Learning basic vocabulary is the first step in acquiring any language. For
Edo learners today, vocabulary can be grouped into everyday categories.
Greetings and Politeness
Greetings are essential, both socially and culturally. Common phrases
include:
1. Kóyo– Hello
2. Kóyo vbé?– Howareyou?
3. Órhé– Welcome/You’re welcome
4. Mésé–Thankyou
5. Vbé óré?– Whereare you?
6. Vbé ówá?–Whatdoyouwant?
Practice Tip: Repeat greetings daily with family or peers. Pair words with
gestures for memory retention.
Family and Relationships
Learning family terms is central to Edo culture:
1. Iye– Father
2. Iye-mwen– Mother
3. Omo–Child
4. Iye-okpa– Grandparent
5. Iya– Sibling
6. Ogbè–Uncle
7. Iya-ogbè– Aunt
Cultural Note: Correctly using these terms shows respect and
understanding of social hierarchy.
Numbers
Counting in Edo is simple for beginners:
1. Ókpá–One
2. Évá– Two
3. Éhà–Three
4. Éné–Four
5. Ísén– Five
6. Érhé– Six
7. Ébá–Seven
8. Ógbé–Eight
9. Éké– Nine
10.
Éghó– Ten
Activity: Count objects at home or school aloud to practice pronunciation.
Colors
Colors are used daily and appear in cultural references:
1. Évbé– White
2. Ékpá– Red
3. Éné–Black
4. Ísén– Blue
5. Úkpó–Green
Exercise: Identify colored objects and say their Edo names.
Food and Drink
Food vocabulary helps in both daily life and cultural learning:
1. Ébá–Food
2. Ámé–Water
3. Úkó–Soup
4. Ívbé– Rice
5. Ékpá– Yam
6. Óghógó– Oil
Practice: Children and beginners can label items during mealtime.