Phone Calls in Igbo: 7 Phrases to Use Without Stumbling
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Phone calls are awkward enough in your first language. Add Igbo to the mix, and it can feel like a mini heart attack. Do you greet first? How do you ask who’s calling without sounding rude? What if you don’t understand the person on the other end?
Relax. Igbo has straightforward, polite, and expressive phrases that make phone conversations flow naturally. With just a handful of these, you’ll never stumble through another call.
1. Picking Up the Call
“Ndewo.” → Hello.
A polite, standard greeting. Use it anytime you answer the phone.“Kedu?” → How are you?
A warm opener after saying hello, especially with friends and family.
2. Asking Who’s Calling
“Biko, onye na-ekwu?” → Please, who is speaking?
Direct yet polite. Perfect if you don’t recognize the voice.“Onye m na-ekwu na ya?” → Who am I speaking with?
Another respectful option, slightly more formal.
3. When You Didn’t Hear Clearly
“Biko, kwughachi.” → Please, repeat.
Keeps things polite while asking them to say it again.“Ọ dịghị m ghọta nke ọma.” → I didn’t understand clearly.
Great for slowing down the pace of the conversation.
4. Passing the Phone
“Chere ntakịrị oge, aga m ebugara ya/ha.” → Hold on, I’ll pass it to him/her/them. (“ya” is unisex for him/her)
Useful in family or group settings.“Ọ nọ ebe a, chere ka m kpọọ ya.” → They’re here, let me call them. (Ọ is unisex term)
5. Wrapping Up the Call
“Daalụ nke ukwuu.” → Thank you very much.
Always polite to end with gratitude.“Ka ọ dị.” → Goodbye / Till later.
A graceful closer—neutral, friendly, and universal.
6. Bonus Native Expressions
Want to sound really local? Drop these:
“Ị̀ na-anụ ihe m na-ekwu?” → Can you hear me?
For when the line is crackling.“Ehen, gwa m okwu.” → Alright, tell me the matter.
Igbo-style efficiency: get straight to the point.
7. Practice Tips for Smooth Igbo Calls
Pair greetings and closings. Always open warmly and end politely.
Use “biko” (please). It softens every request.
Listen for tone. Igbo reactions like “Eeh!” or “Oho!” often signal whether the other person agrees or is surprised.
Final Thoughts: Pick Up with Confidence
Mastering Igbo phone calls isn’t about speaking perfect grammar, it’s about knowing the core phrases that carry politeness, warmth, and clarity. With these 7+ expressions, you’ll pick up the phone with confidence, whether it’s a quick family chat or a formal call.
👉 Want to learn Igbo the way it’s truly spoken: in calls, markets, and everyday life? Download NKENNE today and start practicing with lessons that feel real.