Yoruba proverbs, known as “Owe Yoruba,” are an integral part of the culture, encapsulating wisdom, values, and teachings passed down through generations. Here are some Yoruba proverbs along with their meanings:
- “A kii fi owo kan fo’ni tan.”
- Literal translation: “You cannot clap with one hand.”
- Meaning: Unity and cooperation are essential for success.
- “A kii mu’ni kan fi’ra re l’ehin.”
- Literal translation: “You cannot drag someone to the back with their consent.”
- Meaning: No one can be compelled to do something against their will if they do not consent.
- “Agba kii wa loja ki ori omo tuntun wo.”
- Literal translation: “An elder does not stay in the marketplace and watch a child’s head hang askew.”
- Meaning: Elders should not stand by and watch things go wrong; they should offer guidance.
- “A kii gbe’ni ni le lori, ka f’ese rin.”
- Literal translation: “You cannot carry someone on your head and use your feet to walk.”
- Meaning: One should not undertake impossible or contradictory tasks.
- “Bi o ba gba pe o ko k’awe, o le di akowe.”
- Literal translation: “If you are diligent in learning, you can become a scholar.”
- Meaning: Diligence and hard work in learning lead to success.
- “Eni ti o nra akara lo maa mo pe ‘s’ise n dun.”
- Literal translation: “The person buying bean cakes knows that frying is tough.”
- Meaning: People who benefit from someone’s labor often recognize the effort involved.
- “Ile oba t’o jo, ewa lo bu si.”
- Literal translation: “The king’s palace that burnt down added beauty to it.”
- Meaning: Sometimes, misfortune can bring about unexpected benefits or improvements.
- “Aso ti a ba fi’n’awo rin, ti a ba bo ‘ra eni, o san ju bata meji.”
- Literal translation: “The cloth you borrow to wear is better than two pairs of shoes.”
- Meaning: It’s better to borrow something useful and necessary than to have plenty of unnecessary items.
- “B’oju ba ti ri ohun ti o fe ri, o di didun.”
- Literal translation: “When the eye sees what it desires, it becomes joyful.”
- Meaning: Achieving one’s desires brings happiness.
- “Ohun to wu elenu lo finu han.”
- Literal translation: “What the mouth wants, it reveals to the belly.”
- Meaning: One’s true desires are eventually made known.
- “Bi omode ba subu, a wo iwaju; bi agbalagba ba subu, a wo eyin.”
- Literal translation: “When a child falls, he looks forward; when an elder falls, he looks backward.”
- Meaning: Young people look to the future after a mistake, while elders reflect on past experiences.
- “A kii je emi ti ara eni ka tun maa je ti elomiran.”
- Literal translation: “You do not finish your own food and start eating someone else’s.”
- Meaning: Take care of your responsibilities before taking on others’.
- “A ki i ṣe aimọde ká dále.”
- Literal translation: “One does not become an adult and still act like a child.”
- Meaning: Adulthood comes with responsibilities and expected maturity.
- “Omi ti a ba ni lati mu kii ni lati ma yọ.”
- Literal translation: “The water we have to drink cannot be too much.”
- Meaning: We should be grateful for essential resources.
- “Igi kan ko le da’gi l’oko.”
- Literal translation: “One tree does not make a forest.”
- Meaning: Teamwork and community are essential for significant achievements.
- “A kii fi eti fo’ni l’orun.”
- Literal translation: “You do not hit someone on the head with the ear.”
- Meaning: Do not retaliate against someone weaker or with less capacity.
- “Ajá tó bá má sonù, kò ní gbọ fèrè olódùdú.”
- Literal translation: “A dog that will get lost will not hear the hunter’s whistle.”
- Meaning: Some people are destined to stray, despite warnings or guidance.
- “A kii kí ènìyàn láidé lèkè.”
- Literal translation: “You do not greet a person while standing on a high place.”
- Meaning: Humility and respect are essential in interactions.
- “Orí afẹ́fẹ́ ní ńgéná oko.”
- Literal translation: “It’s the wind that enters the farm.”
- Meaning: Unexpected help can come from unexpected places.
- “Ebi kii pa ‘ni ka f’owo osu jo’ku.”
- Literal translation: “Hunger does not kill one so one can eat poisoned yam.”
- Meaning: Desperation should not lead to foolish actions.
These proverbs encapsulate Yoruba wisdom and cultural values, providing guidance and insight into various aspects of life.