a1 [à] pron.
an impersonal pronoun, usually rendered by the impersonal “we” in English:
a rri ọre ― “we eat it” i.e. “it is edible.”
a2 [á] pron.
a bound form of the 2nd per. sgl. pronoun, ruẹ [rùɛ́]:
ọ guaa < ọ gua ruẹ ― “it accommodated you”
;
owaa ọna khin < owa ruẹ ọna khin ― “Your house this is” i.e. “This is your house.”
aan [ã̀ã́] int.
1. an exclamation of disbelief, surprise or shock; it usually entails a request for confirmation of what had been said. Also: aan nia?
2. indicates that an utterance was either not heard properly or not understood:
Aan, vbua kha hẹẹ? ― “What did you say?”
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).
akpannago [àk͡pã̀nã́gó] ?.
left-handed person.
akpata [ák͡pátá] n.
an indigenous musical instrument that is played like a harp.
akpanmwunse [àk͡pã̀ɱũ̀sè] n.
eczema.
akpannigiakọn [àk͡pã̀nigyakɔ̃̀] n.
soregums; infected gums.
ákpáwè [ák͡páwɛ] adv.
“were it that . . . ” e.g. akpawe i mwẹn igho, i gha dẹ imọto ― “were it that-I-had-money,I-would-buy-a-car: if I had money, I would buy a car.”
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.”
amamẹ [àmã́mɛ̃] adj.
watery:
uwọnmwẹn amamẹ ẹre ọ lee ― It was a watery soup that she cooked
. (cf. amẹ).
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.)
aroọkpa [àɽẁɔ́kpá] adj.
of the same kind: àro ọ́kpa “one variety”;
aroọkpa eveva khin ― “both are of the same kind”
.
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
.
arria [àryá] num.
bound variant of uri (200) which occurs in multiples of 200: arriaigbe ― 2,000 (i.e. 200 x 10).
arriaisẹn [àryáísɛ̃̀] num.
one thousand. arriaisẹn-arriaisẹn ― “one million”.
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.
avbe [áʋé] spec.
1. it precedes nouns or pronominals in the plural to express specificity:
avbe ikpia nii ― “those particular men”
; Vs.
ikpia nii ― “those men”
;
avbe iran ― “those ones”
Vs.
iran ― “they”
.
2. serves as an optional plural marker with nouns, esp. those that do not mark plural morphologically:
iyan nii ― that yam or those yams
;
avbe iyan nii ― those yams
.
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.
awarọkpa [àwàɽɔ́kpá] adv.
immediately; at once (also ọwarọkpa).
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.