Nigeria Common Words You Can Find In Both Yoruba And Igbo Languages And Their Meanings

Have you ever thought of what some Nigerian tribes really have in common? If yes, then you are about to know the common words you can find in both Igbo and Yoruba and their meanings.

When someone says “One Nigeria”, many Nigerians internally scoff.

This is because Nigeria is full of many tribes who do not seem to have a lot in common.

But when you look deeply, there are many common characteristics you can find in many Nigerian tribes such as culture, food and even languages. The Yorubas and Igbos may seem to be as different as the sun and moon. But they have lots in common, especially in language. Here are few words you’d find in both Yoruba and Igbo languages, although they may have different meanings and pronunciations:

1. Owu

Can you believe this word means the same thing in both languages? Yes, it does. Owu is both the Yoruba and Igbo word for thread.

2. Oja

When someone says the word “oja” in Yoruba, they mean market. In Igbo, Oja means musical flute.

3. Ede

Ede is the Yoruba word for language. It is also the Igbo word for cocoyam.

4. Aja

Aja is found in both languages but with different meanings. In Igbo, Aja means sand. But it means dog in Yoruba.

5. Jide

It’s pretty cool how two different tribes can have the same name for male children. Though to be fair in Igbo, this name is the short form of Jideofor. In Yoruba, Jide is the short form of Babajide, Olajide etc. In Igbo, Jide means to hold. While in Yoruba, it can mean “has come/resurfaced/is awake”.