Giẹsi

Probably from a Contraction or a nickname

(historical) a historic monarch, or Ọ̀ọ̀ni, of the Ifẹ̀ kingdom

(by extension) one of the four ruling houses of Ifẹ̀, consisting of descendants of Gíẹ́sì


Ọhọri

Ohori people, a subethnic group of the Yoruba people in the Republic of Benin, whom speak one of the various Yoruboid Ede languages, Èdè Ìjɛ̀

the Yoruboid language spoken by the Ohori people, also known as Ije, and sometimes regarded as a dialect of Yoruba


olowo

From oní- (“one who has”) + owó (“money”).


olowo

From oní- (“one who has”) + òwò (“business”).


parọwa

From pa (“to tell”) + àrọwà (“exhortation; entreaty; appeal; pleading”).


oniwaduwadu

From oní- (“one who has”) + wàdùwàdù (“haste; impatience”).


yekeyeke

Ó yé mi yékéyéké.


dudu bi koro iṣin

/dú.dú bí kó.ɾó ī.ʃĩ̄/


ejo lọwọ ninu

head

ejò lọ́wọ́ nínú

ejò lọ́wọ́ nínú

yo-pos

ejò lọ́wọ́ nínú

ejò lọ́wọ́ nínú

/ē.d͡ʒò lɔ́.wɔ́ nĩ́.nṹ/

(literally) a snake's hands are on its inside.

Ọ̀túnba ní ìwé àṣẹ fún irú ìbọn kan náà tí wọ́n fi pa Báyọ̀ àti Adérójú, ejò lọ́wọ́ nínú.

Ọ̀túnba had the license for the same kind of gun that was used to kill Báyọ̀ and Adérójú, how suspicious.

more than meets the eye
more than meets the eye

(idiomatic) there's more than meets the eye; a seemingly innocent person is suspicious.


lu bi aṣọ ofi

head

lù bí aṣọ òfì

lù bí aṣọ òfì

yo-pos

lù bí aṣọ òfì

lù bí aṣọ òfì

yo-verb

lù bí aṣọ òfì

lù bí aṣọ òfì

/lù bí ā.ʃɔ̄ ò.fì/

Ọlọ́pàá lù wọ́n bí aṣọ òfì

(simile) to beat like aso oke (a type of textile woven with a loom)


ẹdiyẹ

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *á-dɪ̀wɛ, compare with Yoruba ẹyẹ (“bird”)


ẹduwẹ

Cognates with Yoruba adìyẹ, Olukumi ẹ́dúwẹ́


rẹnfẹnrẹnfẹn

/ɾɛ̃̄.fɛ̃́.ɾɛ̃̄.fɛ̃́/


papayẹkẹ

Compare Yoruba pẹ́pẹ́yẹ, Olukumi kpẹ́kpẹ́yẹ. Cognate with Itsekiri kpákpáyẹkẹ


ubirọ

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bírọ̀ (“to ask”). Cognate with Itsekiri ùbírọ̀


gborigbo

/ɡ͡bò.ɾì.ɡ͡bò/

Cognate with Yoruba gbòǹgbò, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba egbògbò


gborigbo

/ɡ͡bò.ɾí.ɡ͡bò/


gbongbodu

/ɡ͡bō.ŋ́.ɡ͡bō.dú/


ẹyunbọ

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yún (“to go”) + bọ̀ (“to come”), literally “the act of going and coming”.


ẹwunrẹnkọn

head

ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n

ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n

yo-pos

ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n

ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n

yo-noun

ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n

ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n

/ɛ̄.wṹ.ɾɛ̃̀.kɔ̃̀/

From ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wúnrẹ̀n (“thing”) + kọ̀n (“one”).


ewọriwọ

/è.wɔ̀.ɾì.wɔ̀/

From Proto-Edekiri *ɛ̀-ɣɔ̀rɪ̀ɣɔ̀. Cognates include Oǹdó Yoruba èìghọ̀, Itsekiri èghẹ̀rìghọ̀, Olukumi èghìghọ̀, Èkìtì Yoruba ẹ̀ẹ̀yọ̀

inh

*ɛ̀-ɣɔ̀rɪ̀ɣɔ̀

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - èéfínview map

ìwọ̀rìwọ̀錵Ìkálẹ̀Òkìtìpupaèfífí錵ÌlàjẹMahinèfífí錵

òrúrɔ̀錵Bokoòwúrɔ̀錵Moretanòwúrɔ̀錵Tchettiòwúrɔ̀錵Mɔ̄kɔ́léKandicùà錵錵Northern NagoKamboleòwúwɔ̀錵錵Note: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties

i.e. Southeast Yorùbá, Northwest Yorùbá, Central Yorùbá, and Northeast Yorùbá

now deemed dialects of Yorùbá in Nigeria

have converged with those of Standard Yorùbá leading to the creation of what can be labeled Common Yorùbá. It can be assumed that the Standard Yorùbá term can also be used in most Nigerian varieties alongside native terms

especially amongst younger speakers. This does not apply to the other Nigerian Yoruboid languages of Ìṣẹkírì and Olùkùmi


erewun

Eréwùn Ìjẹ̀bú ré m sọ pẹ̀lú iye mi

I speak the Ìjẹ̀bú language with my mother


urẹn

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rẹ̀n (“to walk”). Cognate with Yoruba ìrìn


usọkusọ

From ùsọ (“saying”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ùsọ (“saying”). Compare Yoruba ìsọkúsọ


wunrẹn

Borrowed from the Ẹ̀gbá and Ijebu dialects


sẹn

Wẹn máa dúró fú mi kí m lè sẹ́n èkùrọ́ kí m nẹ́ nọ́wọ́

Wait for me to finish cracking the palm nuts I have at hand


sẹn

Cognate with Yoruba sìn, Ifè sɛ̃̀, Olukumi hẹ̀n. Compare Gun sɛ̀n, Fon sɛ̀n, Adja sɛ̀n

Màá sẹ̀n ẹ́ pẹ̀lú urun dede rìí ḿ nẹ́

I'll worship you with everything that I have


sẹn

Màá sẹn ọ̀nẹ̀ kí àbúrò mi fú mi

I'll domesticate the crocodiles my brother gave me


ọnọkọn

ọnọ̀kọn (canonical)
ọnọ̀kọ̀n (canonical)

/ɔ̄.nɔ̀.kɔ̃̄/

/ɔ̄.nɔ̀.kɔ̃̀/

Probably from ọni (“person”) + ọ̀kọn (“one”), cognate with Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ọnùkàn and Yoruba ẹnìkan


ọnẹ

(SEY) crocodile, specifically the Nile crocodile.

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọ̀nìview map


ọnẹ

Proposed to have derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-nɪ̃, Compare with Arigidi ẹ̀nẹn, Igbo onye, Igala ẹ́nẹ.

(Ikalẹ, Ondo, Ọwọ) person, human being, one

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ẹniview map

ẹnẹ錵ÌtsẹkírìÌwẹrẹọnẹ錵Proto-YorubaCentral YorubaÈkìtìÈkìtìÀdó Èkìtìọnị錵Àkúrẹ́Àkúrẹ́ọnị錵Mọ̀bàỌ̀tùn Èkìtìọnị錵Western ÀkókóỌ̀gbàgì Àkókóọni錵Northwest YorubaÀwórìÈbúté Mẹ́tàẹni錵Ẹ̀gbáAbẹ́òkútaẹni錵ÈkóÈkóẹni錵ÌbàdànÌbàdànẹni錵ÌbàràpáIgbó Òràẹni錵Ìbọ̀lọ́Òṣogboẹni錵ÌlọrinÌlọrinẹni錵OǹkóÒtùẹni錵Ìwéré Iléẹni錵Òkèhòẹni錵Ìsẹ́yìnẹni錵Ṣakíẹni錵Tedéẹni錵Ìgbẹ́tìẹni錵Ọ̀yọ́Ọ̀yọ́ẹni錵Standard YorùbáNàìjíríàẹni錵Bɛ̀nɛ̀ɛni錵Northeast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbaọni錵Ede Languages/Southwest YorubaÌdàácàBeninIgbó Ìdàácàɔni錵Ifɛ̀Akpáréɛnɛ錵Atakpamɛɛnɛ錵Tchettiɛnɛ錵KuraAledjo-Kouraɛni錵錵Awotébiɛni錵錵Partagoɛni錵錵Note: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties


ọlọyẹ

/ɔ̄.lɔ̄.jɛ́/

Possibly from olí- (“the thing that has”) + ọyẹ́ (“Harmattan”).


ọwọnwe

/ɔ̀.wɔ̃̀.wé/

From ọ̀ (“normalizing prefix”) + wọn (“3rd person plural”) + ìwé (“this”). Cognates with Yoruba ìwọ̀nyí, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ìghànyí


iwewee

From ìwé (“this”) + ìwé (“this”). Compare Yoruba èyíyìí, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba iyiìyí


ọwọnyẹn

/ɔ̀.wɔ̃̀.jɛ̃̀/

From ọ̀ (“nominalizing prefix”) + wọn (“3rd person plural”) + ìyẹ̀n (“that”). Cognates with Yoruba ìwọ̀nyẹn, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ìghànyẹ̀n


wọnwe

From wọn (“3rd person plural”) + ìwé (“this”). Cognates with Yoruba wọ̀nyí, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ghànyí


wọnyẹn

From wọn (“3rd person plural”) + ìyẹ̀n (“that”). Cognates with Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ghànyẹ̀n


wọnyẹn

From wọn (“3rd person plural”) + ìyẹn (“that”). Cognates with Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba wọ̀nyẹ̀n, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ghànyẹ̀n


pọpọṣinṣin

head

pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn

pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn

yo-pos

pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn

pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn

yo-noun

pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn

pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn

/k͡pɔ̀.k͡pɔ̀.ʃĩ̀.ʃĩ̀/

A kú pọ̀pọ̀ṣìnṣìn ọdún

Season's greetings! (literally, “Greetings for the merriment of the festival”)


uyanẹrun

/ù.jà.nɛ́.ɾũ̄/

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yà nẹ́run (“to surprise”). Cognate with Yoruba ìyàlẹ́nu


iyalẹnu

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yà lẹ́nu (“to surprise”). Cognate with Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba ùyànẹ́run, Ede Ica ìnyàlánu


uwọn

Cognate with Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba uwán, Èkìtì Yoruba ụọ́n, Ìgbómìnà Yoruba awọ́n, Yoruba ahọ́n, from proposed Proto-Yoruboid form, Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-ɓã́


uwọn

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wọ̀n (“to measure”). Cognate with Yoruba ìwọ̀n


ramuramu

/ɾā.mṹ.ɾā.mũ̀/

Kìnnìún bú ramúramù.


gbau

Bọ́ǹbù bú gbàù

Òkè Nyiragongo bú gbàù


gbau

Igi dá gbáú bí igi ìṣáná

(used with dá (“to break”)) snapping; breaking suddenly


iwọriwọ

/ì.wɔ̀.ɾì.wɔ̀/

(Ijebu) Alternative form of èwọ̀rìwọ̀ (“smoke”)


owun

(Ijebu) she/he/it (emphatic third-person singular personal pronoun)


ọwọn

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *à-ɓã. A distinctive marker of Proto-Itsekiri-SEY from Proto-Yoruba is the lack of differing second and third person plural pronouns. This distinction continues in the present in Itsekiri and amongst all Southeast Yoruba varieties except Ìjẹ̀bú, which uses ẹ̀wẹn and ọ̀wọn, respectively. Cognates include Itsekiri àghan, Yoruba àwọn, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba ọ̀wọn, Ifè àŋa, Igala àma, Olukumi àwan, Àhàn xà, Èkìtì Yoruba ìn-ọn

Ọ̀wọn àdúmáadọ́n wèé éè mù bí Èdùmàrè ṣe súre wọn

These dark and shining men are unaware how the Creator blessed them

(Ijebu) Precedes a noun to mark it as plural.


ọwọn

(Ijebu) they (emphatic third-person plural personal pronoun)

(Ijebu) she, he, they (emphatic honorific third-person singular personal pronoun)


Iwarẹ

From ìwà + rẹ, cognate with Edo Igharẹ, see cognates in other Yoruba-dialects, Ị̀àrẹ, Èghàrẹ, Ùwàrẹ, perhaps from the same root as ààrẹ (“leader, president”)

the highest class of chiefs in a Yoruba town, the first six makeup a council known as the Ìwàrẹ̀fà


Iwarẹ

a high-ranking chief of a Yoruba town; a member of the Ìwàrẹ̀fà council of chiefs


eghe

No cognate term in Standard or Western Yoruba exists (or perhaps became obsolete before it could be recorded in dictionaries), it and its cognate terms have almost been completely replaced by ẹ̀rẹ̀kẹ́ or ẹ̀ẹ̀kẹ́ amongst the dialects it exists in, where it is almost obsolete. Its existence however is documented in Central Yoruba and Northeast Yoruba dialects, which suggests its existence in Proto-Yoruba. See Proto-Yoruba *è-ɣe, *ì-ɣe. Cognate with Itsekiri èghemẹ


ajẹbu

/ā.d͡ʒɛ̀.bú/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + jẹ̀ (“to rove”) + ní (“in”) + ubú (“deep waters”), literally “the one that roves in deep waters”.


ọfọn

Cognates with Olukumi ọ̀fọ́n, Oǹdó Yoruba ọ̀fan, Yoruba ọ̀fun, Igala ọ̀fa, Ifè ɔ̀hɔ̃


ọgẹnnẹtẹn

head

ọ̀gẹ̀nnẹ̀tẹ̀n

ọ̀gẹ̀nnẹ̀tẹ̀n

yo-pos

ọ̀gẹ̀nnẹ̀tẹ̀n

ọ̀gẹ̀nnẹ̀tẹ̀n

yo-noun

ọ̀gẹ̀nnẹ̀tẹ̀n

ọ̀gẹ̀nnẹ̀tẹ̀n

/ɔ̀.ɡɛ̃̀.nɛ̀.tɛ̃̀/


ọkẹn

(Ijebu, Ondo) a species of small songbird with white tail feathers

Ọ̀kẹ́n wèé lẹlẹ yéye


agọndọn-ọn

head

àgọ́ndọ̀n-ọ́n

àgọ́ndọ̀n-ọ́n

yo-pos

àgọ́ndọ̀n-ọ́n

àgọ́ndọ̀n-ọ́n

yo-noun

àgọ́ndọ̀n-ọ́n

àgọ́ndọ̀n-ọ́n

/à.ɡɔ̃́.dɔ̃̀ɔ̃́/

dioscorea cayenensis
dioscorea cayenensis

(Ijebu) yellow yam, dioscorea cayenensis


pọ si i

/k͡pɔ̀ sí ī/

From pọ̀ (“to be plenty”) + sí i (“to increase, add on”)

compound

Ìmọ̀ ọmọ yẹn ṣì ń pọ̀ sí i


agunrẹn

/à.ɡũ̀.ɾɛ̃̀/

A group of lower ranked palace servants, that are part of the Òdì. Existed within the courts of Rẹ́mọ and Ìjẹ̀bú royalty, with the Awùjalẹ̀ having the most complex hierarchy of the Òdì system.


alẹde

Possibly from alẹ̀ (“earth”) + dede (“all”)


awọfi

Cognates with Èkìtì Yoruba àọ̀fịn, Itsekiri àghọ̀fẹn, Oǹdó Yoruba àghọ̀fẹn, Ọ̀wọ̀ Yoruba àghọ̀fẹn, Yoruba ààfin. Likely cognate with Igala ọ́fẹ


ibọnyin

/ì.bɔ̃́.jĩ̀/

Probably cognates with Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ìbàtíyàn, Ìlàjẹ Yoruba àbàtíyàn


omudẹndẹnrẹn

/ō.mũ̀.dɛ̃̄.dɛ̃̄.ɾɛ̃́/

Possibly from omù + dẹndẹnrẹ́n (“small”)


omugodogbo

/ō.mũ̀.ɡò.dò.ɡ͡bò/


gọlugọ

/ɡɔ̀.lú.ɡɔ̀/

Describes a creature resembling ẹja panla (stockfish), which is not edible but useful to fishermen as bait.¹


ẹbinẹyin

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bí (“to give birth to”) + nẹ́yìn (“after”)


Pọsii

From pọ̀ sí i (“to augment; to increase”).

a unisex given name meaning “to increase”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Ayọ̀mipọ̀síi


ọrọọrun

/ɔ̄.ɾɔ̄ɔ̄.ɾṹ/


ụpọnju

/ʊ̀.k͡pɔ̃̀.d͡ʒú/

ụ̀pọ̀n + ojú


ọgbọọgba

/ɔ̄.ɡ͡bɔ̄ɔ̄.ɡ͡bā/


uwẹ

(Ekiti) you (emphatic second-person singular personal pronoun)


tẹ

Páànù òrùlé tuntun tẹ́ pẹrẹsẹ, ó sì dán gbinrin

The new corrugated iron roof is flat and shiny


tẹ

Ìdòwú tẹ́ ẹní.


gbingbin

/ɡ͡bĩ̄.ɡ͡bĩ̄/

Mo fẹ́ sá aṣọ mi síta, ṣùgbọ́n eji á rin ín gbingbin.

I wanted to dry my clothes outside, but the rain will drench them.

(of an object such as soil or clothes) soaked; saturated; drenched; soggy


gbingbin

/ɡ͡bĩ́.ɡ͡bĩ̄/

From partial reduplication of gbin (“to groan”).


gbingbin

/ɡ͡bĩ́.ɡ͡bĩ̀/

From partial reduplication of gbìn (“to plant”).

Gbíngbin igi ọ̀pẹ máa ń bu ẹwà kún àyíká.

Planting palm trees beautifies the surroundings.


olorogu

/ō.ló.ɾó.ɡū/

From olórí (“leader”) + ogu (“war”). Cognates with Yoruba olórógun, Itsekiri olórógun


atileyin

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tì léyìn (“to support”)

af

(Ekiti) Alternative form of àtílẹ́yìn (“support”)


atilẹyin

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tì lẹ́yìn (“to support”)


ti lẹyin

From tì (“to push”) + lẹ́yìn (“behind”), literally “to push from behind”


jẹnnọ

/d͡ʒɛ̃̀.nɔ̀/

From jẹ̀n (“to be far”) + ọ̀nọ̀ (“road”). Cognate with Yoruba jìnnà


oluwa

From olù- (“agent prefix”) + wà (“to be; to exist”)


udẹn

Cognate with Èkìtì Yoruba ùdín, Edo údẹ́n (“palm oil ointment”), Yoruba àdín, Igala ìdí, Igbo ùde (“ointment, palm oil ointment”), Nupe èdín (“palm kernel oil”), Nupe èdĩ, and possibly related to Edo ẹdi (“nut, palm nut”), Urhobo edi, with a much deeper etymology, it is proposed to be derived from a Proto-Niger-Congo root, see Usaghade útén (“oil palm”), Ibibio adan (“oil”), and Proto-Bantu *mʊ̀téndé


ubujẹrun

/ū.bù.d͡ʒɛ̄.ɾũ̄/

From ubo (“place”) + ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹrun (“to eat”)

compound

(Ijebu) place to eat, canteen, cafeteria


ubujẹ

/ū.bù.d͡ʒɛ̄/

From ubo (“place”) + ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”)


ubusu

From ubo (“place”) + ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sù (“to sleep”). Cognate with Yoruba ibùsùn


udaun

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to give”) + oùn (“voice, sound”). Cognate with Yoruba ìdáhùn


idahun

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to give”) + ohùn (“voice, sound”). Cognate with Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba ùdáùn


b.a.

/bí à.k͡pɛ̄ɛ̄.ɾɛ̄/

Abbreviation of bí àpẹẹrẹ (“e.g.; for example”).


ọrọ orukọ

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ ō.ɾú.kɔ̄/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”) + orúkọ (“name”), literally “naming word”.


ọrọ-ayalo

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.à.já.lò/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”) + àyálò (“borrowed”).
* àyálò from à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yá (“to borrow”) + lò (“to use”), literally “that which is borrowed for use”.

af

"Àdúrà" ni àpẹẹrẹ ọ̀rọ̀-àyálò lédè Yorùbá

"Àdúrà" is an example of a loanword in Yorùbá


lubulubu

Wọ́n máa ń lọ ata lúbúlúbú.


ọkẹrẹgba

/ɔ̀.kɛ́.ɾɛ́.ɡ͡bà/

From ọ̀- + kẹ́rẹ́gbà. Many forms of the word exist in various subdialects of Ekiti, where /r/ and /l/ interchange and where ɛ becomes ɪ. Some dialects also drop the preceding vowels. See forms ọ̀kírígbà, kílígbà, ọ̀kílígbà.

ọ̀- + kẹ́rẹ́gbà


liili

hedgehog; (in particular) Four-toed hedgehog


kasan-an

Ẹ kásàn-án mà

2018 November 16, Bíọ́dún Ọláwuyì, “Orí Kẹjọ: Ibi Afójúsí”, in Olubayo Peter Adegbite, editor, Ògìdán, GrahamR Writings LLC, page 56:


i si

From ì + sí, probably from the nominalizing prefix ì-, which represents the human form. Most dialects and Yoruboid languages have a common cognate form different from Standard Yoruba, see, Ondo è sí, Ẹ̀gbá & Ìjẹ̀bú lè sí, Ijesha yè sí, Ọ̀wọ̀ sí, Iyagba nè ghí, Ikale nẹ̀ẹ́n sí. The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in dialects such as Ekiti, see ọ̀kàn sí (“which”), ubi sí (“where”), òlú sí (“how much”), ụ̀gbẹ̀ sí (“when”). Cognate with Itsekiri nè sín, Olukumi è ghí, Ede Ije lè é.

ì sí èyinì


le si

From lè + sí.
Compare with forms in other Yoruba dialects, Oǹdó è sí, Èkìtì ì sí, Ìjèṣà yè sí, Ìyàgbà nè ghí. The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in the respective dialects. Cognate with Itsekiri nè sín, Olukumi è ghí, Ede Ije lè é.

Lè sí i wà ― Who is that? (Ẹ̀gbá)

Lè sí yẹn wà ― Who is that? (Ìjẹ̀bú)

(interrogative, Ẹgba, Ijebu) who, whom, whose


ye si

From yè + sí.
Compare with forms in other Yoruba dialects, Ondo è sí, Ekiti ì sí, Egba & Ijebu lè sí, Iyagba nè ghí. The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in the respective dialects. Cognate with Itsekiri nè sín, Olukumi è ghí, Ede Ije lè é.

Yè só o rí (Ifẹ̀ dialect)

(interrogative, Ijesha, Ifẹ) who, whom, whose


eyini

From èyí + nị̀, nị̀/nì is used synonymously with èyinì, (compare with yẹn). Used historically among NWY and CY dialects. The opposition between the demonstrative pronouns 'this' and 'that' is expressed by èyí (or èí) and èyinì, nì respectively. In some SEY spoken varieties, however, it is ìyí and ìyẹn. While most CY dialects have maintained it, NWY experience an intralingual borrowing where èyinì was replaced by ìyẹn in academic settings as well as in Standard Yoruba education. Eyini can be seen in older standard Yoruba literature. In some NWY spoken varieties èyinì and ìyẹn are still used side by side, but with ìyẹn gaining ground over èyinì.

ajá mi re èyinì


karibi

From kàrí (“where”) + ibi (“place”), possibly from kí (“let”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rí (“to see”), literally “let us see; let us know”. Kàrí is an interrogative marker," see kàrìgbì (“when”) (literally from kàrí ìgbì, "what time?."). The specific form differs among the different subdialects of Ekiti, but are mutually intelligble. Those in the current Nigerian state of Ekiti may use kàbí or ubi sí, in addition to kàríbi. In the Akure subdialect of Ekiti, they mainly use kàríbi, in addition to kàíbi or kàbí. All these terms are synonymous and can generally used by any Ekiti speaker regardless of subdialect. The root kàrí and the use of sí likely represent different innovations, where one is likely a newer term that are existing together. Kàrí is also used in other CY dialects, such as Ijesha, with kàbí being used by dialects like Ife.

compound

kàríbi kín-in à?


kaibi

From Contraction of kàríbi, from kàrí (“where”) + ibi (“place”).

(Ekiti)

(interrogative, Ekiti) Alternative form of kàríbi (“where”)


ubi si

From ubi (“place”) + sí (“marker”). The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in dialects such as Ekiti, see ọ̀kàn sí (“which”), òlú sí (“how much”), ùgbẹ̀ sí (“when”). The specific interrogative marker "where" form differs among the different subdialects of Ekiti, but are mutually intelligible. Those in the current Nigerian state of Ekiti may use kàbí, in addition to kàríbi and ubi sí. In the Akure subdialect of Ekiti, they mainly use kàríbi, in addition to kàí or kàbí. All these terms are synonymous and can generally used by any Ekiti speaker regardless of subdialect. The root kàrí and the use of sí likely represent different innovations, where one is likely a newer term that are existing together.

(Ifẹ̀)

ubi sí ín à? (Èkìtì)


e si

From è + sí, probably from the nominalizing prefix è-, which represents the human form. Most dialects and Yoruboid languages have a common cognate form different from Standard Yoruba, see, Ekiti ì sí, Ẹ̀gbá & Ìjẹ̀bú lè sí, Ijesha yè sí, Ọ̀wọ̀ sí, Iyagba nè ghí. The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in dialects such as Ekiti, see ọ̀kàn sí (“which”), ubi sí (“where”), òlú sí (“how much”), ùgbẹ̀ sí (“when”). Cognate with Itsekiri nè sín, Olukumi è ghí, Ede Ije lè é.

È sí Adé lù?


nẹẹn

From Clipping of nẹ̀ẹ́n sí. Most dialects and Yoruboid languages have a common cognate form different from Standard Yoruba, see, Ondo è sí, Ẹ̀gbá & Ìjẹ̀bú lè sí, Ijesha yè sí, Ọ̀wọ̀ sí, Iyagba nè ghí. The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in dialects such as Ekiti, see ọ̀kàn sí (“which”), ubi sí (“where”), òlú sí (“how much”), ùgbẹ̀ sí (“when”). Cognate with Itsekiri nè sín, Olukumi è ghí, Ede Ije lè é.

Nẹ̀ẹ́n wo rí?


nẹẹ

Cognates with Itsekiri nẹ́ẹ̀, Yoruba náà

Èmi ré ọni nẹ́ẹ̀

I am that person (that was previously mentioned before)

(Ijebu) of a particular or previously mentioned entity; that, the


nẹẹ

Ara tèmi nẹ́ẹ̀ éè yá


nẹẹ

Èmi nẹ́ẹ̀?

(Ijebu) used to express solidarity or disbelief


karịgbị

/kà.rɪ̀.ɡ͡bɪ̀/

From kàrí (“where; interrogative marker”) + ìgbì (“time”). Mainly used by those of the Akure subdialect of Yoruba, where other Ekiti speakers may use ùgbẹ̀ sí

kàrìgbì kúwọ á dé líbi kúwe rè é

When will be you be back from the place you went?


Eṣu Ọdara

→ Portuguese: Exu Odará

/è.ʃù ɔ̀.dà.ɾà/

From Èṣù + Ọ̀dàrà
* Ọ̀dàrà is believed to be from ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to make”) + àrà (“wonders”)

Èṣù + Ọ̀dàrà

af

a nickname and praise name for the deity Èṣù


Akamuja

(Ekiti) the title of the chief priest of the worship of the ancestral deity Ọbàlùfọ̀n or Ọbànìfọ̀n


ubo si

From ubo (“place”) + sí (“marker”). The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in spoken varieties in the Èdè-Yorùbá-Ìṣẹkírì language continuum such as Ìjẹ̀bú. Cognates with Èkìtì Yoruba ubi sí, Ifẹ̀ Yoruba ibi sí


ṣoṣo

Ọ̀pá kan ṣoṣo níí lé igbaa mààkúù; òkò kan ṣoṣo níí tú igba ẹyẹ.

2008 December 19, Yiwola Awoyale, quoting Fabunmi, M. A., “ṣoṣo”, in Àyájọ́ Ohùn Ifẹ̀ Ibadan, number LDC2008L03, 1972, Nigeria: Onibon-oje Press & Book Industries Ltd, quoted in Global Yoruba Lexical Database v. 1.0, Philadelphia: Linguistic Data Consortium, →DOI, →ISBN:

It is only one wooden staff that drives two hundred cows; it is only one rock misile that disperses two hundred birds (incantation).

Ọlọ́run nìkan ṣoṣo l'ó gbọ́n, ọ̀bọ lènìyàn.

2008 December 19, Yiwola Awoyale, “ṣoṣo”, in Global Yoruba Lexical Database v. 1.0, number LDC2008L03, Philadelphia: Linguistic Data Consortium, →DOI, →ISBN:

It is only God who is wise, a human creature is a fool. (proverb on divine wisdom)


abolounjẹku

From a- (“agent prefix”) + bá (“to accompany”) + olóúnjẹ (“food owner; food seller”) + kú (“to die”), literally “one who is forever with the food vendor”.

(sometimes derogatory) glutton (one who eats voraciously)


miringindin

/mĩ̀.ɾĩ̀.ɡĩ̀.dĩ̀/

Ọdún á yabo, ọdún á mìrìngìndìn!

Bí ìwọ̀n tí ó fi ń ran àwọn ènìyàn ṣe ń lọ sílẹ̀ gan-an, ó jọ pé ọjọ́ ọ̀la yóò mìnrìngìndìn.

1997, “Ìjagunmólú àti Ọ̀ràn Ìbànújẹ́”, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

As infection rates plummeted, the future looked rosy.

to be wonderful; to be enjoyable; to be delightful


ṣakaṣaka

Wọ́n fi àdá ṣá a ṣákaṣàka.


ṣakaṣaka

Ó sọ̀rọ̀ ṣàkàṣàkà sí mi.

(of speech) direct; assertive; plain; tactless; brusque


Olisa

a traditional chieftaincy title usually given to the highest ranking chief of most Yoruba towns, and head of the Ìwàrẹ̀fà or in some cases, Ògbóni, council of chiefs


ọgbufọ

/ɔ̀.ɡ͡bū.fɔ̀/

Alternative form of ògbufọ̀ (“translator”)


ogbufọ

/ò.ɡ͡bū.fɔ̀/

From ò- (“agent prefix”) + gbọ́ (“to understand”) + ọfọ̀ (“utterance; speech”).


ẹmudo

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mú (“to catch”) + dó (“to have intercourse with”)

(Ijebu) a herbal hypnotic ring used to kidnap a woman and rape her


fifu

Cognates with Itsekiri fifẹn, Yoruba funfun, Ifè fũfũ, Olukumi fúfún

Ara rẹ̀ ti fifu.


fifu

Fú mi n'áṣọ fifu.


igbagba

/ì.ɡ͡bà.ɡ͡bá/

Solanum macrocarpon, a thick leafed vegetable


itagbe

(Ijebu) shoulder piece insignia of chieftaincy


ẹbẹkọn

/ɛ̀.bɛ́.kɔ̃̀/

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ́ (“to give birth to”) + kọ̀n (“one”)


ẹbọgu

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọ́ (“to drop down”) + gù (“to climb”)

(Ijebu)


ẹgbẹn

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbẹn (“to groan”). Cognates with Yoruba ẹ̀gbin, Èkìtì Yoruba ègbin


ẹẹ-

Probably a contraction of ẹ̀rẹ̀- or contraction of ẹ̀rìn-.

ẹẹ- + méjì (“two”) → ẹ̀ẹ̀mejì (“twice (two times)”)

ẹẹ- + mẹ́ta (“three”) → ẹ̀ẹ̀mẹta (“thrice (three times)”)

ẹẹ- + ìmíì (“other”) → ẹ̀ẹ̀míì (“another time”)

ẹẹ- + kẹta (“third”) → ẹ̀ẹ̀kẹta (“third time”)

ẹẹ- + kọ̀ọ̀kan (“each one”) → ẹ̀ẹ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan (“occasionally”)

adverbial prefix that denotes the number of times of an action or event


ahere

Probably from Proto-Edekiri *á-ɣéré, with a systematic shift from /*ɣ/ in Proto-Yoruboid to /ɣ/ in Northeast and Southeast Yoruba dialects, and then /w/ to Central Yoruba and Northwest Yoruba dialects, with Central Yoruba dialects deleting /w/ and /w/ becoming /h/ in Northwest and Standard Yoruba. Cognate with Olukumi aghéré.


ikọ

Probably from Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-kɔ́, compare with Olukumi ukọ́, Igala úkọ́, equivalent to *ú- (“nominalizing prefix”) + *kɔ́ (“to cough”), ultimately of onomatopoeic origin.


ikọ

(dipomacy) messenger; diplomat; ambassador

Ikọ̀ Nàìjíríà tún ti fakọyọ.

Nigeria's team has performed well again.


ụa

Probably ultimately from Edo ùghà or of a Proto-Edekiri origin

Èmi lọmọ a mú ogójì abẹ̀bẹ̀ yụ́à
I am the one that takes forty fans to the royal courtyard (royal oríkì from the town of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín)

(Ekiti) palace, royal courtyard, particularly the royal courtyards of the àọ̀fịn of the Déjì of Àkúrẹ́


ụa

Fákụ́àdé

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa has brought celebration"

Olúkụ́àdé

Yoruba name meaning "The Lord has brought celebration"

Ọlọ́fị́nkụ́àdé

Yoruba name meaning "Ọlọ́fịn has brought celebration"

Ọ̀ṣákụ́àdé

Yoruba name meaning "Ọ̀rị̀ṣà has brought celebration"

Ọ̀ṣúnkụ́àdé

Yoruba name meaning "Osun has brought celebration"

Ògúnkụ́àdé

Yoruba name meaning "Ogun has brought celebration"


ụa

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ʊ-ghá, ultimately from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ-ghá. The term is also related to the word for rib in many Yoruboid dialects, see ùwá in Ijebu and ìghághè in Oǹdó


iṣa

Cognate with Igala ùchà, Olukumi ùsà, Itsekiri ùṣà, Arigidi àtʃà, possibly related to Ifè ìtsà (“gourd”) and Urhobo ochẹ. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ̀-cà, from Proto-Yoruba *ʊ̀-cà, ultimately from Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ̀-cà.

a medium-size waterpot, see àmù and orù, used to fetch water from streams


awawa

Cognate with Yoruba ọ̀wàwà, Yoruba ọ̀hàhà, Yoruba ọ̀fàfà, Itsekiri awàwà, Urhobo aghwaghwa


ọṣẹ

Compare with Ede Idaca ọcẹ, Ifè ɔtsɛ̃, Igala ọ́ṣẹ, Olukumi ọ̀fúfọ̀sẹ, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-cɛ.


Agege

one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


Suurulere

/sùú.ɾù.lé.ɾè/


Muṣin

Mushin, one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


ẹtụpa

k'Ádó lérí sógun lárì s'Úyìn, ẹ̀tụ̀pá L'Adó gbúyèlé

If Adó goes to war without Uyìn, it is only their feet they can rely on (to run away)


ẹkụrẹ

/ɛ̀.kʊ̀.ɾɛ́/


ne ghi

From nè + ghí.
Compare with forms in other Yoruba dialects, Ondo è sí, Ekiti ì sí, Egba & Ijebu lè sí, Ijesha yè sí. The use of "sí" can be seen in many interrogative forms in the respective dialects. Cognate with Itsekiri nè sín, Olukumi è ghí, Ede Ije lè é.


Akwa Ibọm

From English Akwa Ibom, the name was derived from the Kwa Ibo River, ultimately of Ibibio origin

A state of Nigeria in the South South geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Uyo.


Bọno

From English Borno, its name taken from Borno Emirate, ultimately of Kanuri origin

A state of Nigeria in the North East geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Maiduguri.


Kuwara

A state of Nigeria in the North Central geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Lokoja.


Ẹbọnyi

/ɛ̀.bɔ̃́.jì/

From English Ebonyi, derived from the Abonyi river in the region, ultimately of Igbo origin


ụmọlẹ

/ʊ̄.mɔ̃̄.lɛ̀/

From ụ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ (“to mold”) + alẹ̀ (“the land”), literally “Those who molded the land”, from Proto-Yoruba *ʊ-mãlɛ̀, compare with Itsekiri umalẹ̀, Olukumi ùmàlẹ́, perhaps ultimately from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ-mɔlɛ̀

(Ekiti) primordial or ancestral deity; local earth spirit, traditionally associated by the Ekiti people with hills and rivers


akerese

Used by Èkìtì speakers mainly in Adó, Ìfàkì, and Ujù, not by speakers of the Àkúrẹ́ subdialect of Èkìtì

(Ekiti, Ọwọ) squirrel; (in particular) ground squirrel


arugbọn

/ā.ɾū.ɡ͡bɔ̃̀/

àrín éè se arugbọ̀n ayò
Arin is not on the same level of ayo


arịla

From àrì- (“negative nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to be rich”)


Oriṣa

The etymology of the term is unclear (perhaps from Proto-Yoruboid *ò-rìsà, Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-rɪ̀cà, or Proto-Yoruboid *ò-rìcà). May have originally referred to the sky or rainfall, a sense which is still used in some contextes but is rare.
Several folk etymologies exist, the main one suggesting it comes from orí (“head, conscience, destiny”) + ì- (nominalizing prefix) + ṣà (“to be selected, to choose”), literally “The head that is specially selected”. (This is unlikely, however, as this term only fits the Yoruba definition of òrìṣà, but not the cognate versions in other languages or even in other Yoruba dialects.)
Historically among the ancient Yoruba, and likely their Proto-Yoruboid ancestors, Òrìṣà referred to a specific arch-divinity of the sky and creation (now known as Òrìṣàńlá and Ọbàtálá). See cognates Itsekiri Òrìtsẹ̀, Igbo Òlìsà, Urhobo Oyise, Yoruba Ọ̀rìṣà, Edo Osa, Oisa, Ebira Oricha, and Fon Lisà. In these related languages and Eastern Yoruba dialects of the Yoruba language (see Ọ̀rị̀ṣà) as well as old Yoruba songs, Òrìṣà has retained a proper noun definition, referring to a specific high-ranking androgynous divinity associated with the sky, creation, and government.

compound

(historical, obsolete) the supreme being and deity associated with the sky, rainfall, and weather. Equivalent to what is now regarded as Olódùmarè, this meaning is still used in the Ekiti Yorùbá equivalent Ọ̀rị̀ṣà, Àbarị̀ṣà.

Ọbàtálá

(rare) Synonym of Ọbàtálá, a primordial sky deity or imọlẹ̀ associated with rain, creation, and purity regarded as the oldest of the deities and the creator of humanity. Probably originally equivalent with Sense 1. The deity traditionally was regarded as being androgynous. Their worship combined with the ancestral deification of a figure known as (Ọbàtálá), forming into the Yoruba deity Ọbàtálá and Òrìṣàńlá.


ọrịjọ

/ɔ̀.ɾɪ̀.d͡ʒɔ́/

af

ọ̀- + rị̀ + ịjọ́

ọmọ a korò mẹ́fa ṣe lọ́rị̀jọ́

The children that pack six rituals into one day (A praise poetry of the people of Ilara-Mokin)


Udiroko

From ùdí (“base, bottom”) + ìrókò (“iroko tree”), referring to the fact that the festival refers to the first meeting of the new leadership of the Ado kingdom was traditionally held at the base of an Iroko tree

compound

a festival in the town of Ado-Ekiti marking the first day of the traditional calendar of the Ado Kingdom. It is believed to have been derived from the first meeting of the leaders of the Ado Kingdom was founded after the successful overthrow of the Elésùn, the ruler of the ancient Ùlésùn kingdom


ọnịyọn

/ɔ̀.nɪ̃̀.jɔ̃̀/


ọkụta

From Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-kʊ́ta, cognate with Igala òkwúta, Edo òkutá, Olukumi òkúta, and Igbo òkutā.


ọnị

Proposed to have derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-nɪ̃.


ọnịkọnị

/ɔ̄.nɪ̃̄.kɔ́.nɪ̃̄/

From ọnị (“person”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ọnị (“person”).


mugwẹmugwẹ

head

mùgwẹ̀mùgwẹ̀

mùgwẹ̀mùgwẹ̀

yo-pos

mùgwẹ̀mùgwẹ̀

mùgwẹ̀mùgwẹ̀

yo-noun

mùgwẹ̀mùgwẹ̀

mùgwẹ̀mùgwẹ̀

/mũ̀.ɡʷɛ̀.mũ̀.ɡʷɛ̀/

From reduplication of mà ùgwẹ̀ (“to know swimming”).


egbere

The mythology associated with the type of forest spirit was only certainly influenced by the ominous crying of the galago late at night

(by extension, mythology) a creature believed to live deep in the forest, wailing loudly and carrying a mat, likely influenced by the loud crying made by a bush baby/galago

(by extension, derogatory) nuisance, annoying or loud person


lụkalụka

From Reduplication of lụ́kà (“to be good”)

ọmọ lúkàlúkà ni í


alamọmọ

/ā.lá.mɔ̃̀.mɔ̃̀/


ewuju

Probably from ewú (“rat”) + ijù (“jungle”)


Iyami Oṣoronga

head

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

yo-pos

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

yo-prop

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

head

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

yo-pos

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

yo-prop

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà (canonical)
Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà (canonical)

/ì.jà.mĩ̄ ò.ʃò.ɾò.ŋ̀.ɡà/

/ì.já.mĩ̄ ò.ʃò.ɾò.ŋ̀.ɡà/

From Ìyàmi + Òṣòròǹgà, perhaps related to the mythical bird, àràmàgàmàgà, which Ìyàmi are believed to take the form of, see ẹlẹyẹ

compound

Ìyàmi + Òṣòròǹgà

a praise name (oríkì) for supernatural spirits known as the Àjẹ́, Ìyàmi (believed to represent feminine power of creation and destruction. They are often represented in the form of old women, and sometimes associated with witchcraft).


gbangba

/ɡ͡bā.ŋ̄.ɡ͡bā/

Ilé mi wà ní gban̄gba

Ó hàn gban̄gba pé ó ṣàìsàn


jigijigi

/d͡ʒì.ɡì.d͡ʒì.ɡì/

Mì í jìgìjìgì kó o tó ṣí i.


ẹtịpa

(Ekiti, in the plural) Alternative form of ẹ̀tụ̀pá (“feet, footsteps”)


iwere

Alternative form of wèrè (“madness; crazy person”)


Adekugbe

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + kù (“does not”) + gbé (“to perish, to become gone”)

blend

(Ondo) a male given name meaning “Royalty does not perish”

(Ondo) a surname, from the given name Adékùgbé


ẹrụn

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-lʊ̃ or Proto-Yoruboid *á-rʊ̃ã


yanpọnyanrin

/jã́.k͡pɔ̃̄.jã́.ɾĩ̄/


ṣoro

From ṣe (“to do; to make”) + oró (“poison; venom”)

com

Àgékù ejò, tí ń ṣoró bí agbọ́n

A seathered snake that stings like a wasp


iṣoro

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣòro (“to be difficult”)


jẹun

Màá ṣiṣẹ́ tán kí n tó jẹun ọ̀sán lénìí.

I'll finish the work before I eat lunch today.

Kí ni wọ́n ń ṣe jẹun?


mumi

From contraction of mu (“to drink”) omi (“water”).


Makoko

Makoko; an informal settlement across the 3rd Mainland Bridge located on the coast of mainland Lagos.


ahunṣọ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + hun (“to weave”) + aṣọ (“clothes”)


aranṣọ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + rán (“to sew”) + aṣọ (“clothes”).


Tufalu

Tuvalu (an archipelago and country in Oceania)


yinrunyinrun

/jĩ́.ɾũ̀.jĩ́.ɾũ̀/

From reduplication of yín ọrùn (“twist neck”).


lọrunlọrun

head

lọ́rùnlọ́rùn

lọ́rùnlọ́rùn

yo-pos

lọ́rùnlọ́rùn

lọ́rùnlọ́rùn

yo-noun

lọ́rùnlọ́rùn

lọ́rùnlọ́rùn

/lɔ́.ɾũ̀.lɔ́.ɾũ̀/

From reduplication of lọ́ ọrùn (“twist neck”).


jẹun soke

/d͡ʒɛ̄.ũ̄ só.kè/

From jẹun (“to eat”) + sókè (“towards the upper part”), modelled on jẹun síkùn (“to eat well”).

com

(neologism, informal) to move on; to go on


ifiwawẹda

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + ìwà (“character”) + wọ̀ (“to wear”) + ẹ̀dá (“creation”), literally “the act of dressing a person or creature with behavior”.


isalẹ

From ìsà (“pit, bottom”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”)


meriiiri

/mé.ꜜɾíꜜí.ɾí/

From the phrase méè rí ìyí rí (“I have not seen this before”).

Àbí, pípín ọtí bíà àti títàkurọ̀sọ pẹ̀lú ìnàkí ṣá jẹ́ oun méríìírí.

2022, “Ìjẹ́wọ́ Ìnàkí Shìnágawà Kan”, in Olongo Africa:

I mean, sharing a beer and chatting with a monkey was a pretty unusual experience in and of itself.


jẹun sapo

/d͡ʒɛ̄.ũ̄ sá.k͡pò/

From jẹun (“to eat”) + sí (“towards”) + àpò (“pocket”), literally “to enrich one's pocket”, modelled on jẹun síkùn (“to eat well”).


bi ewe ba pẹ lara ọṣẹ, a dọṣẹ

head

bí ewé bá pẹ́ lára ọṣẹ, á dọṣẹ

bí ewé bá pẹ́ lára ọṣẹ, á dọṣẹ

yo-pos

bí ewé bá pẹ́ lára ọṣẹ, á dọṣẹ

bí ewé bá pẹ́ lára ọṣẹ, á dọṣẹ

bí ewé bá pẹ́ lára ọṣẹ (canonical)
á dọṣẹ (canonical)

(figurative) people who remain together for long enough rub off on each other

(literal) if a leaf stays wrapped around soap for long enough, it will become part of the soap


ajo ki i dun konile ma rele

(figurative) a traveler should never forget their home

(literal) a journey cannot be so good that the homeowner does not return home


Tayelolu

From Táyé (“Taye (first child in a set of twins)”) + ni (“is”) + olú (“the leader, the prominent one”), literally “Taye is the leader”

compound

a praise name for the first child in a set of twins, usually named Táyé


ọlọja

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.d͡ʒà/

For the first sense, from oní- (“one who has”) + ọjà (“town”), compare with Olukumi ọlọ́zà, for the second sense, from oní- (“one who has”) + ọjà (“market”). The semantic shift of ọjà from meaning town, village to market seems to have happened after the adoption of ọlọ́jà (king) as a title. Eventually the use of the term as king or monarch has largely been replaced historically by terms like ọwá, ọba, and baálẹ̀.

Ọlọ́jà

title of a monarch in certain Yoruba towns

market person; someone who sells at a market


ịgbị

Synonymous with ụ̀gbị̀ and used interchangeably, and probably from the same root as ìgbẹ̀, ùgbẹ̀, as the phonemes /ɛ/ and /ɪ/ are often used allophonically among speakers of the Ekiti dialect.

Ị̀gbì kí Ị̀àrẹ bá ti mị́làkị́là lọ́dún dé

The time when the Iare chiefs start to meet is when we know festival time has come


gọbi

→ Gun: gɔ̀bì, gọ̀bì

→ Fon: gɔbì


Alakẹ

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to survive”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “One that has survived for us to care for”

af

A female oríkì name, meaning "One that has survived for us to care for".


Agbekẹ

/à.ɡ͡bé.kɛ́/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry, to hold”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “The one who is carried and cared for”

A female oríkì name, meaning "The one who is carried and cared for".


Amọkẹ

/à.mɔ̃̀.kɛ́/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “One who is known and cared for”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is known and cared for".


Abẹbi

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ̀ (“to beg”) + bí (“to give birth to”), literally “One who is begged for to be born”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is begged for to be born".


Ajani

/à.d͡ʒà.nĩ́/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + ní (“to have”), literally “One fought for to have”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One fought for to have".


Akanni

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kàn (“to be special”) + ní (“to have”), literally “One who is special to have”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One who is special to have".


Ajagbe

/à.d͡ʒà.ɡ͡bé/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + gbé (“to carry, to embrace”), literally “One fought for to cuddle them”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One fought for to cuddle them".


Ajadi

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + dí (“to block”), literally “One who fights to block out an attack”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One who fights to block out an attack".


Ariyọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + yọ̀ (“to rejoice”), literally “One who is seen and we rejoice”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is seen and we rejoice".


Ayọka

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ̀ (“to rejoice”) + ká (“around, surround”), literally “One for whom everyone around them rejoices”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One for whom everyone around them rejoices".


Atunkẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tún (“again; to repeat”) + kẹ́ (“to care for; to cherish”), literally “One who is repeatedly cared for”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is repeatedly cared for".


Adisa

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dì (“to bundle up”) + sá (“to display; to leave something out to dry”), literally “One who is bound and displayed”, see Àdìó for another common name with a similar etymology

A male oríkì name, meaning "One who is bound and displayed".


Oriṣabinu

From Blend of Òrìṣà (“the supreme sky deity also known as Òrìṣàńlá”) + à (“negation particle”) + bínú (“to become upset”), literally “Òrìṣà was not upset”, likely a name given after good favour was restored in the family with the birth of a child, signifying that the cause of previous difficult was not because of the anger of Òrìṣà

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Òrìṣà was not upset”


Ogunmọdẹde

/ò.ɡṹ.mɔ̃̄.dɛ̄.dé/

From Blend of Ògún (“Ogun; the orisha of iron and hunting”) + mú (“to bring”) + ọdẹ (“hunter”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “Ògún has brought one who will be a hunter”

a male given name meaning “Ògún has brought one who will be a hunter”

a surname, from the given name Ògúnmọdẹdé


Ifajẹmileyin

From Blend of Ifá (“Ifa”) + jẹ́ (“to allow”) + mi (“me”) + ní (“to have”) + èyìn (“behind; something that comes behind someone; legacy”), literally “Ifa allowed me to have a legacy”

(Ekiti) a unisex given name meaning “Ifa allowed me to have a legacy”


Ọmọlabakẹ

From ọmọ (“child”) + ni (“to be”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bá (“ought to, should have”) + kẹ́ (“to care for; to cherish”), literally “This child is one that ought to be cared for”

compound

A female oríkì name, meaning "This child is one that ought to be cared for".


Lamidi

From Arabic عَبْدُ الْحَمِيد (ʕabdu l-ḥamīd), perhaps through Hausa Àbdùlhàmîd

der

عَبْدُ الْحَمِيد

Arabic عَبْدُ الْحَمِيد (ʕabdu l-ḥamīd)

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Abdul Hamid


Murainọ

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Imran


Muraina

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Imran, Alternative form of Múráínọ̀


Ọnịfọnboyede

head

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

yo-pos

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

yo-prop

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

From Blend of Ọnị̀fọ̀n (“the deity Ọbànị̀fọ̀n”) + bá (“to come”) + oyè (“honor, chieftaincy title”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “Ọbànị̀fọ̀n has come with honor”

blend

(Ekiti, rare) a male given name meaning “Ọbànị̀fọ̀n has come with honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé


Dosunmu

→ French: Dossoumon

→ English: Docemo

From dì mú (“to hold on”) + òsùn (“a religious staff used by babalawos”)

compound

a male given name meaning “Hold onto the sacred Òsùn staff”


ẹnịnụ

/ɛ̀.nɪ̃́.nʊ̃́/

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + nị́nụ́ (“partial reduplication of nụ́ to have mercy”), compare with Itsekiri ànìnọ́


ụdagẹrẹ

/ʊ̀.dà.ɡɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/

(Ekiti) slope, especially near a river or swamp


iorio

ị̀jàkị́sà nọ́n mú jụná, ìòrìò nọ́n í jègè
It is rags that are worn during the throwing of fire ritual, but it is with nakedness that the Ègè ritual is performed


ịjakịsa

/ɪ̀.d͡ʒà.kɪ́.sà/


ibilẹ

From ìbí (“birth”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground, earth, land”), literally “That which is born from the land”, from the belief that traditional customs developed from the traditional sources of towns or the land, thereby behing native

compound

traditional system, often referring to precolonial structures


iṣẹkulumọ

/ì.ʃɛ́.kù.lù.mɔ̃́/


pọnpọndọn

/k͡pɔ̃̄.k͡pɔ̃̄.dɔ̃́/

(Ekiti) a type of wooden comb (usually three pronged) used to part hair


kunrungbịngbịn

/kũ̀.ɾũ̀.ɡ͡bɪ̃́.ɡ͡bɪ̃́/


ogbogbo

/ò.ɡ͡bò.ɡ͡bō/


ọjịjẹ

/ɔ̀.d͡ʒɪ̀.d͡ʒɛ̀/

af

ọ̀- + jị̀jẹ̀

(Ekiti) a moist washcloth, applied to wounds


fayawọ

From fi (“to use”) + àyà (“chest”) + wọ́ (“to crawl”).


ẹhin

(NWY) Alternative form of ẹ̀yìn (“back”)


ifọwọsowọpọ

head

ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀

ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀

yo-pos

ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀

ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀

yo-noun

ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀

ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to put”) + ọwọ́ (“hand”) + so (“to bind”) + ọwọ́ (“hand”) + pọ̀ (“together”).


ọwẹ

Táyé bẹ̀ wọ́n ní ọ̀wẹ̀ lórí iṣẹ́ ìkọ́lé ẹ̀.

Taye asked for their cooperation for his construction project.

a cooperative group for manual labor where members take turns assisting each other, typically for agricultural or construction work


ọtun

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-tʊ̃́

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọ̀túnview map

the second-in-command of the king or a ruler; the second-in-rank in any group or collective


Abarịṣa

/à.bā.ɾɪ̀.ʃà/

From àba (“father”) + Ọ̀rị̀ṣà (“Orisa (supreme sky deity)”), literally “Father Orisha”, also see àbarị̀ṣà (“rain”). This perhaps suggest that the term "orisha" may originally come for a root for sky or the elements of the sky later associated with a supreme deity.

compound

(Ekiti) the supreme sky deity of the Ekiti people, synonymous with Ọ̀rị̀ṣà and Ọbàtálá, likely predating Olódùmọrè; the deity Ọbàtálá


agụtọn

/à.ɡʊ̀.tɔ̃̀/

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *à-gwʊ̀tɔ̃̀, compare with Igala àgwùtọ̀


Ịja

See Ìja for an explanation on the male and female aspects of this deity. Possibly from ị̀jà (“fight, conflict”), but the tone shift from low to mid is unclear, and may suggest origin from a root ja

(Ekiti) a male hunting deity (ụmọlẹ̀) regarded as a brother of Ògún


Ụja

See Ìja for an explanation on the male and female aspects of this deity

Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì Ọṣọọsi#Yoruba

(Ekiti) a male hunting deity (ụmọlẹ̀) regarded as a brother of Ògún and Ẹ̀ṣọ́ùsì (Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì)


Olu oroke

From olú (“leader, lord, prominent one”) + orí (“on top”) + òkè (“hill”), literally “The lord on the top of the hill”

(Ekiti) a nickname and praise name for the supreme deity Ọlụ́a, who is primarily associated with hills

Olú orókè mọ́ mọ̀ jogun ja olórò kọ́n ṣe ọdún í oo ― Olú orókè do not bring war and strife to the one who is doing the rituals of this festival (a prayer during the Ọ̀pá festival honoring Olú orókè)

(Ekiti) a deity associated with fertility in some towns, closely associated with Ọlụ́a but regarded as a different deity


Egbona

/è.ɡ͡bó.nã́/

From ègbóná (“smallpox”), ultimately from è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbóná (“to be hot; to become hot”)

af

(euphemistic, proscribed, obsolete) a euphemistic name for the deity of smallpox (Ṣànpọ̀nná)


Alapadupẹ

From oní (“one who has”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + dúpẹ́ (“to thank”), literally “The one who kills and is then thanked”

(euphemistic) a euphemistic nickname for the deity of smallpox (Ṣànpọ̀nná). Because the disease was so widely feared it was forbidden for there to show any signs of affection, less they anger the deity who may inflict the disease on others.


Ọyagbọla

/ɔ̄.já.ɡ͡bɔ̄.lá/

From Blend of Ọya (“the orisha Ọya”) + gba (“to receive”) + ọlá (“honor”), literally “Ọya has received honor”

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Ọya has received honor”


Ọlaifa

From blend of ọlá (“honor”) + Ifá (“Ifa”), literally “The honor of Ifa; the grace or benefit of Ifa”

a unisex given name meaning “The honor of Ifa; the grace of Ifa”


oṣo

Possibly from o- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣó (“to be mean, strict, ruthless”). Cognate with Igala óchú.

Ṣóbọ̀wálé

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer has returned home."

Ṣóbáyọ̀

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer has met joy"

Ṣódẹkẹ́

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer has become the rafters of a house."

Ṣódẹ̀ìndé

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer returns from the past."

Ṣódíyà

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer has blocked suffering."

Ṣókúnbi

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer is added to a family."

Ṣólàńkẹ́

a given name meaning, "it is a sorcerer that we are caring for."

Ṣósanyà

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer has paid the price for my suffering."

Ṣóyínká

a given name meaning, "the sorcerer surrounds me"

Tẹ́júoṣó

a given name meaning, "stare/admire the sorcerer."

sorcerer, magician; the male equivalent of àjẹ́

(by extension) a spiritual symbol of the deity Òrìṣàoko

a prefix for given names (usually seen as Ṣó-) among the Ẹ̀gbá, Òwu, and Ìjẹ̀bú people who worship Òrìṣàoko


oṣo

From ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣó (“to squat”)


ọbụtụn

/ɔ̀.bʊ́.tʊ̃̀/


okotorobo

òkótòróbó tùyẹ́ sílẹ̀, ọmọ tuntun ń gbé jó, ó ní ó rọ òun lọ́rùn lòún tu ú

The okotorobo bird shed its feather, a child picked up and danced with it, and it said would I have discarded it if it was not a nuisance?

a species of bird, noted for its lack of feathers


ụdẹ

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-dɛ, compare with Igala údẹ

Ọmọ olúpóólé Ará kọ́n tị́ ị mago ụdẹ mómi
The people who origin from the place called Ará where they use brass cups to drink water (oríkì of the town of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín)


ukọ

(Ọwọ) messenger, diplomat, delegate for a monarch or town


ụkọ

ukọ̀

Ọ̀wọ̀, Ìjẹ̀bú


ụkọ

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-kɔ́

ukọ̀

Ọ̀wọ̀, Ìjẹ̀bú


ọyan

From ọ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yàn (“to suckle”). The use of yàn with this noun is restricted to Central Yoruba dialects, while others use mu (“to drink”).
Compare with Igala ẹ́nyà, Olukumi ọnyàn, Itsekiri èyán, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-ɲã̀. Perhaps distantly related to àyà (“chest”) or *ɔ́-yà (“wife”), which links to other Volta-Niger words for woman. Etymological evidence suggests that ọyàn served as a more euphemistic name compared to ọmú, and while it has largely replaced ọmú in common day speech, its original euphemistic origins may support the idea that it comes from a non-anatomical root, similar to the developement of euphemisms for genitalia.

(anatomy, originally euphemistic) breast


pẹẹlẹpẹ

/k͡pɛ̄ɛ̄.lɛ̀.k͡pɛ́/


aja Oro

/ā.d͡ʒá ō.ɾò/

From ajá (“dog”) + Orò (“Oro”), literally “dog of Oro”, from the sound of the bullroarer

compound

bullroarer, used during the ritual worship of the deity Orò


upẹn

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pẹ́n (“to share out; to divide”), literally “one's lot, one's portion”. Cognate with Yoruba ìpín

af

(Ijebu) the act of dividing something into parts

(Ijebu) destiny, fate (literally "one's life portion")


ẹlomiran

/ɛ̄.lò.mĩ́.ɾã̀/

Mo máa ń bọ̀wọ̀ fáwọn ẹlòmíràn.


ibomiran

/ī.bò.mĩ́.ɾã̀/

Ẹ bá mi gbé iṣu yẹn sí ibòmíràn.


ibomii

/ī.bò.mĩ́ĩ̀/

Àgbàrá òjò ya wọlé láwọn ibòmíì


Ikẹja

/ì.kɛ̄.d͡ʒà/

A city, the state capital of Lagos State, Nigeria.

one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


ẹụra

(Ekiti) water yam; purple yam; Dioscorea alata or Dioscorea smilacifolia


ẹlẹgungun

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.ɡũ̄.ɡũ̀/

Perhaps related with Edo ẹ̀ghúghù, equivalent to oní- + ẹ̀- + gungùn


duọọsi

/dú.ɔ́ɔ̀.sì/


alubọsa elewe

head

àlùbọ́sà eléwé

àlùbọ́sà eléwé

yo-pos

àlùbọ́sà eléwé

àlùbọ́sà eléwé

yo-noun

àlùbọ́sà eléwé

àlùbọ́sà eléwé

From àlùbọ́sà (“onion”) + eléwé (“that which has leaves”), literally “leafy onion”.


bọdi

to insert some type of medication (often an IM) into the anus, buttocks


bọdi

(rare outside of compounds or fixed expressions) body


mẹkunnu

poor person, a group of poor people, a society of poor people


iwọde

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wọ́de (“to protest”).


pabanbari

Ìtàn tó paban̄barì

to be astonishing; remarkable; extraordinary


pabanbari

Paban̄barì mà lọjọ́ òní o!

remarkable thing; outstanding thing; important thing


wọde

From wọ́ (“to crowd”) + òde (“public area”).


wọde

From wọ (“to enter”) + òde (“public area; outside”).


tajutaju

From reduplication of ta ojú (“to sting the eyes”) (literally “eye stinger”).

reduplication

Àwọn ọlọ́pàá fín tajútajú láti tú ìwọ́de ká.

The police sprayed tear gas to disperse the protesters.

Ṣó ń mu tajútajú?


lapaipa

Compare with Edo àkpákpà, Ekiti Yoruba aláropàpà, Olukumi àkpákpa, Itsekiri àkpákpà


Owu-Ipoole

From Òwu (“Owu”) + ìpóólé (“original home”), literally “The original home of the Owu”. ìpóólé is used as a term among many Yoruba societies to describe the original founding location of a town, before because of a variety of reasons, the people migrated to another location.

compound

(historical) the ancient capital of the Òwu kingdom founded by legendary king Ajíbọ́ṣìn from the 13th century to sometime in the 18th century, where it was replaced by Orílẹ̀ Òwu and other Òwu towns, including Àpòmù, Ẹrùnmu


iwọntunwọnsi

head

ìwọ̀ntúnwọ̀nsì

ìwọ̀ntúnwọ̀nsì

yo-pos

ìwọ̀ntúnwọ̀nsì

ìwọ̀ntúnwọ̀nsì

yo-noun

ìwọ̀ntúnwọ̀nsì

ìwọ̀ntúnwọ̀nsì

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wọ̀n (“to weigh; measure”) + ọ̀tún (“right”) + wọ̀n (“to weight; measure”) + òsì (“left”).


laye atijọ

From ní (“in”) + ayé àtijọ́ (“ancient times”).


aikaragba

/à.í.kà.ɾà.ɡ͡bá/

From ugbá (“calabash”). Cognates with Èkìtì Yoruba àkíkàrágbá, Yoruba àákàràgbá


iwoyi

From ìwò (“present time period”) + èyí (“this”)


ibọwọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bù (“to give”) + ọ̀wọ̀ (“respect”)


ibọwọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọ̀ (“to wear; to put on”) + ọwọ́ (“hand”)


kọja

From kọ + já (“to break; to break limit”)

to go or pass beyond time, place, or people; to cross

to exceed some degree, quantity, time, distance


ranṣẹ

(transitive, ditransitive) to send or dispatch a message or errand


oluranṣẹ

/ō.lù.ɾã́.ʃɛ́/

From olù- (“non-productive agent prefix”) + ránṣẹ́ (“to send a message or an errand”)


lẹgbẹẹ

/lɛ́.ꜜɡ͡bɛ́/

From ní (“at, on”) + ẹ̀gbẹ́ (“side”), literally “at the side”

compound

Gọ́tà tó wà lẹ́gbẹ̀ẹ́ ọ̀nà.


aye atijọ

/ā.jé à.tī.d͡ʒɔ́/

From ayé (“world”) + àtijọ́ (“old; ancient”).

Àwọn Máyà ayé àtijọ́


bọbọ

young man; bros; brother (term of affection for a young man)


ẹgbẹẹgbẹ

head

ẹ̀gbẹ̀ẹ̀gbẹ́

ẹ̀gbẹ̀ẹ̀gbẹ́

yo-pos

ẹ̀gbẹ̀ẹ̀gbẹ́

ẹ̀gbẹ̀ẹ̀gbẹ́

yo-noun

ẹ̀gbẹ̀ẹ̀gbẹ́

ẹ̀gbẹ̀ẹ̀gbẹ́

/ɛ̀.ɡ͡bɛ̀ɛ̀.ɡ͡bɛ́/


oluli

From olí- (“the one who has”) + ulí (“house”), cognates include Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba olúlé, Yoruba onílé

compound

Olúlí mi hàn yéye


olule

From olí- (“the one who has”) + ulé (“house”), cognates include Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba olúlí, Yoruba onílé

Olúlé nẹ́ẹ̀ éè gbọ́ mi


dirodiro

Mo rí eku kékeré kan tó ń fì dirodiro láàárín àwọn èékánná rẹ̀ bó ṣe rọra ń fò lọ sókè rẹ̀mùrẹmu bó ti ń lo àwọn apá rẹ̀ tó fẹ̀ tó ogóje sẹ̀ǹtímítà láti ìkángun apá kan dé ìkejì.

2000, ““Ẹyẹ Tó Lẹ́wà Jù Lọ Tó Ń Gbé Inú Igbó””, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

I could clearly see a little rodent hanging in his talons as he moved upward in slow, imposing flight upon huge wings that stretched 50 inches [140 cm] from wing tip to wing tip.


ọbu

Cognates include Itsekiri ọ̀bọ̀n, Àpọ́ị̀ Izon ọ̀bọ̀n, Oǹdó Yoruba ọ̀bùn, Ìlàjẹ Yoruba ọ̀bọ̀n.

Màá la gbàmìírà náti ta ẹwúnrẹ̀nkọ̀n rí ọ̀bù nénìí

I will go try to sell something at the market today


ọwọ osi

/ɔ̄.wɔ́ ò.sì/

From ọwọ́ (“hand”) + òsì (“left”). Often replaced with the term ọwọ́ àlàáfíà because of the similarity between òsì (left) and òṣì (“poverty, destitution”)

Ọwọ́ òsì ni ó ń bẹ̀

Ẹ má lo ọwọ́ òsì láti fúnni ní nǹkan.

Don't use the left hand to give people things.

Ọmọ àlè ló máa ń fọwọ́ òsì júwe ilé bàbá ẹ̀.

It's an illegitimate child that points at their father's home with their left hand.


ọwọ alaafia

head

ọwọ́ àlàáfíà

ọwọ́ àlàáfíà

yo-pos

ọwọ́ àlàáfíà

ọwọ́ àlàáfíà

yo-noun

ọwọ́ àlàáfíà

ọwọ́ àlàáfíà

/ɔ̄.wɔ́ à.làá.fí.à/

From ọwọ́ (“hand”) + àlàáfíà (“peace; good health”), literally “the hand of peace”.

com

(euphemistic, idiomatic) left-hand; left side


ọbọn

Cognates include Itsekiri ọ̀bọ̀n, Àpọ́ị̀ Izon ọ̀bọ̀n.


Adekiitẹ

From adé (“royalty/crown”) + kìí (“does not”) + tẹ̀ (“to crush/fall”)

compound

a unisex given name meaning “The crown does not fall”


Aeregbe

/ā.é.ɾé.ɡ͡bé/

Possibly from aéré (“farmhouse, hut”) + gbé. Compare with Ondo Yoruba Aghéégbé, Ọwọ, Idanre Yoruba Aghérégbé. Multiple independent oral histories assert that the festival was exported from the kingdom of Ọ̀bà-Ilé. This perhaps suggests that this festival is a remnant of Ọ̀bà-Ilé cultural influence on its neighbors, before the establishment of kingdoms like Àkúrẹ́, Adó, Ìdànrè, and Oǹdó, as well as Benin influence, which reduced its influence.

(Ekiti) an ancient festival celebrated in certain Èkìtì towns including Àkúrẹ́, Adó, and others, and is mainly characterized by the consumption of àkàrà.

sìbí

traditional dance performed during Aérégbé

Ọlụ́a

a deity worshipped during Aeregbe festivals in some towns


ranti

From rán (“to remember; to keep a bad memory”) + etí (“ear”)

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - rántíview map

rántí嚽Ìjẹ̀búÌjẹ̀búÌjẹ̀bú Òdenírọn嚽Rẹ́mọẸ̀pẹ́nírọn嚽Ìkòròdúnírọn嚽Ṣágámùnírọn嚽Ìkálẹ̀Òkìtìpupaníran嚽ÌlàjẹMahinníran嚽OǹdóOǹdónían嚽Ọ̀wọ̀Ọ̀wọ̀níran嚽

yèrè嚽UsẹnUsẹnyerhè嚽ÌtsẹkírìÌwẹrẹtìgbì嚽OlùkùmiUgbódùyèwá嚽Proto-YorubaCentral YorubaÈkìtìÈkìtìÀdó Èkìtìyèrè嚽Àkúrẹ́Àkúrẹ́yèrè嚽Mọ̀bàỌ̀tùn Èkìtìyèrè嚽Northwest YorubaẸ̀gbádòÌjàkárántí嚽ÈkóÈkórántí嚽ÌbàdànÌbàdànrántí嚽ÌlọrinÌlọrinrántí嚽OǹkóÒtùrẹ́ntí嚽Ìwéré Ilérẹ́ntí嚽Òkèhòrẹ́ntí嚽Ìsẹ́yìnrẹ́ntí嚽Ṣakírẹ́ntí嚽Tedérẹ́ntí嚽Ìgbẹ́tìrẹ́ntí嚽Ọ̀yọ́Ọ̀yọ́rántí嚽Standard YorùbáNàìjíríàrántí嚽Bɛ̀nɛ̀rántí嚽Northeast Yoruba/OkunÌyàgbàÌsánlú Ìtẹ̀dórántí嚽OwéKabbarọ́ntí嚽Ede Languages/Southwest YorubaỌ̀họ̀rí/Ɔ̀hɔ̀rí-ÌjèỌ̀họ̀rí/Ɔ̀hɔ̀rí/ÌjèÌkpòbɛ́rántí嚽Onigbolorántí嚽Kétu/ÀnàgóKéturántí嚽Ifɛ̀Akpárétédzú嚽Atakpamɛtédzú嚽Tchettitédzú嚽Note: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties


ịra

(Ekiti) member of a society, group, club, or family

(Ekiti) family, relative, friend, acquaintance


ọwọ ọtun

/ɔ̄.wɔ́ ɔ̀.tṹ/


ibẹpẹ

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ìbẹ́pẹview map

ìbẹ́pẹ抙ÈkóÈkóìbẹ́pẹ抙ÌbàdànÌbàdànìbẹ́pẹ抙ÌlọrinÌlọrinìbẹ́pẹ抙Ọ̀yọ́Ọ̀yọ́ìbẹ́pẹ抙Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ìbẹ́pẹ抙Ìkirèìbẹ́pẹ抙Ìwóìbẹ́pẹ抙Standard YorùbáNàìjíríàìbẹ́pẹ抙Bɛ̀nɛ̀ìbɛ́kpɛ抙Northeast Yoruba

Southwest YorubaIfɛ̀Est-Monoagiɖi抙Note: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties


tẹpa mọṣẹ

/tɛ̄.k͡pá mɔ̃́.ʃɛ́/

From tẹ (“to apply”) + ipá (“force”) + mọ́ (“towards”) + iṣẹ́ (“work”).


fọfọ

Ìpápánu yẹn kún fọ́fọ́ fún ṣúgà

Èrò kún ibẹ̀ yẹn fọ́fọ́

(used with kún (“to be full”)) full to the brim; packed; stuffed


pajapaja

Possibly from reduplication of pa ajá (literally “to kill a dog”), compare Nupe kpadzákpadzá.

reduplication

Pajápajá ń mú mi lẹ́sẹ̀


ẹghẹnghẹn

/ɛ̄.ɣɛ̃̀.ɣɛ̃́/


jawojawo

Reduplication of já owó (“snatch money”).


kulusọ

antlion larva, known for making holes in the sand used for catching prey


segesege

Ó ń ṣe ségesège.


gbaju-ẹ

/ɡ͡bá.d͡ʒú.ɛ̀/

From gbá ojú ẹ̀ (“slap his/her face”). It could have been influenced by an older phrase gbájú ìgan, used in the 1960s to describe magicians who deceptively rob people of their belongings at motor parks and other locations, while also comparing the sting of a slap to being frauded.

...igbó mímu àti gbájú ẹ̀ tí wọ́n ń pè ní 419 ti jàrábà àwọn ará ìlú Ẹ̀tànlókù.

...marijuana and fraud, also called 419 have become a way of life of the people of Ẹ̀tànlókù.


rọbi

to labour; to be in the pains of childbirth


ku ewu ọmọ

/kú ē.wū ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄/

From kú + ewu (“danger”) + ọmọ (“child”), literally “greeting for overcoming the danger of childbirth”

compound

a greeting when one has given birth to a child


ẹyịnyịn

/ɛ̄.jɪ̃̀.jɪ̃́/

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Edekiri Proto-Edekiri *ɛ-ɣɪ̃̀ɣɪ̃́, compare with Itsekiri ọghẹ̀nghẹ́n


oii

(Ondo) Alternative form of oriri (“Blue-spotted wood dove”)


egue

Compare with Itsekiri igùrè (“village”), probably from Proto-Edekiri Proto-Yoruboid *i-gùrè

Ọkùnẹn dá eguè mẹ́gwàá sálẹ̀.


ghẹngwa

Ọnẹ yí a bí rire, ó ghàn jù ọnẹ a bí ghẹngwà.

A well born person is better than a beautiful person.

Ìlàjẹ, agbénọ́kọ̀ghẹngwà.

Ilaje, the ones who are beautiful in canoes.


pẹkulẹ

(Ondo) A dish comprised of cooked beans and boiled corn


oṣere

From ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣeré (“to do a game; to perform”)


abisinwin

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bí (“to give birth”) + sínwín (“to be psychotic”).

postpartum depression
postpartum depression


ifun-ọnị

/ì.fũ̄.ɔ̀.nɪ̃̀/

From ìfun (“intestines”) + ọ̀nị̀ (“crocodile”), literally “crocodile intestines”, from the fact that Ekiti people believed the undershirt resembled the intestines of a crocodile


Muyiwa

→ English: Muyiwa

From mú (“to bring”) + iyì or uyì (“honor, dignity”) + wá (“to come”), literally “To bring honour”

a unisex given name meaning “brings honour”, usually a shortening of a longer name such as Olúwamúyìwá (“The Lord brings honour”), Oyèmúyìwá (“Chieftaincy brings honour”), Ògúnmúyìwá (“Ogun brings honour”), Adémúyìwá (“Royalty brings honour”), Ifámúyìwá (“Ifa brings honour”) etc.


Muyiiwa

→ English: Muyiwa

From mú (“to bring”) + èyí (“this”) + wá (“to come”), literally “To bring this one [the child]”

a unisex given name meaning “brings this one”, usually a shortening of a longer name such as Olúwamúyìíwá (“The Lord has brought this one”), Ògúnmúyìíwá (“Ogun has brought this one”), Adémúyìíwá (“Royalty has brought this one”) etc.


ogbere koo

/ò.ɡ͡bè.ɾè kóò/

From ògbèrè (“stranger”) + kóò (“leave”), literally “Leave stranger”!

(Ekiti) a ritualistic chant reminding strangers to not interfere in traditional rites and also as a rally cry among Èkìtì people and towns


adimọlẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dì (“to braid”) + mọ́ (“towards”) + ilẹ̀ (“down, ground”)

af

cornrows (in particular) with the braid facing the scalp


alapata

From oní- (“one who has”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pa (“to kill; butcher”) + tà (“to sell”), literally “one who butchers to sell”


Papalanto

A settlement established in the mid-1800s after the collapse of the Òwu kingdom, the town was apparently first settled by a man by the Adéìtán and Ọláító sometime in the mid-1800s. After the collapse of Òwu Ìpóólé, a descendant of the Amọ́roro royal house joined them. During the Ogun Àdùbí in 1918, the town grew as a result of the sugarcane plantation. The first part of the term comes from pápá (“field”), while the second part is said to come from the name Ọláító, ultimately pápá + Ọláító, literally “Ọláító's field”


ọọru

(Ekiti) cobra; (in particular) Forest cobra or Black-necked spitting cobra


Itori

an Òwu Yoruba town in Ewékorò, Ogun, Nigeria


Salakọ

From sọ (“tie”) + àlà (“white cloth”) + kọ́ (“hang”), literally “to a hang a white cloth on one's shoulder”. Children with this name are usually associated with the deity Ọbàtálá

orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá
orukọ amutọrunwa#Yoruba

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to children who were born with a nuchal cord that wraps around their body and shoulder so that it resembles a white sash


Talabi

From ti (“of”) + àlà (“white cloth”) + bí (“to be born”), literally “That which is born with white cloth”. Children with this name are usually associated with the deity Ọbàtálá

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to children who were born with a nuchal cord that wraps around their body and waist so that it resembles a white banner. This is extremely similar to the circumstances for the name Sàlàkọ́


Olugbodi

Probably from olú (“main one, prominent person”) + gbé (“to carry”) + odi (“bunch (usually of fruit)”), literally “The one that carries a bunch”

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to children born with six fingers (polydactyly)


Ọkẹ

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born via an en caul birth, in which its amniotic sac is still intact


Ọmọpẹ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃́.k͡pɛ́/

From ọmọ (“child”) + pẹ́ (“to be late; to be delayed”), literally “The child stayed late”

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born past their mother's due date


Abiọna

From a- (“agent prefix”) + bí (“to be born”) + sí (“to, on”) + ọ̀nà (“road”), literally “One who is born on the road”

af

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born before a mother could reach the hospital, or traditionally, born at the farm, before a mother can make it back home


Oni

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child who cries incessantly


Ilọri

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọ̀ (“to grind”) + rí (“to see”), literally “Grinding of something resulting in the finding of something else”

a unisex given name, orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born while their mother was not menstruating


Ejitọn

/è.d͡ʒí.tɔ̃́/

A name that is remnant of the ancient Ifa system of divination known as agbigba, cognate terms are found in almost every system of Ifa-like divination among the Edo, Yoruba, Igbo, Urhobo, and Nupe, equivalent to Ògúndá. Compare with Itsekiri Ègíté, Igala Èjítá, Edo Ìghítan, Igbo Ìɣítẹ (Nri), Igbo Ìjíte (Nsuka), Igbo Èjíte (Western Igbo), Idoma Èjítá, perhaps a distant Doublet of Ògúndá. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ì-jítã́ or Proto-Yoruboid *ì-jíté

(Ekiti) The ninth principal sign of the Ifa divination system

(Ekiti) The ninth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus, and one of the major ojú odù


abi-

abi- + oyún (“pregnancy”) → aboyún (“pregnant person”)

abi- + ilé (“house”) + ọkọ (“husband”) → abilékọ (“married woman”)

abi- + ìyẹ́ (“bird”) → abìyẹ́ (“winged animal”)

abi- + ìlà (“line”) → abìlà (“linear; having distinctive lines”)

abi- + iké (“hunchback”) → abuké (“one with a hunchback”)

prefix (added to nouns to create to detail ownership or association)


oli-

From o- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lí (“to have; to own”). The "o" prefix harmonizes with the initial vowel associated with the noun it precedes. Because /n/ and /l/ are allophonic, both oní- and olí- are essentially the same, and in Standard Yoruba, oní- will often have an /l/ when in compounds. However, in certain dialects, the /n/ and /l/ are not allophonic in this case, /l/ is primarily used like in Egba and Ekiti, while in Ondo or Ijebu, only /n/ is used.

(Ẹgba) oli- + ilé (“house”) → olílé (“landlord”)

oli- + òòṣà (“deity, orisha”) → olóòṣà (“worshipper of the orisha”)

(Ekiti) oli- + ụgbajúmọ̀ (“fame”) → ọlụ́gbajúmọ̀ (“celebrity”)

(Ekiti) oli- + ọ̀fịn (“palace”) → Ọlọ́fịn (“title associated with kingship and royalty”)

(Ekiti) oli- + ọ̀yị́nyị́n (“gossip”) → ọlọ́yị́nyị́n (“gossiper”)

(Ẹgba) oli- + ìgbín (“a drum associated with the deity Obatala”) + dé (“to arrive”) → Olígbìndé (“A Yoruba surname meaning "The igbin drummer has arrived"”)

oli- + ọwá (“palace, king”) → Ọlọ́wá (“title of a king”)

(Ekiti) oli- + ió (“money”) → olíó (“rich person”)

(Ikalẹ) oli- + oghó (“money”) → ológhó (“rich person”)

(Ondo) oli- + ọ̀bùn (“market”) → Lọ́bùn (“chief of commerce”)

(Ondo) oli- + èkìkì (“oriki”) → lékìkì (“oriki chanter”)

Alternative form of oní- (“a prefix (added to nouns to detail ownership or association to the noun)”)


sụọn

mọ́ gbàdúrà kí òní í, kọ́ sụọ̀n


Ọgbẹsẹ

/ɔ̀.ɡ͡bɛ̀.sɛ̀/

Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ́dáhùnsi

a Yoruba name meaning "Ogbese answered me

Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ́lúsì

a Yoruba name meaning "Ogbese is notable"

Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ́sanmí

a Yoruba name meaning "Ogbese rewards me"

Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ́tóre

a Yoruba name meaning "Ogbese is worthy of goodness"

an androgynous water deity (ụmọlẹ̀ or òrìṣà), regarded as a son of Olókun and associated with fertility and the Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ̀ river that runs in Èkìtì and Oǹdó states. It is regarded as being female or male in different traditions.


igbaweremẹsin

head

ìgbàwèrèmẹ́sìn

ìgbàwèrèmẹ́sìn

yo-pos

ìgbàwèrèmẹ́sìn

ìgbàwèrèmẹ́sìn

yo-noun

ìgbàwèrèmẹ́sìn

ìgbàwèrèmẹ́sìn

/ì.ɡ͡bà.wè.ɾè.mɛ́.sĩ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbà (“to accept”) + wèrè (“craziness”) + mọ́ (“with”) + ẹ̀sìn (“religion”)


Oluwoo

the title of the traditional monarch of the town of Ìwó, Ọ̀ṣun state


Ijẹlu

/ì.d͡ʒɛ̀.lú/

Ijelu-Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); known for being closely associated to the deity of Èṣù, including where Èṣù is believed to have "entered the ground" (wọlẹ̀)


Ido-Fabọrọ

head

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

yo-pos

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

yo-prop

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

From Ìdó + Ifá + bá + ọrọ̀, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dó (“to settle”), literally “that which we settled” and Ifá (“Ifa, referring to the deity and prophet Orunmila”) + bá (“to meet”) + ọrọ̀ (“wealth”), literally “Ifa has met wealth”, likely referring to the fact Orunmila found his wife in Ido

compound

Ido Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); known for its reference in the Odù Ifá as the birthplace and hometown of the legendary figure Pòróyè, who eventually became a wife of Ọ̀rúnmìlà (Ifá) and the mother of Ọlọmọ


Isaba

Isaba-Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); known for being the home of the deity Ọ̀sanyìn


Igede

Igede-Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); regarded as the birthplace of the deity Ọ̀ṣun and Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ̀, as well as being the source of the Osun river


laiwowe

From ní (“preposition”) + àì- (“negative prefix”) + wò (“to look”) + ìwé (“book”), literally “without looking at a book”


birọ

From bí (“ask”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”). Cognates include Itsekiri bírọ̀


ẹjoji

/ɛ̀.d͡ʒò.d͡ʒì/

Cognates include Yoruba àjèjì, Itsekiri ẹ̀jòjì


erembo

/ē.ɾè.ŋ̀.bó/


diacritical mark
diacritical mark#English

(obsolete) A diacritical mark of the Latin script, called àmì fàágùn (“lengthend mark”). Formerly used to indicate any sequence of tones on extended vowels


idanilẹkọọ

head

ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́

ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́

yo-pos

ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́

ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́

yo-noun

ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́

ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to give”) + ẹni (“person”) + ní + ẹ̀kọ́ (“lesson”).


irinṣẹ

From irin (“iron; metal”) + iṣẹ́ (“work”).


ẹlẹwọn

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.wɔ̃̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ẹ̀wọ̀n (“prison cell”).


ile ọkọ

/ī.lé ɔ̄.kɔ̄/

From ilé (“house”) + ọkọ (“husband; dear”).

Ẹsẹ̀ rẹ̀ ti wà nílé ọkọ.

She is married (literally, “Her foot is in the marital home.”)

Ilé ọkọ yá

marital home (by extension) married life


Panyan-an

/k͡pã̀.jã́ã̀/

Likely from Portuguese Espanha. Doublet of Sípéènì.


panyan-an

/k͡pã̀.jã́ã̀/

Mi ò gbọ́ pànyán-àn tó ò ń sọ yẹn

I don't understand that gibberish of yours


asiidi

"Propanethial-S-oxide" yìí, gáàsì ni. Lásìkò tó wá débi ojú tó bá fara kan omi díẹ̀ tó wà lórí ojú, yóò wá di ásíìdì kan tá a mọ̀ sí "tetraoxosulphate VI acid" tí wọ́n tún pè ní "sulphuric acid".

2023, Arojinle, 0:29–0:44 from the start, in HOW NOT TO CRY WHEN CUTTING ONION:

Propanethial-S-oxide is a gas. Upon coming in contact with eye moisture it produces an acid known as tetraoxosulphate VI acid, which is also called sulphuric acid.


bakiteria

Irú bakitéríà pọ̀ lóríṣiríṣi, àwọn kan la fi ń pọntí, àwọn kan la fi ń ṣe ajílẹ̀, ṣùgbọ́n àwọn bakitéríà kan wà tó máa ń fa àrùn, àwọn gan-an ni a ń pè ní "kòkòrò àrùn".

There are numerous types of bacteria, some are used to brew alcohol, some are used to make compost, but there are some bacteria that cause disease, those in particular are called "pathogens".


fọnfọn

Wọ́n ń sùn fọnfọn.

Mo sùn lọ fọnfọn ní kété tí mo délé.

I fell fast asleep as soon as I got home.

(used with sùn (“to sleep”)) soundly; deeply; sound asleep


elekiti

From oní- (“one who has”) + è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kìtí (“ideophone describing a physical entity being both solid and open”)


gborogi

/ɡ͡bò.ɾò.ɡì/

Compare with Nupe gbògì, Ayere igbògìdù, Lopa gbədəgi


ofio

Cyperus esculentus
Cyperus esculentus#Translingual


ẹẹdogun

Lucumí: edogún

/ɛ̀ɛ́.dó.ɡṹ/

Contraction of àrúndínlógún (“fifteen”, literally “five subtracted from twenty”). Compare Ifè mɛ́ɛɖógú and Olukumi ẹ̀dógún.

cog

Ifè mɛ́ɛɖógú


aadọrin

Lucumí: adorín

/àá.dɔ́.ꜜɾĩ̄/

From ẹ̀wá (“ten”) + dín (“to subtract”) + ní (“in”) + ọrin (“eighty”), literally “ten subtracted from eighty”.

compound

seventy
(after a noun) seventieth, number 70


ayẹyẹ

Ẹ jẹ́ kí ayẹyẹ bẹ̀rẹ̀


ẹgbẹnọ

/ɛ̀.ɡ͡bɛ́.nɔ̀/

Ẹ̀gbẹ́nọ̀ rúlé mi wà


ẹda

a small species of bush rat; (in particular) Natal multimammate mouse


ẹda

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to create”)


ẹda

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dà (“to secrete”)


Alademọmi

From Blend of aládé (“king, royalty”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + mí (“me”), literally “The king knows me”

blend

a unisex given name meaning “The king knows me”


Aladegbuji

From aládé (“king, royalty”) + gba (“to accept”) + ùjì (“shade, shadow”)

compound

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Royalty has accepted a shade”


Aladejana

From aládé (“king, royalty”) + já (“to steer towards”) + ọ̀nà (“path”)

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Royalty has found the right path”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Aládéjánà


Adebọbajọ

From adé (“crown, royalty”) + bá (“together with”) + ọba (“king”) + jọ (“fit”), literally “The crown suits the king”. An name for a prince born during coronation or born while the king was in a council session.

a male given name meaning “The crown suits the king”

a surname, from the given name Adébọ́bajọ


Adegbamigbe

/ā.dé.ɡ͡bà.mĩ́.ɡ͡bé/

From adé (“royalty”) + è (“negation prefix”) + gbàgbé (“to forget”) + mí (“me”), literally “The crown did not forget me”. Evidence that the verb gbàgbé originally acted as a splitting verb in at least some Yoruba dialects

(CY) a unisex given name meaning “The crown did not forget me”

(CY) a surname from the given name Adégbàmígbé


Aladelusi

From aládé (“king, royalty”) + ní (“to have”) + ùsì (“honor, prestige”)

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “The king has honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Aládélúsì


Ọmọrẹmilẹkun

head

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

yo-pos

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

yo-prop

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃́.ɾɛ̀.mĩ́.lɛ́.kṹ/

From ọmọ (“child”) + rẹ̀ (“to console”) + mí (“me”) + ní (“in”) + ẹkún (“tears”), literally “The child consoled my tears”

compound

a unisex given name meaning “The child has consoled my tears”

a surname from given name Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ̀kún


ụụrẹ

(Ekiti) porcupine (African brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus) and crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata))


atẹrigba

/à.tɛ́.ɾí.ɡ͡bà/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tẹ́ (“to lay, put out”) + orí (“head, surface”) + gbà (“take, accept, receive”), literally “one that the head/surface is put out for to receive or carry”

af

ọmọ àtẹ́rígbà kọ́n mị́jẹ ọ̀nị̀yọ̀n í kù
The child of the lintel where they put the leftovers of people (oríkì verse from the lineage of the Déjì of Àkúrẹ́)


Atọn

Alternative form of Atan (“a female river deity worshipped by several Èkìtì Yorùbá speaking towns, including Ìjàrẹ́ and Ijù”)

Atan

Alternative form of Atan (“Atọn (a river in Nigeria)”)


tatase

Probably from Hausa tā̀ttā̀sai, compare with Bole tā̀ttā̀se


ṣọkụrọ

/ʃɔ́.kʊ̀.ɾɔ́/

ṣọ́kụ̀rọ́ mi jẹ sẹ́rụn ṣe wọ́yọ̀wọ́yọ̀ a ti dé ulé èye mi l'Ụ̀gbàrà-Òkè
The ṣọ́kụ̀rọ́ bird that I eat make loud sounds along the path to my mother's house in Igbara-Oke (a verse from the oriki of the town of Igbara-Oke)

(Ekiti) a name for several species of small to medium sized passerine bird; Northern grey-headed sparrow


akiti

a species of monkey; perhaps the Chlorocebus tantalus


Igbara-odo

/ì.ɡ͡bà.ɾà.ō.dò/

Local folk etymology states it originates from Àìgbàrà (“Aigbara forest”) + odò (“river, south”), literally “The southern part of the Aigbara forest”, compare with Ìgbàrà-òkè, the sister town.

compound

Igbara-odo (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria)


Ikọta

From Ụ̀kọta, the name for the town in the Ekiti dialect of the region

Ikota (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria), close to the town of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín


Iṣarun

Folk etymology states it comes from ụ̀ṣà (“pot”) + run (“to crumble”), literally “The place where the pots were destroyed”, perhaps referring to the many leftover potsherds that litter the town, a remnant of perhaps a culture of pottery in the area

Isarun (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria), known for being the location of Iwo Eleru cave


Ipogun

/ì.k͡pō.ɡũ̄/

From Ùpogun, the name of the town in the local Yoruba dialect

Ipogun (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria)


Ibuji

Ibuji (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria)


Ụpịnṣa

/ʊ̀.k͡pɪ̃̄.ʃà/

Folk etymology states it comes from ụ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pị́n (“to divide, share”) + ị̀ṣà (“a type of plant”)

af

Alternative form of Ìpinṣà (“a town in Ondo, Nigeria”)


Ipinṣa

/ì.k͡pĩ̄.ʃà/

Ipinsa (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Akure South, Ondo, Nigeria)


Ibulẹ-Ṣọrọ

head

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

yo-pos

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

yo-prop

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

/ì.bū.lɛ̀.ʃɔ́.ɾɔ̀/

Ibule-Soro (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria)


arisun

From àrì- (“negative nominalizing prefix”) + sùn (“to sleep”), literally “The act of not sleeping”

af

(Ekiti) eve, vigil; the night preceding a traditional festival, consisting of song and dance throughout the night


Kọraa

Perhaps from English coral, from the coral beads that Syrian and Lebanese traders often sold in Lagos and Kano


ọṣin

Among the archaic terms for "king," "monarch," or "leader," originally widespread in most Yoruba dialects, now mainly restricted to oral poetry (oríkì), songs of deities like Ògún, and use in old Ìjẹ̀bú names and surnames like Ọ̀ṣínbàjò or Ọ̀ṣínnọ́wọ̀.
The term seemed to have been used quite commonly among the Ìjẹ̀bú, while it has been archaic in most other dialects, (especially the non-nasalized form ọṣì).
See òdío, which is a similar archaic term for king among the Èkìtì and Ìkàrẹ́ people.

Ògún lákáayé ọṣìn imọlẹ̀
Ògún lákáayé, leader of the deities

(archaic, Ijebu) king, leader; the first person to a location

Ọ̀ṣínbàjò

Yoruba name meaning The king has returned from a journey

Ọṣìnbọ̀wálé

Yoruba name meaning The king has returned home

Ọṣíndélé

Yoruba name meaning The king arrived home


urunmu

From urọn (“hair”) + *umu, umu is perhaps an obsolete word referring to the groin


urumu

From ụnrụn (“hair”) + *umu (“groin, genitalia”), umu is likely an obsolete word referring to the groin or genitalia, and may be euphemistic. Compare with Igbo amụ̀. The "uru" is a result of vowel harmony in Ekiti, where the nasal "u," is unnasalized in certain compounds, see this in urùgbọ̀n (“beard”) and urúmọlẹ̀.


ununmu

From unun (“hair”) + *umu (“groin, genitalia”), umu is likely an obsolete word referring to the groin or genitalia, and may be euphemistic. Compare with Igbo amụ̀.


ṣẹ

Ó fẹsẹ̀ ṣẹ́

Ikán ń ṣẹ́ láti ilẹ̀ sísán

Termites are teeming from the cracked earth

Ọmọlúwàbí kò gbọdọ̀ ṣẹ́ èpè

(with èpè (“swear; curse”)) to curse; to swear


ṣẹ

Wọ́n máa ń tún ààfin Ọ̀yọ́ ṣẹ́ lọ́dọọdún Bẹẹrẹ

The palace of Oyo is rethatched every Beere festival


ṣẹ

Ìṣẹ́ ti ṣẹ́ ọ̀tá wa.


ṣẹ

O ti ṣẹ̀ wá, o dẹ̀ ti já wa kulẹ̀.


ṣẹ

A ò tíì kófá nílẹ̀, gbogbo ẹ̀ ti ń ṣẹ.

We haven't packed the Ifa divination paraphernalia from the ground, and everything's already manifesting.


ṣẹ

Ibo ni wọ́n ti ṣẹ̀ wá?


Ọṣilẹ

the traditional ruler of the Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà people of Abẹ́òkúta

(historical) the ruler of the Òkò kingdom


Ẹgba Oke-Ọna

head

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

yo-pos

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

yo-noun

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

/ɛ̀.ɡ͡bá ò.kè.ɔ̀.nã̀/

From Ẹ̀gbá (“Egba”) + Òkè (“north”) + Ọ̀nà (“Ona river”), literally “Egba of the north of the Ona river”

compound

one of the three subgroups of the Egba Yoruba ethnic group of Abẹ́òkúta. Originally known as the Òkò, they lived along the Ona river, and also resided within the Rẹ́mọ kingdom. The Ẹ̀gbá Yoruba dialect they speak greatly resembles the Ìjẹ̀bú dialect


ɛ̂

(Benin) The letter ⟨ɛ⟩ with falling tone


ɔ̂

(Benin) The letter ⟨ɔ⟩ with falling tone


Ɛ̂

(Benin) The letter ⟨Ɛ⟩ with falling tone


Ɔ̂

(Benin) The letter ⟨Ɔ⟩ with falling tone


ikiribojo

Ni ìkìrìbòjò ó ti yẹlẹ̀yẹlẹ̀, kósun ù dìnà. Kósun ù dìnà ìn-ọn ịrá kọ́n lé ọ́n, ọ́n fọ́nká
When the landfowl dug up and scratched the ground, mushrooms sprouted and blocked the path. When mushrooms blocked the path, the people who were chasing them were deterred (explanation of an ancient war involving the people of Ẹfọ̀n)

(Ekiti) a species of landfowl or spurfowl similar to the chicken


ẹẹyọ

Most speakers have shifted to èfífí. See Ondo Yoruba eìghọ̀, Ijebu Yoruba èwọ̀rìwọ̀, Olukumi èghìghọ̀, and Itsekiri èghẹ̀righọ̀. From Proto-Yoruba *ɛ̀-ɣɪ̀ɣɔ̀, ultimately from Proto-Edekiri *ɛ̀-ɣɔ̀rɪ̀ɣɔ̀.

inh

*ɛ̀-ɣɔ̀rɪ̀ɣɔ̀


ụsụn

ụ̀sụndò

Compare with Olukumi uhọn, Ifè ɛ̀sɔ̃, Ikale Yoruba ùhọngbẹ́, Ijebu Yoruba ùsu, Ondo Yoruba ùsọn, Itsekiri esugbẹ, see Proto-Yoruba *V̀-sʊ̃, *ʊ̀-sʊ̃, *ɛ̀-sʊ̃, perhaps ultimately from Proto-Edekiri *V̀-su. See potential cognates outside of Yoruboid, Ukaan ɛ̀-ʃú, Nupe etsú. Also possibly from ụ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sụn (“to cry”), literally “that which cries”, which may refer to the loud crying that it produces


jẹrun

From jẹ (“to eat”) + urun (“thing”). Cognates include Itsekiri jẹrun, Yoruba jẹun


okinẹ

Cognates include Oǹdó Yoruba ọkẹnnẹ, Èkìtì Yoruba ọkịnnị, Yoruba ọkinni


ọkọnrẹn

/ɔ̀.kɔ̃̄.ɾɛ̃̀/

From ọ̀kọn (“one”) + rẹ̀n. The rẹ̀n possibly means "that" related to the Ijebu word ìyẹ̀n (“that”) and the Itsekiri word ẹ́rẹ̀n (“that”).


ukoti

→ Edo: ùkótín

→ Urhobo: ùkótí

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kó (“to gather, scoop”) + etí (“ear”)

(Ondo, Ekiti) a thin metal pin used for picking one's ear or as a hair instrument; needle


ọkinni

/ɔ̄.kĩ̄.nĩ̄/

Its origins are euphemistic, it was forbidden in some Yoruba towns to use the more common word for needle, abẹ́rẹ́, in the night or in the palace, thus ọkinni was used. Now only used in dialects or greeting a king. Compare with Ijebu Yoruba okinẹ and Ondo Yoruba ọkẹnnẹ (which may have been borrowed from this Yoruba form)

ìrùkẹ̀rẹ̀ a dọkinni

(literally, “Your flywhisk shall become as light as a needle”) (a prayer/praise for a king)


Aighọ

Folk etymology suggests that is an alternative form of the term èìghọ̀ (“taboo, abomination”), a declaration made by the king upon his rise to the throne

Àìghọ̀ ó dùdó á gbè wá oo

(Ondo, historical) the legendary first male monarch of the Oǹdó kingdom (son of the first monarch Púpùpú). He was deified and is honored as the chief ancestral deity (umalẹ̀) of the Oǹdó people


upẹrun

/ù.k͡pɛ̄.ɾũ̄/

Possibly from ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pa (“to say”) + ẹrun (“mouth”).


ọnie

With no cognates in other Yoruboid dialects/languages, likely an Oǹdó innovation


ọghọta

Unclear if borrowed from Ondo or Akure, or if they are cognate terms.

(Ondo) a species of snake similar to the Gaboon viper; (perhaps) Bitis nasicornis


legbelegbe

orí ni légbélègbé fi ń mòkùnkùn lálẹ̀ odò

(literally, “The head is what the tadpole uses to know the darkness at the bottom of the river”)

It is head that the tadpole uses to dive to the bottom the river


Gbagura

/ɡ͡bá.ɡù.ɾá/

Ẹ̀gbá + Àgùrá

the largest of the three subgroups of the Egba Yoruba ethnic group of Abẹ́òkúta. Their traditional homeland is what is now Ìbàdàn (many Gbágùrá still occupy that ancestral land), with their capital being Ìdó. Their traditional ruler is the Àgùrá


rago

a species of brown goat or ram native to Hausaland


ọgbọmọdelasuru

head

ọ̀gbọ́mọdélàsùrù

ọ̀gbọ́mọdélàsùrù

yo-pos

ọ̀gbọ́mọdélàsùrù

ọ̀gbọ́mọdélàsùrù

yo-noun

ọ̀gbọ́mọdélàsùrù

ọ̀gbọ́mọdélàsùrù

/ɔ̀.ɡ͡bɔ́.mɔ̃̄.dé.là.sù.ɾù/

From ọ̀ (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry, lift, make”) + ọmọdé (“child”) + làsùrù (“to run haphazardly,”), literally “The one who makes children run frantically”, from the constant flushing of flocks of mannikins which often prompt children to chase them.

af

(Àkúrẹ́) a species of finch; (in particular) Bronze mannikin


bẹdunjẹ

/bɛ́.dũ̄.d͡ʒɛ̀/

(Àkúrẹ́) a species of bird similar to the hornbill


isẹ

a species of small antelope; (in particular) Water chevrotain


oibaa

(Ondo) bed; (in particular) a traditional bed made from mud or clay


ailee

(Ondo) a type of grass broom, restricted to use in the home


sinwin

From sín + iwín. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *sĩ́wṹ, *sĩ́wĩ́, compare with Olukumi shíwín, Ifè sṹrṹ


ighaghe

From ìghá (“midrib of an oilpalm frond”) + ighè (“a root relating to the human rib”). The first part of the word has many Yoruboid cognates, and usually refers to the side or "rib" of a palm frond. It is not clear if the origin comes from the human rib or the palm frond rib. See Ijebu Yoruba ùwá (“human rib”), Standard Yoruba ọ̀wá (“rib of palm frond”), Èkìtì Yoruba ụ̀á (“palm frond midrib”). The second form is also a term referring to the rib, see Àkúrẹ́ Yoruba ụgbáè, ịgbáè, ịgbáyè, Èkìtì Yoruba uè, uyè, iyè. For other dialects that have the "gba" form, see Ìkálẹ̀, Ọ̀wọ̀ Yoruba ugbáyà. First part of the word can be derived from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ̀-ɣá, *ɪ̀-ɣá, also see Proto-Yoruba *ʊ̀-ɣá, *ɪ̀-ɣá.


ụgbae

From ụgbá (“side”) + iè (“root relating to the human rib”). The first part of this word can be seen in Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ugbáyà, and likely means "side," perhaps related to gbá (“to hem the sides of a mat”). The second form is also a root term referring to the rib, in Northern and central Èkìtì dialects, the term is not compounded with anything (Yoruba uè, uyè, iyè). In many other Yoruboid dialects, it is occasionally compounded with something else, see Ondo Yoruba ìghághè. See Olukumi ighè, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *i-ɣè


ughaghe

From ùghá (“midrib of an oilpalm frond”) + ighè (“a root relating to the human rib”). See Ijebu Yoruba ùwá (“human rib”), Standard Yoruba ọ̀wá (“rib of palm frond”), Èkìtì Yoruba ụ̀á (“palm frond midrib”).

(Ondo, anatomy) Alternative form of ìghághè (“rib; rib cage”)


ịgbae

From ụgbá (“side”) + iè (“root relating to the human rib”). See Olukumi ighè, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *i-ɣè.

(Àkúrẹ́, anatomy) Alternative form of ụgbáè (“rib; rib cage”)


ughogho

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Edekiri *u-ɣòɣò, compare with Olukumi ùghòghò, Yoruba uwòwò, see *u-ɣòɣò

Lagenaria siceraria
Lagenaria siceraria#Translingual

(Ondo, Ọwọ) gourd; from the plant Lagenaria siceraria


ọ̌

(Nigeria) The letter ⟨ọ⟩ with rising tone


ọ̄

(Nigeria, uncommon) The letter ⟨ọ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


Ọ̄

(Nigeria, uncommon) The letter ⟨Ọ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


Ọ̌

(Nigeria) The letter ⟨Ọ⟩ with rising tone


ẹ̄

(Nigeria, uncommon) The letter ⟨ẹ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


ẹ̌

(Nigeria) The letter ⟨ẹ⟩ with rising tone


Ẹ̌

(Nigeria) The letter ⟨Ẹ⟩ with rising tone


Ẹ̄

(Nigeria, uncommon) The letter ⟨Ẹ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


Ɔ̄

(Benin, uncommon) The letter ⟨Ɔ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


Ɛ̄

(Benin, uncommon) The letter ⟨Ɛ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


ɛ̄

(Benin, uncommon) The letter ⟨ɛ⟩ with mid tone (not usually marked overtly)


Ifamimikomi

Blend of Ifá (“Ifa (deity of wisdom and divination)”) + mú kò (“to give to”) + imí (“strength”) + mí (“me”), literally “Ifa gave me strength”

blend

(Ondo, Akure, rare) a male given name meaning “Ifa gave me strength”

(Ondo) a surname, from from the given name Ifámímíkòmí


ịpẹẹ

/ɪ̀.k͡pɛ́ɛ̀/

(Akure) a species of bird; (in particular) the Naked-faced barbet


okun ilẹ

/ō.kũ̀ ī.lɛ̀/

From okùn (“rope, string”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground, earth”), a very old euphemism, attested in languages throughout Volta-Niger, compare with Itsekiri eguálẹ̀, Ayere unfanalè, Igbo elili ọfīa (“rope of the forest”). Also see Igala ẹ́ñwu-anẹ̀ (“thing of the ground”). Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *o-kũ̀ a-lɛ̀

cog

(euphemistic) snake; (in particular) used to refer to snakes in the night, where it is believed calling one by its "real name," (ejò) may summon one.


ọkọn si

/ɔ̀.kɔ̃̀ sí/

ọ̀kọ̀n so rè ọ́


nị

See more at èyinì, compare with Olukumi ẹnẹ̀, which may suggest a Proto-Yoruba origin. Vowel harmony when interacting with a close vowel converts nị̀ into nì, for example, when compounded with èyí.


akoo

Its existence in Itsekiri ẹkòró (“hat”) may suggest a borrowing from Oǹdó or Ìkálẹ̀ to Yorùbá or suggests that the term may be of Proto-Edekiri origin, or Proto-SEY-Itsekiri origin. Also see Itsekiri ikoroghẹ̀ (“crown”), and Yoruba àkòró (“coronet”)


ọbuntun

/ɔ̄.bũ̄.tũ̄/

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃ (“maiden”), see Ifè àbitɔ̃, Itsekiri abitọn

A dá fún Ọ̀yẹ̀ nígbàtí ó ń lọ gbé ọbuntun àdúgbò wá ilé
We divine for Ọ̀yẹ̀, when he is going to bring the maiden in the neighborhood home

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọbuntunview map

ọbụntụn溦Northwest YorubaÀwórìÈbúté Mẹ́tàọbuntun溦ÈkóÈkóọbuntun溦ÌbàdànÌbàdànọbuntun溦ÌlọrinÌlọrinọbuntun溦Ọ̀yọ́Ọ̀yọ́ọbuntun溦Standard YorùbáNàìjíríàọbuntun溦Northeast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbaobutọn溦Ede Languages/Southwest YorubaIfɛ̀Akpáréàbitɔ̃溦Atakpamɛàbitɔ̃溦Est-Monoàbitɔ̃溦Tchettiàbitɔ̃溦Note: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties


obitọn

A widespread term in most dialects of Yoruba. The term is also likely associated with rituals and ceremonies associated with virginity and maidenhood. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Edekiri *ɔ-bɪtʊ̃, *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃, see Proto-Yoruba *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃. Also see Ifè àbitɔ̃

(Ondo, by extension) a traditional coming of age dance and rite performed by young women; see àpọ́n, the equivalent in young men


olukurumusi

Compare with Itsekiri ukúmúsi (“maiden”) and Ondo Yoruba kunsi

(archaic, Àkúrẹ́) a young girl who accompanies a newlywed woman to her husband's home and serves as her assistant


omidan

From ọmọ (“child”) + idan (“relating to virginhood or maidenhood”). See Ijebu Yoruba udọn (“maiden”), Olukumi ọ̀múdán (“spinster”)


ịta

From ị- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ta (“to be spicy”).

affix

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ata (“pepper”)


pubu

From pa (“to do”) + ubú (“deep body of water”)


ayeraye

From ayé (“life”) + rè (“to go”) + ayé (“life”).

com

Sọ̀rọ̀ tàbí kí o dákẹ́ títí ayérayé.


roguro

From ró + gùrò, first part of the phrase derives from the verb ró (“to stay, to stand, to lift up”)


ugbogbo

/ù.ɡ͡bó.ɡ͡bó/

From ù- + gbógbó, likely onomatopoeic or idephonic.


Ṣọlagbade

/ʃɔ̄.lá.ɡ͡bā.dé/

From Blend of ṣe (“to make”) + ọlá (“honor”) + gba (“to receive”) + adé (“royalty, crown”), literally “Make nobility to receive royalty”

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Make nobility to receive royalty”

a surname, from the given name Ṣọlágbadé


Fọlawiyọ

From Blend of fi (“to use”) + ọlá (“honor”) + wiyọ́ (“to wash one's hand”), literally “To use honor to wash one's hands”

a male given name meaning “To use honor to wash one's hands”

a surname, from the given name Fọláwiyọ́


Adediran

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Royalty has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Royalty has become generational”


Diran

From dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”)

compound

a male given name meaning “to become generational”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Adédìran and Ọládìran, see below for more longer names

Awódìran

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa worship has become generational"

Ifádìran

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa has become generational"

Omídìran

Yoruba name meaning "Water has become generational; worship of the water deity has become generation"

Oyèédìran

Yoruba name meaning "Honor/chieftaincy has become generational"

Ọdẹ́dìran

Yoruba name meaning "Hunting has become generational"

Ọlọ́fíndìran

Yoruba name meaning "Olofin worship has become generational"

Ọládìran

Yoruba name meaning "Honor has become generational"

Ọyádìran

Yoruba name meaning "Oya worship has become generational"

Ọ̀jẹ́dìran

Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship has become generational"

Ọ̀pádìran

Yoruba name meaning "Worship of Orisaoko has become generational"

Ṣàngódìran

Yoruba name meaning "Shango worship has become generational"

Àyándìran

Yoruba name meaning "Drumming has become generational"

Ògúndìran

Yoruba name meaning "The worship of Ogun has become generational"


Awodiran

From Blend of awo (“Ifá; Ifa worship; Ifá priesthood”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Ifa worship has become generational”

blend

a male given name meaning “Ifa worship has become generational”


Ogundiran

/ò.ɡṹ.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of Ògún (“Ògún; worship of Ògún”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “The worship of Ògún has become generational”

a male given name meaning “The worship of the deity Ògún has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Ògúndìran


Ifadiran

From Blend of Ifá (“Ifá; worship of Ifá”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Ifá worship has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Ifá worship has become generational”


Ọdẹdiran

/ɔ̄.dɛ́.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of ọdẹ (“hunting; hunter”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Hunting has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Hunting has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Ọdẹ́dìran


Ayandiran

/à.jã́.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of àyàn (“drumming; drummer”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “The art of drumming has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Drumming has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Àyándìran


Omidiran

/ō.mĩ́.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of omi (“water, the worship of any various water deity; river”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “The worship of water has become generational”, used by the worshippers of various water deities such as Olókun, Ọya, Ọ̀ṣun, Yemọja, Ògbòó, etc

a unisex given name meaning “The worship of water has become generational”


Ọjẹdiran

/ɔ̀.d͡ʒɛ́.dì.ɾã̄/

From ọ̀jẹ̀ (“worship of the Egúngún; Egúngún priesthood”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Worship of the Eegun has become generational”

compound

a male given name meaning “The worship of the Eégún has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Ọ̀jẹ́dìran


ẹkịkọnnọ

head

ẹ̀kị́kọ́nnọ́

ẹ̀kị́kọ́nnọ́

yo-pos

ẹ̀kị́kọ́nnọ́

ẹ̀kị́kọ́nnọ́

yo-noun

ẹ̀kị́kọ́nnọ́

ẹ̀kị́kọ́nnọ́

/ɛ̀.kɪ́.kɔ̃́.nɔ́/

Compare with Olukumi ẹ̀kíkan, Ifè èkíkã́, Itsekiri akikan, Ede Nago àíkã́nã́, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́, *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́lã́, ultimately a Proto-Edekiri innovation, Proto-Edekiri *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́, *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́lã́

inh

*ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́

*ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́


ọkịka

From ọ̀- + kị̀ka, the root ka can be found in other terms for finger, see Doublet of ìka, Doublet of ùka, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ʊ̀-ka. Perhaps potentially from the same root as èjìká and aká, which can be traced back to Proto-Niger-Congo *-ka (“hand, five”), however the tonal differences of the "a" make this unclear. If not, it is likely a Doublet of ẹ̀ka (branch), suggesting a derivation from a root meaning "to be divided," to be "branched out."


elubọ

→ Hausa: alabo

→ Nupe: lùbwá, rùbwá

a parboiled and dried crop processed into flour; (in particular) such flour used to make dishes like àmàlà

(by extension) flour made from dried crops, usually yam, plantain, or cassava


ịrọnyin

/ɪ̄.ɾɔ̃̄.jĩ̀/


iaye

From iá (“member”) + ayé (“world, earth”), literally “Inhabitant of the earth, earthbeing”, in comparison to iá ọ̀un (“heavenly being”)


fi han

From fi (“to use”) + hàn (“to show”). Compare with Ede Nago fú hàn, Ifè ŋà

to reveal, to demonstrate to someone; to show

(idiomatic) to betray (literally) to point someone out; to reveal a person


kowee

kowéè tó ké tí kò ha, ewu ń bẹ

If kowee bird that cries does not remedy the pain, there is danger lurking (Yoruba saying regarding the kowee bird)

a species of black and white in the Vanga, particularly the White-crested helmetshrike and also possibly the Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher. These birds serve as a traditional omen or symbol of death or danger.


ologeeṣa

/ō.ló.ɡèé.ʃà/

From oní- + ògé + òòṣà, literally “Oge of the orisha”

af

Adífá fún ológèéṣà ti yóò korò lẹ́jẹ̀ tọmọtọmọ
We divine for the egyptian plover, who's descendants shall continue to be bitter to the blood (a verse of the Odu Ifa Ọ̀wọ́nrínṣogbè establishing the taboo of consuming the oge bird)

a nickname for the bird known as the Egyptian plover, especially when it is referenced in verses of the Odù Ifá or in poetry. It features on the staff of priests of the deity known as Ọ̀sanyìn, and is associated with healing and medicine.


ajao ajọsọn

head

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

yo-pos

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

yo-noun

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

/à.d͡ʒà.ò à.d͡ʒɔ̀.sɔ̃́/

From àjàò (“anomalure, flying squirrel”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọ (“to resemble”) + ọ̀sọ́n (“afternoon”), literally “The flying squirrel that resembles the bright/orangeness of the afternoon”, named so because of its orange skin and belly

af

(Àkúrẹ́) a type of rodent known as the anomalure in the genus Anomalurus, (specifically) the Beecroft's flying squirrel, it resembles but is not closely related to the main family of flying squirrels


ajao didu

From àjàò (“anomalure, flying squirrel”) + dídú (“black, to be black”), literally “The black flying squirrel”, compare with àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n (“the orange flying squirrel”)

(Àkúrẹ́) a type of rodent known as the anomalure in the genus Anomalurus, (specifically) the Lord Derby's scaly-tailed squirrel, it resembles but is not closely related to the main family of flying squirrels

àjàò àjọ̀sọ́n

the only other species of flying squirrel in Nigeria, known as the Beecroft's Flying squirrel


ajao pụpa

/à.d͡ʒà.ò k͡pʊ̄.k͡pā/

From àjàò (“anomalure, flying squirrel”) + pụpa (“to be red”), literally “The red flying squirrel”, compare with àjàò dídú (“the black flying squirrel”)


idodo

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - idodoview map

òdo甿Ifɛ̀Akpáréìfɔ̃́甿Atakpamɛìfɔ̃́甿Est-Monoìfɔ̃́甿Tchettiìfɔ̃́甿Note: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties

now deemed dialects of Yorùbá in Nigeria

have converged with those of Standard Yorùbá leading to the creation of what can be labeled Common Yorùbá. It can be assumed that the Standard Yorùbá term can also be used in most Nigerian varieties alongside native terms

especially amongst younger speakers. This does not apply to the other Nigerian Yoruboid languages of Ìṣẹkírì and Olùkùmi


ẹmụẹ

/ɛ̀.mʊ̃̀.ɛ̃̀/


alagbẹdẹ

→ Fon: alágbɛdɛ, gbɛdɛ́

→ Western Xwla Gbe: gbɛdɛ́

→ Saxwe Gbe: gbɛ̀dɛ̀

→ Adja: gbɛdɛ

→ Ewe: gbɛdɛ

/ā.lá.ɡ͡bɛ̀.dɛ̄/

From oní- (“one who has”) + àgbẹ̀dẹ (“forge, smithery, smithy”).


ẹfịnfịn

/ɛ̄.fɪ̃̄.fɪ̃̄/

Compare with Olukumi ífẹ́nfẹ́n. Maintenance of a cognate with Olukumi could suggest evidence of a strong affinity between what was likely Proto-Ekiti speakers and Proto-Olukumi speakers, and perhaps descended from the same branch of Proto-Yoruba speakers. Also possibly Onomatopoeic


rẹrin-in

From rín (“to laugh; smile”) + ẹ̀rín (“laugh; smile”).


riran

Wọn ò lè ríran, ojú wọn ti fọ́ ni.


abari

Commonly believed to be derived from the Èkìtì dialect

a traditional Nigerian stead corn pudding, made in a similar fashion to moimoi


Ogunmoriyele

Blend of Ògún (“Ogun, war deity”) + mo (“I”) + ríyèlé (“to rely on”), literally “Ogun is who I rely on”

blend

(Àkúrẹ́) a male given name meaning “Ogun is who I rely on”

(Àkúrẹ́) a surname, from the given name Ògúnmoríyèlé


alukunrin

/à.lù.kũ̄.ɾĩ́/

Ẹyẹ àlùkunrín abìyẹ́ lààmì laami

The crow, the one with feathers that are thick and heavy


Ọbanịfọn

/ɔ̄.bà.nɪ̃̀.fɔ̃̀/

(Ekiti) the legendary king Ọbàlùfọ̀n, believed to be a descendant of Odùduwà and founder of many Èkìtì towns

(Ekiti) Ọbàlùfọ̀n deified as an ancestral deity (òrìṣà, ụmọlẹ̀), he is associated with fertility, royalty, and wealth


Ọnịfọn

/ɔ̄.nɪ̃̀.fɔ̃̀/

(Ekiti, Ijesha) Alternative form of Ọbànị̀fọ̀n (“an ancestral deity associated with fertility, royalty, and wealth”)


Ologboṣẹrẹ

head

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

yo-pos

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

yo-prop

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

/ō.ló.ɡ͡bò.ʃɛ́.ɾɛ́/

From Edo Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́, compare with Itsekiri Ológbòtsẹ́rẹ́, likely brought to Yorubaland by descendants of Edo settlers.

bor

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

(Ekiti, Àkúrẹ́, Ọwọ) a traditional chieftaincy title in various Eastern Yoruba kingdoms (such as Àkúrẹ́ and Ọ̀wọ̀) that were under the control of the Benin empire

(by extension, Ondo, Àkúrẹ́) a surname, from the title Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́, it is held by descendants of chiefs who held this title


Saṣẹrẹ

/sà.ʃɛ́.ɾɛ́/

(Ondo, Àkúrẹ́, Ọwọ, Idanre) a traditional warrior chieftaincy title in various Eastern Yoruba kingdoms (such as Àkúrẹ́, Ìdànrè, Oǹdó and Ọ̀wọ̀) that were under the control or influence of the Benin empire

(by extension) a surname, from the title Sàṣẹ́rẹ́, it is held by descendants of chiefs who held this title


gboju

From gbó (“to be mature; to be rough”) + ojú (“face”)


ologun

English: Ologun

From oní- (“one who owns”) + ogun (“war”), literally “Owner of war”


kekere

Compare with Yoruba kéré and kékèké. Also see Olukumi kéré, Igala kékélé, likely ideophonic in origin, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *kékélé


ajẹlẹ

/ā.d͡ʒɛ́.lɛ̀/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + jẹ́ (“to be; to allow”) + ilẹ̀ (“land, ground”)

(diplomacy) consul, district officer, resident

(historical) an administrator on behalf of the Ọ̀yọ́ and later Ìbàdàn government. They supervised territories under the control of Ìbàdàn, and enforced the paying of tribute (ìṣákọ́lẹ̀)


ilẹ-okeere

/ī.lɛ̀.ò.kèè.ɾè/

From ilẹ̀ (“land”) + òkèèrè (“far distance”)


idalẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to go from; to go across”) + ilẹ̀ (“land, country”)

a foreign land; a place far from one's hometown


ụdalẹ

From ụ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to go from; to go across”) + alẹ̀ (“land, country”)

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ìdálẹ̀ (“a foreign land”)


ifun

Compare with Olukumi ìfun, Ifè ɛ̀fũ, and possibly related to Igala ìfi (“intestine”) or Igala éfù (“stomach”). Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ì-fũ, from Proto-Edekiri *ì-fũ, ultimately from Proto-Yoruboid *ì-fũ. Compare with Akan ofu, Ayere ifu, Dagbani puuni