Understanding Yoruba Greetings and Their Importance
Common Yoruba Phrases You’ll Hear in Lagos
Nibo, Eélòó ni?, Fun mi leleyi, Sare, Oto, and Ejo are some common Yoruba words you will hear when you visit Lagos or other western states in Nigeria. These phrases are often heard at almost every corner of Lagos, especially when you’re looking to board a commercial bus (Danfo), visit markets, or be on the road. It is widely believed that the Yoruba people are one of the tribes in Nigeria that place significant importance on greetings
The Culture of Greetings Among the Yoruba People
As Lagosians and Nigerians will say, Yorùbá people have greetings for everything, even for what you would least expect, like Ẹ kú ìjòkò (Greetings as you are seated), Ẹ kú fàájì (Greetings to a person enjoying), and many more
Most importantly, as a sign of respect to the elderly, the females kneel to greet them while the males lay flat on the ground facing the floor. This article will help you know and understand common and useful Yoruba phrases you will need if you visit Lagos or other western states in Nigeria.
Top Yoruba Greetings and Their Meanings
| Yoruba Phrases | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Ẹ n lẹ | En-lɪ (ehn leh) | Hello |
| Ẹ káárọ | E-ka:-rɒ (eh kah-ROH) | Good morning |
| E káàsán | E-ka:h–sɒhn (eh Kah-SAHN) | Good afternoon |
| Ẹ káalẹ́ | E-ka:-le (eh KAH -leh) | Good evening |
| E káàbọ̀ | E kɑːˈbɒ | Welcome |
| Ẹ ṣé | e ʃɪ (e-Sheh) | Thank you |
| Ẹ ṣé gan | e- ʃɪ-ɡɒn (eh Shay gahn) | Thank you very much (to show immense gratitude). |
| kò tọ́pẹ́ | kəʊ- tɒh- peh (koh Toh-peh) | It’s nothing. Don’t mention. (Used to say you are welcome when someone thanks you) |
| Báwo ni? | bɑː-wəʊ-ni: (BAH-woh nee) | How are you? |
| Ẹ pẹlẹ | E-pe-le (eh peh-LEH) | Sorry |
| Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni | Be ni: | Yes |
| Bóyá | Bəʊ ya:h | Maybe |
| Bẹ́ẹ̀ kọ́
Rárá |
Be kɒ
Ra: Ra: |
No |
| Mowa dada, Ese | Məʊwa: da:da:, E ʃɪ | I’m fine, thank you! |
| Iwo nko | I:wɒ ŋkɒ | And you? |
| Oda | Oda: | Good |
| Wole wa | Wɒlɪ wa: | Come in! (or: enter!) |
| Od’aro | Oda:rɒ | Good night |
| Ó dàbọ̀ | Oda:bɒ | Good bye |
ALSO READ: 5 Important Nigerian Cultures You Should Know Before Visiting
Essential Yoruba Words for Navigating Conversations and Directions
| Yoruba Phrases | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Ibo l’ongbe/ Nibo ni o ngbe | iːbəʊ ləʊnˈbɪ/ ni:bəʊ ni: əʊn ɡbɪ
(EE-boh lon-beh/ NEE-boh nee ohn GBEH) |
Where do you live? |
| Kíni orúkọ rẹ | ˈkiːni: əʊˈruːkɔː re
(KEE-nee oh-ROO-koh reh) |
What is your name? |
| Orúkọ mi ni ____ | My name is _____. | |
| Mò ń bọ̀ | Məʊ n bɒ | I am coming |
| mo n lọ | məʊ n lɒ(mohn law) | I am going/I am leaving |
| Mo ń lọ sí ilé | məʊ n lɒ siː i: lɪ
(moh n law see ee-LAY) |
I am going to my house. |
| Nibo ni… | niːbəʊ ni: (NEE-boh nee) | Where is… |
| Dúró | Duːrəʊ (DOO-roh) | Stop |
| Inú mi dùn láti pàda ẹ | I:nu: mi: du:n la:ti: pa:da: e | I’m happy to meet you. |
| Ṣé o lè sọ̀rọ̀ díẹ̀ díẹ̀? | ʃɪ o lɪ sɒrɒ dɪə dɪə | Can you speak slower? |
| Ṣé ó yé ẹ?
Ṣé ó yé yín? |
ʃɪ o yɪ e
ʃɪ o yɪ yi:n |
Do you understand? |
| Ó yé mi | O yɪ mi: | I understand |
| kò yé mi | Kəʊ yɪ mi: | I don’t understand |
| Mo mọ̀ | Məʊ mɒ | I know |
| Mi ò mọ̀ | Mi: o mɒ | I don’t know |
| Ṣé o máa ń sọ èdè ____
Faransé? Gẹ̀ẹ́sì? Igbo? Twi? |
ʃɪ o ma: ŋ sɒ ɪdɪ_____ | Do you speak____?
French? English? Igbo? Twi? |
| Jẹ́ ká lọ | dʒ ka: lɒ | Let’s go |
| ẹ jẹ́ ká lọ | E dʒ ka: lɒ | Let’s go (Older/Plural) |
| Mo ni lati lọ | Məʊ ni: la:ti: lɒ | I have to go |
| Eélòó? | ɪ ləʊ | How much? |
| Eélòó ni oúnjẹ yìí? | ɪ ləʊ ni: əʊŋdʒ yi: | How much is this food? |
| Màá rí ẹ ní ọ̀la | Ma: ri: e ni: ɒla: | See you tomorrow. |
| Ó ti rẹ̀ mí | O ti: re mi: | I’m tired |
In conclusion, mastering a few essential Yoruba words and greetings can greatly enhance your experience when visiting Lagos or any other Western state in Nigeria. Whether you’re greeting someone with a warm “Ẹ káárọ” (Good morning in Yoruba), a friendly “Ẹ n lẹ” (Hello in Yoruba), or wishing someone “Ẹ káalẹ́” (Good evening in Yoruba), these phrases reflect the rich cultural heritage and the importance of respect in Yoruba-speaking communities.
Understanding the proper Yoruba greetings and responses, such as “Ẹ ṣé” (Thank you) or “Báwo ni?” (How are you?), can help foster better connections with the locals and show your appreciation for their traditions. From a simple “Nibo ni?” (Where is it?) to more complex exchanges, this list of Yoruba words and meanings serves as a great starting point for anyone looking to engage more deeply with the Yoruba culture.
Explore more about the tribes in Nigeria to provide further insights into the diverse cultures and languages across the country.