Igbo: Ilu bụ mmanụ e ji eri okwu.

Literal: “Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.”

Meaning: Proverbs make speech richer and more pleasant. They help you pass messages in a wise, gentle way instead of speaking too directly.

Igbo: Aka nri kwo aka ekpe, aka ekpe akwo aka nri.

Literal: “When the right hand washes the left, the left washes the right.”

Meaning: People should help one another. When you support others, everyone becomes better and stronger.

Igbo: Agama turu aka n’ọbụ ya ma ọ nweghị onye ji ya mma.

Literal: “The lizard that fell from the high iroko tree nodded in praise to itself if no one else did.”

Meaning: Even if people don’t praise you, you should recognise your own effort and courage.

Igbo: Nwata kọrọ n’aka nne ya, kọrọ n’aka nna ya.

Literal: “A child who is carried by the mother is also carried by the father.”

Meaning: A child who is loved and supported by one parent is often supported by the other. It speaks about shared responsibility in a family.

Igbo: Onye ajụghị ase, anaghị efu ụzọ.

Literal: “The person who asks questions does not lose the way.”

Meaning: Asking questions is a strength, not a weakness. If you ask, you learn and you don’t get lost.

Igbo: Onye jiri ísì na‑efe, efuola.

Literal: “The person who follows only their nose will get lost.”

Meaning: If you follow only your desires or feelings without wisdom, you can go astray.

Igbo: Nwata kwụrụ n’ukwu nne ya, hụ anya ọhịa.

Literal: “A child who stands on the shoulders of their mother sees farther into the forest.”

Meaning: When you learn from elders, you can see further than you would on your own.

Igbo: O bu onye kwe, chi ya ekwe.

Literal: “If a person agrees, their personal god agrees.”

Meaning: Your willingness and belief play a big role in what happens in your life.