nke: The One That
noun + nke + clause.
How It Works
Nke can mark the start of a relative clause.
| Plain | With nke |
|---|---|
| Akwụkwọ m gụrụ dị mma. | Akwụkwọ nke m gụrụ dị mma. |
| Anụ m zụtara dị ụtọ. | Anụ nke m zụtara dị ụtọ. |
Be careful: nke m also means “mine”. Here the sentence has a verb after it, which shows that it starts a clause. If you are unsure, use the plain form.
Examples (3)
- Akwụkwọ nke m gụrụ dị mma.
The book that I read is good.
Nke marks the clause.
- Anụ nke m zụtara dị ụtọ.
The meat that I bought is tasty.
Nke before m.
- Ụlọ nke Obi zụtara dị mma.
The house that Obi bought is nice.
A name after nke.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Nke is the longer form of the same pattern and stands for the thing meant, so both come first.
- Relative Clauses With an Object
Know relative clauses with an object, because nke is the longer form of the same pattern: Akwụkwọ m gụrụ dị mma “the book I read is good”.
Level 4 - Mine and Yours: nke
Know nke, because it stands for the thing that is meant: Akwụkwọ nke m gụrụ dị mma “the book that I read is good”.
Level 1
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice nke: The One That in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Igbo lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
