛ̀bɔ̀] n.
1. a god; deity;
2. symbolic objects instituted to represent particular gods and deities.
ẹbu [ɛ́bú] n.
a group of many individual objects or persons; a crowd:
Ghẹ rhie ẹre laọ uwu ẹbu ― “Don’t take him into the crowd”
.
ẹbubule [ɛ̀bùbùlé] n.
a herb used as vegetable in soups.
Ẹbue [ɛ̀buè] n.
name of Bini village.
ẹda [ɛ̀dà] n.
leucorrhoea.
ẹdekita [ɛ̀dékítà] n.
doctor, physician (cf. Engl.).
ẹdẹki [ɛ̀dɛ́kì] n.
market day.
ẹdiangbọn [ɛ̀dyã́gbɔ̃̀] n.
processed coconut oil, used as body cream.
ẹdienbo [ɛ̀dyẽ́bò] n.
“European palm-nuts”: pineapple.
ẹdienhiagha [ɛ̀dyĩẽhyàɣà] n.
palm kernel.
ẹdikẹtin [ɛ̀dikɛ̀tĩ́] n.
“day of rest”; Sunday (in the Christian sense) (also ẹduzọla; ẹdizọla).
ẹdizọla [ɛ̀dízɔ̀lá] n.
Sunday (also ẹduzọla; ẹdikẹtin).
Ẹdo [ɛ̀dó] n.
1. the native name for Benin City, as well as for the language of its inhabitants and environs;
2. the classificatory name for the group of related languages spoken in most of Bendel State, and which is a subgroup of the Kwa branch of the Niger ― Congo family;
3. the ethnic label for the speakers of the Central-Edo group of languages.
ẹdogbo [ɛ̀dógbò] n.
neighbourhood; immediate environment.
ẹdọọ [ɛ́dɔ̀ɔ̀] n.
cf. ẹdẹrriọ.
ẹdun [ɛ́dũ̀] n.
“bitter cola”, the fruit of the tree, Garcinia Kola.
ẹduzọla [ɛ̀dúzɔ̀lá] n.
“day of the week”: Sunday (also ẹduzọla nọkhua; edikẹtin; esọnde; ẹdizọla).
ẹfe [ɛ̀fè] n.
wealth; property.
ẹfọ [ɛ̀fɔ́] n.
same as afọ.^
ẹfotọ [ɛ̀fótɔ̀] n.
(< ẹfe + otọ) “riches of the earth”: mineral.
ẹfua [ɛ́fuà] n.
whiteness; light complexion:
ovbi-ere nekherhe mwẹn efua ― “His smaller child has light complexion”
.
ẹgiẹgiẹ [ɛ̀gyɛ́gyɛ̀] n.
haste; hurry;
ya ẹgiẹgiẹ gha dee ― “use haste to come: Come with haste.”
ẹgiọn [ɛ́gyɔ̃́] n.
a single-stringed native musical instrument fashioned like a bow. It is put in the mouth and played with two sticks.
ẹgogo [ɛ́gógó] n.
1. bell:
iran kpe ẹgogo owiẹ nẹ ― “They have rung the morning bell.”
;
2. clock; watch:
ọ gba ẹgogo ye obọ ― “He straps a watch on his wrist: He is wearing a wristwatch.”
;
3. hour; time:
inu ẹgogo ọ tu? ― “How many hours have struck: what time is it?”
.
ẹguae [ɛ̀gwàe] n.
1. the Oba’s palace in Benin City;
2. the residence of a ruler.
ẹguẹn [ɛ́gwɛ̃́] n.
the variety of bat that lives in house ceilings.
ẹgun [ɛ́gũ̀] n.
1. the bathroom in the traditional Edo house;
2. an area in the traditional house for storing foodstuff such as yams and plantains.
ẹgba [ɛ́g͡bà] n.
armlet.
ẹgbe [ɛ̀g͡bè] n.
a quick dancing step.
ẹgbenọgbifie [ɛ̀gbènɔ̀g͡bìfyé] n.
“Killer that kills the cleared bush”: harmattan wind (also ekhuakhua).
ẹgbẹdin [ɛ̀g͡bɛ̀dĩ́] n.
cylindrical drum; large barrel.
ẹgbẹ̀e [ɛ̀g͡bɛ̀e] n.
widow.
ẹgbẹ́e [ɛ̀gbɛ́è] n.
family; sib.
ẹgbẹle1 [ɛ̀gbɛ̀lé] n.
a small piece of embroidered cloth wrapped around the waist by people attending ugie.
ẹgbẹle2 [ɛ̀gbɛ̀lé] n.
an idiomatic word for suicide.
ẹgbo [ɛ́gbó] n.
forest; jungle.
ẹghele [ɛ́ɣèlè] n.
a man belonging to the ighele age-group; i.e. from 21 to 42 years. They were responsible for fighting during wars, and doing other community chores such as house building and tree felling.
ẹghẹ́ [ɛ̀ɣɛ́] n.
small yam-pole.
ẹghẹ̀ [ɛ̀ɣɛ̀] n.
time; period;
ẹghẹ̀ hia ― “at all times;” “always”
;
ẹghẹ̀ naa ― “at this time”; “nowadays”; “now”
;
ẹghẹ̀ nii ― “at that time”; “then”; “in those days”
.
ẹghodin [ɛ́ɣòdĩ̀] n.
African black kite.
ẹghodo [ɛ́ɣòdò] n.
1. courtyard;
2. an unroofed and enclosed courtyard within the traditional Edo house into which rain water flows;
ẹghodo-ẹrriẹ ― “courtyard in the harem”
.
ẹghodo-ikun ― “courtyard in the ikun”
.
ẹghorhọ [ɛ̀ɣóřɔ̀] n.
(< ẹghẹ ― orhọ): “time of rains”: rainy season.
ẹghọẹn [ɛɣɔ̃ɛ̃] n.
a tree Terminalia superba, used as firewood only.
ẹghughu [ɛ̀ɣúɣù] n.
alligator.
ẹghute [ɛ̀ɣùté] n.
a kind of dance.
ẹghuyunmwun [ɛ̀ɣúỹũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
(< ẹghẹ ― uyunmwun) “time of dryness”: dry season.
ẹhae [ɛ̀haè] n.
forehead (also uharo).
ẹhan [ɛ́hã̀] n.
buffalo (also ede).
ẹhi [ɛ̀hì] n.
one’s guardian spirit.
ẹhiẹn [ɛ̀hiɛ̃́] n.
a general name for different varieties of native pepper.
ẹhiẹndo [ɛ̀hĩɛ̃́dò] n.
(< ehiẹn ― Ẹdo) “Benin pepper”: a variety of spice known as “alligator pepper”.
ẹhihi [ɛ̀híhì] n.
a very small variety of black ants usually found around sweet substances.
ẹhinakhọe [ɛ̀hìnáxɔè] n.
region at the back of the head.
ẹhiunhobo [ɛ̀hyúhòbò] n.
(< ẹhien ― Uhobo) “Urhobo pepper”; pepper soup ― a variety of soup prepared with much pepper and without oil, usually for convalescing people, or for women after childbirth. It is also prepared as an appetizer with choice meat or fish.
ẹho [ɛ̀hóò] n.
1. throat;
2. voice.
ẹhohẹziza [ɛ̀hóhɛzìzà] n.
(< ẹhoho ― ẹziza) “the wind of ẹziza” ― whirlwind.
ẹhoho [ɛ̀hóhò] n.
wind; breeze; ẹhohoni ― n. (< ẹhoho ― oni) “breeze of fever”: cool breeze (believed to cause a cold if exposed to it).
ẹhuan [ɛ́hwã̀] n.
1. lightness; brightness; light complexioned. (cf. efua).
2. light coloured kola-nut.
ẹhue [ɛ́hwè] n.
somebody/something with a large capacity for consumption; thing/person with big appetite.
ẹ́hun [ɛ́hũ̀] n.
fart (used with the verb nẹ).
ẹ̀hun [ɛ̀hṹ] n.
decayed parts of tree stems; effect of insect contamination in grain and other foodstuff; wormdust.
ẹkan [ɛ̀kã́] n.
agate beads.
ẹkete [ɛ́kété] n.
1. a ruler’s throne;
2. the throne of the Oba.
ẹkẹ [ɛ̀kɛ́] n.
cunning; deception.
Ẹkẹhuan [ɛ̀kɛ́hwã́] n.
name of an Edo village.
ẹki [ɛ̀kì] n.
1. market;
2. trade;
Eki-Ọba ― “Oba market”
;
Ẹki-agbado ― “Agbado market”
.
ẹkirẹ [ɛ́kìrɛ́] n.
frog.
ẹkiudu [ɛ̀kyúdù] n.
force:
ọ ya ekiudu miẹ ẹre re ― “He used force to take it from him: He took it from him by force”
.
ẹko [ɛ̀kóò] n.
1. belly;
2. capacity:
Akhe na mwẹn ẹko ― “This pot has capacity i.e. it is large”
.
ẹkobalọmwẹn [ɛ̀kòbálɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
“hurting of the belly”: grief; sadness; distress.
ẹkohihiẹmwẹn [ɛ̀kòhíhyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
“pouring of the belly”: diarrhoea.
ẹkokodu [ɛ́kókódù] n.
“apex of the chest”: heart.
ẹkokhọmwẹn [ɛ̀kòxɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
“badness of the belly”: displeasure; irritation.
ẹkorhiẹnrhienmwẹn [ɛ̀kòryɛ̃́ryɛ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
“sweetness of the belly”: happiness; joy; pleasure.
ẹkorriaramwẹn [ɛ̀kòráɽáɱɛ̃̀] n.
“bitterness of the belly”: unhappiness; sorrow.
ẹkọ [ɛ̀kɔ́] n.
hot cereal made from corn.
ẹkuẹ [ɛ̀kwɛ́] n.
1. the Edo name for the town of Akure and its natives;
2. a general name for the Yoruba people.
ẹkuonkhuo [ɛ̀kṍxwò] n.
(< ekun ― okhuo) “woman’s waist”: a large piece of cloth, usually four yards wide, wrapped by women as part of their traditional outfit.
ẹkhókho [ɛ́xóxó] n.
1. dark corner;
2^.^ any place characterized by secrecy.
ẹkhòkho [ɛ́xòxò] n.
a variety of large monkey.
ẹkhu [ɛ̀xù] n.
door; entrance.
ẹkhun [`xũ̀] n.
a person who is unable to work due to weakness or illness; a cripple.
ekhunkhun [ɛ̀xũ̀xṹ] n.
“sweat fly”: gnat.
ẹkhuia [ɛ̀xwyá] n.
bull.
ẹkpahiọ [ɛ́k͡páhɔ̀] n.
“urine bag”: bladder.
ẹkperọkhuẹ [ɛ̀k͡péɽɔ̀xwɛ̀] n.
a shining black bird, the size of a pigeon.
ẹkpẹho [ɛ́kpɛ́hò] n.
deep and resonating voice quality.
ẹkpẹn [ɛ̀kpɛ̃̀] n.
leopard.
ẹkpẹtin [ɛ́k͡pɛ̀tĩ̀] n.
box; chest.
ẹkpiku [ɛ́k͡píkù] n.
rubbish heap.
ẹkpirro [ɛ́k͡pírò] n.
an edible fruit with velvety brown skin of the tree Chrysophyllum africanum.
ẹkpiyeke [ɛ́k͡píyèkè] n.
“space of the back”: middle of the back; region between shoulder blades.
ẹkpó [ɛ́k͡pó] n.
1. space between two objects; gap:
rhie ẹkpó ne iran ― “give them gaps.”
;
2. time period:
ekpó nii ― “during that time”
;
ẹkpó rriọ ― in those days; that period
.
ẹkpò [ɛ́k͡pò] n.
1. bag;
2. N200.00, or the equivalent of one hundred pounds sterling.
ẹkpofi [ɛ́k͡pófì] n.
“bag of yaws” ― a yaws-ridden person.
ẹkpoghò [ɛ́k͡póɣò] n.
a pint-sized bottle used for measuring palm-oil for sale.
ẹkpoghó [ɛ́k͡póɣó] n.
a variety of bamboo plant, used for building houses and sheds.
ẹkpohian [ɛ́k͡póhyã̀] n.
leather bag.
ẹkpohunmwun [ɛ̀kapòhũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
headache.
ẹkpoki [ɛ́k͡pókì] n.
a cylindrical leather bag.
ẹkpokhurhu [ɛ́k͡póxùřù] n.
stomach.
ẹkpoliyẹkẹ [ɛ́k͡pòlíyɛ̀kɛ̀] n.
pregnant woman (also ẹkponiyẹkẹ).
ẹkpowa [ɛ́k͡pówà] n.
wall gecko.
ẹlẹdẹ [ɛ́lɛ́dɛ̀] n.
domestic pig (also elẹdẹ).
ẹlu [ɛ̀lú] n.
purple dye, obtained from the leaves and roots of a local plant. (also elaali).
ẹlubọ [ɛ̀lùbɔ́] n.
yam or plantain flour used for preparing the meal by the same name.
ẹmwanta [ɛ̀ɱã́tà] n.
truth.
ẹmwẹn [ɛ̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. word; speech; utterance:
I họn ẹmwẹn ne u tae ― “I heard the words you said; i.e. I heard what you said”
.
2. matter; subject; affair; case:
iran si ẹmwẹn nii sẹ ekọtu ― “They have dragged that case to court.”
ẹnina [ɛ́nĩ́nã́] n.
sensitivity; feeling.
ẹo [ɛo] n.
no; negative response to a question.
ẹpipa [ɛ́pípá] n.
keg, barrel.
ẹrere [ɛ́ɽéɽé] n.
flute.
Ẹribo [ɛ́ɽíbò] n.
the title of the second senior chief of the Iwebo society.
ẹrin [ɛ̀ɽĩ̀] n.
a small variety of squirrel with bulging eyes.
ẹrinmwin [ɛ̀ɽĩ́ɱĩ̀] n.
1. the other world; the life hereafter; in the Christian sense: heaven; the seat of God and the other heavenly bodies, as well as the resting-place of the saved; in the traditional sense: the world of the spirits of the dead, as well as of Osa and the other gods;
2. infants;
3. the spirits of ancestors; masquerade dancers, who are symbolically linked with the gods they represent.
ẹrinmwin-Idu [ɛ̀ɽĩ́ɱĩ̀dú] n.
“god of Idu” (idu was an old name for Edo, as well as the name of a past Oba of Benin); the shrine of the Oba’s father at the Ẹguae.
ẹriyo [ɛ̀rìyó] n.
the title of a chief.
Ẹro [ɛ̀ɽó] n.
title of the chief whose court is at Urubi quarters in Benin City, and who is a member of the Uzama.
ẹro [ɛ́ɽó] n.
that part of a rope in a trap which entraps the victim.
ẹrokhin [ɛ́ɽoxĩ̀] n.
chameleon.
ẹroro [ɛ́ɽóɽó] n.
a small bell which is found in shrines.
ẹrọnmwọn [ɛ́rɔ̃̀ɱɔ̃̀] n.
brass; brass bracelets and anklets.
ẹru [ɛ̀ɽù] n.
female antelope (cf. ẹrhuẹ).
ẹruvbọ [ɛ̀ɽúʋɔ̀] n.
river-tortoise (also elukeluke).
ẹrha [ɛ̀řá] n.
bush-cat.
ẹrhaẹn [ɛ̀řã́ɛ̃̀] n.
blood. (also esagiẹn).
ẹrherhe [ɛ̀řèřè] n.
brain.
ẹrhẹ [ɛ̀řɛ̀] n.
groin; lower abdomen.
ẹrhia [ɛ́řià] n.
1. malefactor;
2. rubbish.
ẹrhọnmwọn [ɛ̀řɔ̃̀ɱɔ̃̀] n.
hermaphrodite.
ẹrhu [ɛ̀řú] n.
hat; cap.
ẹrhunrhunmwonwa [ɛ́řṹřṹɱõ̀wá] n.
the roof of a house.
ẹrhunrhunmwun [ɛ̀řũ̀řũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
tail.
ẹrrẹe [ɛ̀rɛ́è] n.
1. someone else, who’s unknown to speaker,
Ghẹ rhie, ighẹ ọghe ẹrrẹe nọ ― “Don’t take it, for it belongs to someone else (who I don’t know)”
;
2. some unknown enemy:
ẹrrẹe ọ gha gbuẹ ― “May you be killed by some unknown enemy!”
― used as a common curse;
3. peer:
ẹrrẹegbe ― “peers of each other”
; matched pair: equals in strength and resources:
Iran vbe ọre se ẹrrẹegbe ― He and she are matched
.
ẹrriẹ [ɛ̀ryɛ́] n.
1. harem;
2. the Oba’s harem in the palace.
Ẹrriẹ [ɛ̀ryɛ̀] n.
the name of the street in which the first storey building in Benin City was constructed.
ẹrru [ɛ̀rú] n.
yam-stack.
ẹsee [ɛ̀séè] n.
favour; kindness; good turn:
ẹsee Osanobua ― “God’s kindness”
.
Ẹsigie [ɛ́sigyè] n.
name of a past Oba of Benin.
ẹsọn [ɛ̀sɔ̃̀] n.
poverty; destitution.
ẹtẹ̀ [ɛ̀tɛ̀] n.
sore; ulcer.
ẹtẹ́ [ɛ̀tɛ́] n.
monkey.
ẹtẹbọ [ɛ̀tɛ̀bɔ́] n.
heap of mud collected for building purposes.
ẹti [ɛ́tì] n.
1. place in the forest which is rendered impassable by creepers and climbers;
2. confusion; obstruction.
ẹtin [ɛ̀tĩ́] n.
strength; power; force.
ẹtinfomwẹn [ɛ̀tĩ̀fóɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< ẹtin ― fo ― mwen): “the finishing of strength”: weakness.
ẹvbẹe [ɛ̀ʋɛ́è] n.
kola-nut, presented to guests as a sign of hospitality and good will; also used in several traditional ceremonies.
ẹvbigbagia [ɛ̀ʋígbàgya] n.
the variety of Kola that typically has only two cotyledons and is found mainly in Hausaland. It leaves an orange stain in the mouth. It is also known as evbigabari ― “Gambari-Kola”. It is not used in any ceremonial function in Edo land.
ẹvbii [ɛ̀uíì] n.
1. palm oil;
2^.^ animal fat.
ẹvbo [ɛ̀ʋò] n.
1. country; land:
ẹvbo-Igbo ― “Igbo-land”
;
2. people:
ẹvbo ne i rre owa ― “people who are at home”
;
3. language:
ẹvbo Uhobo ― “Urhobo-language”
.
ẹwae [ɛ̀wàe] n.
1. family; sib (also ẹgbee; uniẹ);
2. empire:
ẹwae Edo ― “Benin empire”
.
ẹwe [ɛ̀wé] n.
goat;
ẹwe-amwen ― “female goat”
;
ẹwe-ọwẹ: “he-goat”
;
ẹwe-owa: “castrated goat.”
Ẹwẹdọ [ɛ́wɛdɔ̀] n.
name of a past Oba of Benin.
ẹwẹdọ [ɛ́wɛdɔ̀] n.
prison.
ẹwẹe [ɛ̀wɛ́è] n.
chest (part of the body).
Ẹwẹka [ɛwɛka] n.
name of the first Oba of Benin in the present dynasty. The title was also assumed by the father of Ọba Akẹnzua II as Ẹwẹka II.
ẹwia [ɛ́wyà] n.
smell; very strong odour.
ẹwobi [ɛ́wóbí] n.
a despicable person.
ẹwu [ɛ́wù] n.
garment; dress.
Ẹwuakpẹ [ɛ́wwakpɛ̀] n.
name of a past Oba of Benin.
Ẹwuare [ɛ́wwaɽè] n.
name of a past Oba of Benin.
ẹyotọ [ɛ̀yòtɔ̀] n.
the foundation of a house.
ẹzẹ [ɛ̀zɛ̀] n.
river; stream.
ẹzi [ɛ̀zì] n.
1. tree stump when several feet above the ground;
2. the stem of an object that may be used as handle for lifting it;
3. the area surrounding the base of a tree.
ẹziza [ɛ̀zìzà] n.
a spirit believed to roam in the forest and give rise to whirlwinds: ẹhohẹziza.
ẹzọ [ɛ́zɔ́] n.
case; quarrel; law-suit.
ezuwunu [ɛ̀zúwúnú] n.
(< ẹzọ-uwuunu) “case of interior of mouth”: grumbling.
ibá [íbá] n.
mischief:
Ọvbọkhan na zẹ iba gbe ― “This child makes mischief excessively: This child is extremely mischievous.”
ibà [íbà] n.
mud bench; slab:
iba-orere: “the mud bench on the front veranda”
;
iba-iyekowa: “the mudbench on the back veranda”
, etc.
ibaba [ìbàbà] n.
brass bracelet worn by princesses.
ibalegbe [ìbàlèg͡bè] n.
(< i-balọ-egbe): quick temper; hot temper. (cf. egbebalọmwẹn).
ibaro [ìbàrò] n.
long-suffering; ordeal.
ibata [íbàtà] n.
1. shoe, footwear (cf. Bata Shoe Co.);
2. a measuring unit equivalent to one foot.
ibi [ìbí] n.
1. charcoal;
2. soot.
íbiẹ [ibyɛ́] n.
intestines.
ìbiẹ1 [ìbyɛ́] n.
the male youth in a household; also ibiẹguae.
ìbiẹ2 [ìbyɛ́] n.
a secret language used by the members of the Iwebo society. It is said to contain many Portuguese words.
ibiẹka [ìbìɛ́kà] n.
1. young children;
2. dependants (includes wives, children, wards and servants); pl. of both ọvbókhan and ọvbòkhan.
ibiẹkikhuo [ibìɛ́kíxuò] n.
(< ibieka-ikhuo) “female children”: girls (usually 7 ― 14 years of age); young ladies.
ibiekikpia [ìbìɛ́kíkpià] n.
(< ibieka-ikpia) “male children”: boys (usually 7 ― 14 years of age); young men.
ibiẹrrugha [ibɛ̀rrúɣà] n.
(< ibiẹ-rre ugha) “male youth that are in the chamber”: the young men in the service of the Ọba in the palace, such as retired emada (sceptre bearers); and the younger members of the Iwẹguae, Ibiwe and Iwebo societies.
ibiriki [íbíríkì] n.
1. mile; milestone;
2. brick (cf. Engl.).
ibiro [ìbíɽò] n.
an address term that means comrades; peers:
Ibiro mwan, wa lare ne a doo kuu! ― “Comrades, come and let us play.”
ibisi [ìbìsì] n.
of despicable character; of villainous quality:
Ekhoe ibisi ọ gue okhuo na ― “This woman has a villainous mind.”
Ibiwe [ìbíwè] n.
the name of one of the three palace societies. It is the one responsible for the harem.
ibo [íbò] n.
riddle (also itan).
ibobo [ìbòbò] n.
1. thin outer skin; a flake of skin:
Ibobo erhan bọnmwẹn ti ọre aro ― “A flake of the tree bark blew into her eyes.”
;
2. soft skin (e.g. of boiled yam);
3. a sheet (e.g. of a book); a slice.
ibota [ìbótà] n.
(< ibu-ota) “evening gathering”: traditionally the evening gathering of members of one or several households for the purpose of storytelling and the enactment of other verbal entertainment.
ibowa [ìbòwà] n.
(< i-bọ-owa) “the act of building a house”: housebuilding.
ibozẹghẹ [ìbòzɛ̀ɣɛ̀] n.
a small proportion; a few.
Emwan ibozẹghẹ ẹre ọ he zẹ igho iran ― “Only very few people have paid their dues.”
ibọkpọ [íbọ̀k͡pọ̀] n.
1. tent;
2. mosquito net.
ibu [ìbú] n.
meeting; assembly, gathering.
ibude [ìbùdè] n.
1. giving advice;
2. advice.
ibuemwin [ìbwèɱĩ̀] n.
founding; establishing.
ibuẹdẹ [ìbwɛ̀dɛ̀] n.
fixing a date; making an appointment.
ibun [ìbùn] n.
confession of adultery by a woman.
ibuohiẹn [ìbwòhyɛ̃̀] n.
judgement.
idabọ [ìdàbɔ̀] n.
(< i-daa -obo) begging for alms; 2. inviting a baby to one’s arms.
idada [ídàdá] n.
a frizzled haired person, usually believed to possess some magical powers; the shaving of the hair must be preceded by some rites. (cf. Yoruba: dáda).^
idaehọ [ìdaèhɔ̀] n.
cf. idamwenho.
idagbo [ìdàgbó] n.
1. a public place;
2. bright and open place, as opposed to a shady and private place.
idan [ídã̀] n.
a drum beaten after the Ọba when he is going to an ugie.
idandan [ìdã́dã̀] n.
a hunch; a suspicion; a guess.
idanwẹ [ídã̀wɛ̀] n.
heel.
idase [ìdásé] n.
rascality (of young children); daring acts of playfulness.
idasẹ [ìdàsɛ́] n.
novice; freshman.
idegbe [ìdèg͡bè] n.
unbethrothed girl.
ideghedeghe [ìdèɣédèɣè] n.
heights; a very high place.
idẹnghẹn [ídɛ̃̀ɣɛ̃̀] n.
a variety of native knife, used mainly in the kitchen.
idoboo [ìdòbòó] n.
1. impediment; obstacle.
idodia [ìdódyà] n.
name of a small, black snake, with a white spot on each side of its head. Its name (“I stay quietly”) derives from its characteristic poise: it lies coiled up, making little or no motion.
Idogbo [idóg͡bò] n.
name of an Edo village.
Idọkpa [ídɔk͡pa] n.
name of an Edo village.
idọla [ídɔ́là] n.
“dollar” ― worth English 20 pence (used to be a two shilling coin in Nigerian currency, but is no longer in use.)
idu [ídù] n.
a variety of wild dove.
Idu [ìdú] n.
an older name for Edo people, still in use in some Igbo communities.
idunmwun [ìdṹɱũ̀] n.
a neighbourhood; quarters in a town:
Idunmwun-Oliha: “Oliha quarters”
.
ifaegbua [ìfaeg͡bwá] n.
(< i-faa-egbe-rua) “the act of disgracing one’s self”: disgrace; embarrassment.
ifẹnmwẹn [ífɛ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. arrow;
2. any thin piece of stick with a point:
ifẹnmwẹn-aguẹ ― “ribs”
;
ifẹnmwẹn-ikẹkẹ ― “spokes of a bicycle wheel”
;
ifẹnmwẹn-uhanbọ ― “the arrow of a bow”
; etc.
ifi [ìfí] n.
the general name for traps of all kinds.
ifianyaengbe [ìfyã̀yã̀ẽg͡bè] n.
selfaggrandizement; over-estimation of one’s worth.
ifie [ìfyé] n.
clearing a plot as the first stage to preparing it for farming purposes. Next stage is burning the grass cleared, and followed by the felling of trees.
ifiento [ìfyẽ̀tò] n.
the name of a group of men who wear their hair in small plaits and dance in certain palace ceremonies.
ifiẹzọ [ìfiɛ́zɔ́] n.
a formal accusation; a court case.
ifuanro [íf̃w̃ã́ɽò] n.
(< ifuẹn-aro) “wing of the eye”: eyelashes.
ifuẹko [ìfwɛ̀kò] n.
(< i-fu-ẹko) “being gentle of belly”: gentleness; calmness.
ifuẹn [íf̃w̃ɛ̃́] n.
wing e.g. of any flying thing.
ifuẹro [ìfwɛ̀ɽò] n.
diligence; dedication.
igabari [ìgàbàɽí] n.
“Gambari”; the Edo reference term for the Hausa/ Fulani people and various Arab tribes.
igarawa [ígáɽáwá] n.
pail; bucket.
igari [ígàɽí] n.
1. processed cassava, in the form of rough powder, used for making ẹbae;
2. the name of the cassava plant.
igaza [ìgàzà] n.
shackles for the feet; fetters.
igẹdu [ígɛ́dú] n.
timber; any timber tree.
igẹngẹn [ígɛ̃́gɛ̃́] n.
1. the thin handle of a mug, jug or cup;
2. a small branch (of a tree).
igiangian [ìgyã̀gyã̀] n.
1. excited singing, shouting and clapping of hands, in support of masquerade dancers or wrestlers;
2. the excited cry or panic of someone in anticipation of pain (e.g. when an ulcer is going to be cleaned or dressed).
igiawe [ìgyáwɛ̀] n.
1. footsteps; the stamping of feet;
2. the heel of the foot.
igie [ìgyè] n.
1. the main part; the base;
igiogbẹ ― the seat of operation; the headquarters
;
2. corner.
igiemwin [ìgyèɱĩ̀] n.
illustration; description.
Ọ ya oni ru igiemwin ma iran ― “He used that as illustration to them”
.
igiẹ [ìgyɛ́] n.
the stamping of the feet.
igiẹmwẹn [ìgyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< igie ― ẹmwẹn) “the base of speech”: the chest. (part of the body). (also ẹwẹe).
igiodẹ [ìgyòdɛ̀] n.
(< i-gie-ode) “describing the road”: guidance, direction.
igiogbẹ [ìgyóg͡bɛ̀] n.
the headquarters.
igiorua [ígyòɽúá] n.
water-yam (a variety of white yam).
igo [ìgò] n.
a full-sized bottle used as a measure for selling palm oil, kerosine, etc.
igobele [ìgóbèlè] n.
a tall drinking glass (cf. Engl. goblet).
Igodomigodo [ìgòdòmigòdò] n.
an old name for the Benin Kingdom.
igogo [igógó] n.
(with the vb. kpe) an unsteady walk:
Ọ kpe igogo dee vbe urria ― He is approaching unsteadily in the distance
.
igolu [ígólù] n.
gold (cf. Engl.).
igọgọ [ígɔ́gɔ̀] n.
corner; bend (of a road).
iguabọ [ìgwábɔ̀] n.
elbow.
igue [ígwé] n.
village; interior.
iguemwin [ìgwèɱĩ̀] n.
skill; knowhow; proficiency.
iguẹ2 [ìgwɛ̀] n.
the festival of traditional thanksgiving annually performed by the Oba and all Edo nationals.
iguẹnguẹn [ígwɛ̃́gwɛ̃́] n.
stabbing with needle-like points:
Ọ solo ẹre iguẹnguẹn ― He stabbed it with pointed objects
. iguẹnguẹn-uwegbe (idiom): secret malicious molestation that may take various forms.
iguẹsẹ [ígwɛ̀sɛ̀] n.
expert.
Igun [ìgṹ] n.
a quarter in Benin which was traditionally occupied by the guild of blacksmiths. They formed a sib, whose morning greeting is “laa ni!”.
igunma [ìgṹmã̀] n.
a grunt; a low guttural sound which may express fatigue, distress, or weakness.
iguọmọrre [ìgwɔ̀mɔ̀ré] n.
first servants of a newly crowned Ọba.
igba [íg͡bà] n.
(with numerals) time; instance: igbava (< igba eva) “two times”; igbaha (< igba eha): “three times” etc.
igbagia [íg͡bàgyá] n.
the variety of kola nuts introduced by the Hausa; (also evbigabari).
Igbaghọn [íg͡baɣɔ̃̀] n.
1. the Edo name for the Jamieson river, near Sapele;
2. the name of the goddess of the river.
igbama [ìg͡bàmã́] n.
an adult male, anywhere from about age 14 to about 21.
igban [ìg͡bã̀] n.
1. thorn;
2. bone of fish.
Igbankẹ [ìg͡bã́kɛ̀] n.
the name of a town inhabited by both Edo and Ika people, to the East of Benin City. It is a boundary town between the Edo-speaking and Ibo-speaking areas of Bendel State.
igbegbe [ìg͡bég͡bé] n.
velvet material.
igbehẹn [ìg͡bèhɛ̃̀] n.
1. fishermen;
2. (< i-gbe-ehẹn) ― fishing.
Igbekhuẹ [ìg͡bèxwɛ̀] n.
the name of an Ẹdo village, 25km. west of Benin.
igbemaba [ìg͡bèmàbà] n.
“calabash drummers” in the service of the Ọba.
igbesa [ìgbèsà] n.
supporters of each side of a context or a quarrel.
igbesanmwan [ìgbèsã̀ɱã̀] n.
1. the traditional wood and bone carvers for the Oba; the name of the quarters occupied by this group of artisans.
ígbigbe [íg͡bìg͡bé] n.
all ten:
Viọ igbigbe rre ― “Bring all ten of them.”
ìgbigbe [ìgbígbè] n.
tens; in groups of ten.
igbin [ìg͡bĩ́] n.
the second round of yam tuber produced by a yam plant; it is usually very hard and it is used mainly as seed-yam for planting.
igbinna [ìgbĩ̀nà] n.
a fight; lighting; a struggle.
igbiragia [ìgbìɽàgyà] n.
prostitute; harlot.
igbo1 [ìgbò] n.
a top; a conical wooden toy which rotates on its sharp point when spinned in the sand.
igbo [ìgbò] n.
the Igbo-speaking people; (also igbọn).
igbogiẹ [ìg͡bògyɛ̀] n.
(< i-gbe-ogiẹ) making fun; jesting.
igbolighi [ìgbòlìì] n.
“making confusion”: causing confusion; disrupting.
igboo [íg͡bòó] n.
1. echo;
2. interference.
igbọn1 [íg͡bɔ̃́] n.
knee.
igbọn2 [ìgbɔ̃̀] n.
a derogatory Edo word for the Igbo-speaking people; (not much in use any more with this meaning, but as a general abusive term).
igbọvo [ìg͡bɔ̀vò] n.
grudge; resentment.
igbu [ígbú] n.
1. a big piece of cloth, about six yards wide before it is sewn, used by men as a covering-cloth.
ighaan [ìɣã́ã̀] n.
the Edo name for Igarra and its environs.
ighehe [ìɣèhè] n.
molar teeth.
ighele [íɣèlè] n.
manhood age group from about 21 to 42 years. Initiation into this age group is usually marked by some ceremony.
ighibiẹrriẹ [ìɣíbyɛ̀ryɛ́] n.
the female servants of the palace harem.
ighisu [íɣísù] n.
(< ígho-isu) interest paid on loan.
ígho1 [íɣó] n.
money;
ígho nọba ― “gold”
;
ígho nofua ― “silver”
;
ígho-ehaya: rent
;
ígho-uhunmwun ― “tax”
(paid by every head of the population; hence the name).
ígho2 [íɣó] n.
milk-teeth.
Ọmọmọ zẹ ígho nẹ: “The baby has started to have some milk-teeth.”
ighogho [ìɣòɣò] n.
1. smoke.
ighọnmighọn [íɣɔ̃́mìɣɔ̃̀] n.
the Edo name for a native of Igarra (it is not complimentary).
iha [ìhà] n.
oracle:
iha ominigbọn ― “Ominigbọn divination.”
ihako [ìhàkò] n.
presentation or gift ― giving; gift.
Ihama [íhàmá] n.
the title of leader of the Ihogbe chiefs; he attends to the Oba’s ancestral shrines of the paternal side.
ìhan [ìhã̀] n.
1. the wrong side; the awkward direction;
Ọ la mwẹn ihan rre ― “It came through my wrong side.”
íhan [íhã́] n.
a deep dry well.
ihe [ìhè] n.
1. location; place;
2. position, rank.
ihe ne iran do rhie ẹre yi na ma zẹdẹ ke nẹẹ ― “The position at which they have now placed him does not suit him at all.”
ihegbe [ìhégbè] n.
(< ihe-egbe) equals in rank.
iheni [ìhènì] n.
naming; name-giving (of a child).
iherhe [ìhèřè] n.
the toothless gums (of infants or the aged) (also irriorrio).
ihẹ [ìhɛ́] n.
load; luggage:
ihẹ ọre bun gbe ― “Her luggage is too much.”
ihẹn [ìhɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
1. curse:
Ọ tie ihẹn mẹ ― “He called out a curse to me”: “He cursed me.”
2. oath:
Ọ ya mwẹn vẹn ihẹn ― “He used me to take an oath”: “He made me take an oath.”
ihẹnhunnu [ìhɛ̃̀hũ̀nũ̀] n.
(< i-hẹnhẹn-unu) “levelling of mouth”: a consensus; a unanimous decision.
ihẹnmwẹn [íhɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. kidney beans; the kidneys.
ihiagha [ìhyàɣà] n.
1. tassel of corn;
2. flowers of fruit trees;
3. naturally matted hair.
ihie [ìhyé] n.
1. ceiling;
2. the ridge of the roof of a house.
ihieghe [íhyèɣè] n.
1. a tree, Myrianthus arboreus, whose fresh leaves are used as vegetables in a native soup of the same name.
ihiehie [íhyèhyé] n.
a variety of beans, black in colour.
ihiẹn [íhyɛ̃́] n.
1. nails, claws; ihionbo: (< ihiẹn-obọ): ― finger nails; ihionwẹ: (< ihiẹn-owẹ): toes.
ihiẹnhiẹn [íhyɛ̃̀hyɛ̃́] n.
great-grandchild; third generation of off-spring.
ihiin [ìhĩ́ĩ̀] n.
mucus.
ihiọn [íhĩɔ̃́] n.
1. pod of the plant, Luffa egyptiaca, used as sponge;
2. any substance used as sponge.
iho [ihòò] n.
1. one’s peer; comrade; one’s equal: when used with a pronoun, iho becomes ihua:
E i re ihua mwẹn ― “He is not my peer”
(usually implies he is inferior to me).
ihoi [ìhoì] n.
zero; naught; nothing.
ihọnmwẹngbe [ìhɔ̃̀ɱẽ̀gbè] n.
(< i-họnmwẹn-egbe): self-purification; the ritual is a complicated process, which includes brushing the body with the animal (or part thereof), usually a chicken intended for the ritual, as well as certain leaves, and the tip of a palm leaf, while certain purification formulas are recited.
ihọnmwonwa [ìhɔ̃̀ɱõ̀wà] n.
(< i-họnmwẹn-owa): the purification of house; usually performed to avoid the evil effects of a broken taboo.
ihu [ìhú] n.
1. foam;
2. poison.
ihuaro [ìhwàɽò] n.
curiosity; forwardness.
ihuru [íhúɽù] n.
an itchy foot irritation, believed to be caused by the droppings of earthworm: isinkolo (isan-ikolo).
ihunhun [ìhṹhũ̀] n.
millipede.
ika1 [íká] n.
a special variety of coral necklace worn by chiefs, which is strung up on wire and forms a wide ring around the neck.
ika2 [ìká] n.
the hard spur-like projection on a cock’s leg.
ikadẹlẹ [íkàdɛ́lɛ̀] n.
a pole with a fork (usually used for pegging things, to give them support).
ikagha [ìkàɣà] n.
1. bridle;
2. gag. (also ukhu).
ikainse [ìkã̀ĩsé] n.
a special charm used to arrest the powers of witches and wizards to transform back into their human forms.
ikan [íkã̀] n.
a creeper used for canes, as well as for weaving baskets. Its Latin name is given as Eremospatha mecrocarpa.
ikannaban [ìkã̀nã̀bã̀] n.
in an unripe state; tartness (of fruit).
ikawẹ [ìkàwɛ̀] n.
footstep:
Ọ lele ẹre ikawẹ ikawẹ ― “He followed his footsteps one after the other.”
ike [ìkè] n.
log; ikerhan (ike-erhan): a log of wood.
ikebe [ìkèbè] n.
buttocks (also itotaya).
ikebezu [ìkèbèzú] n.
fury.
ikeferi [ìkèfèɽí] n.
non-Christians; heathens; pagans.
ikele [ìkèlè] n.
a large piece; a lump of:
ikele ema “a large piece of pounded yam”
.
ikewu [ìkéwù] n.
pot-rest.
ikẹdẹ [ìkɛ̀dɛ̀] n.
“counter of days”: calendar.
ikẹga [ìkɛ́gà] n.
1. wrist (also urhuabọ);
2. good-luck charm in the form of a carved hand on a stool (used by men) or as an anklet of cowries (used by women). The idiom:
“khon mu obo yan ikega” ― “to succeed; to be victorious”
probably relates to the latter meaning.
ikẹkẹ [íkɛ̀kɛ́] n.
bicycle.
ikẹnrẹn [íkɛ̃́ɽɛ̃́] n.
1. poker dots;
2. drops of water on the skin (usually after a bath) like poker dots.
ikẹtin [ìkɛ̀tĩ́] n.
rest from work: edikẹtin (ẹde-iketin): day of rest: (for Christians): Sunday; (for non-Christians): ekẹn.
ikian [ìkyã́] n.
fly; housefly.
ikiewua [ìkyèwuà] n.
waking the Ọba ceremonially by imitating the crow of the cock.
iko [ìkó] n.
council; meeting.
ikolo [íkòló] n.
earthworm.
ikoro [íkóɽó] n.
a very broad brass armlet worn by chiefs at certain ceremonies.
ikoroba [íkóɽóbá] n.
bucket; pail (also igarawa).
ikotu [ìkótù] n.
court. (cf. Engl.).
ikọ [íkɔ̀] n.
adversary; opponent; enemy.
ikọbọ [íkɔ́bɔ̀] n.
penny.
iku1 [ìkù] n.
1. dirt; rubbish garbage;
2. small bits of; crumbs; left-over.
iku2 [ìkù] n.
(of a sore) pus; gangrene:
iku la ọre ẹtẹ nẹ ― “His sore is now gangrene.”
iku3 [ìkù] n.
1. play; games; dances, etc;
2. friendship; cordiality.
ikuekẹn [íkwékɛ̃̀] n.
attendants; followers.
ikun1 [ìkṹ] n.
bundle; a bunch (e.g. of plantains).
ikun2 [ìkṹũ̀] n.
the equivalent of the parlour in the Edo traditional house in which the various ancestral shrines are housed. There may be more than one ikun in a house, depending on the affluence of the house-owner. e.g.
ikun ne ughoree ― “outer ikun”^
;
ikun ne erriẹ ― “the harem ikun”
; etc.
ikuẹnkuẹn [íkw̃ɛ̃̀kw̃ɛ̃́] n.
wrinkles:
Ukpọn mwẹn bunnọ ikuẹnkuẹn ― “My cloth broke wrinkles: My cloth is wrinkled:”
ikuigho [ìkwíɣó] n.
(< iku-ígho) “small bits of money”: coins.
ikhan [ìxã̀] n.
1. (of human beings):
1. strong body odor;
2. the stale smell of rotting food.
ikharo [íxáɽò] n.
(< ikho-aro) “tribal mark of the face”: the tribal marks that were made on the forehead.
ikhẹgbe [ìxɛ̀g͡bè] n.
(< i-khẹẹ-egbe) supporting body; self-support; security.
ikhi [ìxì] n.
vengeance; revenge.
ikhian [ìxỹã́] n.
the magical transformation from human form into animals or other forms.
ikhiavbọ [íxyàvɔ̀] n.
okra (Hibiscus esculantus).^
ikhiẹgbe [ìxyɛ̀gbè] n.
(< i-khiẹ-ègbé) lamentation; distress.
ikhinmwin [íxĩ́ɱĩ̀] n.
a tree, believed to be the oldest of all trees. It is planted as a hedge in shrine-cites. Its Latin name is given as Newbouldia laevis.
ikho [ìxò] n.
the traditional tribal mark made on the forehead of both men and women.
ikhọẹko [ìxɔ̀ɛkò] n.
(< i-khọọ-ẹko) ― “badness of belly” displeasure; unhappiness.
ikhọrhiọn [ìxɔ̀řyɔ̃̀] n.
(< i-khọọ orhiọn) “badness of soul”: ugliness; unsightliness.
ikhuiwu [ìxwíwù] n.
jealousy; hatred.
ikpakpa [ík͡pàk͡pá] n.
skin; peel; bark.
ikpakpalọ [ík͡pàk͡pálɔ̀] n.
brown lima beans.
ikpanro [ík͡pã́rò] n.
eye-balls.
ikpata [ík͡pátá] n.
highway robbers.
ikpatako [ík͡pátákò] n.
1. a small stool used for sitting mainly in the kitchen.
2. a makeshift bench.
ikpawẹ [ìk͡pàwɛ̀] n.
floor of house.
ikpayẹ [ìk͡pàyɛ̀] n.
followers; attendants.
ikpekere [ìk͡pékèɽé] n.
a snack made from unripe plantains (peeled, sliced thinly, salted and fried crisp in palm oil.)
ikpekhie [ìk͡pèxiè] n.
a variety of white beans.
ikpekperu [ík͡pékpéɽù] n.
an edible kind of mushroom found on decaying tree trunks.
ikpema [ìk͡pèmã̀] n.
the original royal drummers who resided in Ikpema quarters (idunmwũ̀n ikpema).
ikpenma [ìk͡pẽ̀mã̀] n.
(< i-kpẹn-ema) yam-harvesting.
ikpezikẹn [ìk͡pèzìkɛ̃̀] n.
the blowers of horn-trumpets and calabash flutes for the Ọba.
ikpẹ [ìk͡pɛ̀] n.
1. seed e.g. ikpogi (ikpẹ-ogi): melon seed; ikporu (ikpẹ-oru): cotton seed;
2. grain: ikpọka (ikpẹ-ọka) corn grains:
3. the unpounded bits of yam that feature like grain in badly-pounded yam.
ikpẹ2 [ìk͡pɛ̀] n.
individual piece or member:
ikpẹdẹ (< ikpẹ ― ẹdẹ) individual days; date
;
ikpẹdẹ enẹ ― four days; ikpokuta (< ikpẹ ― okuta): a piece of stone ― a gravel
.
ikpẹdẹ [ìk͡pɛ́dɛ̀] n.
(ikpẹ ― ẹdẹ) individual days:
Inu ikpẹdẹ ọ ghi ye ne ọ ghi kpao? ― “How many days is it since he left?”
ikpedin [ik͡pɛdĩ] n.
palm nuts.
ikpẹkete [ìk͡pɛ̀kètè] n.
drummers placed behind the Oba while he is in attendance at a ceremony.
ikpẹkpẹ [ìk͡pɛ̀kpɛ́] n.
cemetery (also itẹ).
ikpẹn [ík͡pɛ̃̀] n.
yellow yam.
ikpẹsi [ìk͡pɛ̀sì] n.
a tall yam-pole.
ikpianbọ [ík͡pĩ́ã́bɔ] n.
cf. ikpihianbọ.
ikpianwẹ [ik͡pĩ́ã́wɛ̀] n.
cf. ikpihianwẹ.
ikpigho [ìk͡píɣó] n.
cowries.
ikpihianbọ [ík͡píhĩãbɔ] n.
Finger: ikpihianbọ-nogie; “the chiefly finger”: the thumb; ikpihianbọ-nusexae: “the finger that points”: the indicator; (also ikpihianbọ-nọwuaoroka ― “the finger that forbids rings”); ikpihianbọ-nadesẹ: middle finger; ikpihianbọ-oroka: ring finger; ikpihianbọ-nekherhe ― little finger.
ikpihianwẹ [ík͡píhyã́wɛ̀] n.
toe; ikpihianwẹ-nogie: big toe.
ikpin [ìk͡pĩ́] n.
1. boa;
2. rainbow.
ikpirunmwun [ìk͡píɽ̃ṹɱũ̀] n.
the seeds of a weed that cling to clothes and body-hair.
ikpisẹ [ìk͡písɛ̀] n.
(< ikpẹ-isẹ) the black seeds woven in a net around a calabash to make the musical instrument known as ukusẹ.
ikpo [ík͡pó] n.
very hard and dry mud.
Ikpoba [ìk͡pòbà] n.
name of the river that runs along the eastern side of Benin City.
ikpogi [ìk͡pógì] n.
melon-seed used for preparing soup. (Yor: egusi).
ikpolẹki [ìk͡pólɛ̀kì] n.
an annual festival of the deity Ọkhuahẹ.
ikpolo [ìk͡pólò] n.
sweeping (mainly done in the morning, during which the entire house and premises are swept.)
Ikpokpan [ìk͡pòkpã̀] n.
name of an old village component of Benin City which is now part of the urban complex.
ikpokpan [ík͡pókpã̀] n.
a high rack over the hearth, used for storing various cooking ingredients and leftover soup.
ikporhu [ìk͡pòřù] n.
1. sermon-preaching (in the Christian worship as a part of the Sunday service);
2. evangelism.
ikpotoki [ìk͡pòtòkí] n.
the Edo name for the Portuguese, the people and their language. (also ikpotokin).
ikpọn [ík͡pɔ́] n.
pound (money; previously equivalent of the pound sterling and the Nigerian pound; now worth two Nigerian naira).
ikpọwia [ìk͡pɔ̀wyà] n.
the ceremonies performed on the sixth night of a “second burial.”
ikpu1 [íkpú] n.
a variety of skin disease which itches very much.
ikpu2 [íkpú] n.
a poisonous preparation.
ilaguẹguẹ [ílàgwɛ́gwɛ̀] n.
a kind of disease known as paralysis agitans.
ilakhuẹ [íláxwɛ] n.
a variety of dark brown ant which builds its nest on the underside of leaves.
ilavbodẹ [ìlàuòdɛ̀] n.
passers-by.
ilekhue [ìlèxwè] n.
1. forbearance; consideration (for someone);
2. compassion.
ilele [ìlélè] n.
procedure; established rules of doing things (also alele).
ilelegumaza [ìlélégúmàzà] n.
hunchback.
ilovbiẹ [ìlóʋiɛ̀] n.
lying down.
imamase [ìmàmàsé] n.
pretence; feigning (also imaru) (cf. Yoruba mọmọse).
imaru [ìmàɽú] n.
pretending; feigning.
imiamiegbe [ìmỹã̀mỹẽ̀gbè] n.
(< i-miamia-egbe) “forgetting self”: forgetfulness.
imiẹfan [ìmỹɛ́fã̀] n.
(< i-miefan): redemption; salvation (in the Christian sense).
imiẹkue [ìmỹɛ̃́kwè] n.
1. (in the Christian sense): admission of sins; confession;
2. acknowledgement.
imina [ìmĩ́nã̀] n.
dream.
imu [ímũ̀] n.
confinement; imprisonment; arrest.
imuaẹnmwẹn [ìmw̃ã̀ɛ̃ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< i-mua-ẹmwẹn) “arguing of words”: disagreement; argument.
imuakpa [ìmw̃ã̀kpà] n.
1. representing (a person)
2. representative.
imudia [ìmúdià] n.
standing.
imuegbe [ìmw̃ẽ̀gbè] n.
(< i-muegbe) “preparing”: preparation; planning.
imuegberrioto [ìmw̃ẽ̀gbèriòtɔ̀] n.
(< i-mu-egbe-rriotọ) “bringing body low”: humility; humbleness.
imuẹ [ímw̃ɛ̃́] n.
mosquito.
imuohan [ìmw̃õ̀hã̀] n.
gift-offering; presentation of gifts.
Inẹ [ínɛ́] n.
title of a chief; he is a member of the Ibiwe society.
inẹnẹ [ínɛ́nɛ̀] n.
an endearment term for mother.
inia [ínẏá] n.
1. root (e.g. of a tree);
2. vein.
inọta [ìnɔ̀tà] n.
1. question, interrogation;
2. interrogating.
ipapa [ìpàpà] n.
a sheet of something; a slice. (cf. ibobo).
irakhuẹ [íɽáxwɛ̀] n.
next tomorrow; the day after tomorrow.
iranmẹ [íɽ̃ã́mɛ̃̀] n.
the eaves of a house.
iranmwẹn [íɽ̃ã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
small black ants that are found around the house.
iranmwinran [ìɽ̃ã̀ɱĩ́ɽ̃ã̀] n.
a kind of water-plant that floats on the surface of ponds and lakes.
ìrewe [ìɽèwè] n.
a band or nightguards.
írewe [íɽéwè] n.
the fruit of ọgọ used as fish-poison by fishermen.
irẹnmwin [ìɽɛ̃̀ɱĩ̀] n.
(< i-rẹẹn-emwin) “knowing something”
1. cleverness;
2. knowledge.
Irẹnmwin ẹnrẹn sẹ ọre gbe ― “His knowledge/cleverness is too much for him i.e. he is incredibly knowledgeable.”
íro [íɽó] n.
main road; main highway.
ìro [ìɽò] n.
thought; meditation.
iroghae [ìɽòɣaè] n.
a male age-grade consisting of about 14 ― 21 year olds. They were responsible for various communal labour in villages such as helping in house-building, sweeping public places; and clearing farm plots. (cf. igbama).
irorinmwin [ìɽòɽ̃ĩ̀ɱĩ̀] n.
burial ceremony.
irọn [ìɽ̃ɔ̃̀] n.
body hair (mainly of animals).
irueken [ìɽwèkɛ̃̀] n.
preparing the mud for building purposes.
iruẹbọ [ìɽwɛ̀bɔ̀] n.
1. performing the rites of a god, or juju;
2. pagan worshipping.
iruẹmwin [ìrwɛ̀ɱĩ̀] n.
(< i-ruẹ-emwin) “learning something”:
1. training; apprenticeship;
2. a lesson.
iruẹn [ìɽw̃ɛ̃́] n.
dirt; filth.
irunmwun [ìɽũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
grass; weed.
irhanro [ìřã̀ɽò] n.
(< i-rhan-aro) “opening of eyes”: sophistication; civilization; enlightenment.
irhiaeni [ìřẏàenì] n.
“spoiling of name”: libel.
irhiaẹko [ìryàɛkò] n.
“spoiling of belly”: sorrow; unhappiness.
irhiama [ìřyàmà] n.
“taking of the sign”: baptism (Christian).
irhiẹdẹ [ìřiɛ̀dɛ̀] n.
“taking of days”: holidays; leave.
irhinrhun [ìřĩ̀řṹ] n.
cf. irhunrhun.
irhiokhuo [ìřiòxwò] n.
“taking of a woman”: marriage (also irhiọha).
irhiọha [ìřyɔ̀hà] n.
(< i-rhie-ọha) “taking of a bride”: marriage. (also irhiokhuo).
irhirhan [ìřìrã́] n.
numbness; cramps.
irhiso [ířisò] n.
locust.
irhu2 [ìřú] n.
a bird’s roost.
irhuaengbe [ìřw̃ã̀ɛ̃gbè] n.
pl. disciples. (also erhuaengbe) (Christian).
irhunmwinrhun [ìřṹɱĩ̀řṹ] n.
nakedness.
irhunrhun [ìřũ̀řũ] n.
mould; mildew; fungus. (also irhinrhun).
irri [ìrí] n.
1. rope; string;
2. creeping or climbing plant;
erhan vbe irri ― “trees and creepers.”
irriabe [ìrẏàbè] n.
being guilty (of a crime; or in a case); guilt.
irriaikhi [ìryàixì] n.
revenge; vengeance.
irriase [ìryàsè] n.
being innocent in a case.
irriegie [ìrỳegyè] n.
(pl. of ọriegie); title-holders; chiefs.
irriokodẹ [irẏòkòdɛ̀] n.
(< i-re-oko-odẹ) “eating of a parcel on the way”: misappropriation of property held in one’s trust; embezzlement.
irriorrio [ìryòryò] n.
gums (of the mouth); the toothless gums of infants or the aged.
irriovbe [ìryóʋè] n.
deep sleep.
irrioya [ìryòyà] n.
punishment.
irriwẹ [ìríwɛ̀] n.
beach.
irruarusa [ìrwáɽúsá] n.
(< irru-Hausa): “Hausa louse” ― bed-bug.
isagha [ísáɣá] n.
a snack prepared from unsifted cassava. (also efẹnrhinyẹn).
isamẹ [ìsàmɛ̀] n.
1. Christian baptism;
2. fetching of water.
isan [ìsã̀] n.
excrement; faeces.
isango [ísã̀gó] n.
Sango, believed to be the god of thunder.
isanhẹn [ísã́hɛ̃̀] n.
key.
isasegbe [ìsàsègbè] n.
smartness; being athletic.
isawẹwẹ [ìsáwɛ̀wɛ̀] n.
groundnut: Arachis hypogoea.
ise [ìsé] n.
1. nail;
2. pain in the chest caused by the inflammation of the pleura (i.e. the two serous membranes lining the thorax and enveloping the lungs).
isekha [ìsèxà] n.
a word used before pronouns to express sympathy or empathy with the referent of the pronoun: it usually denotes something like “Poor so-and-so”:
Egbe ma zẹdẹ rran isekha mwẹn ― “Poor me, I am not well at all.”
(also odiguẹ).
isele [ìsélè] n.
shilling (i.e. former English, now 5 pence); equivalent of 10K in Nigerian money.
ìsẹ [ìsɛ́] n.
amen; response to a prayer or blessing; implies: “So may it be!”.
ísẹ [ísɛ̀] n.
1. the seeds used for making ukuse: they are woven loosely around the calabash with thread in the pattem of a net.
2. a native game played in a carved frame with marbles or the seeds of the otiẹn fruit.
3. any indoor game involving the use of seeds.
isẹguẹn [ísɛ́gwɛ̃́] n.
1. rough, gravelly terrain that’s very uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.
Isẹkiri [ìsɛ̀kíɽì] n.
The Itsekiri people.
isi1 [ìsí] n.
foreign land; a place other than the homeland. (also isiẹvbo).
isi2 [ìsí] n.
source; origin; the base:
Emwin ne u ru na hia, ẹ i mwẹn a ma miẹ isi ẹre ― “All these things you are doing, we must see the source.”
Isi [ìsì] n.
name of a group of Ẹdo villages.
isiamẹ1 [ìsyàmɛ̃̀] n.
(< i-si-amẹ) “drawing of water”; rain-making.
isiame2 [ìsyàmɛ̃̀] n.
the state of being emaciated.
isiẹvbo [ìsyɛ́ʋò] n.
foreign land. (cf. isi).
isinmwiengbe [ìsĩ̀ɱỹẽ̀gbè] n.
(< i-sinmwin-egbe) “saving of the body” ― treatment from illness.
isinmwin [ìsĩ́ɱĩ̀] n.
siblings born after one; one’s younger sibling or the equivalent:
Ozo ọre isinmwin mwẹn ukpogie eha ― “Ozo is my sibling born third after me.” or “Ozo is equivalent to someone born 3rd after me.”
iso1 [ìsó] n.
sky; space.
iso2 [ìsó] n.
a deep muscle abscess suffered by the elderly.
isoko [ísókó] n.
1. outskirts of; environs: isoko-Edo ― the outskirts of Benin;
2. the people of Isoko ethnic group.
isotọn [ìsòtɔ̃̀] n.
a part of the second burial ceremony at which a procession dances through the streets with otọn and okun. It takes place on the fifth day.
isọkẹn [ìsɔ̀kɛ̃̀] n.
contentment; satisfaction.
isọtẹ [ìsòtɛ̀] n.
defiance; rebellion.
isu [ìsú] n.
interest (e.g. paid on a loan).
isue [ísué] n.
1. a hairy caterpillar believed to emit some poison when touched;
2. whitlow, caused by the caterpillar. (cf atọwọ, aganmwinsoso).
isunsun [ìsũ̀sũ̀] n.
nuisance; trouble.
itaba [ítábà] n.
tobacco.
itakhuẹn [ítáxwɛ̃̀] n.
1. a load-carrying pad made from the bark of the plantain plant; it is also used as the sponge for rubbing mud walls and floors with a fresh coating of wet mud;
2. rags; shredded cloth.
itakpa [íták͡pà] n.
the Edo name for the Nupe people; (the name derives from the tribal marks which they wear on their faces).
italawẹ [ìtálàwɛ̀] n.
trousers.
ítan [ítã́] n.
1. proverb;
2. a story illustrating a saying or a proverb;
3. a historical narrative, usually with a moral.
ìtan [ìtàn] n.
the feather-ordeal, which was used to detect the culprit in a theft, or to determine whether somebody was guilty or not of adultery.
itee [ítèé] n.
unending menstrual flow, or foul-smelling vagina discharge.
itehie [ítèhyé] n.
the small berries of a wild plant used by some in a sauce for eating boiled yam or plantain; it is said to have a sour taste.
itengbemu [ìtẽ̀gbèmũ̀] n.
“lifting up one’s self”: haughtiness; disdainfulness; lack of humility.
itẹ [ítɛ́] n.
cemetery (also ikpẹkpẹ).
itiẹzọ [ìtyɛ̀zɔ̀] n.
“calling of a case”: summoning to court; serving with summons.
itohan [ìtòhã̀] n.
mercy; compassion.
itohia [ìtòhyà] n.
guinea-worm.
itotaya [ìtòtàyà] n.
buttocks. (also ikebe).
itue [ítwé] n.
a tree; it has an orange-coloured latex.
ive [ìvé] n.
selling price.
ivie [ìvyé] n.
1. coral beads;
2. beads.
ivin [ívĩ̀] n.
1. palm tree;
2. coconut (also ivin-ebo);
3. palm kernels (also ivin-ehiagha);
4. nut.
ivbabọ [ìʋàbɔ̀] n.
1. empty-handedness;
2. poverty.
ivbiẹ [ívyɛ̀] n.
quiet and solitary place or time.
ivbiẹkpo [ìvyɛ̀kpò] n.
a variety of poisonous snake (possibly the night adder).
ivbiorre [ìvyórè] n.
(< ivbi-orre): members of the new generation: the youth; the young people.
ivbiovẹn [ìvyóvɛ̃̀] n. idiom.
“children of the sun”: small butterflies that fly in swarms, usually of a single colour only.
iwakọn [ìwàkɔ̃̀] n.
(< i-wo-akọn) “being strong of teeth”: greed; avarice.
iwaniẹmwẹn [ìwã̀nyɛ̃̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
response; reply.
iwẹro [ìwɛ̀ɽò] n.
1. conscienciousness; diligence;
2. maturity; sensibility:
Iwẹro ọghe enekherhe ẹre ọ sẹ ọghe enodion. “The sense of maturity of the younger is greater than that of the older.”
iwẹnwẹn [íw̃ɛ̃w̃ɛ̃̀] n.
craftiness; cunning.
iwinna [ìw̃ĩ̀nà] n.
work; labour.
iwowo [íwówó] n.
a shed or shack built of planks, leaves, or any other make-shift material.
ìwu1 [ìwù] n.
the Edo traditional ethnic marks; no longer worn by present generations.
ìwu2 [ìwù] n.
direct offspring; one’s children. (also ọmọ-iwu).
íwu [íwù] n.
capacity (of a container); cubic capacity. 2. the interior of a container.
iya [ìyà] n.
1. ditch; valley;
2. the big ditch around the Benin walls: Iya Oguọla ― Oguọla’s ditch (the ditch was said to have been dug at the instance of Oba Oguọla).
iyabọ [ìyábɔ] n.
forgiveness.
iyama [ìyáma] n.
1. an identification mark;
2. scar.
iyarre [ìyárè] n.
“May you go and return”: goodwill greeting, usually called out to somebody embarking on a challenging enterprise such as war; or to somebody going on a long journey. It is also the traditional greeting to the Ọba or any of his chiefs by the populace on any stately occasion.
Iyasẹ [íyàsɛ́] n.
the title of the most important chief in Benin; he is the head of the Eghaevbo n’Ore.
iyayi [ìyáyì] n.
belief; faith.:
iyayi Ekristi: “the Christian faith.”
iye [íyé] n.
mother; iyiye: “mother’s mother”: maternal grandmother.
iye-nọkhua [íyènɔ́xwà] n.
grandmother.
iyekabọ [ìyékàbɔ́] n.
“back of the hand”: carelessness; lack of diligence.
iyeke [ìyèkè] n.
back (of the body); hind side (of something).
iyekowa [ìyékòwá] n.
(< iyeke-owa) “back of the house”; backyard; latrine.
iyenhọ [ìỹẽ̀hɔ̀] n.
(< i-yin-ehọ) “deafness”: disobedience; stubbornness.
iyerha [íyeřá] n.
(< iye-erha) “father’s mother”, paternal grandmother.
iyerhẹn [ìyèřɛ̃̀] n.
“the setting of fire” burning the undergrowth on a plot as part of its preparation for cultivation.
iyẹ [ìyɛ̀] n.
(chicken lice) a kind of tiny insect found on chickens.
iyẹn [ìyɛ̃̀] n.
news; gossip.
iyẹngbe [ìỹɛ̃̀g͡bè] n.
straining to eject something from the body (e.g. a woman during childbirth; or somebody defecating).
iyi [ìyí] n.
law; rule; regulation. (cf. uhi).
iyin [íyĩ̀] n.
the sasswood tree; the bark is used in the preparation of an ordeal for witches.
iyiye [íyíyé] n.
(< iye-iye) “mother’s mother”: maternal grandmother.
iyobọ [ìyòbɔ̀] n.
assistance; help.
iyodede [íyódèdè] n.
(< iye-odede) “old mother”: grandmother.
iyokuo [ìyòkwò] n.
warrior; soldier.
iyokho [íyòxó] n.
coco-yam.
Iyọba [íyɔ́bá] n.
(< iye-Ọba) “mother of the Ọba” the Queen-mother.
iyọha [ìyɔ̀hà] n.
pawn; something left in a creditor’s keeping as security or pledge for an unpaid debt.
iyọmọ [íyɔ́mɔ̀] n.
1. a nursing mother;
2. any woman who has borne a child.
ìyọyọ [ìyɔ̀yɔ̀] n.
tassel (e.g. of ear of corn); loosely hanging cords as ornamented fringe on native crowns.
íyọyọ [íyɔ́yɔ́] n.
a variety of vegetable used in native soups. (also known as ebe nesiẹnsiẹn “narrow leaves”).
izabọ [ízábɔ̀] n.
shoulder.
izabọbọ [ìzabɔ̀bɔ̀] n.
merriment in the form of singing and dancing.
izagodo [ìzàgódó] n.
kerosine tin, usually about 4 gallons in capacity.
izakhue [ìzàxwɛ̀] n.
the ceremonies performed on the 3rd day of a second burial; which involves the killing of a goat at the deceased’s gate, and a processional dance through town.
izazako [ìzàzàkó] n.
a brown variety of antelope.
izedu [ìzèdù] n.
translating; interpreting.
izenọfua [ìzènɔ́fwà] n.
crayfish.
izevbudu [ìzèʋùdù] n.
“being hard in the heart”: stubbornness; obstinacy.
izẹ-Ẹdo [ízɛ́dò] n.
“Benin rice”: the native variety of rice, which is a tree: Treculia africana, with big and round fruits, the seeds of which constitute the rice. It is processed and made into rice pudding which is sold in little cakes as snack, rather than a full meal.
izẹghede [ìzɛ̀ɣèdè] n.
a shack.
izẹtin [ìzɛ̀tĩ̀] n.
defiance; open disobedience:
Emwin izẹtin ne ọ ru ẹre iran gu mu enrẹn khui ― “His defiant acts are what made them arrest him.”
iziengbe [ìzẏẽ̀g͡bè] n.
patience; endurance.
izigha [ízìɣá] n.
murderer.
izobo [ìzóbò] n.
sacrifice in the form of food, or food substances left at road junctions for witches and other evil forces.
izohu [ìzòhù] n.
(< izẹ-ohu) “producing anger”, provocation; irritation.
izozo [ìzózò] n.
wandering; roaming.
izọla [ízɔ̀lá] n.
week (also uzọla).
izọmọ [ìzɔ̀mɔ̀] n.
naming ceremony of an infant; it was traditionally performed on the seventh day of birth, but the timing is no longer rigid in practice.
izu [ìzù] n.
even number.
izunu [ìzùnù] n.
being hard to please with food; refusing to eat what one does not like, and finding little to like.
katakpi [káták͡pì] n.
the name of a mythical being that had no limbs; thus the word describes anything or anybody that looks fat and stout and tends to roll along rather than walk.
(e)kẹtẹkẹtẹ [kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́] n.
ass; donkey. (cf. ekẹtẹkẹtẹ).
kokomẹmẹ [kókómɛ̃̀mɛ̃̀] n.
cucumber (cf. Engl.).
kuẹtin [kwɛ̀tĩ́] n.
cf. ketin.
kpẹtẹsi [k͡pɛ̀tɛ́sì] n.
cf. ekpẹtẹsi.
mẹtin [mɛ̃̀tĩ́] n.
cf. sẹtin.
nẹ3 [nɛ́] n.
the form of the 3rd per. sgl. pronoun “it” which occurs with the interrogative word vboo:
nẹ vboo nia ― “Where is it now?”
(e)nọkhaevbisẹ [nɔ̃̀xaeʋìsɛ] adj.; n.
“he who says what comes to be”: the one in authority; the presiding authority. (pl. nikhaevbisẹ).
oba [óbà] n.
dent;
Ikoroba na gbe oba ― “This pail has a dent”
.
obalọ [òbàlɔ̀] n.
pain; misery:
Ọ mu mwẹn fi obalọ ― “He brought me into pain.”
obele [óbèlè] n.
paddle:
Ọ ma miẹ obele ya gua okọ ― “He did not find a paddle with which to row the canoe.”
obẹlẹ [óbɛ̀lɛ̀] n.
a rough path; a track:
Iran fian obẹlẹ dee ― “They are making a track as they approach.”
oberhọmwan [òbéřɔ́ɱã̀] n.
(< obọ-erha-ọmwan) “one’s father’s hand”: the right hand; the right-hand side.
obẹrure [òbáɽúɽé] n.
“the hand that does not do to eat”: a resourceless person; a person with no means:
Ghẹ rhie ọmọ nẹẹn ighẹ obẹrure nọ ― “Don’t give him your child (to marry) for he is a resourceless person.”
obi [óbì] n.
snake-poison.
obiyọmwan [òbíyɔ́ɱã̀] n.
(< obọ-iye ọmwan) “one’s mother’s hand”: the left-hand; the left-hand side (also agobọ).
obobo [óbobò] n.
flower:
Ọ kọlọ obobo mẹ ― “He picked a flower for me.”
obòbo [óbobó] n.
boiled yam or plantain mashed in palm oil; it is often used in izobo (sacrifice).
obodo [òbòdò] n.
a kind of agile dance that entails spinning around several times.
obọ [òbɔ́] n.
1. arm, hand.
Ọ rhie ẹre obọ mwẹẹn ― “He held her by the hand”
;
2. side; direction:
D’obọ ne ọ lae yi ― “What direction did he take”
;
3.
prep. with; in the sense of location:
Ọ sẹ iwinna rẹn rae yo omwẹn obọ ― “He left his work in my hand: He left his work with me”
;
4. from (in the sense of source):
Ọ doo rhie ọtẹn onrẹn vbe obọ mwẹn ― “He came to take his relative from me.”
odan [ódã́] n.
1. heel;
2. interruption (in conversation):
Ẹghe hia ẹre ọ ya gbe odan yọ mwẹn ẹmwẹn ― “It is at all times that he causes interruptions in my speech.”
odaro [òdáɽò] n.
front; forward direction; ahead:
Sikẹ odaro ― “Move forward.”
odede [ódèdè] n.
1. (with kin terms): grand:
erha-odede ― “grandfather”
;
iye-odede ― grandmother
;
2. senior; leader; elder:
odede iko ― “leader of a society.”
odegbe [òdégbè] n.
a full-grown she-goat.
odekun [òdèkṹ] n.
accident (esp. road accident).
Okuo odekun ghi bun gbe vbe ẹghẹ na ― “The incidence of accidents is too much these days.”
odẹ [òdɛ́] n.
1. way:
Imọto de gbee odọ ― “A car is blocking the way.”
Ma ọnrẹn odẹ ne ọ gha la ― “Show him the way that he can take.”
;
2. a path, road:
Odẹ na i maa ― “This road is not good.”
;
3. manner of doing things:
Gie odẹ evbene a ya ruẹe hẹẹ ma mwẹn ― “Describe the way to do it to me.”
odẹrriẹ [òdɛ́ryɛ̀] n.
(< odẹ-ẹrriẹ) the harem; the women’s quarters in a house.
odibo [òdìbò] n.
1. a reliable and conscientious servant or assistant;
2. a delegate; messenger.
odidọn [òdìdɔ̃̀] n.
(with amẹ) cold:
amẹ odidọn ― “cold water.”
Odighi [òdìɣì] n.
the name of an Edo-speaking village to the West of Benin City.
odìn [ódĩ̀] n.
a deaf and dumb person.
odín1 [ódĩ́] n.
the deep portions of a river or pool.
odín2 [ódĩ́] n.
(as part of the expression kpa-odin) mind; the basis of one’s conviction or reason:
Emwin ne ọ ru nii ke ghi kpa agbọn hia odin ― “That thing that he did indeed disturbed everyone’s mind; i.e.: astonished everyone.”^
odiyeke [òdíyèkè] n.
behind; at the back of.
odiyekowa [òdíyekòwá] n.
1. behind the house;
2. a euphemism for toilet facilities.
odò1 [ódò] n.
a kind of potash used for thickening certain native soups.
odò2 [ódò] n.
a disease: a variety of abdominal dropsy.
odó [ódó] n.
mortar, used for pounding.
ododo [ódòdó] n.
scarlet-cloth, used for ceremonial outfits by priests of various gods.
odore [òdóɽé] n.
the front of a house (facing the street).
odọ [òdɔ́] n.
over there:
Yaa mudia vbe odọ ― “Go and wait over there.”
odọnghọn [òdɔ̃̀ɣɔ̃̀] n.
1. the sticky saliva emitted by a drivelling child or invalid;
2. inner membrane enclosing foetus.
odukhunmwun [òdúxũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
1. top (of); top side; up:
Mu ẹnrẹn ye odukhunmwun ― “Place it at the top”^
;
2. the skies:
Ọ gbaro ghee odukhunmwun ― “He raised his eyes toward the skies.”
oduwowa [òdúwówà] n.
the sleeping quarters of a house, usually not accessible to strangers or visitors.
ofẹn [òfɛ̃́] n.
mouse, rat.
ofigbọn [ófĩ́gbɔ̃̀] n.
palm-oil (also ẹvbii).
ogi [ògì] n.
the melon creeper; its fruit and the seeds which are used for making a variety of native soup, also known as egusi (cf. Yoruba egusi).
ogiasọn [ògyàsɔ̃̀] n.
mid-night; dead of the night.
ogiavan [ògyávã̀] n.
mid-afternoon, when the sun is at its brightest and hottest: also ogiavan-ogiohogho.
Ogidigan [ògídígã̀] n.
a praise-name for Ọba Ewuare, which reflects his power and military exploits; equivalent of “the great”.
ogie [ògyè] n.
a titled ruler; a ruling chief; 2. an outstanding or superior variety of any set of things:
ogie-ukpọn ẹre emitin ima dẹe ùkpo na ― “It is a very superior cloth that our society bought this year.”
ogiemwin [ògyéɱì] n.
a most surprising thing; an unusual thing:
Ogiemwin ọna khin ― “This is a most surprising thing.”
ogienebo [ògyènébò] n.
“The white ruler”: the British Monarch, or the white local administrator during the colonial rule.
ogieva [ógyèvà] n.
comrade; friend, associate, etc.:
Ogieva mwẹn nọ ― “He is my friend.”
ogiẹ [ògyɛ́] n.
laughter:
Ọ rhie mwẹn ogiẹ ― “He takes my laughter; i.e. he makes me laugh.”
Ogiso [ògìsó] n.
the title of an early set of kings of Benin who are set to have reigned from about 900 ― 1200 AD.
ogiukpo [ògyùkpò] n.
1. altar (in the Christian church);
2. the dais on which shrines are made.
ogiurro [ògyúrò] n.
the frame of the Isẹ game.
ogolobiẹyẹn [ògòlòbyɛ̀yɛ̃́] n.
praying mantis.
ogologo [ógòlógó] n.
a dancer on stilts; 2. a nickname for an excessively tall person.
ogoro [ògòɽó] n.
male cricket.
ogue [ògúè] n.
state of poverty; destitution.
oguerhan [ógwéřà] n.
the shade cast by the foliage of trees; the shaded area under trees.
oguẹga [ògwɛ́gà] n.
a method of divination in which the seeds of the oguẹga tree (Detarium senegalense) are used.
ogui [ógwí] n.
Bush-mango tree (Irvingia gabonensis) and the fruit.
ogunmagala [ógṹmã̀gàlà] n.
chameleon (also ẹrokhin).
oguo [ógwò] n.
rioting; mass fighting.
oguozizi [ógwózìzì] n.
high fever involving much shivering.
ogba1 [óg͡bà] n.
stake for digging yams.
ogba2 [óg͡bà] n.
1. fence:
Ọ ya okpa ematọn gba ogba lẹga owa ọre ― “He fenced his house around with iron rods.”
;
2. a fenced yard or plot.
Iran vẹ laọ ogba esuku ― “They rushed into the (fenced) school compound.”
Ogbe [óg͡bè] n.
the section in Benin where the palace is. Other important public facilities in this area are the Sports Stadium and the air-port.
ogbee [óg͡bèè] n.
next year.
ogbigbi [òg͡bígbì] n.
excitement, sensation, commotion: (e.g. a running crowd):
Iran lẹ dee ogbigbi ― “They are approaching with excitement and commotion.”
ogbodu [òg͡bòdú] n.
a bird: the pintailed whydah.
ogboi [ògboì] n.
1. an ignorant person; an uninformed person:
Ogboi nọ vbe egbe owa ne a bọ ― “He is uninformed about house construction.”
2. someone who has not been initiated into the mysteries of a particular cult.
ogboleghan [ógbóléɣã̀] n.
“the yard of prisoners”: prison yard.
Ogboni [ògbónĩ̀] n.
the name of a secret society.
oghagha [òɣáɣá] n.
brag, boast, swaggering.
ogheghe [òɣeɣè] n.
the edible berries of okhikhan tree.
oghẹ [òɣɛ̀] n.
prostitution; adultery.
oghẹn [òɣɛ̃̀] n.
1. crowd; a large collection:
Iran ya oghen khian ― “They are going in a crowd.”
;
2. (of animals) a flock.
oghian [óɣyã̀] n.
1. enemy, adversary;
2. a euphemism used in reference to anybody favoured by the speaker, when the event concerning the referent(s) is unpleasant or unfavourable:
Oni waa gbe oghian mwẹn ― “Fever is afflicting my enemy (i.e. me)”^
:
A wẹ erha oghian Ozo wu ― “They said the father of Ozo’s enemy is dead (i.e. poor Ozo’s father) etc.”
oghodan [òɣòdã̀] n.
ingratitude:
Ọmwan ẹse oghodan Ozo khin ― “Ozo is an ungrateful person.”
oghodua [óɣóduà] n.
the Christian equivalent for the “Almighty.”
oghogho [òɣòɣò] n.
beetle.
oghohẹn [òɣóhɛ̃̀] n.
a tree (Musanga smithii).
oghohọn [óɣòhɔ̃́] n.
the vulturine fish-Eagle; the feathers are used ornamentally in various ceremonies.
oghoroko [óɣóɽóko] n.
hopping; springing along on one foot.
oghọghọ [òɣòɣɔ̀] n.
joy; happiness.
oghunmwun [oɣũɱũ] n.
prisoner of war; a captive, traditionally used for sacrifice.
òha1 [òhá] n.
1. bush; forest:
àranmwẹn bun vbe oha ― “Beasts are plentiful in the forest.”
òha2 [òhá] n.
a mission of search (for something):
Ọ rrie oha-erhan ― “He is going in search of firewood.”
óha [óhà] n.
a spike; a staff with a pointed tip used for piercing things.
ohaha [òhahà] n.
a tree used mainly for firewood. Its Latin name is Macaranga barteri.
ohan1 [òhã́] n.
fear; terror:
Ohan mu Ozo gbe ― “Ozo gets too easily frightened.”
Ibiẹka mu ohan erhẹn ― “Children fear fire.”
ohan2 [òhã́] n.
gift:
ọ ya ẹwe ẹre mu ohan guẹ ― “He made a gift of his goat to you.”
ohanabe [òhánábè] n.
of a severe sort; an intense variety:
Ohanmwẹn gbẹe ọghe ohanabe ― “Hunger hit him in a severe way: He was severely hungry.”
ohanmwẹn [òhã̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
hunger:
Ohanmwẹn gbe mwẹn ― “Hunger is hitting me: I am hungry.”
ohẹn [òhɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
priest; religious minister.
ohia1 [óhyà] n.
pod:
ohia-ẹvbẹe ― “kola-nut pod.”
ohia2 [óhyà] n.
a tree, reputed to burn well as firewood; it also has medicinal value.
ohiamẹ [òhyámɛ̀] n.
(< ohio-ame) hole in tree-trunks filled with rain water, in which birds bathe, and other small animals drink water.
ohian [òhyɛ̀] n.
leather; also unprocessed skin of animal.
ohie [òhié] n.
a brief period of cessation of rains during the rainy season, usually in August.
ohiẹn [òhyɛ̃́] n.
judgement.
ohindin [òhydĩ̀] n.
the looped rope used for climbing palm trees.
ohinmwin [óhĩ̀ɱĩ̀] n.
the Edo name for the River Niger.
ohio [òhyó] n.
hole; dent.
ohioro [óhyóɽò] n.
solitude; loneliness:
Tẹ ohioro mu ọmwan vbe owa negẹdẹẹgbẹ na ― “One must feel solitary in such a big house”
.
ohogha [óhòɣá] n.
an empty state (e.g. of a container).
Ikoroba ohogha ẹre o mu ke ọgba rre ― “It was an empty pail that he brought back from the tap.”
ohoghe [òhóɣè] n.
falsehood; lie.
Ọ ba mwẹn ohoghe ― “He told a lie against me.”
(also ohoghoi).
ohoghoi [òhóɣòi] n.
cf. ohoghe.
òhoho [òhóhò] n.
a whole or complete thing, as opposed to a part or portion thereof:
Rhie ohoho mẹ; Ii gualọ ukhiọnmwẹn ― “Give me a whole one, I do not want a part.”
óhoho [óhòhó] n.
(of soups) the variety cooked without palm oil:
ikhiavbọ ohoho ― “Okra prepared without palm oil.”
ohọnmi [óhɔ̃̀mĩ́] n.
the person who is free from faults; the faultless person in a dispute, or in comparison to others.
ohọhọ [òhɔ̀hɔ̀] n.
slovenliness; untidiness:
Ohọhọ okhuo na bun gbe ― “This woman’s slovenliness is too much.”
ohu [òhù] n.
anger; aggravation:
Iran ya ohu mu mwẹn ― “They caused anger to catch me: They made me angry.”
ohuẹ [òhuɛ́] n.
1. hunter;
2. dragonfly.
ohuẹn [óhwɛ̃́] n.
cough:
ohuẹn si ẹre ― “cough is worrying him: He has cough.”
ohukpọ [òhúk͡pɔ̀] n.
a variety of okra.
okan [òkã́] n.
1. blame; censure:
vbe ne ọ gae sẹ, okan ọ miẹ vbọ ― “In spite of how much service she rendered to him, it was censure that she got out of it.”
;
2. what one is lacking in; one’s deficiency:
gbe okan ― “to hit (on) one’s deficiency: to taunt with”^
:
ọ ya ígho gbe mwẹn okan ― “He taunted me with money (which I lack).”
okaro [òkàɽò] n.
(also okao): the first; the primary (thing).
oke [òké] n.
hill; cliff.
okeke [òkékè] n.
false pretences, designed to cover up misdemeanours committed.
okerhẹn [òkéřɛ̃̀] n.
(< okọ-erhẹn)
1. steamship;
2. all motor boats and ocean liners.
okẹhoho [òkɛ́hòhò] n.
(< okọ-ẹhoho) “boat of the air”: aeroplane; aircraft.
okieke [òkyèkè] n.
the last; the end:
Okieke emwin ne u ru na i khian gha maa ― “The end of this thing that you are doing will not be good.”
okin [ókĩ̀] n.
1. spinning continuously;
2. giddiness:
Ọ ghi ze gbe ọkin, okin na mu ẹnrẹn ― “After spinning continuously for a while, he became giddy.”
okiogho [ókyòɣó] n.
disturbance; noise; fighting:
Okiogho bun iran gbe vbe owa na ― “There is too much fighting and rioting among them in this house.”
okiribọtọ [òkìɽìbɔ̀tɔ̀] n.
a rash infection of the scrotum.
okitikiti [òkìtíkìtì] n.
a state of rush; stampede:
Iran gha vẹ khian okitikiti ― “They are stampeding along.”
òko1 [òkó] n.
an address term used by peers for each other:
oko, gu mwẹn ru ẹre ― “Please mate, help me to do it.”
òko2 [òkó] n.
nest (usually of a bird; but also applicable to other small animals, such as lice):
Ahianmwẹn bọ oko ye ẹrhunrhunmwun-owa na ― “A bird built a nest in the eaves of this house.”
óko [ókò] n.
a horn (usually of ivory or from cattle) blown by native doctors in some of their rituals.
oko [òkò] n.
1. a packaged gift;
2. a parcel. (also ako).
okobo [òkóbó] n.
a foolish person.
okodẹ [òkódɛ̀] n.
something misappropriated; an instance of misappropriation.
okoro [òkóɽó] n.
1. prince;
2. the address and reference term for the male offsprings of the Oba, and some chiefs.
okọ [òkɔ́] n.
boat, canoe.
okuku [òkùkú] n.
traditional method of hair dressing by women, in which the simplest style is where the hair is packed up and bunched to form a nut at the top of the head; different varieties of the hair-style exist, some of which are still worn on ceremonial occasions by women of royal connections.
òkun1 [òkṹ] n.
sea; also ocean.
òkun2 [òkṹ] n.
the decorated box carried on the head in the funeral procession known as “isotọn”.
ókun3 [ókũ̀] n.
1. twine; thick rope.
okuo [òkúò] n.
war; battle:
Okuo i mose ― “War is not nice.”
okuta [òkútá] n.
rock; stone.
okha [òxá] n.
1. story; folktale:
Ọ ta okha nọrhiẹnrhiẹn ma ima ― “He told us an interesting story.”
;
2. History:
okha Ẹdo ― “The history of Benin.”
okhan [òxã̀] n.
a rodent with a long snout, that lives in the ground. It gives off a very strong and unpleasant smell. It is not edible.
okhi [óxì] n.
circle, ring.
okhian [òxỹã̀] n.
a variety of ants known as “soldier-ants”. They go in very large bands, and are usually found crowded over leftover food or oily surfaces.
okhiẹ1 [òxẏɛ́] n.
edge; margin:
Ọ mudia ye okhiẹ úkpo gha khẹ imọto ― “He stood at the edge of the road to wait for a vehicle.”
okhiẹ2 [òxyɛ́] n.
plug, stopper; cork:
Rhie okhiẹ mẹ ne i ya khiẹ ọgọ na ― “Give me a stopper to cork this bottle with.”
okhikhan [óxíxã̀] n.
a tree whose berries (ogheghe) are edible.
okhiokhi [óxyòxì] n.
ripples:
Amẹ ne ọ rre ọghọdọ naa gha lẹẹ okhiokhi ― “The water in this pond is flowing in ripples.”
okhiọnkpa [òxỹɔ̃̀kpà] n.
a solitary person; a loner. (cf. akhiọnkpa).
okhogbo [òxóg͡bó] n.
a shack; a hut made of pitched stakes and roofed with thatched leaves.
okhokho [óxoxò] n.
a knock on the head made with the knuckles:
Ọ gbe okhokho yọ mwẹn uhunmwun ― “He hit me on the head with his knuckles.”
okhokho-eve [òxóxòevé] n.
a burst of tears:
Ọ sa okhokho-eve ― “She burst out crying.”
okhokho-ogiẹ [òxóxò-ògyɛ́] n.
a burst of laughter ―
Ọ sa okhokho-ogie ― “He burst out laughing.”
okhọ [òxɔ̀] n.
1. sternness; severity; (of children) crankiness; irritability:
okhọ ovbokhan naa tua gbe ― “This child’s crankiness is too severe.”
okhuae [òxwaé] n.
basket.
okhuakhua [oxwàxwà] n.
the harmattan season, which usually extends from mid-November to late January.
okhualema [òxwálèmã̀] n.
(< okhuae ― ọlema) “the cook’s basket.” ― a little basket with a cover, in which the ingredients for cooking are stored; it is usually hung above the fire-place.
okhuẹ [óxwɛ̀] n.
fruit: walnut. It is boiled to be eaten.
okhuẹn [òxwɛ̃̀] n.
a tree: Ricinodendron africanum.
okhuò [òxwò] n.
1. woman;
2. wife:
Ẹ i mwẹn okhuo ― “He has no wife.”
;
3. female:
ọmọ-okhuo ― “female offspring: daughter.”
(pl. = ikhuo).
okhuó [òxwó] n.
assigned portion of work or labour in a communal enterprise:
Iran fian okhuó mẹ ― “They assigned a portion of work to me.”
okhuohanmwẹn [òxwóhã̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< okhuo-ohamnwẹn) a pregnant woman (also ẹkponiyẹkẹ/ẹkpoliyẹkẹ).
okhuọba [òxwɔ́bá] n.
(< okhuo-ọba) an adult female; a full-grown woman.
okpa [òk͡pá] n.
path; passage; track:
okpa-ame ― “drain”
;
okpa àranmwẹn ― “The track through which animals pass.”
okpagha [òk͡pàɣà] n.
a tree, Pentaclethra macrophylla.
okpamẹ [òk͡pámɛ̃̀] n.
(< okpe ― amẹ) “big rain”: heavy downpour, the type that causes flooding everywhere.
okpan [òk͡pã̀] n.
calabash, esp. the round variety cut and used as dishes in the home.
òkpe [òk͡pè] n.
wine-tapper (usually palm wine).
ókpe [ók͡pè] n.
1. a flute (usually made from a variety of calabash);
2. also generally for any resonating musical trumpet; saxophone, etc.
okpemwin [òk͡péɱíì] n.
(< okpe- ― emwin) “a big thing”: a great event; a big service, etc.
okperhan [òk͡péřã̀] n.
(< okpe- ― erhan): a big tree.
okpẹhoho [òk͡pɛ́hòhò] n.
(< okpe- ― ẹhoho) a big wind; a storm.
okpẹvbo [òk͡pɛ́ʋò] n.
(< okpe- ― ẹvbo) a big town, country, etc.
okpẹzẹ [òk͡pɛ́zɛ̀] n.
(< okpe- ― ẹzẹ) a big river.
okpia [òk͡pyá] n.
1. man;
2. male:
ọmọ-okpia ― “male offspring: son”
(pl. = ikpia).
okpiokhuo [òkpyóxwò] n.
(< okpia-okhuo) “woman’s man”: a henpecked husband.
okpiọba [òkpyɔ́bá] n.
(< okpia ― ọba): an adult male; a full-grown man.
okpo1 [òk͡pó] n.
male dog.
okpo2 [òk͡pó] n.
the ridge beam of a roof.
okpokhuo [òk͡póxwò] n.
(< okpe ― okhuo) “a great woman”; an illustrious woman.
okpoto [òk͡pòtó] n.
toad.
okpovbiẹ [òk͡pòʋiɛ́] n.
wake-keeping; overnight vigil (usually involves dancing and singing).
okpowẹ [òk͡pówɛ̀] n.
(< okpe ― owẹ) “big leg”: long, confident strides.:
Ọ ghaze okpowe dee ― “He is approaching with confident strides.”
okpọta [òk͡pɔ́tà] n.
(< okpe- ― ọta) “big talk”: talking big; boasting.
okpọmwan [òk͡pɔ́ɱã̀] n.
(< okpe- ― ọmwan) “big person”: an eminent person.
okpunu [òk͡púnũ̀] n.
(< okpe ― unu) “big mouth”: word of mouth (not backed by action); empty talk.
ola [òlà] n.
the flow of the menses.
olaga [ólágá] n.
chairman (e.g. of an occasion).
olakpa [ólák͡pà] n.
law-enforcement officer; police.
oleghan [óléɣã̀] n.
prisoner.
oleghere [óléɣèɽé] n.
1. a swing;
2. swaying on a swing.
olẹtin [ólɛ́tĩ̀] n.
a very strong person.
oligbegbe [ólíg͡bèg͡bè] n.
goitre; morbid enlargement of thyroid gland, often showing as a large pendulous swelling in the neck.
olighi [ólìɣí] n.
confusio; disruption.
Oliha [ólíhà] n.
the name of a chief who is first in rank at the Uzama.
olikẹmwẹn [ólíkɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< olike ― ẹmwẹn) the gist of a statement; the essence of a message.
olima [òlímã̀] n.
file (a carpenter’s tool).
olimehi [ólímèhì] n.
a variety of yellow yam.
olodẹ [òlòdɛ̀] n.
1. sewing needle;
2. injection.
ologbo [ólóg͡bò] n.
cat (also ovbiẹdẹn).
oloi [ólói] n.
a wife of the Oba (pl. = iloi).
olokun [ólókũ̀] n.
the name of a god, believed to be “the owner of the sea”; He is believed to bestow wealth, prosperity and fertility on his followers; has many women priests and worshippers.
olokun [ólókũ̀] n.
the sea (also okun).
olose [ólósè] n.
1. a kind of snake;
2. the embodiment of beauty.
olotu [ólótù] n.
the chairman or head of a society.
olọ [ólɔ́] n.
grinding stone, used as a kitchen utensil.
olọghọ [òlɔ̀ɣɔ̀] n.
hardship; difficulty.
olọkọmwẹnho [ólɔ́kɔ́ɱɛ̃̀hò] n.
(< olọkọmwẹn ― ẹho) wind-pipe.
oluku [òlùkù] n.
the young of animals:
oluku-ẹwe ― “kid or/the young of a goat”
;
oluku ohuan ― “lamb.”
ómẹ [ómɛ̃́] n.
the fresh yellow leaves of young palm leaves, often used in the construction of masquerade dancers’ outfits, as well as for dressing shrines. It is also used for making crosses and decorating churches by Christians during the celebration of Palm Sunday.
omi [ómí] n.
a variety of new yam, that is considered to be of very good quality.
omiamwẹnzẹ [ómyãɱɛ̃zɛ̀] n.
iguana.
ominigie [òmĩ̀nĩ̀gyè] n.
class of titleless people; the common people.
ominigbọn [òmĩ̀nĩ̀gbɔ̃] n.
a more exclusive term for the ogwẹga divination.
omugui [òmùgwí] n.
lawyer; advocate.
omuhẹn [òmùhɛ̃́] n.
beginning; start.
omuyan [òmùyã̀ã́] n.
1. upper layers or levels of things stacked;
2^.^ upper storeys in a building.
omwan [òɱã́] n.
measure; gauge.
ona [ònã́] n.
design; pattern.
oni [ònĩ̀] n.
1. fever; cold;
2. cold weather, capable of causing a cold:
Oni naa fi gbe ― “This cold weather is too severe.”
Onioni [ónyónĩ̀] n.
the name of the son of Arhuaran who was noted for his excessive might.
onioni [ónyónĩ̀] n.
doing things with excessive force and strength but with little evidence of rationality:
Ọ gha kun ẹnrẹn onioni ― “He is packing them with a lot of show of strength.”
onisan [ònĩ̀sã̀] n.
1. anus; the terminal outlet of the alimentary canal.
onurho [ònṹřò] n.
door-way; entrance.
ope [ópè] n.
calabash bowl used for drinking palm wine.
opirhi [ópìří] n.
a kind of dance which entails swinging the waist back and forth; it is native to the Delta peoples and danced mainly by women.
òre [òɽé] n.
native mat, woven from a variety of reed.
òre [óɽé] n.
1. outdoors; outside (i.e. from the house.)
Erhae rrie òre ― “His father has gone outside.”
;
2. the streets of a town; within the boundaries of the town:
Óre Ẹdo ― “within the City of Benin”
;
óre ẹvbo ― “centre of town”
. (also orere).
oregbe [òɽègbé] n.
over-feeding.
órere [óɽéɽé] n.
cf. ore.
ori [òɽí] n.
body cream; pomade (usually made from coconut or palm kernel oil).
orinmwin [òɽĩ́ɱĩ̀] n.
corpse; dead-body.
oriwo [óɽíwò] n.
bitter-leaf; the leaves of a cultivated shrub, used as vegetables in soup.
oro [óɽò] n.
secret practices; usually associated with witchcraft and juju cults; confidential communication; secret meeting.
oroboto [òɽòbòtó] n.
hippopotamus (also eniamẹ).
orogo [òɽógó] n.
dog (also ekita; awa).
orogho [òɽòɣò] n.
muddy puddle (esp. of rain on the road).
oroka [òɽòká] n.
ring (worn on the finger).
orokẹ [òɽòkɛ̀] n.
horse-tail used as a whisk, or carried as part of a ceremonial dress by chiefs and native priests.
oroviẹ [òɽóvyɛ̀] n.
filth; messy condition or situation:
Sẹrae ye oroviẹ ne ọ yẹ ― “Leave her in the mess that she is in.”
orọnmwẹn [òɽ̃ɔ̃́ɱɛ̀] n.
state of marriage; married state:
Ọ rre orọnmwẹn vbe igue ― “She is in marriage in the village: She is undergoing her married state in the village.”
oru [òɽú] n.
(also oruru)
1. cotton (the plant and the fibre);
2. cotton thread;
3. thread in general:
iku-oru ― “a piece of cotton fibre”
;
ikpẹ-oru ― “cotton seeds, used for preparing a variety of native soup.”
oru [órùú] n.
an edible lava found in the stem of fallen palm trees.
orubu [óɽùbú] n.
a smooth-skinned lizard with a red under-side; it is said to be poisonous.
orueghe [òɽẁèɣè] n.
bother; disturbance; nuisance.
orukuru [òɽùkúɽú] n.
havoc; reckless misbehaviour.
orukhọọ [òɽùxɔ̀ɔ́] n.
sin (in the Christtian sense); wrongdoing. (cf. ru-khọọ).
orunmwun [óɽṹɱũ̀] n.
pear, mainly native variety;
orunmwun-ebo ― “avocado pear”
.
oruoru [óɽwóɽù] n.
reckless action; rash deeds, heedless of consequences:
Oruoru ne ọ ya ru vbe odọ ẹre iran na iyẹn ọnrẹn ma mwẹn ― “It is the rash deeds which he went to perform over there that they are narrating to me.”
orhiekoko [òřyèkòkó] n.
an adopted child:
Ẹ i mwẹn erha, ẹi mwẹn iye; orhiekoko nọ vbe owa na ― “She has no father, she has no mother; she is an adopted child in this house.”
orhiẹrhiẹn [òřỹɛ̃̀rỹɛ̃̀] n.
sweetness; delight:
Ọ gha miẹ orhiẹnrhiẹn iwinna rẹn vbe okiekie ― “He will see the happy reward of his work in the end.”
orhikhan [òřìxã̀] n.
struggle; worry; effort; exertion:
Ọ si orhikhan lele ivbi-ẹre gbe ― “She takes too much trouble over her children: She exerts herself much over her children.”
orhiọn [òřyɔ̃́] n.
1. spirit; soul (esp. the religious sense, both traditional and Christian):
Orhiọn Nọhuanrẹn ― “The Holy Spirit”
;
2. strength; power:
Okhuo naa i mwẹn orhiọn ― “This woman has no strength; she is lazy.”
Orhionmwọn [óřĩɔ̃̀ɱɔ̃̀] n.
the name of an Edo river after which a local govemment area has been named. Anglicized form is Ossiomo.
orhiọnni [òřyɔ̃́nĩ̀] n.
laziness; idleness.
orhokhua [òřòxwà] n.
a staff; a walking stick. (also ukpokpo).
orhọ [òřɔ̀] n.
1. rainy season: usually from late April to early November;
2. harvest season, when new crops flood the market:
ọkorhọ ― “new corn”^
;
iyan orhọ ― “new yam”
. etc.
orhọnmwẹn1 [óřɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. heavenly star;
2. spotty design:
ukpon ọnrẹn filo orhọnmwẹn ― “Her cloth has a spotty design.”
orhọnmwẹn2 [óřɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
guinea fowl.
orhue [òřwè] n.
chalk (white chalk), traditionally regarded as a symbol of happiness and good fortune it is therefore used in all joyous occasions:
wa gun mwẹn gbe orhue ― “Rub on some chalk with me: rejoice with me by rubbing on some chalk.”
orhuọ [òřẁɔ̀] n.
bragging; boasting.
orhunmwun [óřũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
(cf. arhunmwun) individual; person.
orhunmwunyẹn [òřṹɱũ̀ỹɛ̃́] n.
visitor; guest.
Orra1 [órà] n.
the Ora people and their language.
orra [órà] n.
stain; soil; smear:
Ọ ya orra ye ukpọn ne ọ rhuaẹn ― “She got some stain on the cloth she was tying.”
orre [órè] n.
the young generation; the youth:
Orre ne a ghi miẹ na ya egbe ta ivbi-eghọẹn gbe ― “The youth that one encounters these days like to imitate foreigners excessively.”
orriamugho [órẏámúɣò] n.
wandering; perambulating:
Ọ gha gbe orriamugho khian ― “He is wandering about.”
orriara1 [òrẏàɽà] n.
bile.
orriara2 [òryàɽà] n.
1. bitterness; sour taste:
orriara ukhunmwun na ma ye khuia vbe unu mwẹn ― “The bitter taste of this medicine has still not cleared from my mouth: The bitterness of this medicine has still not left my mouth.”
;
2. sorrow:
Ọ mu iyẹe fi orriara ― “She plunged her mother into sorrow.”
orrirri1 [òrìrì] n.
electric eel.
orrirri2 [òrìrì] n.
tremor; thrill of fear.
orruaẹn [orw̃ãɛ̃] n.
any relative-in-law.
osa [òsá] n.
debt; indebtedness.
Osa [òsà] n.
the Supreme God; also Osanobua (esp. in the Christian context). (also Osalobua).
oseghe [òsèɣè] n.
(with sinmwin) defence, support:
ọ sinmwin oseghe ne ọtẹn ọnrẹn ― “He provided defence for his relative: He defended his relative.”
osẹ [ósɛ̀] n.
1. witness.
osẹka [òsɛ́kà] n.
debt:
Ọ mu osẹka yo mwẹn urhu ― “He placed debt on my neck: He put me into debt.”
osi [òsí] n.
worry; anxiety.
osiba [òsìbà] n.
a gesture, in the form of bowing and extending folded hands to a skilled dancer, as a mark of acknowledgement of or admiration for his/her dancing ability:
Ọ mu osiba mẹ ― “She gestured to acknowledge my dancing ability.”
osisi [ósísí] n.
gun; ammunition.
óso [ósó] n.
wizard; sorcerer.
Osodin [ósòdĩ̀] n.
the title of a chief; he stands for the Oba’s departed father.
osorhue [òsòřwé] n.
a variety of porcupine.
osọnnọ [òsɔ̃̀nɔ̃̀] n.
irritating sight; eyesore; thing that offends the sight.
osọnmwẹn [òsɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. a broken piece of something that has (been) broken off it: e.g.
osọmwẹn erhan ― “a chip of wood.”
osọnmwẹnhẹn [òsɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀hɛ̃́] n.
a broken piece from a clay pot, large enough to be used as a make-shift plate or dish.
osọnmwinyan [òsɔ̃́ɱĩ̀ỹã] n.
(< osọnmwẹn ― iyan) a cut piece of yam.
osọnmwunkpọn [ósɔ̃́ɱṹkpɔ̃̀] n.
(< osọnmwẹn ― ukpọn) a piece of rag.
òsu [òsú] n.
a lump; a chunk; a whole piece:
oso-orhue ― “a chunk of white-chalk.”
Osun [òsṹ] n.
the magical spirit of herbs from which herbalists derive their healing power. It is worshipped as a god.
osuakọn [òswákɔ̃̀] n.
incisors, front teeth.
osuan [ósw̃ã̀] n.
contest; competition.
osughu [òsùɣù] n.
trouble; disturbance:
we ne ọ mu osughu ẹre ghe odọ ― “Let him take his trouble elsewhere.”
osukhọn [ósùxɔ̃́] n.
a person with a raised navel.
Osuma [ósùmã́] n.
a chief, fourth in rank among the Eghaẹvbo n’Ogbe.
osuru [òsùɽù] n.
at a single instance; at a first attempt:
Ọ rra isẹ nii hia vbe osuru ― “He caught all the seeds at a single instance.”
osùsu [òsùsù] n.
a crown of feathers on the head of certain birds (e.g. esikpogho; awe; etc.).
osúsu [òsúsú] n.
an organized monthly contribution engaged in by two or more people, in which a single member receives the total monthly collection in turn by agreement.
ota [òtà] n.
evening time; from about 4 p.m. till night fall; (also akota);
ota-khuẹrhẹẹ ― “late evening.”
otiegba [òtiègbá] n.
full assembly:
Iran na tie iko otiegba ― “They summoned a full assembly.”
otiẹn [ótỹɛ̃́] n.
an edible berry of the tree ― Chrysophyllum albidum.
otighi [ótìɣĩ́] n.
disturbance; disruption.
otiku [òtĩ́kù] n.
(< otọ ― iku): refuse dump.
otiti [ótìtí] n.
fame; popularity.
otoro [òtòɽó] n.
1. diarrhoea;
2^.^ fluid faeces:
Ọ sa otoro kue egbe ― “He passed fluid faeces on his body.”
ototọ [òtótɔ̀] n.
bottom of; under:
ototọ erhan ― “under the tree.”
otọ1 [òtɔ̀] n.
(also otọe, esp. in the speech of the elderly).
1. ground; soil:
Ghẹ gie ẹre ya owẹ kan otọ ― “Don’t let him touch the ground with his feet.”
;
2. bottom of: (e.g. of a container):
Iku hẹnhẹn ye otọ ọre ― “Dust particles have settled at the bottom of it”
; (in this sense, also ototọ):
Ọ rhie ẹre lẹre ye otọ (or ototọ) ẹkpẹtin: “He hid it at the bottom of the box”
;
3. floor; ground:
Ọ tota ye otọ ― “He sat on the floor.”
otọ2 [òtɔ̀] n.
reason; explanation:
Rhan otọ emwin ne ọ gu kpaọ ma mwẹn ― “Explain to me the reason for his leaving.”
otọlọ [òtɔ̀lɔ̀] n.
an itch; itching sensation.
Ebe na si otọlọ ― “This leaf causes itching.”
otọn [òtɔ̃́] n.
a decorated box carried along with dancing in one of the procession ceremonies of the traditional second burial.
otọwa [òtɔ́wà] n.
the floor of a room (as opposed to iba (slab) or úkpo (bed))^.
otu [òtù] n.
1. a society; a social club:
otu Ahuẹmwengbe ― “The Ahuẹmwengbe society”
.;
2. age-group; age-mate; peers:
Otu ma vbe ọre khin ― “We are age-mates.”
otuẹ [òtwɛ́] n.
greeting; salutation.
otutu [òtùtú] n.
a frightening object or sight (esp. to children):
Otutu dee, ne u ghẹ ghi viẹ ― “A frightening object is approaching, so don’t you continue to cry.”
ovan [òvã́] n.
nickname:
De eni ne ọ ya rri ovan yi? ― “What did he use as a nickname: What is his nickname?”
ovẹn [òvɛ̃̀] n.
sun; sunshine:
Ovẹn yunmwun: “The sun is shining.”
ovian [òryã̀] n.
complaints; expression of regrets; grumbling.
Ovọnrramwẹn [òvɔ̃́ráɱɛ̃̀] n.
(also written as Ovọramwẹn): the reigning Oba of Benin during the British “Punitive Expedition” of 1897.
ovbamẹ [òʋámɛ̃̀] n.
thirst:
Ọ kpẹre ne ovbamẹ ke gbe mwẹn sin ― “It is a long time since I have been suffering from thirst.”
ovbe [òʋé] n.
sleep:
Ovbe hun mwẹn ― “Sleep is affecting me: I am sleepy.”
ovbeni [óʋěnĩ̀] n.
elephant trunk.
ovbẹkhẹ [óʋɛxɛ̀] n.
a timber tree: Triplochiton Scleroxylon.
ovbẹvbẹ1 [òʋɛ̀ʋɛ̀] n.
spade.
ovbẹvbẹ2 [òʋɛ̀ʋɛ̀] n.
centipede.
ovbi- [òʋì] n.
(pl. ivbi)
1. child of; offspring of (always occurs with a noun or pronoun as possessor):
ovbi Ozo ― “Ozo’s child”
;
ovbi-mwẹn ― “my child.”
;
2. the young or small of anything; also things generally small-sized:
obvi-ẹwe ― “a kid”
;
ovbi-aga ― “a small chair”; “^a small stool”
;
ovbi-erhan: “a small piece of stick, or a young plant”
;
ovbi-ẹho ― “a small voice, like that of a child”
etc.;
3. member of a group, society or social category:
ovbi-esuku: “a pupil of a school”
;
ovbi-Ẹdo ― “a native of Edo”
ovbi-esọsi ― “a Christian”
, etc.
ovbi-abẹe [òvyábɛè] n.
pen-knife; small knife.
ovbi-akota [òvyákòtà] n.;
(idiom) dog.
ovbi-aleke [òvyálèkè] n.;
(idiom) young lady; miss. (also uvbi).
ovbi-alumẹ [òvyálùmɛ̃̀] n.
a small bird.
ovbi-aro [òvyáɽò] n.;
(idiom) pupil (of the eye).
ovbi-ẹrinmwin [òvyɛ́ɽ̃ĩ̀ɱĩ̀] n.;
(idiom)
1. the child of a deceased person who is being buried;
2. an infant; a young child.
ovbi-ẹrrẹe [òvyɛ́rɛ́è] n.;
(idiom)
1. poor fellow; poor innocent person;
Sẹ ovbi-ẹrrẹe rae ighẹ ọ ma ruẹ emwin rhọkpa ― “Leave the poor fellow alone, for he did you no wrong.”
;
2. someone else’s child.
ovbi-ẹvbo [òvyɛ́ʋò] n.;
(idiom) same as ovbi-ẹrrẹe.
ovbi-odo [òʋiódó] n.
pestle.
ovbi-urumnwun [òvyúɽṹɱũ̀] n.;
(idiom) implement shaped like a dumb-bell used for grinding things in a wooden tray known as “urro”.
ovbiakhowẹ [òvyáxowɛ̀] n.;
(idiom) (< ovbiakhe ― owẹ): “small pot of the leg”: shin.
ovbieghoẹn [òvyéɣɔ̃ɛ̃̀] n.
foreigner; non-native.
ovbiogue [òvyógwè] n.
a poor person; a destitute.
ovbiọha [òvyɔ́hà] n.
bride.
ovbivbiẹ [óvỳʋiɛ́] n.
a snake: “black mamba”; it spits, and is poisonous.
ovbukhọ [òʋúxɔ̀] n.
he-goat.
òwa [òwá] n.
1. house, dwelling;
2. building.
ówa [ówá] n.
market stall.
owamẹ [òwámɛ̃̀] n.
(< òwa ― amẹ): water tower.
owebe [òwébè] n.
(< òwa ― ebe)
1. school;
2. a house roofed with thatch.
owekẹn [òwékɛ̃̀] n.
(< òwa ― ekẹn) mud house.
owere [òwèɽé] n.
senior elder; a respected elderly person; ọdiọnwere ― most senior, by age, of the senior elders.
owẹ [òwɛ̀] n.
1. foot;
2. leg.
owẹn [òwɛ̃̀] n.
sun; setting sun.
owiẹ [òwyɛ́] n.
morning:
owie vbirhivbirhi ― “dawn”
;
owiẹ fiororo or owiẹwiẹmwọnkpa ― “day-light”
;
owiowiẹ ― “every morning.”
owinna [ów̃ĩ̀nã́] n.
carpenter (also ekabita).
owo2 [òwó] n.
a palm oil sauce used for eating boiled yam and plantain.
owogho [ówòɣó] n.
noise (in particular created by loud talk or laughter).
owowo [òwòwò] n.
1. heat (e.g. from proximity to a burning fire),
2. hot-temper; reactionary disposition:
Owowo ẹre tua gbe ― “His hot temper is too intense.”
owọkhọnmwọn [òwɔ́xɔ̃́ɱɔ̃̀] n.
(< owa ― ọkhọmwọn) “house of the sick”: hospital.
owọn [ówɔ̃̀] n.
1. bee:
Ọ gha gui vbe owọn ― “He is grumbling like a bee.”
;
2. wax (used by brass-smiths);
3. honey:
Ọ rhiẹnrhiẹn vbe owọn ― “It is sweet like honey.”
owọnwọn [òwɔ̃̀wɔ̃̀] n.
a bird: toucan; it has an immense beak.
oya [òyà] n.
insult; humiliation:
Ọ ya oya nẹ ― “She gave insult to him: She insulted him.”
oyanghan [òỹã̀ɣã̀] n.
worry; bother; harassment.
oyaya [òyàyà] n.
excitement, enthusiasm; warmth:
Ọ sa oyaya mu ẹnrẹn “She received him enthusiastically.”
oyi [òyí] n.
thief; robber:
oyi ẹrinmwin (idiom) ― “a very crafty thief.”
ozan [òzã̀] n.
1. defect; shortcoming; fault:
Ozan i rrọ ọre egbe hiehie ― “There is no fault in her body at all: she is absolutely faultless!”
;
2. criticism:
Ozan ne ọ zan rẹn ẹre ọ ya ohu mu ẹnrẹn “The criticism that he criticized her is what made her angry: The way he criticized her is what angered her.”
oze [òzé] n.
lead (the metal).
ozi2 [òzì] n.
a gentle breeze.
oziguẹ [ózìgwɛ̀] n.
a boat-handler; the rower of a boat or canoe.
ozikpalọ [ózìkpálɔ̀] n.
lizard.
oziya [òzíyá] n.
frankincense; a kind of aromatic gum resin produced by the oziya tree, Daniellia thurifera, which is burned as incense, and also by hunters on their hunting trips.
ozubu [òzùbú] n.
a fluffy-haired puppy.
ozuọba [ózwɔ̀bá] n.
same as oloi.
Ọba [ɔ́bá] n.
1. The ruler of Benin kingdom;
2. (without the captial letter): king; ruler.
Ẹvbo na i mwẹn ọba ― “This town has no ruler.”
ọbadan [ɔ̀bàdã̀] n.
almond tree;
ọmọbadan ― “almond fruit and seed.”
ọbafi [ɔ̀bàfí] n.
hunting trip; hunting:
Erhae rrie ọbafi ― “His father is going a-hunting.”
ọbaikpo [ɔ̀bàik͡pó] n.
male lizard.
ọbiro [ɔ̀bírò] n.
oracler; a diviner.
ọbo [ɔ̀bó] n.
1. a general term for various categories of doctors:
ọbo-ọrọnmila ― “diviner”
;
ọbo-itan ― “ordeal doctor”
;
ọbo-ebe ― “a Ph.D. holder”^
; etc.;
2. ritual priests of various gods or deities.
ọbowa [ɔ̀bòwà] n.
house-builder.
ọbude [ɔ̀bùdè] n.
adviser; counsellor.
ọbuohiẹn [ɔ̀bwòhyɛ̃̀] n.
judge.
ọdafẹn [ɔ̀dàfɛ̃̀] n.
1. husband (usually occurs with noun or pronoun indicating whose husband it is)^:
Ọdafẹn mwẹn ― “My husband”
;
ọdafẹn ọnrẹn ― “her husband, etc.”
(also ọdọ).;
2. a man who is a head of household.
ọdan [ɔ̀dã́] n.
gum; glue.
ọdayọn [ɔ̀dàyɔ̃̀] n.
an excessive drinker of alcoholic drinks; a drunkard.
ọdẹkuẹn [ɔ̀dɛ̀kwɛ̃́] n.
sale on credit.
ọdẹn [ɔ́dɛ̃̀] n.
joke; jest.:
Ọ gha gu iran gbe ọden ― “He is having a joke with them.”
ọdiọn [ɔ̀dyɔ̃́] n.
1. oldest (chronologically).
Ozo ọ re ọdiọn vbe uwu iran ― “Ozo is the oldest among them.”
;
2. the primary thing; the most important; the first;
Vbe uwu emwin hia ne u ziro ẹre re na, owa nabọ ọre ọdiọn: “Of all the things you have just suggested, house-building is the most important.”
ọdọ [ɔ̀dɔ̀] n.
1. husband;
2. an address term for relatives of husband
Lahọ, ọdọ mwẹn, daeyi mẹ ― “Please, my husband’s relative, hold it for me.”
ọdọlukpọn [ɔ̀dɔ̀lùkpɔ̃̀] n.
tailor (< ọ ― dọlọ ― ukpọn) “mender of cloth.”
ọduẹki [ɔ̀duɛ̀kì] n.
1. trader;
2. a small measuring aluminium bowl used for selling commodities like garri, rice, beans, etc.
mwaan ọduẹki isẹn mẹ ― “Measure 5 bowls for me.”
ọdukpọn [ɔ̀dùkpɔ̃̀] n.
weaver (of fabrics).
ọfẹndin [ɔ̀fɛ̃̀dĩ̀] n.
palm-nut reaper.
ọfiontọ [ɔ̀fĩṍtɔ̃̀] n.
a big bush rat (edible); locally referred to as a “rabbit” in English, but is quite different from the real rabbit.
ọfọ [ɔ̀fɔ́] n.
sweat; perspiration:
Ọfọ fọ gbe vbe ẹghẹ na ― “Sweat sweats a lot at this time: one sweats a lot a at this time.”
ọfuan [ɔ̀fùán] n.
destruction; annihilation (cf. fuan).
ọfunmwengbe [ɔ̀fũ̀ɱẽ̀gbè] n.
comfort; peace. (< ọ― fu ― vbe ― egbe) “coolness of the body”.
ọfurre [ɔ̀fúrè] n.
(< ọ ― furre) “coolness”: calmness, tranquility.
ọ̀ga [ɔ̀gá] n.
boss; master.
ọgiodẹ [ɔ̀gẏòdɛ̀] n.
guide.
ọgiọrọ [ɔ̀gyɔ́ɽɔ́] n.
heavy chain.
ọgọ́ [ɔ̀gɔ́] n.
bottle.
ọgọ̀ [ɔ̀gɔ̀] n.
palm-wine tapped from the top of the raffia palm. (also ọgọrọ).
ọgọgọ [ɔ̀gɔ̀gɔ̀] n.
(of a cock) cock’s crest. (also etọghọtọghọ).
ọgọrọ [ɔ̀gɔ̀ɽɔ̀] n.
same as ọgọ.
ọgua [ɔ̀gwá] n.
the room which serves as a “parlour” in the traditional Edo house.
ọgueva [ɔ̀gwèvà] n.
a double-faced person, who fosters trouble by stealthily backing both parties in a quarrel.
ọguiẹzọ [ɔ̀gwyɛ̀zɔ̀] n.
(< ọ-gui-ẹzọ) “one who argues a case”: litigant.
ọguọmwandia [ɔ̀gwɔ̀ɱã̀dyà] n.
“he who stays with one”: a servant; a house-help.
ọgba [ɔ̀g͡bá] n.
tap; faucet.
ọgbagba [ɔ̀g͡bàgbà] n.
a row of (things):
ọgbagba owa ― “a row of houses (on a street).”
ọgbakha [ɔ̀g͡bàxá] n.
conference.
ọgbalama [ɔ̀g͡bàlàmà] n.
a nosey person; a busy-body.
ọgbehẹn [ɔ̀g͡bèhɛ̃̀] n.
(< ọ ― gbe ― ehẹn) fisherman.
ọgbekpa [ɔ̀g͡bèkpà] n.
(< ọ ― gbe ― ekpa) boxer.
ọgbenbe [ɔ̀g͡bẽ̀bè] n.
(< ọ ― gbẹn ― ebe) clerk.
ọgbeni [ɔ̀g͡bènĩ̀] n.
(< ọ ― gbe ― eni) elephant-killer, elephant-hunter.
ọgbọlọfo [ɔ̀g͡bɔ̀lɔ́fò] n.
public knowledge; the open.
Ẹmwẹn na dinna ọgbọlọfọ nẹ ― “This word has now become publicly known; it has reached the open.”
ọgbọn [ɔ́g͡bɔ̃̀] n.
new, fresh.
ọgbugbo [ɔ̀g͡bùgbò] n.
(< ọ ― gbe ― ugbo) “one who makes farms”, farmer.
ọghae [ɔ̀ɣaè] n.
heat; warmth: mwọọnghae (< mwẹẹn ― oghae) “to have heat”; hot.
ọghẹdẹ [ɔ̀ɣɛ̀dɛ̀] n.
plantain.
Ọghẹnnẹ [ɔ́ɣɛ̃̀nɛ̃́] n.
1. the Ẹdo name for the Oni of Ife.
ọghẹrẹ [ɔ̀ɣɛ́ɽɛ̀] n.
hymen;
okhuo ne a ma he fian ọnrẹn ọghẹrẹ ― “a woman whose hymen has not been cut”: a virgin
.
ọghọ [ɔ̀ɣɔ̀] n.
respect; deference.
ọghọdọ [ɔ̀ɣɔ̀dɔ̀] n.
pond.
ọghọdọgbọ [ɔ̀ɣɔ̀dɔ́gbɔ̀] n.
a kind of weed: wild sugar-cane, not edible.
ọhà [ɔ̀hà] n.
catarrh; head-cold.:
ọha kpokpo mwẹn “catarrh is worrying me”: I have catarrh
.
ọhae [ɔ̀háè] n.
1. bachelor;
2. widower.
ọhẹ [ɔ̀hɛ́] n.
1. gift;
2. present.
ọhẹn [ɔ̀hɛ̃̀] n.
a variety of red ants that are found on fruit trees.
Ọhẹn [ɔ́hɛ̃̀] n.
the name of a past Ọba of Oba of Benin, who became crippled in the later days of his reign. He was the father of Ọba Ẹwuare.
ọ́ka [ɔ́kà] n.
corn; maize.
ọ̀ka [ɔ̀ká] n.
leader; usually followed by the noun or pronoun denoting what òka is leader of:
ọ̀ka ẹgbẹe ― “leader of clan; head of family”
;
ọ̀ka idunmwun ― “head of the neighbourhood (same as ọdiọnwere).”
ọkaruosa [ɔ̀káɽwòsà] n.
debtor.
ọkemwionkọ [ɔ̀kèɱĩõ̀kɔ̀] n.
(< ọ-kọ-emwin-ọkọ) “crop-planter” large-scale farmer; cash-crop farmer.
Ọkiẹkiẹ [ɔ̀kyɛ́kyɛ́] n.
fore-play; loveplay.
ọkotọ [ɔ́kòtɔ̀] n.
the bottom position; the last:
ọmọ-ọkotọ ― “the last born child”
.
ọkuẹkuẹ [ɔ̀kùɛ́kwɛ̀] n.
jog; trot.
ọkuu [ɔ̀kúù] n.
disaster; calamity; total damage:
Okuu ọkuu ọ ru lele oghian mwẹn khian ― “Constant calamity is what he keeps having after me; i.e. He is forever encountering disaster in all he does for me.”
ọkha [ɔ́xá] n.
the cotton-seed tree (ceiba pentandra).
ọkhaẹmwẹn [ɔ̀xáɛ̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
chief; special rank of traditional elders, appointed by the Ọba. They discharge various responsibilities within the traditional judicial system. The ọkhaẹmwẹn status is less important than that of an Ogie ― “a titled ruler” ― though every ogie is by implication an ọkhaẹmwẹn.
ọkhaẹn [ɔ̀xã́ɛ̃̀] n.
porcupine.
ọkhan [ɔ̀xã̀] n.
1. termites;
2. white ants.
ọkhẹ [ɔ̀xɛ́] n.
hunter’s ambush in the wild.
ọkhẹn [ɔ̀xɛ̃̀] n.
clientele; customers!
Obọ ọre tie okhẹn ― “His hands invites clientele; i.e. His patronage attracts additional clientele”
.
ọkhẹrhẹ [ɔ̀xɛ̀řɛ̀] n.
a young palm tree.
ọkhọe [ɔ́xɔe] n.
worm; larva.
ọkhọkhọ [ɔ̀xɔ́xɔ̀] n.
chicken; hen; fowl:
iyọkhọkọ (iye ọkhọkhọ) “mother-hen”: a fully-developed hen
.
ọkhọnmwọn [ɔ̀xɔ́ɱɔ̃̀] n.
a person suffering from a long-term or chronic illness: ọkhọnmwọn ― oti ― “leprosy patient”.
ọkhọọ [ɔ̀xɔ̀ɔ́] n.
evil deed; malicious act; mischief:
ọkhọọ bun ibieka na gbe ― “These children are fond of (performing) mischief.”
Ọkhuahẹ [ɔ̀xùáhɛ̀] n.
1. the name of a river in an Edo village by the same name, situated along Benin-Asaba road;
2. the name of a famous magician during the reign of Oba Ewuare. He is said to have transformed himself into the river Ọkhuahẹ, and is worshipped today as a deity.
ọkhuẹ̀ [ɔ̀xwɛ̀] n.
parrot.
ọkhuẹ́ [ɔ̀xwɛ́] n.
“small chop”; snacks bought and consumed compulsively (usually due to lack of selfdiscipline)
Ọ ya ígho ẹre hia rri ọkhuẹ́ foo ― “She spent all her money compulsively buying and consuming snacks.”^
ọkhuẹn [ɔ́xwɛ̃́] n.
a tree (Brachystegia eurycoma).
ọkhuẹnkhuẹn [ɔ́xwɛ̃xwɛ̃̀] n.
a variety of thorny creeping plant.
ọ̀kpa [ɔ̀k͡pà] n.
rooster (also ọkporhu).
ọkpá [ɔ̀k͡pá] n.
1. rod, staff;
2. a yard measure:
Ọkpa enẹ ukpọn na khin ― “This cloth is four yards long.”
ọkpakpata [ɔ̀k͡pàk͡pàtà] n.
(< ọ-kpe-akpata) akpata player (usually accompanies the playing with a chant of folk narratives).
ọkpan1 [ɔ́k͡pã́] n.
plate.
ọkpankpan [ɔ̀k͡pã́k͡pã̀] n.
anger born of frustration:
Ghẹ ya ọkpankpan so mwẹn ― “Don’t vent your frustration on me.”
ọkpatalẹ [ɔ̀kpàtàlɛ̀] n.
severe case of gonorrhoea.
ọkpema [ɔ̀kpèmà] n.
drummer.
ọkpẹn [ɔ̀kpɛ̃́] n.
side of; edge of:
Ọ mudia ye ọkpẹn úkpo ― “He stood at the side of the road.”
ọkpẹnzẹ [ɔ̀kpɛ̃́zɛ̀] n.
(< ọkpẹn-ẹzẹ) bank of the river.
ọkpẹtu [ɔ̀kpɛ̀tú] n.
a disagreeable event, or person: a nuisance.
ọkpo1 [ɔ̀kpò] n.
pile; haemorrhoids.
ọkpo2 [ɔ̀kpò] n.
goal; score (e.g. in a soccer game).
ọkporhu [ɔ̀kpòřù] n.
1. rooster;
2. preacher.
ọkpọ [ɔ̀kpɔ́] n.
walking stick; staff.
ọkpọkpa [ɔ́kpɔ́kpà] n.
one by one.
ọkpọmwan [ɔ̀kpɔ̀ɱã̀] n.
attendant; assistant; servant.
ọkpọnmwẹnse [ɔ̀kpɔ̃̀ɱɛ̃̀sè] n.
a grateful person.
ọlẹla [ɔ̀lɛ̀lá] n.
hall-way; passage way.
ọlọghọmwan [ɔ̀lɔ̀ɣɔ̀ɱã̀] n.
problems; hardship.
ọma [ɔ̀mã̀ã́] n.
goodness.
ọmada [ɔ̀mã̀dà] n.
the Ọba’s ceremonial sword bearer (pl. emada).
ọmaẹn [ɔ̀mãɛ̃̀] n.
old person; the aged.
ọmakhe [ɔ̀màxè] n.
(< ọ ― ma ― akhe) potter.
ọmamwaenmwin [ɔ̀màɱãẽ̀ɱĩ̀] n.
(< ọ ― ma ― emwan ― emwin) teacher (also etisa).
ọmerhan [ɔ̀méřã̀] n.
(< ọmọ ― erhan) fruit.
ọmiọmwanfan [ɔ̀myɔ̀ɱã̀fã̀] n.
(< ọ ― miẹ ― ọmwan ― fan) saviour (in the Christian sense).
ọmiwu [ɔ̀míwù] n.
direct off-spring, as opposed to eyẹ ― “grandchild.”
ọmobọ [ɔ̀móbɔ̀] n.
(< ọmo-obọ) “child of the arm”: infant.
ọmotọ [ɔ̀mótɔ̀] n.
(< ọmo-otọ): “child of the soil”: native, indigene.
ọmọ [ɔ̀mɔ̃́] n.
1. child; off-spring (pl. emọ):
Emọ eha ọ mwẹn ― “He has three sons”^
;
2. (of a plant or tree): fruit.
Ọmọ [ɔ̀mɔ̃́] n.
an appellation for the Ọba:
“Ọmọ n’Ọba n’Ẹdo” ― “Ọmọ, the ruler of Benin.”
ọmọbe [ɔ̀mɔ̃̀bè] n.
problem child.
ọmọmọ [ɔ́mɔ̃́mɔ̃́] n.
baby; infant.
ọpakharha [ɔ̀páxářá] n.
empty boasts; bluff.
ọpẹkhẹrhẹ [ɔ̀pɛ̀xɛ̀řɛ̀] n.
yam pottage.
ọpia [ɔ́pià] n.
cutlass; machete.
ọpọrhipọ [ɔ̀pɔ̀řípɔ̀] n.
a tree, Sterculia tragacaniha.
ọra [ɔ̀ɽá] n.
dried okra (sliced and dried in the sun, to last longer).
ọrẹrẹ [ɔ̀ɽɛ̀ɽɛ̀] n.
a variety of beans.
ọrọ [ɔ̀ɽɔ̀] n.
paralysis.
ọrọgiọ [ɔ̀rɔ̀gyɔ̀] n.
a kind of wooden rattle.
ọrue [ɔ̀ɽúè] n.
co-wife.
ọruero [ɔ̀ɽwèɽò] n.
(< ọ-ru-ero) a cunning person; a deceitful person.
ọruẹbọ [ɔ̀ɽwɛ̀bɔ̀] n.
(< ọ-ru-ẹbọ) pagan.
ọruosa [ɔ̀ɽwòsà] n.
(< ọ-ru-osa) debtor.
ọrhẹnrhẹn [ɔ̀řɛ̃̀ɛ̃́řɛ̃̀] n.
a lot; a large quantity:
Ígho ne ọ mu rre ọrhẹnrhẹn ― “The money he brought was a whole lot.”
ọrhiae [ɔ̀řiáè] n.
useless thing; a no-good (person or thing).
ọrho [ɔ̀řò] n.
mud; slush.
ọrhọre [ɔ̀řɔ̀ɽé] n.
waterfall.
ọrriegie [ɔ̀rẏègẏè] n.
(< o-rri-egie) titlebearer; a titled person.
ọrriọvbe [ɔ̀rẏɔ̀ʋè] n.
alien; stranger; foreigner.
ọrriukhu [ɔ̀ryùxù] n.
(< ọ-rri-ukhu) heir; inheritor.
ọsa [ɔ̀sà] n.
big ape: gorilla; chimpanzee.
ọsama [ɔ̀sàmà] n.
1. (< ọ-sa-ama) brass-smith;
2^.^ sculptor.
ọsara [ɔ̀sáɽà] n.
saw (carpenter’s implement).
ọse [ɔ̀sè] n.
1. friend;
2. lover.
ọsegbe [ɔ̀ség͡bè] n.
in turns; turn by turn (also the reduplicated form: ọsegbe-ọsegbe).
ọsẹlẹ [ɔ́sɛ̀lɛ́] n.
cricket (also asẹlẹ).
Ọsẹmwẹndẹ [ɔ̀sɛ́ɱɛ̃̀dɛ́] n.
name of a past Ọba of Benin.
ọsiwu [ɔ̀sìwù] n.
the tribal mark cutter (no longer in practice).
ọsuohuan [ɔ̀swòhw̃ã̀] n.
(< ọ ― su ― ohuan): “leader of sheep”: shepherd.
ọta [ɔ̀tá] n.
speech; conversation:
Iran gha gbe ọta vba ― “They are conversing there.”
ọtakhọ [ɔ̀tàxɔ́] n.
back-biting; slander.
ọtan [ɔ̀tã̀] n.
squirrel.
ọ́tẹn1 [ɔ́tɛ̃́] n.
a very sweet drink made from fermented ripe plantains.
ọ̀tẹn2 [ɔ̀tɛ̃́] n.
1. general blood relative:
Ọtẹn ma khin ― “We are blood relatives”
;
2. sibling;
3. an address term for anybody one feels favourably disposed toward:
Ghe gui ọtẹn mwẹn ― “Don’t be offended please.”
Ọvia [ɔ̀vyá] n.
1. the name of a river;
2. the name of the goddess of Ovia river, and the cult that worships it.
ọviẹn [ɔ̀vyɛ̃́] n.
slave; servant.
ọvo [ɔ̀ʋó] n.
half-heartedness; disinclination. (also in the reduplicated form: ọvọvo):
Ọvọvo o ya ru iwinna na ― “He did this work half-heartedly.”
ọmwan [ɔ̀ɱã́] n.
person; human being (pl.: emwan):
emwan nibun ― “Many people.”
ọmwanbabe [ɔ̀ɱã̀bàbè] n.
a witch (also azẹn).
ọmwẹnmwẹn [ɔ̀ɱɛ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
a mad person.
ọvbehe [ɔ́ʋèhé] n.
another one; another.
ọvbokhan [ɔ̀ʋóxã̀] n.
1. child; a young person, hence ọvbokhonkhuo (< ọvbokhan-okhuo): girl; ọvbokhonkpia (< ọvbokhan ― okpia) “boy”;
2. servant, assistant;
3. (also with low tones: ọvbokhan ) “wife” ― always occurs with a possessive:
ọvbokhan mwẹn ― “my wife.”
ọvbokhunvbi [ɔ̀ʋóxũ̀ʋí] n.
a girl or young woman (in her mid to late teens).
ọ́wa [ɔ́wá] n.
epilepsy.
ọ̀wa [ɔ̀wà] n.
castrated animal:
ẹwe ọwa ― “castrated goat.”
ọwara [ɔ̀wàɽà] n.
1. straight, uninterrupted stretch (of time or space):
ọwara uki eha ― “for an uninterrupted period of three months.”
ọwẹ [ɔ̀wɛ̀] n.
male (used of animals only).
ọwẹe [ɔ̀wɛ́è] n.
farmer (also ọgbugbo).
ọwẹwẹ [ɔ̀wɛ́wɛ́] n.
a kind of native explosive fired like a gun at second burial ceremonies.
ọwiẹyi [ɔ̀wiɛ̀yí] n.
used item; second-hand.
ọwọ [ɔ̀wɔ̀] n.
a variety of house-bat.
ọyarra [ɔ̀yàrá] n.
an uncouth person.
ọyẹnmwẹn [ɔ̀ỹɛ̃̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
joy; merriment.
ọyunnua [ɔ̀ỹũ̀nw̃ã́] n.
a surprise; amazement.
ọza [ɔ̀zá] n.
a sash used by a woman for tying a baby to the back.
Ọza [ɔ̀zà] n.
the name of an Edo-speaking community, whose dialect of Edo is quite distinct.
ọzedu [ɔ̀zèdù] n.
(< ọ-zẹ-edu) interpreter.
ọzẹba [ɔ̀zɛ̀bá] n.
a sticky and unanticipated problem.
Ọzọlua [ɔ̀zɔ̀luà] n.
the name of a past Oba of Benin. He was the father of Ọba Ẹsigie.
ọzuọ [ɔ̀zuɔ̀] n.
fool; idiot.
ruẹn [ɽ̃ũɛ̃] n.
same as ruẹ
2, but occurs only in a nasal environment:
ẹmwẹn ruẹn ― “your matter”
.
sakparẹghodin [sákpáɽɛɣòdĩ̀] n.
cf. esakpareghodin.
sata [sátà] n.
1. to charter (a lorry):
Ọ sata imọto gha dee ― “He chartered a lorry to come.”
;
2. to buy wholesale:
Ọ sata alimoi nii vbe obọ enọgude ― “She bought those oranges wholesale from the seller.”
soghosogho1 [sóɣósóɣó] n.
cf. esoghosogho.
tobatoba [tòbàtóbá] n.
cf. etobatoba.
ube [úbè] n.
a variety of native drum beaten by women mainly in palace festivals.
ubi [úbì] n.
a slap:
Ọ fi ẹre ubi ― “She gave him a slap.”
ubidọn [ùbìdɔ̃̀] n.
cheetah.
ubiẹmwẹn [ùbyɛ́mɛ̃̀] n.
delivery; childbirth.
ubo [ùbó] n.
a variety of creeper with large edible fruit.
ubọmwẹn [ùbɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< u ― bọ ― mwẹn) the act of predicting through oracle.
udahae [ùdàhàe] n.
a string of coral beads worn across the forehead (as part of a ceremonial dress) by the Ọba and some senior chiefs.
Udazi [údazì] n.
one of the praise titles for the Supreme Being which refers to his identity as the “Giver of life”: “Osa n’Udazi.”
úde [údè] n.
a sickness that commonly afflicts infants, caused by the enlargement of the spleen.
ùde [ùdè] n.
advice, counsel:
Ọvbokhan na i họn ude ― “This child does not heed advice.”
udefiagbọn [ùdéfyagbɔ̃̀] n.
(< u ― de ― fi ― agbon) “one who dropped into the world: an orphan; one without friends or relatives.”^
udeguọghọ [ùdéguɔ̀ɣɔ̀] n.
(< u ― de ― guogho) “falling and breaking”: a term for a long string of coral beads worn to hang down around the neck.
uderhu [údèřú] n.
(< u ― de ― rhu) “falling upon”: the name of a variety of hawk.
udẹn [údɛ̃́] n.
a liquid preparation made from palm kernels and used as body-oil.
udian [ùdyã́] n.
tsetse-fly.
udienni [ùdyẽ́nì] n.
(< udian ― eni) “elephant tsetse-fly”: a variety of fly, larger than udian, (hence the name) and found mainly in the bush. Its sting is very painful.
udin [ùdĩ́] n.
the oil palm tree.
udinmwẹn [ùdĩ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. being courageous;
2. courage, bravery.
udinmwinmwẹn [ùdĩ́ɱĩ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. depth;
2. being deep.
udọnmwẹn [ùdɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. being lean;
2. leanness.
udu [ùdù] n.
1. heart;
2.
udu n’ ẹko ― “heart of the stomach”: liver
;
3.
udu n’ ohogha ― “the empty heart”: lungs (spleen)
.
ududu [ùdùdù] n.
a lump; a piece of compact mass (e.g. of chalk, clay, dough, etc.):
ududu-ugbe ― “a lump of earth thrown as a missile.”
ufemwẹn [ùféɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. being rich;
2. freedom; release from obligation or bondage;
3. recovery from illness.
ufomwẹn [ùfóɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. end; ending.
ufua [ùfwá] n.
a variety of yam which may be pounded even though it is white.
ugamwẹn [ùgáɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. Christian church service:
ugamwẹn owiẹ: “morning service”
;
ugamwẹn ota ― “evening service”
;
2. the act of serving.
ugan [ùgã̀] n.
the poles in a yam stack to which the yams are tied.
ugie [ùgyè] n.
1. a general term for palace ceremonies, (such as iguẹ; aguẹ; ugiama; ikhurhẹ; etc.);
2. a celebration.
ugiọnmwinbi [úgyɔ̃́ɱĩ̀bĩ́] n.
charcoal.
ugo [ùgó] n.
wild yam-plant.
ugọngọn [úgɔ̃́gɔ̃̀] n.
1. the sharp edge of something:
Ọ ya ugọgọn-obọ fi ẹre emwin ― “He used the edge of his hand to strike him”: “^He struck him with the edge of his hand”
;
2. ugọngọn-iyeke ― “the spine.”
uguakpata [ùgwákpátá] n.
a special hair-cut worn only by the Ọba and chiefs in which all the hair is shaved except a curved strip at the top of the head around the face.
ugue [ùgwé] n.
cover; lid:
Ọ ya ugue ẹre gue ẹre ― “He covered it with its lid.”
uguowẹ [úgwówɛ̀] n.
a very narrow path.
ugba [úg͡bà] n.
a kind of dance usually performed at second burial ceremonies.
ugbadiye [ùg͡bàdìyɛ̀] n.
(< u ― gbe ― adiyẹ) “that which kills chickens” a fatal disease of chickens.
ugbaro [úgbáɽò] n.
1. forehead;
2. face.
ugbe [úg͡bé] n.
missile; stone e.g. pebble used as a missile.
ugbefẹn [ùg͡bèfɛ̃́] n.
1. side of the body;
2. a flat side of anything other than the top surface:
Ọ mwanmwaẹn avbe iyan nii lele ugbefẹn ẹkpẹtin: “He arranged those yams along the side of the box.”
ugbemwẹn1 [ùg͡béɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< u ― gbe ― mwẹn)
1. dancing;
2. dance.
ugbemwẹn2 [ùg͡béɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< u ― gbe ― mwẹn)
1. flogging;
2. beating.
ugbeto [ùg͡bètò] n.
scissors (also alumagazi and etuheru).
ugbẹkun [ùg͡bɛ̀kũ̀] n.
belt.
Ugbẹkun [ùg͡bɛ̀kũ̀] n.
the name of a village.
ugbẹn [ùg͡bɛ̃̀] n.
period; time:
De ugbẹn ne u ya rre ― “What time that you use to come?: When did you come?”
; (ugbẹn-eso) (cf. ugbẹnso).
ugbẹrherhe [ùg͡bɛ̀řèřè] n.
a sickness of infants ― a condition clinically known as “displaced fontanel” (“^the fontanel is the membranous space in an infant’s head at adjacent angles of the parietal bones.”).
ugbidian [ùg͡bìdyã̀] n.
fly-whisk (also ugbudian).
ugbihan [ùg͡bìhã̀] n.
the blind side; a position in which one is unguarded:
Ọ la ugbihan miẹ mwẹn re ― “He came from my blind side to take it away from me.”
ugbo [úg͡bó] n.
farm:
Ọ mu ugbo vbe igue ― “He has a farm in the village.”
ugbogiorinmwin [úg͡bógyóɽĩ̀ɱĩ̀] n.
a mythical monstrosity believed to reside in the erinmwin; he is said to be very ugly and frightful; hence 2. a nickname for a deformed or very ugly person.
ugbogbogan [ùg͡bógbógã́] n.
a term for a person who is very difficult to work or live with.
ugboghodo [ùg͡bòɣòdò] n.
a depression on the ground; a shallow pit.
ugboloko [ùg͡bòlòkò] n.
bone; skeleton.
ugborre [ùg͡bórè] n.
shea butter.
ugbudian [ùg͡bùdyã̀] n.
cf. ugbidian.
ugbugbe [ùg͡búg͡bè] n.
1. cross (in the Christian sense).
ugha [ùɣà] n.
1. a special section of the palace (in the form of a quadrangle) where the Ọba is buried and his shrine installed.;
2. room.
ughaẹn [ùɣãɛ̃̀] n.
1. of a different sort:
Ughaẹn ọghomwẹn khin ― “Mine is of a different kind.”
ughanmwan [ùɣã̀ɱã̀] n.
axe.
ughanmwẹn1 [ùɣã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< u ― ghaan ― mwẹn) being expensive.
ughanmwẹn2 [ùɣã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(< u ― ghan ― mwẹn) arrogance; haughtiness.
úghe [ùɣé] n.
1. a show; a performance (e.g. of dances or acrobatic display);
2. look; gaze; stare:
Ughe ne ọ ghe mwẹn re ma yẹẹ mwen ― “The way that she looked at me did not please me.”
úghe [úɣè] n.
the entrance into a village.
ughegbe [ùɣègbè] n.
mirror; 2. any object of glass:
ughegbe-aro ― “eyeglasses; spectacles.”
ughẹdẹ [ùɣɛ̀dɛ̀] n.
sun-glasses.
ugho [ùɣò] n.
a kind of dance.
ughọtọn [úɣɔ̀tɔ̃́] n.
the name of an Ẹdo coastal village which served as the port for the first European visitors to Benin. It is also known as Gwatto.
ughu [úɣù] n.
1. boundary line.;
2. line of demarcation between two properties:
Ọ kọ ivin ye ughu ― “He planted a coconut tree along the boundary line.”
(cf. uwu).
ughugha [úɣúɣà] n.
room; bedroom.
ughughan [ùɣúɣã̀] n.
different types or kinds:
Emwin ughughan ẹre ọ viọ gie ima ― “Different kinds of things were what he brought us.”
ughughọn [úɣúɣɔ̃́] n.
empty snail-shell.
ughunghunmwun [ùɣũ̀ɣũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
1. roots of large trees that appear as stumps above the surface of the ground;
2. tree stump.
uhae [úhàe] n.
well:
Amẹ nẹ ọ rre uhae na hian gbe ― “The water in this well is very clear.”
uhaeso [úháesò] n.
a bird; swallow.
uhanbọ [úhã́bɔ̀] n.
bow (for shooting with an arrow ― ifẹnmwẹn).
uharo [úháɽò] n.
forehead (also ẹhae; ugbaro).
uhe [ùhé] n.
1. vagina; vulva;
2. anus;
3. the lower end of an object (esp. that with a normal vertical stance).
uhẹ [úhɛ̀] n.
the Edo name for Ifẹ.
uhi [ùhì] n.
1. law:
Ọ rra uhi ― “He committed a breach of the law.”^
;
2. custom. (cf. iyi).
uhiamwẹn [ùháɱɛ̃̀] n.
struggling (coping with problems or difficulties); keeping up appearances.
uhiri [úhìɽì] n.
a variety of large ape; a baboon.
uhobo [ùhòbò] n.
the Edo name for the Urhobo people and their language.
uhuanmwẹn [ùhwã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. cleanliness; neatness;
2. being clean.
uhunmwonva [ùhṹɱṍvà] n.
illness; sickness (usually serious).
uhunmwun1 [ùhṹɱũ̀] n.
1. head:
Ọ mu ihẹ yan uhunmwun ― “She carried a load on her head”^
;
2. the top of; the upper end of an object:
Ọ tota ye uhunmwun eteburu ― “She sat on top of the table.”^
;
3. the important part of an issue:
uhunmwun ẹmwẹn ― “an important point.”
uhunmwun2 [ùhṹɱũ̀] n.
errand; message:
Ọ gie mwẹn uhunmwun ― “He sent me on an errand.”
uhunrun [ùhũ̀ɽṹ] n.
the last day of a period of 9 days; the 9th day.
Ọ khin uhunrun i ke ghi vbe miọọn ― “It will be nine days’ time before I see you again.”
ukata [ùkàtà] n.
a straw hat with broad rims.
uké [ùké] n.
a pad used as filler in special hair styles (such as okuku) to give the hair a fuller look.
ukè1 [ùkè] n.
a kind of merry dance which entails short quick steps and stamping of the feet.
ukegbe [ùkégbè] n.
lap:
Ọ mu ọmọ yan ukegbe ― “She carried the child on her laps.”
ukeke [ùkéké] n.
1. a piece of stick; a peg;
2. a pen.
ukẹn [ùkɛ̃́] n.
kinky hair.
uki [ùkì] n.
1. moon;
2. month.
ukiọnfọn [ùkyɔ̃̀fɔ̃̀] n.
(also ukhiọnfọn)
1. scarf;
2. handkerchief.
uko [úkó] n.
calabash (usually used as containers for various household items)^: ukamẹ (< uko ― amẹ): “calabash of water”; ukedọlọ ― (< uko ― edọlọ) “calabash used for holding the muddy solution used for rubbing the walls and floors of the house; a calabash dish used for holding various liquids; etc.”
ukodo [ùkòdò] n.
a deep pot used for cooking soups and porridge.
ukohunmwun [ùkòhũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
pillow.
ukóko2 [úkókó] n.
1. joint, angle:
ukoko-abọ ― “elbow”
;
ukoko owẹ ― “ankle.”
ukokọghọ [úkokɔ́ɣɔ̀] n.
1. a small calabash used for storing medicine.;
2. a casual term for the young breasts of an adolescent.
ukoni [ùkònì] n.
kitchen.
ukorobozo [ùkòɽòbòzò] n.
a variety of wild-fowl.
ukotin [ùkótĩ́] n.
a straight hair-pin used by hair-plaiters for parting hair.
ukọ1 [úkɔ̀] n.
1. messenger, delegate:
Avbe ukọ ne iran gie rre nakhin ― “These are the delegates that they sent down.”
;
2. (in contemporary use): Commissioners or Ministers of government:
Ukọ ne ọ gbaro ghe ẹmwẹn ígho ― “The Commissioner in-charge of Finance.”
ukọ2 [úkɔ̀] n.
blame; query:
Ọ kan mwẹn ukọ ígho ne i ma miẹ rhie nẹẹ ― “He blamed me for the money I did not have to give him.”
ukọnghọnrọn [ùkɔ̃́ɣɔ̃̀ɽɔ̃́] n.
a formidable task or difficult assignment; a stalemate:
Iwinna ọnrẹn khin ukọnghọnrọn ― “His case has become a stalemate.”
ukọnmwẹn [ùkɔ̃́ɱɛ̀] n.
foolishness; stupidity.
Uku [úkú] n.
one of the praise-names for the Oba: “Uku-Akpọlọkpọlọ”.
ukugba [ùkùgbà] n.
1. belt.;
2. disease: inflammation of the groin glands.
ukuoki [úkwoi] n.
a pad used for wedging a load on the head.
ukusẹ [úkúsɛ̀] n.
a musical instrument in the form of a round calabash rattle, played mainly by women.
ukhiọnfọn [ùxyɔ̃̀fɔ̃̀] n.
cf. ukiọnfọn.
ukhiọnmwẹn [ùxyɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. half;
2. portion of; part, rather than whole:
Ukhiọnmwẹn ẹre ọ ru iwinna nii re ― “He only did a portion of that work.”
ukhú2 [ùxú] n.
the sprouting tip of a germinating seed.
ukhù [ùxù] n.
inheritance (also arevbukhu).
úkhuerhe [úxwèřè] n.
sugar-cane.
ùkhuerhe [ùxwéřé] n.
a low stool.
ukhuegbe [ùxwégbè] n.
skin.
ukhuẹn [ùxwɛ̃́] n.
the fibrous remains of the oil palm fruit after the oil has been extracted and the kernels shelled and removed. It is often used as fire-kindler or in the preparation of native soap.
ukhukhu [úxuxù] n.
the thick driedout bark of trees, usually gathered and used for kindling fire.
ukhùnmwun1 [ùxũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
1^.^ sky (also odukhunmwun; iso);
2. up:
Ọ hin ukhùnmwun bu ẹre ― “He climbed up to meet him.”
ukhùnmwun2 [ùxũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
1. medicine; drug; medication:
Ọ kpogho ukhùnmwun nẹẹ wọn ― “He mixed some medicine for him to drink”
;
2. magic charm:
Ọ ru ukhùnmwun osisi nẹẹ ― “He made a charm against guns for him.”
ukhúnmwun [ùxṹɱũ̀] n.
1. famine;
2^.^ the period of two months before harvesting season.
ukhurhẹ [ùxùřɛ̀] n.
a carved staff which constitutes part of ancestral shrines.
ukpa [úk͡pá] n.
1. lamp; lantern;
2. any artificial source of light, such as the electric bulb or a car light:
Ọ rhu ukpa yọ mwẹn aro ― “He beamed his lights (car-lights) into my eyes.”
ukpabọ [ùk͡pàbɔ̀] n.
a wash-basin.
ukpafẹn [ùk͡pàfɛ̃̀] n.
the floor drain or gutter in the quadrangle of traditional Edo houses.
ukpakọn [úk͡pákɔ̃̀] n.
chewing stick.
ukparanmwẹn [ùkpáɽã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
(also ukparo) a disease which is often described as “coated tongue”; symptoms include lack of appetite, fever, and constipation.
úkpewẹn [úk͡péwɛ̃̀] n.
a disease: palpitation.
ùkpewen [ùk͡péwɛ̃̀] n.
tip of the breast; teat; nipple.
ukpẹ [ûk͡pɛ́] n.
1. point; tip:
Ọ ya ukpẹ-olodẹ so ẹre ― “He jabbed it with the tip of a needle.”
;
2. beak; lips:
ukpẹ-ahianmwẹn ― “the beak of a bird.”
ùkpo [ùk͡pó] n.
1. year;
ùkpo nọgberra ― “last year.”
úkpo1 [úk͡pò] n.
1. bed;
2^.^ couch.
úkpo2 [úk͡pò] n.
1. paved road;
2. street.
úkpo3 [úk͡pò] n.
position, rank:
Úkpo nọkhua ọ ye vbe eke ne ọ na winna ― “He is in a high position where he works.”
ukpogie [ùk͡pógyè] n.
rank order: ukpogieva ― “second”; ukpogieha ― “third”; ukpogigbe ― “tenth”; etc.
ukpogho [ùk͡póɣó] n.
1. cowrie;
2. a disease of the eye in which the eyeball is partially or wholly covered by a white blotch and thereby resulting in partial or total impairment of vision; cataract.
úkpokpo [úk͡pòk͡pò] n.
a staff; a walking stick.
ùkpokpo [ùk͡pòk͡pò] n.
trouble; harassment; nuisance.
ukpomobiẹ [ùk͡pómóbyɛ̀] n.
the name for the different varieties of sunbirds.
ukpọbian [ùkpɔ́byã̀] n.
a small variety of squirrel.
ukpọkhọkhọ [ùkpɔ́xɔxɔ̀] n.
“the beak of a chicken”: the name of a special hair style worn by the Ọba’s wives.
ukpọlọmwẹn [ùk͡pɔ́lɔɱɛ̃́] n.
1. fatness;
2^.^ being large-sized:
Vbe ukpọlọmwẹn ọnrẹn a sẹ hẹẹ? “How big is it?”
.
ukpọn [ùk͡pɔ̃̀] n.
1. cloth;
2. women’s wrapper: ukpenhe (< ukpọn ― ehe): the dressing used for menstruation.
ukpu [úkpù] n.
1. cup; drinking glass;
2. measuring cup (esp. for selling rice, grain, garri, etc.):
mwaan ukpu eva yọ ― “Measure two cups into it.”
ukpukpẹ [úk͡púk͡pɛ̀] n.
1. a kind of brisk dance in which dancers jog up and down to a fast-beat song and music. It is usually performed during second-burial processions, and thanksgiving processions by chiefs;
2. (fig.) an ordeal of going back and forth for a cause that seems endless:
Ke ne ọ ya gha khuọnmwin gha dee, ukpukpẹ asokito ẹre i gbe ― “Since he became sick till now, I have been going back and forth to the hospital.”
ulakpa [ùlàk͡pá] n.
red laterite soil considered good for house-building, but not for farming; “ulakpa n’ ogiekẹn” ― a euphemism for “the grave.”
ule [úlé] n.
a state of excitement, possibly generated by alchohol or other intoxicants.
ulelefe [ùlèlèfè] n.
ant-hill.
ulẹ [ùlɛ́] n.
1. race;
Rẹn ẹre ọ ban mwẹn vbe ulẹ ne ima rhiere ― “He was the one who finished first in the race that we held.”
;
2. flight (fleeing):
Ulẹ ẹre ọ ya kpaọ vbe ẹvbo nii ― “He went away in flight from that town.”
uloko [ùlókò] n.
Iroko tree.
ulọka [ùlɔ̀kà] n.
a kind of corn-cake eaten as a snack.
ulọmwan [ùlɔ́ɱã̀] n.
an order restricting the public from coming near certain locations where secret ceremonies are being performed.
uma [ùmà] n.
1. a secret meeting set up to plot against someone, or to decide on issues disapproved of by speaker:
Iran ya so uma nasọn ― “They held a secret meeting last night.”
umamwẹn [ùmã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
being good or beneficial; progress:
Umamwẹn ẹvbo na ẹre ima gualọ ― “It is the good of this town that we seek.”
umaranmwẹn [ùmáɽã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
a fable; a story about animals.
umẹ [ùmɛ̃́] n.
the red dye obtained from the camwood tree.
umẹwaẹn [ùmɛ̃́wã̀ɛ̃] n.
a wise person; an intelligent person.
umian [ùmyã́] n.
hallucination; illusion.
Umogun [úmõ̀gṹ] n.
the royal family of Benin; their sib greeting is “Lamogun.”
umozo [ùmõ̀zò] n.
sword.
umọbiẹ [úmɔ̃̀byɛ̀] n.
a woman who gives birth to many children; a very fertile woman.
umọbọ [ùmɔ̃̀bɔ̀] n.
1. a foster child;
2. any foster-relation (used with the term of the relative): umọberha ― “foster father.” umọbiye ― “foster mother”; etc.
umọdia [úmɔ̃̀dià] n.
the stretch of visible distance:
Ọ dee vbe umọdia ― “He is approaching in the distance.”
umọmọ [ùmɔ̃́mɔ̃̀] n.
hammer.
umuadiyẹ [ùmwã̀dìyɛ̀] n.
(also umuọkhọkhọ) tiger-cat (also translated as “fox” by Melzian).
umuọkhọkhọ [ùmwɔ̃̀xɔ̀xɔ̀] n.
cf. umuadiyẹ.
umwan [ùɱã́] n.
1. scale.;
2. a measuring instrument.
umwẹn [ùɱɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] n.
salt.
umwọnmwẹn [úɱɔ̃ɱɛ̃̀] n.
equality; being equal:
Umwọnmwẹn ẹre iran ye ― “They are equal.”
uniẹ [únyɛ̃́] n.
a kind of hot spice, used in medicinal sauces.
uniẹrẹ [ùnyɛ̃́ɽɛ̀] n.
four days hence.
unu [ùnṹ] n.
1. mouth;
2. generally entrance (esp. a narrow one) or access route into an enclosed area:
unu-odẹ ― “gate-way: the entrance.”
unuẹhẹn [únwɛ̃́hɛ̃̀] n.
(also uruẹnhẹn) a deep soup spoon used for scooping soup.
uremwẹn [ùɽéɱɛ̃̀] n.
burial.
uro [úɽó] n.
line; ordered fashion:
Ọ ya iran ye uro: 1. “He placed them into line: He made them orderly.”
urodẹ [úɽódɛ̀] n.
1. passage way;
2. the middle of the road:
Ghẹ mudia ye urodẹ ― “Don’t stand in the middle of the road.”
uroramẹ [úɽòɽámɛ̀] n.
a narrow drain; a gutter.
uru [ùɽù] n.
a big bulging narrownecked bottle, usually cased in wicker, and used for storing or selling palm-wine.
uruki [úrukì] n.
a magical or spiritual force that acts on people and thereby causes them to act in a contrary manner.
urhe [úřèé] n.
a kind of snail.
urho [ùřò] n.
1. gate; entrance;
2. door:
ọ kie urho laọ owa ― “He opened the door and entered the house.”
urhomwẹn [ùřóɱɛ̃̀] n.
adulation; worship.
Urhonigbe [ùřònígbè] n.
the name of an Edo town.
urhu [ùřù] n.
1. neck;
Ọ se ivie ye urhu ― “He wears a coral necklace around his neck.”
;
2. voice:
Urhu ẹre la gbe ― “His voice is too loud.”
urhuabọ [ùřwábɔ̀] n.
(< urhu ― abọ): “neck of the hand”: wrist.
urhuaro [ùřwàɽò] n.
(< u ― rhu ― aro) “that which blinds the eye”: a variety of cactus whose sap is believed to cause blindness.
urhuawẹ [ùřwáwɛ̀] n.
(< urhu ― owẹ) “neck of the leg”: ankle.
urhukpa [ùřùkpà] n.
1. lantern;
2^.^ lamp.
urria [úryà] n.
far distance:
Urria ọ ke dee ― “It is from a far distance that he is coming.”
urrisẹ [ùrísɛ̀] n.
(< urro ― isẹ) “the tray of isẹ”: the portions of the wooden frame of the isẹ game in which seeds gained in the course of a game are kept. (also ogi-urrisẹ).
urro [ùrò] n.
a flat wooden tray with a rim used as a kitchen implement. Soup ingredients are ground on it by means of a wooden dumb-bell: ovbi-urunmwun.
Usama [úsàmá] n.
a site at the Ọlọtọn quarter used for some of the ceremonies of the Oba’s coronation.
usana [ùsáná] n.
matches.
use [ùsé] n.
assistance (mainly in the form of physical labour) which used to be rendered reciprocally and mutually among neighbours.
Use [ùsè] n.
the name of an Edo village.
Uselu [ùsèlú] n.
the quarter of Benin where the Edaikẹn has his court.
usẹ [ùsɛ́] n.
1. poverty; destitution:
Ọ kpẹre ne usẹ ke sọe ― “It is a long time since he has been stricken by poverty”^
;
2. general want:
usẹ-ígho ― “want for money”
;
usẹ-ọmọ ― “want for children”
; etc.
usẹn [ùsɛ̃́] n.
a period of five days:
usiẹnre (usẹn-ẹre): “five days hence.”
usi [ùsì] n.
fame; renown.
usi [ùsí] n.
starch; carbohydrate.
usie [ùsyé] n.
a nickname for a very dark complexioned person.
usun [ùsṹ] n.
1. things or people arranged in a file or row:
Iran ya usun dee ― “They are coming in files”
;
2. some, from among a crowd; a portion (of a large number of people or things).
Usun vbọ maa; enikẹre i maa ― “Some of them are good, the others are not.”
usunbunmwẹndin [úsṹbṹɱɛ̃̀dĩ́] n.
the remains of the oil-palm bunch after the fruits have been removed.
utete [útètè] n.
a low hill.
utianmwẹn [ùtỹã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
praise; commendation.
utọmwẹn [ùtɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
longevity.
utọnyotọ [ùtɔ̃̀yòtɔ̀] n.
(< u ― tọn ― ye ― otọ) “what is dug in the ground”: a big drinking-pot buried to the rim in the ground in order to keep the water cool.
utukpumwenrhan [útúkpúɱẽ̀řã́] n.
a low tree stump.
utumwẹn [ùtúɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. crying;
2. shouting.
utun [ùtṹ] n.
mushroom.
uvẹ [ùvɛ̀] n.
marrow bone.
uvianmwẹn [ùvyã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. complaints and regrets (usually about what one lacks or needs); (also ovian);
2^.^ the act of making such complaints.
uviẹn [úvyɛ̃̀] n.
line, file; row:
Ọ mwamnwan ibieka nii ye uviẹn ― “He arranged the children in a line.”
uviẹmwẹn [ùvyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. crying;
2. lamentation (e.g. for the dead). (also eve).
uvun [ùvṹ] n.
a hole;
uvun-ehọ ― “ear passage”: the pierced hole on the ear-lobe for ear-rings
;
uvun-ihue ― “nostril.”
uvbemwẹn [ùʋéɱɛ̃̀] n.
scarcity; limited supply.
uvbi [ùʋí] n.
1. a girl or woman of royal birth.;
2. a young woman: miss (also ọvbokhan-uvbi).
uwa2 [ùwà] n.
prosperity; well-being; affluence.
uwanmwẹn [ùwã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
brightness;
uwanmwẹn-ẹdẹ ― “day-light”; “the brightness of the day.”
; 2. growing; development; 3. wisdom.
uwawa [ùwàwà] n.
cooking clay-pot (usually used for making soups).
uwaya [úwáyà] n.
1. wire;
2. telegraph.
uwẹnrhiẹn [úwɛ̃̀řyɛ̃́] n.
cane; whip.
uwẹnrhiọntan [úwɛ̃̀řyɔ̃́tã̀] n.
(< uwẹnrhiẹn ― ọtan) “squirrel’s whip”: a plant: Glyphaea laterifolia.
uwoha [úwóhà] n.
(< uwu ― oha) in the thick of the jungle; inside the bush.
uwowà [úwówà] n.
(< uwu ― owa) within the house; indoors (as against outside).
Ọ la uwowa ― “He went indoors.”
uwowá [úwówá] n.
(< uwu ― owa) within the shed:
Ọ rre uwowa ― “It is inside the shed.”
uwọnmwẹn [ùwɔ̃̀ɱɛ̃̀] n.
native soup, used for eating meals like ema, ẹbae, akasan, etc.
uwú3 [úwú] n.
1. the inside of a thing (esp. a container or vessel);
2. within.
uye [ùyè] n.
a ditch; a pit.
uyẹngbe [ùyɛ̃̀gbè] n.
tray;
uyẹngbe-emuẹn ― “ash-tray.”
uyẹnghẹn [úyɛ̃̀ɣɛ̃́] n.
a variety of brown rat with white stripes down its back.
uyi [úyì] n.
honour; prestige:
Iran rhie uyi ẹre nẹẹn ― “They accorded him the honour that was due to him.”
uyinmwẹn [ùyĩ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
1. behaviour; conduct; manner:
Uyinmwẹn ọnrẹn i ma ― “Her conduct is not good.”
;
2. custom; tradition:
uyinmwẹn Ẹdo: “Ẹdo custom.”
uyunmwun [ùyũ̀ɱũ̀] n.
dry season ― from December to early April.
uza [ùzà] n.
destructive mischief; damage.
Uzama [ùzámà] n.
the council of seven chiefs made up of: Oliha, Edọhẹn, Ezọmọ; Ẹro; Ehọlọ n’Irre, Ọlọtọn and Edaikẹn.
uzekhae [ùzèxàe] n.
a sandy heap; a sandy play-ground (for children).
uzẹbu1 [ùzɛ̀bú] n.
(of ígho) counterfeit money.
Uzẹbu2 [ùzɛ̀bú] n.
the quarter in Benin where the court of Chief Ezọmọ is.
uzẹmwẹn [ùzɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
arrogance; conceit.
uzọla [úzɔ̀lá] n.
week (cf. izọla).
uzuanmwẹn [ùzwã́ɱɛ̃̀] n.
displaying (often brazenly) the desire for other people’s food.
vbavba [ʋàʋá] n.
an address term for “father”, used mainly in prayers, or in contexts when the person addressed is very old, and extra deference is intended:
Dọmọ, vbavba! ― “Greetings, old father!”
(cf. evbavba).