“Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” is a Yoruba phrase that translates to “What happened?” or “What is happening?” It is a common expression used to inquire about recent events or to ask about someone’s well-being. Let’s break down the components and explore its usage in various contexts:
Breakdown of “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?”
- “Kí” means “what.”
- “ló” is a contraction of “ni ó,” which means “is happening” or “did happen.”
- “ṣẹ̀lẹ̀” means “happen” or “occur.”
When combined, “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” directly translates to “What happened?” or “What is happening?”
Detailed Explanation and Usage
1. Inquiring About Recent Events
“Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” is often used to ask about something that has recently occurred, to get updates or to understand the situation.
- Example Sentence:
- “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ níbi ayẹyẹ yẹn?” (What happened at that party?)
- “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ lónìí ní ilé ẹ̀kọ́?” (What happened today at school?)
2. Expressing Concern
It can also be used to express concern or curiosity when you notice something unusual or when someone appears distressed.
- Example Sentence:
- “O dàbí ẹni pé o ní ìṣòro, kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” (You look like you have a problem, what happened?)
- “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ tí o fi ń sunkún?” (What happened that you are crying?)
3. Casual Inquiry
In casual conversations, it is used to ask generally about what’s going on or if there are any new updates.
- Example Sentence:
- “Ẹ káàárọ̀, kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” (Good morning, what is happening?)
- “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ nínú ayé rẹ?” (What is happening in your life?)
Practical Examples in Sentences
Here are more examples of how “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” might be used in conversations:
- In Daily Conversations:
- “Mo gbọ́ ìró náà, kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” (I heard that noise, what happened?)
- “Ẹ káàsán, kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ ní ibi iṣẹ́ rẹ?” (Good afternoon, what happened at your workplace?)
- Expressing Concern:
- “Ìbínú ni o bínú báyìí, kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” (You seem angry, what happened?)
- “Ó dára, ṣùgbọ́n kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ sí ọkọ rẹ?” (It’s fine, but what happened to your car?)
- Casual Inquiry:
- “Báwo ni, ọ̀rẹ́ mi? Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀?” (How are you, my friend? What’s happening?)
- “Kí ló ṣẹ̀lẹ̀ lónìí ní ilé iṣẹ́?” (What happened today at work?)
Understanding Yoruba with Translingua
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