Yoruba Expressions Types with Examples

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Yoruba expressions are rich in culture and often carry deep meanings and wisdom. Here are some common Yoruba expressions along with their English translations and meanings:

Greetings and Courtesies

  1. Ẹ káárọ̀
    Good morning.
  2. Ẹ káàsán
    Good afternoon.
  3. Ẹ káalẹ́
    Good evening.
  4. Ẹ kúùròlẹ́
    Good evening (used early in the evening).
  5. Ẹ kúùjókòó
    Well done for sitting (a greeting to someone sitting).
  6. Ẹ kúùṣẹ̀
    Well done (appreciation for work done).
  7. Báwo ni?
    How are you?
  8. Ṣé àlàáfíà ni?
    Are you well?
  9. Ẹ ṣéun
    Thank you.
  10. Ẹ jọ̀ọ́
    Please.

Common Phrases

  1. Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ
    I love you.
  2. Ẹ jẹ́ ká lọ
    Let’s go.
  3. Ẹ má ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀
    Don’t do that.
  4. Mi ò mọ̀
    I don’t know.
  5. Ṣé ó dára?
    Is it good?
  6. Ìwé mi dà?
    Where is my book?
  7. Mo tí wọlé
    I am back home.
  8. Ṣé o ti jéun?
    Have you eaten?
  9. Ẹ máa bọ̀
    You are welcome (used when inviting someone in).
  10. Kí ni orúkọ rẹ?
    What is your name?

Proverbs and Wisdom

  1. Àìkú là ń jẹ gbígbóná sápẹrẹ́.
    Being alive means enduring difficulties.
  2. Ọmọ tó bá mọ ìtórí kò rán’ṣọ́.
    A child who knows the history doesn’t spoil things.
  3. Bí a kò bá kì í kú, a kì í m’ẹ́dà.
    If we don’t fall, we won’t know how to rise.
  4. Ẹni tó bá jẹ́un orí kíláàṣì, á kúkú rí’bẹ.
    One who eats a king’s food will see the palace.
  5. Àṣíṣe kì í ṣe títí láé.
    Mistakes do not last forever.

Expressions of Emotions

  1. Mo yó
    I am full (after eating).
  2. Ó tiẹ̀ kún mi
    I am tired.
  3. Ó dùn mí
    I am hurt.
  4. Inú mi dùn
    I am happy.
  5. Mo bẹ̀rù
    I am afraid.

Requests and Commands

  1. Fún mi
    Give me.
  2. Ṣí ìlèkẹ̀
    Open the door.
  3. Dúró níbí
    Stay here.
  4. Wá síbí
    Come here.
  5. Jòwó, ṣe iranwọ́ fún mi
    Please, help me.

Time and Events

  1. Nígbà wo?
    When?
  2. Ọjọ́ mélòó?
    How many days?
  3. Ní ìkẹyìn
    Finally.
  4. Ẹyin
    Later.
  5. Ṣé ó tọ́kọ́?
    Is it correct?

Yoruba expressions are not only a means of communication but also a way to convey respect, show emotion, and share wisdom. They reflect the deep-rooted cultural values of the Yoruba people.

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