akoko

àkókó kì í sọgi tútù, igi gbígbẹ níí sọ

The woodpecker does not peck living wood, dry wood is what it pecks (incantation)

àkókó o!

May you bore the wood like a woodpecker!! (greeting for a woodcarver)

àkókó á sọgi o!

The woodpecker shall strike the wood!! (response to a greeting for a woodcarver)

A nickname or praise name for a woodcarver


akoko

The plant Newbouldia laevis, its leaves are used to adorn newly crowned chiefs


ojigan

/ò.d͡ʒì.ɡã̄/

porcupine, specifically an African brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus) or a crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata)


oorẹ

porcupine, specifically African brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus) or crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata)


eegbọn

tick, specifically a hard tick of the genus Amblyomma


risiiti

receipt (written acknowledgement that a sum of money has been received)


aṣegbefabo

From a- (“agent prefix”) + ṣe (“do”) + ègbè (“strong support”) + fún (“for”) + abo (“female”), literally “One who shows strong support for the female gender”.


iyaloriṣa

→ Portuguese: iyalorixá

From ìyá (“mother”) + oní (“one who has”) + òrìṣà (“orisha”), literally “A priestess of the orisha”.


konkoto

Alternative form of kórìkóto (“A toy or shrine used by children”)


korikoto

A type of toy, it is regarded as a shrine used by children in the worship of the orisha Kórì, (also known as Kórìkóto).


enia

Archaic spelling of ènìyàn (“human being”).


kan-un

From Hausa kanwā, cognate with Igbo àkanwụ.

rocksalt; potash; any series of minerals like natron often used in cooking

potassium, (chemical element, K, atomical number 19)


ọlọṣun

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ʃũ̄/

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ọ̀ṣun (“Osun”), literally “One who has Osun”.

af

A worshipper or initiate of the orisha Ọ̀ṣun


ọpalaba

From Nupe kpálábá, cognate with Hausa kwalabā.

Alternative form of ọ̀páláńbá (“glass, glass bottle”)


babaganran

/bà.bà.ɡã̄.ɾã̄/

From bàbà (“copper”) + ganran (“an ideophone describing something that bursts suddenly”), literally “Copper that is heated and then suddenly bursts”.


ọpalanba

Possibly from Nupe kpálábá or Hausa kwalabā, cognate with either of them.


dẹdodẹdo

From Reduplication of dẹ odò (“to hunt in the rivers”, literally “One who hunts in the river”).


oiie

Contraction of oríire, from orí (“the orí”) + ire (“rectitude”)


kooki

Dúpẹ́ máa mú ohun mímú bíi pẹpusí àti kóòkì wá sí ibi-àsè.

Dupe is going to bring drinks like Pepsi and Coke to the party.

Coke (Coca-Cola, a trademarked soft drink)


ọjọ-ori

/ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́.ō.ɾí/

From ọjọ́ (“day”) + orí (“head, conscience”), literally “Number of days that one's conscience has existed”.

compound

ọjọ́-orí ì mi jẹ́ àádọ́ta ọdún


obinrin

Etymology is uncertain, several linguistic hypotheses exist. It is proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-bɪ̃̀rɪ̃, this form still exists in Central Yoruba dialects. Akinkugbe suggests it may be equivalent to abo (“female”) + ẹni (“person”). The consonant /b/ exists in several basic female words, including òbò (“vagina”), abo (“female”).

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - obìnrinview map

ɔlɔbìrĩMERCHANDISEBokoonɛ̃bìrɛ̃MERCHANDISEMoretanonõbɛ̃rɛ̃MERCHANDISETchettiɔnɔbɛ̃̀ɛ̃MERCHANDISEKuraAwotébiɔ́gbɛ́rɛ́MERCHANDISEPartagoɔnɔbrɛ̃MERCHANDISEMɔ̄kɔ́léKandiinã́áboMERCHANDISEMERCHANDISENorthern NagoKamboleɔɡuɛ̃MERCHANDISEManigriobùɛMERCHANDISEMERCHANDISEOverseas YorubaLucumíHavanaobiníMERCHANDISENote: 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

bí ọkùnrín bá rí ejò, tí obìnrin sì pa á, kò burú; kí ejò ṣáà má ti lọ

If a man sees a snake, and a woman kills it, that is not bad; the important thing is for the snake not to escape

èyí t'ó wù ẹ́ kò wù mí ni kò jẹ́ k'á pawó pọ̀ láti fẹ́ obìnrin

What appeals to you may not appeal to me, this is why we cannot pool our financial resources together to marry one wife (proverb on personal preference)


ọkunrin

/ɔ̄.kũ̀.ɾĩ̄/

It is proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-kʊ̃rɪ̃, this form remains the same in Central Yoruba dialects. Cognate with Arigidi ọkọ́ọrẹ. Akinkugbe suggests it may be equivalent to ọkọ (“man”) + ẹni (“person”), compare with obìnrin. The /k/ consonant exists in the roots of many basic male terms, okó (“penis”), akọ (“male”), ọkọ (“husband”)

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọkùnrinview map

ɔlokùrĩABANDONMENTBokoonɛkìrɛABANDONMENTMoretanonokɛ̃̀rẽABANDONMENTTchettiɔnɔkɛ̃̀ɛ̃ABANDONMENTKuraAwotébiɔkɛ́rɛ́ABANDONMENTPartagoɔnɔkrɛ̃ABANDONMENTMɔ̄kɔ́léKandiinɛ̃mɔkɔABANDONMENTABANDONMENTNorthern NagoKamboleokuɛ̃ABANDONMENTABANDONMENTManigriokùɛ̃ABANDONMENTABANDONMENTOverseas YorubaLucumíHavanaocuniABANDONMENTNote: 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

Iná niyì ọdẹ, ẹ̀jẹ̀ niyì oògùn; ká rógun má mà sa, òun niyì ọkùnrin

Just as fire power is the mark of a hunter, so, blood is the mark of a true medicine; and to see a war, and not run away, is the mark of a man (an incantation to invoke bravery)

'Mo mọ̀ ọ́ tán', ni Orò ó fi ń gbé ọkùnrin ― The conviction that one knows everything is what causes Òrìṣà Orò to carry away a man (proverb against taking danger for granted)

a gbọ́dọ̀ ṣe bí ọkùnrin lójú ogun


ebiripo

A food eaten by the Ìjẹ̀bú and Rẹ́mọ Yoruba people, made from grated taro (cocoyam), mixed with water, and then boiled. It is normally eaten with a stew like ẹ̀gúsí.


nnkan

From ohun (“thing”) + ìkan (“one”), literally “one thing”.

Ọmọdé yìí kò ì tíì mọ nǹkan

This small child does not yet know or experience anything of consequence


irunkirun

/ī.ɾũ̄.kí.ɾũ̄/

From irun (“thing”) + -kí- (“infix”) + irun (“thing”). Compare Yoruba ohunkóhun


ohunkohun

From ohun (“thing”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ohun (“thing”).

ohunkóhun tí o bá ní ni kí o fún mi


ohun

ohun tí a bá ṣe pẹ̀sẹ̀, kí a máá fi ṣe ìkánjú; b'ó pẹ́ títí ohun gbogbó á tọwọ́ ẹni

What we can do very easily, we should not be done hurriedly, for after a long while, all things will come to our hands (proverb on patience)


ohun

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ó-ɓũ̀ (“sound, language”). Compare with Igala ómù, Itsekiri owùn, possibly Igbo onu

inh

a óò gbọ́ ohùn ìyá, a óò gbọ́ ohùn ọmọ

May we hear the voice of the mother, may we hear the voice of the baby (prayer for a pregnant woman)

ìjìnlẹ̀ ohùn ẹnu Ifá

The philosophical speech from the mouth of Ifa


oniṣango

/ō.nĩ́.ʃã̀.ɡó/

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ṣàngó (“Shango”), literally “One who has Shango”.

compound

A devotee or worshipper of the orisha Shango


ọlọsanyin

ọlọ́sanyìn (canonical)
ọlọ́sányìn (canonical)

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.sã̄.jĩ̀/

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.sã́.jĩ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ọ̀sanyìn (“Osanyin”), literally “One who has Osanyin”.

af

A worshipper or devotee of the orisha Ọ̀sanyìn

a traditional Yoruba healer or herbal doctor


ọlọya

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ọya (“Oya”), literally “One who has Oya”.

A devotee or worshipper of the orisha Ọya


oloriṣa

/ō.ló.ɾì.ʃà/

From oní- (“one who has”) + òrìṣà (“orisha”), literally “One who has the orisha”.


ṣanpọnna

/ʃã̀.k͡pɔ̃̀.nã́/


onifa

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ifá (“Ifa, Orunmila”), literally “One who has Ifa”.

A devotee or initiate of Ifá divination and a worshipper of the orisha Ọ̀rúnmìlà


agalamọsa

ìwà àgálámọ̀sà

Alternative form of àgálámàṣà (“trickery, mischief, dishonesty”)


agalamaṣa

Ọ̀rọ̀ ìpilẹ̀ṣẹ̀ tí a fi tú ìwà àgálámàṣà ni a sọ pé ó túmọ̀ sí “ṣíṣèrú nídìí ayò tẹ́tẹ́” tàbí “mímọ òjóró ṣe nídìí ayò tẹ́tẹ́

The original word for trickery is said to mean “cheating at dice” or “skill in manipulating the dice.” (An explanation of the theme trickery in the biblical verse Ephesians 4:14)


iyanifa

From ìyá (“mother, woman”) + oní- (“one who has”) + Ifá (“Ifa divination”).

compound

A female initiate or priestess of Ifa divination


akalamọsa

ìwà àkálámọ̀sà


ọgbọgbọ

/ɔ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̀/


agalẹ

ọmọ yìí kò ní agalẹ̀ rárá


ẹgẹdẹ

/ɛ̀.ɡɛ̀.dɛ̀/

(Eastern Àkókó (Ìkàrẹ́)) Alternative form of ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ (“banana”)


igọn

(Eastern Àkókó (Ìkàrẹ́)) a species of hawk or kite


agẹmọ

→ Baatonum: agama naki

→ Ewe: agama

→ Sranan Tongo: agama

→ English: agama

→ Nupe: gyama

/ā.ɡɛ̄.mɔ̃̄/

Folk etymology states a- (“agent prefix”) + gẹ̀ (“to care for”) + ọmọ (“children”), literally “One who cares for children”; serving as a nickname for the chameleon in comparison to the more formal term ọ̀gà

af

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - agẹmọview map

ọ̀gàVERBBɛ̀nɛ̀agɛmɔVERBNortheast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbaaríroVERBEde Languages/Southwest YorubaỌ̀họ̀rí/Ɔ̀hɔ̀rí-ÌjèKétu/ÀnàgóÌmẹ̀kọọ̀gàVERBIfɛ̀AkpáréagemaVERBAtakpamɛagemaVERBEst-MonoagemaVERBTchettiagemaVERBNote: 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


iwe iroyin

/ì.wé ì.ɾò.jĩ̀/


igberaga

/ì.ɡ͡bé.ɾā.ɡā/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + ara (“body”) + ga (“high”)


onila

From oní- (“one who has”) + ilá (“okra”).


ارَ

Ajami spelling of àrà (“wonder, spectacle”)


ẹsin

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sìn (“to worship”).

ẹlẹ́sìn

a worshipper of a religion, religious person


ẹsin

(chiefly NWY) Alternative form of ẹṣin (“horse”)


ṣokoto

→ Baatonum: sòkoto

→ Nupe: tsòkòtò

→ Gun: còkòtò, ṣòkòtò

→ Fon: còkòtò

àwínná-owó kò yẹni, àgbàwọ̀ ọ ṣòkòtò kò yẹ ọmọ ènìyàn

Borrowing money to spend does not befit a person, just as borrowing trousers to wear does not befit a human being (proverb on self-sufficiency)

ṣòkòtò kẹ̀m̀bẹ̀

A type of long pants type with large and loose sleeves

ṣòkòtò nàǹgúdù

A type of trousers borrowed from the Hausa


mọjesin

/mɔ̃̀.d͡ʒè.sĩ́/

Alternative form of màjèsín (“child, kid, youth, adolescent”)


الَافِا

Ajami spelling of àlàáfíà (“peace, good health”)


عَِروَْ اموْهُنمَووْرَن

head

عَِروَْ اموْهُنمَووْرَن

عَِروَْ اموْهُنمَووْرَن (transliteration needed)

yo-pos

عَِروَْ اموْهُنمَووْرَن

yo-noun

عَِروَْ اموْهُنمَووْرَن

ẹ̀rọ amóhùnmáwòrán
ẹrọ amohunmaworan#Yoruba

en-عَِروَْ_اموْهُنمَووْرَن-yo-noun-yvdYKUvZ


عَِيوَْ

Ajami spelling of Ẹ̀yọ̀ (“Lagos people, Lagos dialect”)


ẹyọ

Mú ẹyọ kan nínú àwọn ìwé yẹn wá


iyeye

From iye + iye, literally “mother's mother”.

maternal grandmother
maternal grandmother


eleṣu

From oní- (“one who has”) + Èṣù (“Esu”), literally “One who has Esu”.

af

A devotee or worshipper of the orisha Èṣù

One who is cunning or clever, a trickster, one with traits similar to Èṣù

(derogatory, offensive, proscribed) demon, evildoer, satanist


eyeye

From eye + eye, literally “mother's mother”.


epo pupa

epo (“oil”) + pupa (“red”), literally “red oil”


mọremi

/mɔ̃́.ɾē.mĩ́/

/mɔ̃̄.ɾè.mĩ̄/

A Yoruba female hairstyle also known as the pàtẹ́wọ́, featuring braids that swirl across the head.


ajẹbọta

→ Nigerian Pidgin: ajebota

→ English: ajebota

/ā.d͡ʒɛ̄.bɔ́.tà/

a- (“agent prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + bọ́tà (“butter”), literally “butter eater”

af

(informal, slang) person from a privileged background


ile ẹkọṣẹ-oniṣegun

head

ilé ẹ̀kọ́ṣẹ́-oníṣègùn

ilé ẹ̀kọ́ṣẹ́-oníṣègùn

yo-pos

ilé ẹ̀kọ́ṣẹ́-oníṣègùn

ilé ẹ̀kọ́ṣẹ́-oníṣègùn

yo-noun

ilé ẹ̀kọ́ṣẹ́-oníṣègùn

ilé ẹ̀kọ́ṣẹ́-oníṣègùn

/ī.lé ɛ̀.kɔ́.ʃɛ́.ō.nĩ́.ʃè.ɡũ̀/

From ilé ẹ̀kọ́ (“school”) + iṣẹ́ (“work”) + oníṣègùn (“medicine”), literally “The school that teaches medicine”.


onibuka

From oní- (“one who has”) + búkà (“a fast food shop”), literally “owner of a fast food shop”.

af

owner of, or worker in, a fast food restaurant


bilala

(music) a drumstick made of flexible raw hide


dandogo

From Hausa ɗan dōgō (literally “Tall garment”), compare with dàńṣíkí.

bor

dàńdógó kọjá ẹ̀wù àbínúdá

The dandogo garment surpasses what can be made on the spur of anger (proverb on limitation and expression regarding the elevated status of the dandogo in Yoruba society)

A type of large garment normally reserved for the wealthy and aristocrats, it denotes high status and power.


ogiri gba mi la

/ò.ɡī.ɾī ɡ͡bà mĩ́ là/

From ògiri (“wall”) + gbà là (“to save”) + mí (“me”), literally “the wall saved me”.

com

(soccer) one-two against a wall, usually to get around defenders


بَرِكَ

Ajami spelling of báríkà (“congratulations”)


owo ẹyọ

/ō.wó ɛ̄.jɔ̄/

From owó (“cowry, coin”) + ẹyọ (“one unit”), literally “One cowry, One coin”, compare with Igala ẹ́yọ́-ọkọ́.


ọgẹrẹ

/ɔ̀.ɡɛ́.ɾɛ́/

ilẹ̀ ọ̀gẹ́rẹ́ afọkọ́yẹrí ― You, the brittle land, that we use our to scrub your head (oríkì of the primordial divinity and Mother Earth, Ayé)


ayo ọlọpọn

head

ayò ọlọ́pọ́n

ayò ọlọ́pọ́n

yo-pos

ayò ọlọ́pọ́n

ayò ọlọ́pọ́n

yo-noun

ayò ọlọ́pọ́n

ayò ọlọ́pọ́n

/ā.jò ɔ̄.lɔ́.k͡pɔ̃́/

From ayò + ọlọ́pọ́n, ultimately from ayò (“ayo game”) + oní- (“one who has”) + ọpọ́n (“board”), literally “The ayo game that is played on a board”.

compound

ayò + ọlọ́pọ́n

A type of mancala game played by the Yoruba


ayoayo

From Reduplication of ayò (“a type of mancala game”).


ọpọn

ọpọ́n ayò

A board on which the mancala game ayo is played


ọpọn

A name for a variety of similarly looking trees, including Uapaca heudelotii, Lannea acida, and Lannea welwitschii (also known as orita).


orukọ amutọrunwa

/ō.ɾú.kɔ̄ à.mṹ.tɔ̀.ɾũ̄.wá/

From orúkọ + àmútọ̀runwá, ultimately from orúkọ (“name”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mú (“to bring”) + ti (“from”) + ọ̀run (“heaven”) + wá (“here”), literally “Name brought from heaven to Earth”.

compound

A class of Yoruba given names given to children who are born in unique or peculiar circumstances, they are believed to be predestined. Examples include the names Táíwò and Kẹ́hìndé, (given to a set of twins), Òjó and Àìná, (names given to children born with a nuchal cord), and Dàda (name given to a child born with long curly hair).


igberiko

/ì.ɡ͡bè.ɾí.kō/

From ìgbèrí (“fringe; edge”) + oko (“farm; field”)


sọmọdọbọ

/sɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.dɔ̀.bɔ̄/

From sọ di (“to make into”) + ọmọ (“child”) + ọ̀bọ (“monkey”), literally “to make a child into a monkey”.


ege irọlẹ

/è.ɡé ì.ɾɔ̀.lɛ́/

ègé (“dribbling”) + ìrọ̀lẹ́ (“evening”), literally “evening dribbling”


olu-ọran

/ō.lú.ɔ̄.ɾã́/

The edible fungi Termitomyces microcarpus


eti-ologbo

From etí (“ear”) + ológbò (“cat”), literally “Cat's ear”.

compound

Auricularia auricula-judae
Auricularia auricula-judae#Translingual

Any two kinds of mushroom which resemble ears (wood ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) and cloud ear fungus (Auricularia cornea))


ẹsẹ-adiẹ

/ɛ̄.sɛ̀.ā.dì.ɛ̄/

From ẹsẹ̀ (“foot”) + adìẹ (“chicken”), literally “Chicken's foot”.

The edible fungus Schizophyllum commune, which resembles the foot of a chicken


oluwongaga

/ō.lú.wō.ŋ̄.ɡā.ɡā/

Olúwon̄gaga ni oríṣi olú kan tí ó máa ń hù lórí ààtàn tí ó sì máa ń kú ní ọjọ́ kan náà

The fungus Coprinellus ephemerus is a type of mushroom that grows on dunghills and is said to die that same day

The fungi Coprinellus ephemerus, it is regarded as being poisonous and grows on dunghills


atike-ọla

From àtíkè (“powder”) + ọlà (“wealth”), literally “Powder of wealth”.

(slang, neologism, euphemistic) cocaine, heroin, hard drug


adunmadẹẹkẹẹ

head

adùnmádẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

adùnmádẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

yo-pos

adùnmádẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

adùnmádẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

yo-noun

adùnmádẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

adùnmádẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

/ā.dũ̀.má.dɛ̀ɛ́.kɛ̀ɛ́/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + dùn (“to be sweet”) + máà (“does not”) + dé (“reach”) + ẹ̀ẹ̀kẹ́ (“cheek”), literally “That which is sweet without reaching the mouth”.


aaṣaa-ita

/āá.ʃáà.ī.tà/

From aáṣáà (“snuff, tobacco”) + ità (“The tree Celtis mildbraedii”), literally “Snuff of the Celtis mildbraedii”.

compound

The inedible fungi Daldinia concentrica, it grows on the dead wood of the tree Celtis mildbraedii, where it is said to smell of snuff or tobacco.


ọgọ

Ìbàdàn m'Èsì ọ̀gọ̀ ― The people of Ibadan, who know the man-eating wild boar (oríkì Ìbàdàn)

(rare, archaic, Ibadan) wild boar, Giant forest hog


takele

From ta (“to distinguish, to stand out”) + òkèlè (“morsel”), literally “A mushroom that stands out in a morsel”.

The edible fungus Termitomyces clypeatus


eekẹnna

/èé.kɛ̃́.nã́/

(Òǹkò) Alternative form of èékánná (“nail, claw”)


agutẹn

(Òǹkò) Alternative form of àgùtàn (“sheep”)


akaba

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kàbà (“to make a heavy step”).


akasọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kà + sọ̀.


omiran

Possibly from ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mìíràn (“other”), compare with mìíràn and ìmíràn. Cognates include Ede Idaca òmírìn.

àkùkọ gàgàrà tí kò fẹ́ kí òmíràn kọ!

The powerful rooster that doesn't want another one to crow!

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - òmírànview map

ìmíìABDOMINOSCOPYNortheast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbaòmìnrínABDOMINOSCOPYEde Languages/Southwest YorubaÌdàácàBeninIgbó ÌdàácàòmírìnABDOMINOSCOPYIfɛ̀Akpáréòmírɛ̃̀ABDOMINOSCOPYAtakpamɛòmírɛ̃̀ABDOMINOSCOPYEst-Monoòmírɛ̃̀ABDOMINOSCOPYTchettiòmírɛ̃̀ABDOMINOSCOPYNote: 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


gbẹgiri

/ɡ͡bɛ̀.ɡì.ɾì/

Rírò lọbẹ̀ gbẹ̀gìrì, táà bá ròó a máa díkókó

Gbegiri soup requires constant stirring, if we don't stir it, it will become lumpy

A type of stew or soup made from grounded and cooked beans. When combined with ewédú soup, it forms a stew known as àbùlà


langa-langa

/lá.ŋ̀.ɡà.lá.ŋ̀.ɡà/


awodi apẹja

From àwòdì (“hawk”) + apẹja (“fisher”), literally “Fisher hawk”.


aṣadi

A general name for any of the African species of the order Accipitriformes, specifically the hawk, kite, or eagle.


ile ikohun-iṣẹnbaye-si

head

ilé ìkóhun-ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé-sí

ilé ìkóhun-ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé-sí

yo-pos

ilé ìkóhun-ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé-sí

ilé ìkóhun-ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé-sí

yo-noun

ilé ìkóhun-ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé-sí

ilé ìkóhun-ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé-sí

From ilé (“house”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kó (“to place”) + ohun (“thing”) + ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé (“ancient, prehistoric”) + sí (“into”), literally “The house that houses ancient and prehistoric things”.


iṣẹnbaye

/ì.ʃɛ̀.ŋ̀.bá.jé/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣe (“to do, to practice”) + ẹni (“person”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bá (“meet”) + ayé (“life”), literally “The practices that already exist when a person is born”.


ibi-ikohun-iṣẹnbaye-si

From ibi (“place”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kó (“to place”) + ohun (“thing”) + ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé (“ancient, prehistoric”) + sí (“into”), literally “The place that houses ancient and prehistoric things”.


yẹpẹrẹ

/jɛ̄.k͡pɛ̄.ɾɛ̄/


baalẹ

From baba (“father”) + oní (“one who has”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”), literally “Father of the town”.

Examples of modern day monarchs in Nigeria whom were originally baálẹ̀ include the Ṣọ̀ún of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ and the Olúbàdàn of Ìbàdàn, whom both answered to the Aláàfin

baálórí l'ó nilórí, baálẹ̀ l'ó nìlú, òun sì lọkọ ìlú, ṣùgbọ́n ọba l'ó nilẹ̀ ― The husband owns the house, and the baálẹ̀ owns the village, he is the lord of the community, but the king owns the land (proverb on authority)

In pre-colonial Yoruba society, the head or ruler of a small village or a town. In modern day Nigeria, most baálẹ̀ have been recognized as a king of their own respective village.


baale

*Possibly from Arabic بَعْل (baʕl, “husband, lord”) or baba (“father”) + ilé (“house”), literally “Father of the house”

baálé gbọ́dọ̀ gbọ́ sí ọ̀rọ̀ yìí

The head of the household must surely hear of this matter!

baálé-ilé

family elder, agnatic head of an extended family


akoro

The term is largely only used in poetry or religious references in Standard Yorùbá, where it refers to a coronet. Its semantic environment is significantly restricted in comparison to its SEY counterparts. 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. Also see Itsekiri ikoroghẹ̀ (“crown”).
The origin of Sense 2 comes from the association with Ògún as a warrior-king, thus his "crown" is a helmet one uses in battle.

coronet or small crown, worn by chiefs and nobles


sẹriya

bor

Arabic شَرِيعَة (šarīʕa)

Màá dá sẹ̀ríyà sí i


ẹpọn

ẹpọ̀n àgbò ń ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, kò níí já

The testes of a ram can only swing, they will not tear or snap off (proverb on survival against many odds)


ẹpọn

From ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pọ́n (“to be deeply red”).

af

ẹpọ́n ń ṣàn lẹgbẹ lójú ọgbẹ́

Blood was gushing out profusely from the wound


ẹpọn

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pọ́n (“to modify”).


agbẹdu

/ā.ɡ͡bɛ̀.dū/

*Possibly from a- (“agent prefix”) + gbẹ̀du (“a large type of drum”), literally “That which is large like the gbẹ̀du drum” (1)
*From a- (“agent prefix”) + gbẹ̀du (“a deep resonating sound”) (2)


alalẹ

From oní- (“one who has”) + alẹ̀ (“land”), literally “The one who owns the land”; see Ẹmilálẹ̀, probably related to Proto-Yoruboid *Á-lɛ̀, a term for the deity associated with the personification of the Earth

orí alálẹ̀ yóò gbè wá

May the guardian spirit of the community favor us!

Àjàlémògún jẹ́ alálẹ̀ ìlú Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín

Ajalemogun is the guardian spirit of the town of Ilara-Mokin

ancestor, local earth spirit (imọlẹ̀), the guardian spirit of a specific town or people


sadankata

From Arabic صَدَقَ (ṣadaqa, “true, truthful”).


aridunnu

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + dùnnú (“to be happy”), literally “The one who I see and makes me happy”.

af

Àrídùnnú mi, oyin dídùn mi, kẹ́ mi, kẹ́ ara mi títí ọjọ́ tí n bá jáde láyé

My lover, my sweet honey, take care of me, care for my body until the day I leave this earth/life


ololufẹ

From oní- (“one who has”) + olùfẹ́ (“lover”).


ẹni ti ọkan mi yan

/ɛ̄.nĩ̄ tí ɔ̄.kã̀ mĩ̄ jã̀/

From ẹni (“person, the one”) + tí (“that”) + ọkàn (“heart”) + mi (“my”) + yàn (“to choose”), literally “The one my heart has chosen”.


ayanfẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yàn (“to chose”) + fẹ́ (“to love”), literally “That who I have chosen to love”

af

Àyànfẹ́ mi tọ́jú mi, tọ́jú mi bí ìfẹ́ òdodo àti ìfẹ́ nìkan ẹ

My lover take care of me, take care of me like your one and only true love


BI-ẸẸDI

/bí.ɛ̄ɛ̀.dì/

Nínú wọn ni ẹ̀kọ́ onípò àkọ́kọ́ tí amọ̀ sí BÍ-EÈ‚ BÍ-ẸẸ̀DÌ‚ BÍ-ẸẸ̀SIÌ àti àwọn onípele ńlá tí ń jẹ́ Ẹ́M-EÈ, Ẹ́M-ẸẸ̀Dì, Ẹ́M-ẸẸ̀SÌ, títí dé àwọn oyè imọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ tí wọ́n ń pè ní Ph.D.

2012, Fẹ̀hìntọlá Mosádomi, Ph.D., “Chapter 12 Orí - Kejìlá: Campus Life”, in Yorùbá Yé Mi: A Beginning Yorùbá Textbook, Austin, Texas: The University of Texas at Austin, →ISBN, →LCCN, Lesson 3 - Ẹ̀kọ́ Kẹta: Facilities, page 294:

Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Education


tanapoṣo

From tanná (“to turn on the light”) + pa (“to kill”) + oṣó (“sorcerer”), literally “Turn on the light and kill the sorcerer”
* Possibly in reference to the bright colors of the flowers.

compound

A name for a series of flowering plants
(Ondo) The plant Synedrella nodiflora

A name for a series of flowering plants
The plant Synedrella nodiflora

A name for a series of flowering plants
The plant Heinsia crinita

Mirabilis jalapa
Mirabilis jalapa#Translingual

A name for a series of flowering plants
The plant Mirabilis jalapa


egboogi

/ē.ɡ͡bòō.ɡī/

herbal medicine consisting of the use of herbs, bark, and roots


gbongbo

/ɡ͡bò.ŋ̀.ɡ͡bò/

Noun sense derives from the ideophone sense

ilé náà gbòǹgbò

(of an object) to be protruding, large, and heavy


gbongbo

/ɡ͡bò.ŋ̀.ɡ͡bò/

àfòmọ́ kò ní gbòǹgbò, gbogbo igi níí bá tan

Mistetoe has no roots, hence it is friendly with any standing tree (proverb on dependency)


achọ

(Òǹkò) Alternative form of aṣọ (“cloth, garment, clothing”)


ẹẹọ

(Ekiti) Alternative form of èèwọ̀ (“taboo, abomination”)


afomọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fò (“to fly; to jump”) + mọ́ (“towards”).

af

(agriculture) epiphyte; air plant
mistletoe


dii-ẹẹni-ee

head

díí-ẹ̀ẹ́ní-eè

díí-ẹ̀ẹ́ní-eè

yo-pos

díí-ẹ̀ẹ́ní-eè

díí-ẹ̀ẹ́ní-eè

yo-noun

díí-ẹ̀ẹ́ní-eè

díí-ẹ̀ẹ́ní-eè

/díí.ɛ̀ɛ́.ní.ēè/


ekutu

a type of whistle or horn used by a hunter; dog whistle


ojojo

/ò.d͡ʒò.d͡ʒò/

minor ailment, not as severe as a sickness (àrùn and àìsàn).


iṣupo

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣú (“to inherit (a widow)”) + opó (“widow”), literally “The act of inheriting a widow of one's male relative as a wife”.


ibale

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bá (“to meet”) + ilé (“home”), literally “The act of finding someone still at home”
* This is referring to the notion of purity associated with virginity


adiitu

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dì (“to bind”) + ì (“negative prefix”) + tú (“to unravel”), literally “That which is bound and cannot be unraveled”.


onipẹrẹnsẹ

head

onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́

onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́

yo-pos

onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́

onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́

yo-noun

onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́

onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́

/ō.nĩ́.k͡pɛ́.ɾɛ̀.ŋ̀.sɛ́/

Èmi ò ní torí onípẹ́rẹ̀ǹsẹ́ kú ― I will not die for the sake of the northern foreigners (from the oríkì of Ilé-Ifẹ̀)

(Ifẹ, derogatory, ethnic slur, historical) a term used to refer to people of ethnic groups to the north of Ifẹ̀, including the Nupe people, Hausa people, and Ìyàgbà people.


oloye

From oní- (“one who has”) + oyè (“a chieftancy title”).


ilumoye

From ìlú (“town”) + mọ (“to know”) + oyè (“chieftaincy title”), literally “The town knows who to give a chieftaincy title”.


akojọ orukọ-iwe

head

àkójọ orúkọ-ìwé

àkójọ orúkọ-ìwé

yo-pos

àkójọ orúkọ-ìwé

àkójọ orúkọ-ìwé

yo-noun

àkójọ orúkọ-ìwé

àkójọ orúkọ-ìwé

/à.kó.d͡ʒɔ̄ ō.ɾú.kɔ̄.ì.wé/

From àkójọ (“collection, collectivity”) + orúkọ (“names”) + ìwé (“paper, journal”), literally “A collection of a list of papers”.


ọmiwe

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ìwé (“book, education”).

af

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ọ̀mọ̀wé (“scholar, philosopher, doctor”)


ọmuwe

/ɔ̀.mʊ̃̀.wé/

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ùwé (“book, education”).

(Ekiti, Ondo) Alternative form of ọ̀mọ̀wé (“scholar, philosopher, doctor”)


ọmọwe

/ɔ̀.mɔ̃̀.wé/

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ìwé (“books, education”), literally “One who is well knowledged in formal education”.

doctor (a person who has attained a doctorate), Ph.D.


kokodia

Izon: ìkòkódìà

Probably from Portuguese coqueiro, but likely through an intermediary via Portuguese-Edo or Itsekiri interaction, compare with Edo ekokodia, Itsekiri kokodie, and Urhobo ukokódia.


palarun

Its uniqueness to only the Àkúrẹ́ subdialect of Èkìtì and lack of semantic cognates in other Proto-Yoruba branches strongly suggests an inter-dialectal borrowing from SEY forms (likely Oǹdó) meaning "lip." Compare with Ijebu Yoruba ùpọ́nrun, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ùpánrun, Itsekiri ùkpárun, Oǹdó Yoruba ùpánún, The "run" part likely relates to roots for "mouth," see Yoruba ẹrụn, while ùpọ́n means "red." Thus, the word meaning "the red part of the mouth," may have caused the meaning to shift from lip to tongue. Fresco '70 also documents an attested Èkìtì form, ụpọ́nrụn, (which has largely been displaced by ètè (“lip”), which may suggest, along with Olukumi ekpùpẹrún and Ede Nago ɛkpɔ̃, a common inheritance of this root from Proto-Edekiri. Also see Ifè bèbèlè-arũ, which is likely a maintenance of the use of the term "mouth" as the base term compounded to make lip.
Further evidence that this is a borrowing can be seen from the fact that this root does not resemble any other Yoruboid root for tongue, and in fact, a synonym, ụọ́n, a term cognate with other dialectal words for tongue, is still used by not only other Ekiti speakers, but other speakers of the Àkúrẹ́ dialect. In addition, "palarun" does not maintain the /ʊ/ found in the word for mouth, likely suggesting the word was borrowed from a language that did not have /ʊ/ in its sound inventory (which is all the SEY dialects)
Borrowing of body parts between SEY and Àkúrẹ́ with slight semantic shifts is attested, see for example Èkìtì ẹ̀tụ̀pá (“foot”) to Oǹdó ẹ̀tìpá (“thigh”). However this root is also found in Ìjẹ̀bú ọ̀pásẹ̀

(Oǹdó, Ìkálẹ̀)

pálárun mi í yún mí lígbì kí mọ jẹ jíjẹ èyé Yẹ́mi

My tongue was itching me when I ate Yemi's mom's food


asẹn

(Ọwọ) Alternative form of asín (“shrew”)


ahọn

Central Yorùbá and Southeast Yorùbá have underwent less change from the proposed Proto-Yoruboid form, Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-ɓã́. Also see intermediate-languages, Proto-Yoruba *ʊ-wã́, *ɪ-wã́, from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ-wã́, *ɪ-wã́

ahọ́n-ọn rẹ̀ẹ́ tutù


ekiki

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kikì (“partial reduplication of kì (“to recite; to praise”)”).


ọhẹ

(Ikalẹ) Alternative form of ọ̀sẹ̀ (“week”)


agbojẹ

/ā.ɡ͡bó.d͡ʒɛ̄/

(Ikalẹ) Nigerian walnut (Plukenetia conophora)


ọfan

(Ondo) Alternative form of ọ̀fun (“throat”)


ẹmọ

From ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ (“to drink”). Compare with Olukumi ẹmọ

(Ikalẹ, Òǹkò) Alternative form of ẹmu (“palm wine”)


ẹmọ

bush rat; (in particular) Tullberg's soft-furred mouse


yẹi

(Ondo) Alternative form of yẹ̀rì (“skirt worn under an ìró”)


ekeegbe

/è.kéè.ɡ͡bè/

(Ondo) Alternative form of ìdérègbè (“goat”)


pẹkirẹki

Adverb sense derives from the ideophone sense.

(of an object) to be repeatedly meeting unexpectedly


onigbajamọ

/ō.nĩ́.ɡ͡bà.d͡ʒá.mɔ̃̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + gbàjámọ̀ (“the craft of a barber, razor”), ultimately from Arabic حَجَّام (ḥajjām).


ẹlẹyamẹya

From ẹlẹ́yà (“member of a group”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ẹ̀yà (“group; part”), literally “That members of a [racial or ethnic] group only associate with their group”.

com

That members of a 􂀿racial or ethnic􂁀 group only associate with their group


agiriiki

/à.ɡí.ɾíì.kì/

genetically modified
genetically modified

Something that has been genetically modified or hybridized via agriculture


ẹri

Olúwẹri

general nickname for female river orisha


ẹri

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rí (“to see”).

ẹlẹ́rìí

witness, one who gives a testimony in court

evidence, proof, testimony, confirmation, data

mo jẹ́rìí ọmọ náà


ajẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ́ (“to be”), literally “One who creates, one who allows things to exist”.

Ìyàmi Àjẹ́

supernatural female spirits believed to have a large amount of power

They are believed to have powers of elemental, biological and artistic creation; healing; destruction; spiritual and physical development and fortification, this is the origin of the association with the term as being a witch.

In the Yoruba religion, the concept of the biological, spiritual, and creative powers (or àṣẹ) of all women and mothers

A female figure with supernatural powers.

(derogatory, proscribed) witch, sorceress


ibaada

From Hausa ìbādā̀, ultimately from Arabic عِبَادَة (ʕibāda).


alageere

/ā.lá.ꜜɡé.ɾé/

From oní- (“one who has”) + àgéré (“stilts”).

stiltwalker, someone who walks on stilts


ikẹgan

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kẹ́gàn (“to disparage”), ultimately from ké (“to announce”) + ẹ̀gàn (“criticism, rebuke”).

compound

the act of disparaging, disparagement, belittlement


mọnamọna

/mɔ̃̀.nã̀.mɔ̃́.nã́/


mọnamọna

/mɔ̃́.nã́.mɔ̃́.nã́/

Reduplication of mọ́ná (“to be bright”, literally “Multicolored snake”)


janmọọ

/d͡ʒã̀.mɔ̃́ɔ̃̀/

From Hausa jàma'à, ultimately from Arabic جَمَاعَة (jamāʕa). Cognate with Nupe jàmáà.


omiye

(Ekiti) uterine sibling, maternal half sibling


eebu

From Contraction of èbíbú, ultimately from è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bíbú (“partial reduplication of bú to insult”).


eebu

From Contraction of èbìbù, ultimately from è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bìbù (“partial reduplication of bù to chip something off”).

(horticulture) A cutting of a mature plant used to cultivate the growing of a new plant, (in particular) a cutting or slice of a yam tuber


bandeeji

báńdéèjì (canonical)
báńdééjì (canonical)

/bá.ŋ́.déè.d͡ʒì/

/bá.ŋ́.déé.d͡ʒì/


ilọsiwaju

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọsíwájú (“to progress”), ultimately from lọ (“to go”) + sí (“to”) + iwájú (“forward”), literally “to move forward”.


وَْجوَْڠوَْن

head

وَْجوَْڠوَْن

yo-pos

وَْجوَْڠوَْن

yo-noun

وَْجوَْڠوَْن


alawada

oní- (“the one who has”) + àwàdà (“joke”)


onikaluku

oníkálùkù (canonical)
oníkálukú (canonical)

From oní- (“one who has”) + kálukú (“each person”)


olufẹ

From olù- (“non-productive agent prefix”) + fẹ́ (“to love”).


ọjọgbọn

/ɔ̀.d͡ʒɔ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̃́/


ogulutu

mud or concrete wall (made with ochre or clod)


aporo

ebè

mound for growing certain crops such as yam


ijabẹ

/ì.d͡ʒá.bɛ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + já (“to break”) + ọbẹ̀ (“soup”).

A traditional Yoruba cooking broom used as a whisk to mash leaves when making stew. It is mainly used in the preparation of ewédú stew.


aṣọ ofi

/ā.ʃɔ̄ ò.fì/

From aṣọ (“cloth”) + òfì (“loom”), literally “Cloth from the loom”.

compound

highly prized fabric or clothes handwoven on a loom, (in particular) aso oke


ipebi

A prolonged period of seclusion during which a newly elected Yoruba monarch undergoes ancestral rituals necessary before being formally crowned.


aṣọ oke

→ English: aso oke

/ā.ʃɔ̄ ò.kè/

From aṣọ (“cloth”) + òkè (“uplands; hills”), literally “Cloth from the uplands”.

aso oke, a type of Yoruba handwoven textile used for clothing

The clothes made from the aṣọ òkè fabric


pakute

From pa (“kill”) + èkúté (“rat”), literally “That which kills rats”

pàkúté dùn-ún dẹ


madaarikan

From máà (“do not”) + dá (“to make”) + orí (“head, personal spirit”) + kàn (“touch”), literally “That which prevent evil from touching's one's head”.

A type of Yoruba incantation or spell, used to ward off a preemptive supernatural attack


madaamidofo

From máà (“do not”) + dà (“to leave”) + mi (“me”) + dá (“to create”) + òfò (“loss, misfortune”), literally “Do not leave me to suffer misfortune alone”.


igbadun

/ì.ɡ͡bá.dũ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbádùn (“to enjoy”), ultimately from gbé (“to carry”) + adùn (“sweetness”), literally “To carry enjoyment”.


igbafẹ

/ì.ɡ͡bā.fɛ́/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbà (“to receive”) + afẹ́ (“pleasure”).


afọwọfa

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + ọwọ́ (“hand”) + fà (“to cause”), literally “To cause something with one's own hand”.


ọgbọnọ

/ɔ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̀.nɔ̀/

Irvingia gabonensis
Irvingia gabonensis#Translingual

ogbono seeds; the seeds from the fruit of the tree Irvingia gabonensis

ọbẹ̀ ọ̀gbọ̀nọ̀

ogbono soup; a mucilaginous soup made from ogbono seeds


ijanu

/ì.d͡ʒá.nũ̄/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + já + ẹnu (“mouth”)


akọtọ

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kọ (“to write”) + tọ́ (“to be correct”)


ọdẹdẹ

/ɔ̀.dɛ̀.dɛ̀/

passage; corridor or hallway in a home or building

(by extension) a council or assembly of the married woman within an extended family


adahunṣe

From a- + dáhunṣe, literally “One who does things by oneself”, ultimately from dá (“to act alone”) + ohun (“thing”) + ṣe (“to do”).

compound

In modern usage; physician, doctor, pharmacist


gudugudu

gúdúgúdú ni baba ìlù

The gudugudu drum is the most senior of all the drums

The smallest type of Yoruba drum belonging to the dùndún class of Yoruba drums. It is believed to be the oldest type of drum in Yorubaland; and is thus regarded as the ancestor of all other drums.


imọran

/ì.mɔ̃̀.ɾã̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ọ̀ràn (“matters; problem; information”).


ugbafẹ

/ù.ɡ͡bā.fɛ́/


Uleya

From ulé (“house”) + yá (“to be ready”), literally “the house is ready”.


jankariwọ

/d͡ʒà.ŋ̀.ká.ɾì.wɔ̀/


ugba

From Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ-gbá, cognate with Yoruba igbá, Igbo ụgbā.

Lagenaria siceraria
Lagenaria siceraria#Translingual

(Ekiti, Ijebu, Ondo) calabash, the plant Lagenaria siceraria


akurun

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kú (“to die”) + run (“to be destroyed”).


akẹku

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kẹ̀ (“to decompose”) + kù (“to remain”).


ajẹku

/à.d͡ʒɛ̄.kù/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + kù (“to be left over”)


ajẹpako

→ Nigerian Pidgin: ajepako, ajekpako

→ English: ajepako, ajekpako

From a- (“agent prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + pákó (“wooden plank”), literally “wooden plank eater”

(informal, slang) person from an unprivileged background; a person that hustles


ajẹbọ

→ Nigerian Pidgin: ajebo

→ English: ajebo

/ā.d͡ʒɛ̄.bɔ́/

(slang, informal) Alternative form of ajẹbọ́tà (“person from a privileged background”)


apejẹ

/à.k͡pè.d͡ʒɛ̄/

From à- (“nominalising prefix”) + pè (“to call”) + jẹ (“to eat”).


apejẹ

/à.k͡pè.d͡ʒɛ́/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pè (“to call”) + jẹ́ (“to respond”).


ọkan-o-jọkan

/ɔ̀.kã̄ ò d͡ʒɔ̀.kã̄/

From ọ̀kan (“one”) + ò (“negating particle”) + jọ (“to resemble”) + ọ̀kan (“one”), literally “one doesn't seem like the other”.

com

Ọ̀kan-ò-jọ̀kan èdè tó wà lórílẹ̀-èdè Nàìjíríà ń dàwátì lábẹ́ ìjẹgàba èdè Gẹ̀ẹ́sì

Nigeria's linguistic diversity is shrinking due to the hegemony of the English language.

variety; diversity (specified by the following noun)


ajọdun

/à.d͡ʒɔ̀.dṹ/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọ (“together, jointly”) + ọdún (“festival”).


arokọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rò (“to think”) + kọ (“to write”).


akaye

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kà (“to read”) + yé (“to understand”).

comprehension (thorough understanding of written text)


amuku

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mu (“to drink; to smoke”) + kù (“to remain”).


afomọ ipari

head

àfòmọ́ ìparí

àfòmọ́ ìparí

yo-pos

àfòmọ́ ìparí

àfòmọ́ ìparí

yo-noun

àfòmọ́ ìparí

àfòmọ́ ìparí

/à.fò.mɔ̃́ ì.k͡pā.ɾí/


afomọ ibẹrẹ

head

àfòmọ́ ìbẹ̀rẹ̀

àfòmọ́ ìbẹ̀rẹ̀

yo-pos

àfòmọ́ ìbẹ̀rẹ̀

àfòmọ́ ìbẹ̀rẹ̀

yo-noun

àfòmọ́ ìbẹ̀rẹ̀

àfòmọ́ ìbẹ̀rẹ̀

/à.fò.mɔ̃́ ì.bɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/

From àfòmọ́ (“affix”) + ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ (“start”).


alakalaa

From àlá (“dream”) + -kí- (“infix”) + àlá (“dream”).


afomọ aarin

head

àfòmọ́ àárín

àfòmọ́ àárín

yo-pos

àfòmọ́ àárín

àfòmọ́ àárín

yo-noun

àfòmọ́ àárín

àfòmọ́ àárín

/à.fò.mɔ̃́ àá.ɾĩ́/

From àfòmọ́ (“affix”) + àárín (“middle”).

-kí- ni àpẹẹrẹ àfòmọ́ àárín; ó ń sọ "ibi" di "ibikíbi".

-kí- is an example of an infix; it turns "ibi" (place) into "ibikíbi" (anywhere).


ami ohun aarin

head

àmì ohùn àárín

àmì ohùn àárín

yo-pos

àmì ohùn àárín

àmì ohùn àárín

yo-noun

àmì ohùn àárín

àmì ohùn àárín

/à.mĩ̀ ō.hũ̀ àá.ɾĩ́/

From àmì ohùn (“tone mark”) + àárín (“middle”).

com

mid-tone mark (◌̄), which is unmarked in Yoruba orthography except in cases of a tone-bearing nasal that may be ambiguous eg: gban̄gba


ami ohun isalẹ

head

àmì ohùn ìsàlẹ̀

àmì ohùn ìsàlẹ̀

yo-pos

àmì ohùn ìsàlẹ̀

àmì ohùn ìsàlẹ̀

yo-noun

àmì ohùn ìsàlẹ̀

àmì ohùn ìsàlẹ̀

/à.mĩ̀ ō.hũ̀ ì.sà.lɛ̀/

From àmì ohùn (“tone mark”) + ìsàlẹ̀ (“bottom”).


ami ohun oke

head

àmì ohùn òkè

àmì ohùn òkè

yo-pos

àmì ohùn òkè

àmì ohùn òkè

yo-noun

àmì ohùn òkè

àmì ohùn òkè

/à.mĩ̀ ō.hũ̀ ò.kè/

From àmì ohùn (“tone mark”) + òkè (“top”).


awiṣẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wí (“to say”) + ṣẹ (“to take effect”), literally “That which or that who says something to take immediate effect”.

af

the act of saying something that takes immediate effect

àwíṣẹ ni ti Ifá; àfọ̀ṣẹ ni ti Ọ̀rúnmìlà

Prophecy is that of Ifa, accurate prediction is that of the orisha Orunmila

(Ìṣẹ̀ṣe) prophecy, usually used in reference to the powers of the orisha Ifá or Ifá divination


ami ohun ẹlẹyọọroke

head

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

yo-pos

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

yo-noun

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

/à.mĩ̀ ō.hũ̀ ɛ̄.lɛ́.ꜜjɔ́.ɾò.kè/

From àmì ohùn (“tone mark”) + ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè (“rising”).
* ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè from oní- (“that which has”) + ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ́ (“to glide”) + rè (“to go”) + òkè (“top”), literally “that which glides to the top”

com

ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́ròkè

af

falling-tone mark ( ˇ ), which is no longer used in Yoruba orthography


ami ohun ẹlẹyọọrodo

head

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

yo-pos

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

yo-noun

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

àmì ohùn ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

/à.mĩ̀ ō.hũ̀ ɛ̄.lɛ́.ꜜjɔ́.ɾō.dò/

From àmì ohùn (“tone mark”) + ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò (“falling”).
* ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò from oní- (“that which has”) + ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ́ (“to glide”) + rè (“to go”) + odò (“lower point”), literally “that which glides to a lower point”

com

ẹlẹ́yọ̀ọ́rodò

af

falling-tone mark ( ˆ ), which is no longer used in Yoruba orthography


apetunpe

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pè (“to call; to pronounce”) + tún (“again”) + pè (“to call; to pronounce”).


alọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọ́ (“to twist, to make confusing”).

mo já àlọ́ náà


ogido

wọ́n gbé dúró ní ògìdo

perpendicularity, the state of being perpendicular or vertical


ogunna

Ẹlẹ́yinjú ògúnná ― The one's who eyeballs are embers (oríkì òrìṣà Ṣàngó)


ogidigbo

/ò.ɡì.dì.ɡ͡bó/

bí òwe, bí òwe, ni à ń lu ìlù ògìdìgbó, ọlọ́gbọ́n níí jó o, ọ̀mọ̀ràn níí sìí mọ̀ ọ́n
the ògìdìgbó drum is beaten in drum beats like proverbs, it is the wise who dance to its rhythm correctly, and only the wise can understand or decode it

A Yoruba drum belonging to the gbẹ̀du class of drums, it is used to make coded messages or send long-distance messages. It was mainly played in the royal court of the Aláàfin.


ogidigbo

/ò.ɡì.dì.ɡ͡bó/

àwọn ògìdìgbó ènìyàn-án wà níbẹ̀


iyadudu

(Ekiti) (Igbèmọ̀) the plant Mallotus oppositifolius


pankuru

(Ekiti) (Ayédé) the tree Landolphia owariensis (white rubbervine, white-ball-rubber), a major source of rubber and latex


idọti

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dọ̀tí (“to be dirty”), ultimately from English dirty.


ẹgbin

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbin (“to groan, to display displeasure”), literally “That which causes one to display disgust”.

ọ̀gá jẹ mí ní ẹ̀gbin

(idiomatic) contempt, insult, humiliation


ẹgbin

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbìn (“to plant”).

(horticulture) plant, crop, (especially) if it was originally planted


agẹrẹ

A type of drum belonging to the gbẹ̀du family of Yoruba drums, and a subfamily of drums. It is sacred to the orisha Ògún and mainly played by hunters.


kọngọ

/kɔ̀.ŋ̀.ɡɔ́/

/kɔ́.ŋ́.ɡɔ́/

Noun sense derived from ideophone sense. Compare Nupe kòǹgó


kọngọ

/kɔ̀.ŋ̀.ɡɔ́/

/kɔ́.ŋ́.ɡɔ́/

A bent stick used to play the Yoruba talking drum (dùndún and gángan families).


onibata

From oní- (“one who has”) + bàtá (“bata drum”).


onibata

From oní- (“one who has”) + bàtà (“shoes”).


ipekere

chip, crisp; (in particular) plantain chip


igbẹ

gbogbo wọ́n ń foríbọ̀gbẹ́


igbẹ

Possibly from Etymology 1 as a euphemistic meaning since the bush was where defecation often occurred.


apoti

From Hausa àkwā̀tì or Nupe àkpàtì, cognates include Igbo akpàtì, Igala àkpàtì, Tee akpòté, Mada (Nigeria) kpàtì, Edo ẹkpẹtin, Urhobo ekpeti, Isoko ẹkpẹti, Gun àpòtín, and Fon akpótín.


apoti

(Ifọ́n) (Òkèlúsè) the tree Baphia pubescens


aleefa

(by extension, idiomatic) position of power


ọdundun

èyí l'ó mú kí Olódùmarè fọ̀dúndún ṣọba ewé, Ó mú tẹ̀tẹ̀ ṣe ọṣọ̀run-un rẹ̀; Ó mú òkun ṣe ọba omi, Ó mú ọ̀sà ṣe ọṣọ̀run-un rẹ

This is the reason Olodumare made the odundun plant the king of all the leaves, and he made the tete plant its second in command; he made the ocean the king of the oceans, and he made the lagoon its second in command

the name of several plants known for their calming properties, including Kalanchoe pinnata, Emilia fosbergii, Kalanchoe crenata, and Tabernaemontana pachysiphon.


ọdunkun

From Hausa kūdaku, cognate with Nupe dùkú, Igbo kukundùkú, Fula kudaku, and Kanuri kúnduwú, of the same etymological root as kúkúndùkú, Doublet of kúkúndùkú

Àbá mi è sọwọn tóko, àbá mi yóò pọ̀dùnkún bọ̀
My father does not arrive from the hunting forest in shame, my father will surely kill an odunkun rat home (Èkìtì family oríkì)


kẹkẹ

→ Nupe: kèké, kyàkyá

→ Edo: ikẹkẹ


kẹkẹ

of a ticking sound (for example, of a clock)


kẹkẹ

A type of Yoruba tribal scarification, characterized by being much more bolder, in comparison to the gọ̀m̀bọ́. They are mainly adorned by the Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́


kẹkẹ

(of an object) running in a spread out posture


ọtịta

Ultimately from an obsolete verb tà, perhaps originally meaning "to sit."


ọtẹ

lọ́tẹ̀ yìí ni eré tóó ṣe

This time around that we are ready to play


ọsa iṣẹ-aje

head

ọ̀sa iṣẹ́-ajé

ọ̀sa iṣẹ́-ajé

yo-pos

ọ̀sa iṣẹ́-ajé

ọ̀sa iṣẹ́-ajé

yo-noun

ọ̀sa iṣẹ́-ajé

ọ̀sa iṣẹ́-ajé

/ɔ̀.sā ī.ʃɛ́.ā.d͡ʒé/

From ọ̀sa (“period of scarcity”) + iṣẹ́-ajé (“commercial enterprise”), literally “Period of reduced or limited commercial enterprise”.


iṣirun

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣí (“to peel off, to remove”) + irun (“irun”), literally “That which causes the hair to peel off”.


ọtẹlẹmuyẹ

head

ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́

ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́

yo-pos

ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́

ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́

yo-noun

ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́

ọ̀tẹlẹ̀múyẹ́

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tẹ̀ (“to step”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”) + múyẹ́ (“quietly, gently”), literally “One who walks around quietly (while investigating)”.

af

(idiomatic) police detective, investigator


bẹlẹjẹ

/bɛ̀.lɛ̀.d͡ʒɛ́/

aluminum (chemical element, Al, atomical number 13)


ikọkọrẹ

/ì.kɔ́.kɔ̄.ɾɛ́/

ikokore (a pottage made from purple yam (ewùrà) by the Ìjẹ̀bú people)


ọlẹlẹ

→ Nupe: lyàlyà, lèlè

→ Hausa: alele

/ɔ̀.lɛ̀.lɛ̀/

moimoi, a traditional Nigerian steamed bean pudding made from onions, black-eyed beans, red peppers, and other ingredients of choice.


maginẹsiọ

magnesium (chemical element, Mg, atomical number 12)


ogburo

mo gbọ́ bòòsí ògbùró, mo pọ̀sẹ̀sẹ̀, mo ṣe bẹ́yẹ t'ó tóbi tó erin ni, àṣé kò jolongo lọ!

I heard the desperate cry of the ogburo bird, I quickened my steps in fear; I thought it was a bird as big as an elephant; behold, it turned out not to be bigger than the tiny firefinch

a type of bird in the family Columbidae, noted for being similar to the pigeon


ewura

purple yam; Dioscorea alata or Dioscorea smilacifolia

àkàrà ọ̀jọ̀jọ̀

a type of fried cake made from purple yam


afadurajagun

/ā.fà.dú.ɾà.d͡ʒā.ɡũ̄/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + àdúrà (“prayer”) + jagun (“to fight a war”).


aladije

From a- (“agent prefix”) + là (“to referee”) + ìdíje (“competition, tournament”).


lailọọnu

/lá.í.lɔ́ɔ̀.nũ̀/

From English nylon with regressive assimilation.


lagọlagọ

/lā.ɡɔ̀.lā.ɡɔ̀/

the fruit of the plant Paullinia pinnata


iroyin ẹlẹjẹ

head

ìròyìn ẹlẹ́jẹ̀

ìròyìn ẹlẹ́jẹ̀

yo-pos

ìròyìn ẹlẹ́jẹ̀

ìròyìn ẹlẹ́jẹ̀

yo-noun

ìròyìn ẹlẹ́jẹ̀

ìròyìn ẹlẹ́jẹ̀

/ì.ɾò.jĩ̀ ɛ̄.lɛ́.d͡ʒɛ̀/

From ìròyìn (“news”) + ẹlẹ́jẹ̀ (“that which has blood”), literally “bloody news”.

com

fake news (news stories with false or misleading information, deliberately created to disinform).


idanwo

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dánwò (“to test”), ultimately from dán (“to test”) + wò (“to look”), literally “To test someone and observe their performance”.

compound

the act of administering a test or examination


udano

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dán ò (“to test”).

af

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ìdánwò (“test; exam”)


alamọ

(Ekiti) A form of Èkìtì Yoruba oral poetry


alamọ

From oní- (“one who has”) + amọ̀ (“clay, moulded thing”), cognates include Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba lámà

Alámọ̀ ire ló famọ̀ mọ̀ mí, ó mọ̀ mí ire, lágbàlá ire

The owner of the good clay used clay to mould me, he moulded me in goodness, in the garden of goodness

Ilé alámọ̀ nìyẹn


wolewole

Reduplication of wolé (“to look at a house”)


aogo

(Ekiti, Ijesha) Alternative form of agogo (“clock, bell”)

(Ekiti, Ijesha) Alternative form of aago (“phone”)


purofaili

Ẹ lo líǹkì orí púrófáìlì wa.

2019-9-10, Àtẹ́lẹwọ́, Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/egbeatelewo/posts/724812117960443:0


ogooro ẹyin

head

ògóóró ẹ̀yìn

yo-pos

ògóóró ẹ̀yìn

yo-noun

ògóóró ẹ̀yìn

ògooro ẹ̀yìn (canonical)
ògóóró ẹ̀yìn (canonical)

/ò.ɡōō.ɾō ɛ̀.jĩ̀/

/ò.ɡóó.ɾó ɛ̀.jĩ̀/

From ògooro (“one that stretches out on a straight line”) + ẹ̀yìn (“back”).


ongbẹ

/ò.ŋ̀.ɡ͡bɛ̄/

From Contraction of òrùngbẹ, ultimately proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *òlṵ̀gbə , cognate with Igala òlùgbẹ.
Equivalent to ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rùn + gbẹ (“to become emaciated or evaporated”)


alagbeeka

From oní- (“one who has”) + àgbéká (“lifting or carrying of something everywhere”), literally “one that is characterized by lifting or carrying something everywhere”, ultimately from à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + ká (“everywhere”).

compound

something that is characterized by being mobile or carried everywhere


orunkun

Equivalent to orí (“head, surface”) + kún (“to kneel”), literally “The surface that which kneels”. Possibly related with Igala ékwù and Igala òkwúkwù, compare with Itsekiri oríkẹ́sẹ̀, Ifè ìrúkú, and Àhàn égú. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *o-ríkṹ, *e-kíkṹ, from Proto-Edekiri *o-ríkṹ, *e-kíkṹ, ultimately from the root Proto-Yoruba *-kṹ (“to kneel”). See Doublet of kúnlẹ̀ (to kneel).


اووَْسَنمَ

وْهُنكوْهُن (canonical)


ajọṣepọ

/à.d͡ʒɔ̄.ʃē.k͡pɔ̀/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọ (“together, jointly”) + ṣe (“to do”) + pọ̀ (“to be together in a group”), literally “the doing of things together as a group”.

af

the act of doing things together as a group


bayii

From Contraction of bí èyí (“like this”).

ibìkan báyìí ni mo lọ


agbaye

From àgbá (“circle, round entity”) + ayé (“world”), literally “Around the world”.


adanida

From a- (“agent prefix”) + dánidá (“to abandon someone”), ultimately from dá (“agent prefix”) + ẹni (“to act alone”) + dá (“to make, to create”), literally “to abandon someone to act alone on something”.

compound

someone who abandons a person; someone who leaves a person to their fate


adanida

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dánidá (“to abandon someone”), ultimately from ultimately from dá (“agent prefix”) + ẹni (“to act alone”) + dá (“to make, to create”), literally “to abandon someone to act alone on something”.


akọọlẹ

/à.kɔ̄ɔ́.lɛ̀/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kọ (“to write”) + ọ́ (“it”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”), literally “that which is written down”.


airilegbe

/à.ì.ɾí.lé.ɡ͡bé/

From àì- (“negating prefix”) + rí (“to find”) + ilé (“house”) + gbé (“to live”).


asunta

From a- (“agent prefix”) + sùn (“to sleep”) + ìta (“outside”), literally “one who sleeps outside”.

ọmọ asùnta


ẹọn

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ẹ̀wọ̀n (“chains”)

(Ekiti, by extension) Alternative form of ẹ̀wọ̀n (“imprisonment, prison”)

(Ekiti, by extension) Alternative form of ẹ̀wọ̀n (“frozen condition”)


ẹọn

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ẹ̀wọ̀n (“the tree flame thorn, flame acacia (Senegalia ataxacantha)”)


ẹọn

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ẹ̀wọ̀n (“the tree African greenheart (Piptadeniastrum africanum)”)


ọmuti

From ọ̀- (“agent prefix”) + mutí (“to drink alcohol”).

ọ̀mùtí paraku


tulẹtulẹ

From Reduplication of túlẹ̀ (“to scatter the ground”, literally “ground scatterer”).

reduplication

scavenger; one who searches through rubbish


igbala

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbàlà (“to save”), ultimately from gbà (“to rescue”) + là (“to survive”), literally “to rescue someone so that they survive”.


ekisa

Alternative form of àkísà (“rags, ragged”)


iṣapa

Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa#Translingual

the roselle plants Hibiscus sabdariffa and Hibiscus asper; both the leaves and flowers of these plants are widely used in soups and stews.


lafun

a type of àmàlà made from láfún flour, it is known for being unique to the Ẹ̀gbá Yoruba people


ipatẹwọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pàtẹ́wọ́ (“to clap”).


arun gaga

/à.ɾũ̀ ɡá.ɡá/

From àrùn (“disease”) + gágá (“being in a tumultuous or tormentous period”), literally “The tormentous disease”.

àrùn ayé gágá

Spanish flu pandemic, the World War I era


ẹru

From ẹ- (“agent prefix”) + rù (“to carry a load”).


ẹru

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *á-ɗú. Compare with Ifè arú, Ayere árú, Igbo oru


egbi

Cognate with Igala égbi, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *é-gbĩ

Ọnị régbi kọ́ mọ́ ta fọ̀ Ògbòó mọra jegbi

The one who sees the kob antelope must not shoot, for the goddess Ogboo resembles the kob antelope

(Ondo, Ekiti) Alternative form of egbin (“kob antelope”)


ọjẹ

Ọ̀jẹ̀ẹ́bádé

A Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship has met royalty"

Ọ̀jẹ̀ẹ́dìràn

A Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship has become generational"

Ọ̀jẹ̀ẹ́gbèmí

A Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship favours me"

Ọ̀jẹ̀ẹ́lẹ́yẹ

A Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship is honorable"

Ọ̀jẹ̀ẹ́wálé

A Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship has returned home"

a senior practitioner or devotee of an orisha

a senior Egúngún worshipper and performer with a distinguished career

a prefix for Yoruba given names for those born in Egúngún worshipping families (e.g. Ọ̀jẹ̀ẹ́dìràn).


puruntu

(sometimes derogatory) illiterate person


اِپَتعَِووَْ

head

اِپَتعَِووَْ

yo-pos

اِپَتعَِووَْ

yo-noun

اِپَتعَِووَْ


ayanmọ

/à.jã̀.mɔ̃́/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yàn (“to choose”) + mọ́ (“with, together”), literally “being chosen or selected together with another”.


gbajumọ

/ɡ͡bā.d͡ʒú.mɔ̃̀/

From gbà (“to receive”) + ojú (“face”) + mọ̀ (“to know”), literally “To have a face that is well known”.


orule

Possibly from ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rù (“to carry one one's head”) + ilé (“house”), literally “The load of the house; that which the house carries on its head”, compare with òrùka


afọn

àfọ̀n á gbó kí ó tóó wọ̀ ― May the fruit of the àfọ̀n tree ripen before it falls off the branch (a prayer for a pregnant woman's safe delivery)


ooka

From Contraction of òrùka, ultimately proposed to have derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́lṵ̀-ìka.


ijẹta

/ì.d͡ʒɛ̄.tā/

/ì.d͡ʒɛ́.tā/

From ìjọ (“day”) + ẹ̀ta (“three”), literally “3 days from today” or ijọ́ + ẹ̀ta.
* Today is counted as one of the days, making it "three days ago" as opposed to the usual English translation of "two days ago"

compound

day before yesterday
day before yesterday


aṣalẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣí (“to open”) + ní (“in”) + alẹ́ (“evening”), literally “That which opens the evening”.


aṣalẹ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + ṣa (“to pick”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground; dirt”).

scavenger; someone who salvages items from waste


aṣalẹ

a- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣá (“to be barren”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”)


gbalẹgbalẹ

head

gbálẹ̀gbálẹ̀

gbálẹ̀gbálẹ̀

yo-pos

gbálẹ̀gbálẹ̀

gbálẹ̀gbálẹ̀

yo-noun

gbálẹ̀gbálẹ̀

gbálẹ̀gbálẹ̀

/ɡ͡bá.lɛ̀.ɡ͡bá.lɛ̀/

Reduplication of gbálẹ̀ (“to sweep the floor”, literally “floor sweeper”)


jokujoku

Reduplication of jòkú (“to eat the dead”), from jẹ (“to eat”) + òkú (“corpse; dead body”), literally “corpse eater”.

com

scavenger (an animal that feeds on decaying matter)


okete

(idiomatic, by extension) an untrustworthy or dishonest person


وْرُكوَْ امُتوَْرُنوَ

head

وْرُكوَْ امُتوَْرُنوَ

وْرُكوَْ امُتوَْرُنوَ (transliteration needed)

yo-pos

وْرُكوَْ امُتوَْرُنوَ

yo-noun

وْرُكوَْ امُتوَْرُنوَ

orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá
orukọ amutọrunwa#Yoruba

en-وْرُكوَْ_امُتوَْرُنوَ-yo-noun-e7QLe1Su


ireti

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + retí (“to expect”).


abiku

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bí (“to give birth to”) + kú (“to die”), literally “That which is given birth to and dies”. Cognate with Igala àbíkwú.

alábìíkú

a woman who repeatedly has children who die in infancy

In Yoruba tradition, a malevolent spirit that causes the premature death of a child, often successive children. It is often addressed through several rituals. (Compare with ogbanje).

the act of giving birth to a child who dies prematurely

child believed to be a reincarnation of a previously deceased àbíkú child


orukọ abiku

a class of unique Yoruba given names given to àbíkú children (children believed to be reincarnations of a previously deceased sibling). ikú (“death”) is a common prefix for these names (ex. Ikúdáyìsí).


ẹja onida

/ɛ̄.d͡ʒā ō.nĩ́.dà/

From ẹja (“fish”) + oní- (“one who has”) + idà (“sword”).

compound

a large fish; (specifically) the swordfish


ẹkọ arun-ara

/ɛ̀.kɔ́ à.ɾũ̀.ā.ɾā/

From ẹ̀kọ́ (“study, learning”) + àrùn (“disease”) + ara (“body”), literally “the study of the diseases of the body”.


ọjọọbi

/ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́ɔ̀.bí/

From Contraction of ọjọ́-ìbí (“birthday”).

Alternative form of ọjọ́-ìbí (“birthday”)


onimọ ijinlẹ

head

onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀

onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀

yo-pos

onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀

onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀

yo-noun

onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀

onímọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀

/ō.nĩ́.mɔ̃̀ ì.d͡ʒĩ̀.lɛ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ìmọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ (“science, profound knowledge”).

af

ìmọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀


ijinlẹ

/ì.d͡ʒĩ̄.lɛ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jinlẹ̀ (“to have considerable depth”), ultimately from jìn (“to be deep”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground, earth”).

compound

considerable depth (of a hole or burrow)


ijinlẹ

/ì.d͡ʒĩ̀.lɛ̀/

Ó mọ ìjìnlẹ̀ èdè Yoruba sọ

He knows how to speak a deep, knowledgeable form of the Yoruba language

(idiomatic) profound or deep knowledge or wisdom; complex


airoorunsun

/à.ì.ɾóō.ɾũ̄.sũ̀/

From àì- (“negating prefix”) + rí (“to find”) + oorun (“sleep”) + sùn (“to sleep”).


bẹntiroo

/bɛ̄.ŋ̄.tī.ɾóò/

Borrowed from English petrol. Doublet of pẹtiróòlù.


gọdọgbodo

/ɡɔ̀.dɔ̀.ɡ͡bó.dò/


ila-oorun

/ì.là.ōò.ɾũ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to shine”) + oòrùn (“sun”), literally “the shining of the sun”.


iwọ-oorun

/ì.wɔ̀.ōò.ɾũ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wọ̀ (“to set or go down”) + oòrùn (“sun”), literally “the setting of the sun”.


igọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gọ̀ (“to be stupid”).


igọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gọ (“to hide in waiting for”).


igọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gọ́ (“to be fed up, to be tired”).


ojuti

From ojú (“face”) + tì (“to have shame, to be humiliated”).


ọbayejẹ

ọ̀bayéjẹ́ (canonical)
ọ̀bàyéjẹ́ (canonical)

/ɔ̀.bā.jé.d͡ʒɛ́/

/ɔ̀.bà.jé.d͡ʒɛ́/

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bàyéjẹ́ (“to cause chaos, to destroy life”), ultimately from bàjẹ́ (“to spoil”) + ayé (“life, world”).


mọgaa

(rare, zootomy) antenna; (in particular) an insect's antenna.


lọbalọba

Mò ń lọ sí ìgbìmọ̀ lọ́balọ́ba

(in the plural) kings, the matter of several kings


igbesẹ

/ì.ɡ͡bé.sɛ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbésẹ̀, ultimately from gbé (“nominalizing prefix”) + ẹsẹ̀ (“to lift”) + [Term?] (“foot”), literally “the act of lifting one's foot”.

(by extension) order of operation, process, step


mọgaji

/mɔ̃́.ɡà.d͡ʒí/

the male head of a clan or extended family, boss


igake

of a twisted motion (like when one is being tickled)


apọnle

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pọ́n (“to compliment, to honor”) + lé (“upon”).

af

(grammar, linguistics) modification, modifier


ọhaha

Alternative form of ọ̀fàfà (“Tree hyrax”)


kunlekunle

Reduplication of kun ilé (“to paint a house”, literally “house painter”).


ọfafa

Compare with Edo àkúghàghà and Urhobo àghwàghwà

Tree hyrax; (in particular) the Dendrohyrax interfluvialis


tẹnbẹlẹkun

head

tẹ̀ǹbẹ̀lẹ̀kun

tẹ̀ǹbẹ̀lẹ̀kun

yo-pos

tẹ̀ǹbẹ̀lẹ̀kun

tẹ̀ǹbẹ̀lẹ̀kun

yo-noun

tẹ̀ǹbẹ̀lẹ̀kun

tẹ̀ǹbẹ̀lẹ̀kun

/tɛ̀.ŋ̀.bɛ̀.lɛ̀.kũ̄/


ọdọ

mo jókòó ní ọ̀dọ̀ọ baba mi


ọdọ

yam; (in particular) Dioscorea cayenensis subsp. rotundata


mọgala

/mɔ̃́.ɡá.là/


adẹrupọkọ

/ā.dɛ́.ɾù.k͡pɔ̄.kɔ̀/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + dá (“give”) + ẹrù (“load”) + pa (“to kill”) + ọkọ̀ (“vehicle”), literally “one who kills a vehicle with load”.


ile kewu

From ilé (“building”) + kéwú (“Quranic recitation”).

com

(Islam) madrasah (a school that teaches Islamic theology)


onifẹẹ-ọkunrin-sọkunrin

/ō.nĩ́.ꜜfɛ́.ɔ̄.kũ̀.ɾĩ̄.sɔ́.kũ̀.ɾĩ̄/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ìfẹ́ (“love”) + ọkùnrin (“man”) + sí (“to”) + ọkùnrin (“man”).

af

(derogatory term for gay people)


abọde

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọ̀ (“to come”) + dè (“to bind”).


abọde

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọ̀ (“to come”) + dé (“to arrive”).

the act of returning from a location or trip


inifẹẹ-ọkunrin-sọkunrin

/ì.nĩ́.fɛ̀ɛ́.ɔ̄.kũ̀.ɾĩ̄.sɔ́.kũ̀.ɾĩ̄/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ní (“to have”) + ìfẹ́ (“love”) + ọkùnrin (“man”) + sí (“to”) + ọkùnrin (“man”), literally “love between males”.


lemọmu

Borrowed from Hausa lī̀mâm or lī̀mân, ultimately from Arabic إِمَام (ʔimām). Doublet of ìmáàmù.


abẹya-kan-naa-lopọ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + bá (“with”) + ẹ̀yà (“gender, sex”) + kan (“one”) + náà (“of a particular or previously mentioned entity”) + lòpọ̀ (“to have sex with”), literally “one who has sex with someone of the same sex”.

(derogatory term for gay people)


ọpa

staff of authority; (used by monarchs or deities); scepter

a symbol of the orisha Òrìṣàoko; it is used as a totem for families who worship Òrìṣàoko and a prefix used in Yoruba names and surnames (ex. Ọ̀pábìyìí).

aṣọ ọlọ́pàá méje

(measurement) a unit of length equal to one yard


sẹloteepu

From English sellotape, a genericized trademark of the brand Sellotape.

genericized trademark
genericized trademark

(genericized trademark) adhesive tape; sellotape


ikọla

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kọ (“to write”) + ilà (“lines, marks”).


horo ẹjẹ pupa

/hó.ɾó ɛ̀.d͡ʒɛ̀ k͡pū.k͡pā/


ami faagun

/à.mĩ̀ fàá.ɡũ̀/

From àmì (“tone mark”) + fàágùn (“elongated”).
* fàágùn from fà (“to drag”) + á (“it”) + gùn (“to be long”), literally “stretch it out”

com

composite tone mark ( ~ ), which is no longer used in Yoruba orthography


ọrọ-iṣe ẹlẹla

head

ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là

ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là

yo-pos

ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là

ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là

yo-noun

ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là

ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.ì.ʃē ɛ̄.lɛ́.là/

From ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe (“verb”) + oní- (“one who has”) + ẹ̀là (“that which is split”).

compound

bà jẹ́ (“to hurt, to damage”) → ba ọkàn jẹ́ (“to damage the heart”)

(grammar) A splitting verb; bisyllabic verbs that obligatorily split around a direct object or pronouns.


omira

From omi (“water, liquid”) + ara (“body”).


igboya

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbó (“to be mature, to be emboldened”) + àyà (“chest”).


ogurọ

cog

Igbo ọ̀gọ̀lọ̀

any raffia palm tree, including the Raphia vinifera, Raphia farinifera, Raphia hookeri, and Raphia sudanica.

a specific type of palm wine (ẹmu) made from the raffia palm


ogurọ

a tree of species Distemonanthus benthamianus


ogurọ

(Ekiti) (Ayédùn-Èkìtì) a plant of species Ficus vallis-choudae


paṣipaarọ

/k͡pà.ʃí.k͡pàà.ɾɔ̀/

From pa (“to do”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣí (“to move”) + pa (“to do”) + ààrọ̀ (“replacement, alternative”)

compound

(literally) exchange of one thing with another

exchange of one thing with another
metathesis

exchange of one thing with another
barter, exchange


ibukun

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bù (“to scoop out”) + kún (“to fill”).

af

(literally) to act of drawing out of some substance and adding it onto another


ọgụrọ

/ɔ̀.ɡʊ̀.ɾɔ̀/

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ògùrọ̀ (“(in general) raffia palm tree”)

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ògùrọ̀ (“palm wine made from raffia palm”)


ikata

Mẹ ẹ̀ fẹ́ kúró ni ikàtà èyé mi

I do not want to leave the immediate vicinity of my mother


igbekun

/ì.ɡ͡bè.kũ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbè (“to be in an unsatisfactory state”) + okùn (“ropes”), literally “the unsatisfactory state of being bounded”.

Ọ̀sanyìn ń fomi-ojú ṣe ògbérè ìgbèkùn

(Can we date this quote?), Odù Ifá chapter #9 - Ògúndá Méjì:

Osanyin is using his tears as a dirge for his captivity


agbanilagbatan

/ā.ɡ͡bā.nĩ̄.lá.ɡ͡bà.tã́/

a- (“agent prefix”) + gbà (“to deliver”) + ẹni (“person”) + ní (“adverbial preposition”) + àgbàtán (“complete deliverance”), literally “one who delivers people completely”.

(Christianity) total deliverer (an epithet of God)


koriko

grass; (in particular) the wild grass species Guinea grass and Setaria longiseta


ahaya ibọn

compound

àhàyá + ìbọn


ṣigidi

ṣìgìdì (canonical)
ṣigidi (canonical)
ṣígídí (canonical)

(of an object) being solid, roundish, hard, and lightweight


ṣigidi

a human shaped stationary and odious figurine, used as a ritual offensive weapon and a guardian of the home. It is believed that through the spirit that inhabits the figurine, Ṣìgìdì, the figurine is able to be remotely activated, where it can inflict disease or death on its targets

(Ìṣẹ̀ṣe) a physical representation of the orisha Ṣìgìdì

(by extension, modern usage, idiomatic) robot, drone (anything that is remote-controlled)


idọbalẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dọ̀bálẹ̀ (“to prostrate”), ultimately from dọ̀ (“to prostrate”) + bá (“towards”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”).


yigi

(Islam) nikah (a wedding conducted using Islamic rites)


oolẹ

(rare, archaic) a specific type of oríkì poetry consisting of long epithets praising one's lineage and ancestry


ẹburumbu

/ɛ̀.bù.ɾú.ŋ̀.bú/

A competent ẹlẹ́sà (ẹ̀sà poet) can confuse and defeat an opponent by starting from an ambivalent point, causing the opponent to chant the wrong oríkì orílẹ̀ in response.

a traditional Yoruba artistic method used in oral poetry competitions in which poets approach a type of poem (oríkì, ẹ̀sà, ìjálá) from an uncommon angle (perhaps idiomatic or proverbial) and challenges a fellow poet to continue the poem from that unique angle in an attempt to confuse them.


eto saye dọkan

From ètò (“system; process”) + sọ (“to make”) + ayé (“the world”) + di (“become”) + ọ̀kan (“one”), literally “the process that draws the world closer”.

com

Fífi èrò wérò ṣe pàtàkì gan-an nínú ètò sayé dọ̀kan, Íńtánẹ́ẹ̀tì ló sì fi èyí hàn jù.

2002, “Ṣé Ètò Sayé Dọ̀kan Lè Yanjú Àwọn Ìṣòro Wa Lóòótọ́?”, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

The interchange of ideas is an important feature of globalization, and nothing symbolizes this phenomenon more than the Internet.


isọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sọ̀ (“to put down a carried item”).

af

(literally) the act of putting down a load (that was previously carried)


isọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sọ̀ (“to grumble”).


isọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sọ (“to sprout, to swell up”).


okunkun

From ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kùnkùn (“partial reduplication of kùn to become dark”).


ijọba alagbada

/ì.d͡ʒɔ̄.bā ā.lá.ɡ͡bá.dá/

From ìjọba + alágbádá, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọba (“to rule”) + oní- (“one who has”) + agbádá (“agbada”), literally “The government of the one who wears the agbada”
* This refers to the fact that many leaders of democratic government's in Africa wear the African attire the agbada, as opposed to the military uniform of military dictators.


ere idaraya

From eré + ìdárayá, ultimately from eré (“play, games, activity”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to make”) + ara (“body”) + yá (“to be healthy”), literally “Activity that makes the body healthy”.


awusa

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *V-ɣʊ̀sá, *a-ɣʊ̀sá, *ɛ-ɣʊ̀sá, probably of Proto-Edekiri origin. Maybe equivalent to a- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wù (“to uproot; to grow”) + sá (“to dry”), perhaps referring to the drying of the nuts. Also compare with the synonym àsálà, where "sá" is also seen.

af

the nut of the Plukenetia conophora plant, known as the Nigerian walnut


ilomi afẹfẹ

head

ìlómi afẹ́fẹ́

ìlómi afẹ́fẹ́

yo-pos

ìlómi afẹ́fẹ́

ìlómi afẹ́fẹ́

yo-noun

ìlómi afẹ́fẹ́

ìlómi afẹ́fẹ́

From ìlómi + afẹ́fẹ́, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ní (“to have”) + omi (“water”) + afẹ́fẹ́ (“air”), literally “Having water in air”.


afẹfẹ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + fẹ́ (“to blow”) + fẹ́ (“to blow”), literally “That which blows”.


werepe

Mucuna pruriens
Mucuna pruriens#Translingual

a name for several plants of the genus Mucuna that cause severe itching and rashes upon contact, but usually refers to the plants Mucuna pruriens and Mucuna sloanei.


ẹranko ayasẹ

/ɛ̄.ɾã̄.kō ā.jā.sɛ̀/

From ẹranko (“animal”) + ayasẹ̀ (“one who with the torn foot”).


ejo-inu

From ejò (“snake”) + inú (“insides, abdomen”).

aṣẹnuṣúnmúnújayé lorúkọ à á pe ìwọ ejò-inú
The one-that-with-a-roundish-short-slightly-protruding-and-very-lightweight mouth enjoys life is the name we call you tapeworm (oríkì name for the tapeworm)


peregun

/k͡pè.ɾè.ɡṹ/

ọdọọdún ni pèrègún ń yè

the plants Dracaena mannii, Dracaena fragrans, and Dracaena arborea, known primarily for their spiritual and healing properties.

Pèrègún

orisha said to represent of the peregun plant


ọbịnrịn

/ɔ̄.bɪ̃̀.ɾɪ̃̄/

Proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-bɪ̃̀rɪ̃, Olukumi obìnrẹn, Ifè ɔnɔbɛ̃̀ɛ̃, Igala ónobùlẹ

cog

Ifè ɔnɔbɛ̃̀ɛ̃

Mainly used among those of the Akure subdialect


adinumasọrọ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + dì (“to close, to block”) + ẹnu (“mouth”) + máà (“do not”) + sọ̀rọ̀ (“to talk”), literally “one who shuts their mouth and does not talk”.

af

(literally) one who stays quiet and doesn't talk

(idiomatic) the plant Clerodendrum japonicum


eepa

egbò ta èépá

crumb, crust; (in particular) hardened crumb of overcooked or burned food


abẹrẹ

Some sources suggest it may come from Arabic إِبْرَة (ʔibra), however the Hausa word from this Arabic root does not resemble the Yoruba form. Thus, either Yoruba inherited directly from Arabic as it did not inherit it through Hausa, which is generally the way Arabic words enter the Yoruba vocabulary.


ọjẹlu

/ɔ̀.d͡ʒɛ̀.lú/

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat; to consume”) + ìlú (“city; nation”), literally “one who consumes the nation” modelled on òṣèlú.

(derogatory) corrupt politician; polithiefcian


abẹla

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ́ (“to cut”) + là (“to glow”), literally “That which we cut to glow”.


kọnfu

Borrowed from English kung fu, from Chinese 功夫 (gōngfu).


ipọnju

/ì.k͡pɔ̃́.d͡ʒú/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pọ́n (“to darken, to become red”) + ojú (“eyes”).

(literally) the darkening or reddening of the eyes, usually as a sign of anger

(idiomatic) distress, predicament, desperation, affliction


ariwo

From a- (“agent prefix”) + riwo (“of much loud contrastive noise among a crowd (ideophone)”), proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *a-riwo


ariwo

Possibly from a- (“agent prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + wó (“to crush”), literally “One we see and crush”

the plant Monodora myristica, known as the African nutmeg or calabash nutmeg

the fruit and seed of the calabash nutmeg; used as a spice


ipenpeju

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pé (“to be complete”) + ni (“to be”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pé (“to be complete”) + ojú (“eyes”).


agbawo

/ā.ɡ͡bá.ꜜwō/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + àwo (“dish”), literally “dish carrier”.


ọmọ ọdọ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄ ɔ̀.dɔ̀/

From ọmọ (“child”) + ọ̀dọ̀ (“presence”).


ṣenji

/ʃé.ŋ́.d͡ʒì/

change (balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase)


akọbi

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kọ́ (“first”) + bí (“to birth”).


abigbẹyin

/à.bí.ɡ͡bɛ̀.jĩ̀/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bí (“to birth”) + gbẹ̀yìn (“last”).


aladuugbo

From oní- (“one who has”) + àdúgbò (“neighbourhood”).


iyekan

From iye (“mother”) + ọ̀kan (“one”), literally “one mother”.

compound

maternal half sibling (sibling of the same mother but a different father)


ọbakan

From ọba (“father”) + ọ̀kan (“one”), literally “one father”.

paternal half sibling (sibling of the same father but a different mother)


akọigba

/à.kɔ́.ì.ɡ͡bà/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kọ́ (“to teach”) + àì- (“negating prefix”) + gbà (“to accept”).

af

(sometimes offensive) Someone who was taught manners but refused to heed instructions; a mannerless untrainable person.


abiikọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bí (“to birth”) + àì- (“negating prefix”) + kọ́ (“to teach”).

(sometimes offensive) Someone who was never taught manners; a mannerless untrained person.


bulọọgu

/bú.lɔ́ɔ̀.ɡù/


akọbulọọgu

head

akọbúlọ́ọ̀gù

akọbúlọ́ọ̀gù

yo-pos

akọbúlọ́ọ̀gù

akọbúlọ́ọ̀gù

yo-noun

akọbúlọ́ọ̀gù

akọbúlọ́ọ̀gù

/ā.kɔ̄.bú.lɔ́ɔ̀.ɡù/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + kọ (“to write”) + búlọ́ọ̀gù (“blog”).


reluwee

N kì í wọ rélùwéè ní òpin ọ̀sẹ̀.


ọkọ ofuurufu

/ɔ̄.kɔ̀ ò.fūū.ɾū.fú/

From ọkọ̀ (“vehicle”) + òfuurufú (“sky”).


ọba opojẹ

/ɔ̄.bā ò.k͡pó.d͡ʒɛ̀/

From ọba (“king”) + òpójẹ̀ (“artery, blood vessel”), literally “the most important artery”.

compound

(idiomatic, anatomy, cardiology) coronary artery


bẹrẹ

(of an entity) bending in the form of a slope or unevenly


bẹrẹ

Possibly related to bẹ́ẹ́rẹ̀ (“firstborn son”)

an elderly male relative; (in particular) a revered or adored male elder


akoba

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kó (“to pack”) + bá (“to meet”).


ẹtọ ọmọniyan

head

ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn

ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn

yo-pos

ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn

ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn

yo-noun

ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn

ẹ̀tọ́ ọmọnìyàn

/ɛ̀.tɔ́ ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.nĩ̀.jã̀/

From ẹ̀tọ́ (“right”) + ọmọnìyàn (“human; humanity”).


arọọrọda

/à.ɾɔ̀ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.dá/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rọ̀ (“to rain”) + àì- (“negating prefix”) + rọ̀ (“to rain”) + dá (“to stop (rain)”).

af

òjò àrọ̀ọ̀rọ̀dá


aibikita

From àì- (“negative nominalizing prefix”) + bìkítà (“to care about”).

Ìwà àìbìkítà ènìyàn lè fa ìjàǹbá iná lórí oko

Human carelessness can cause fires on farms

carelessness; negligence; indifference; neglect


idagbasoke

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dàgbà sókè (“to grow; to develop”), ultimately from di (“to become”) + àgbà (“old, elder”) + sí (“towards”) + òkè (“top”)

compound

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ìdàgbàsókèview map


aawẹ

From Contraction of àrìwẹ̀, ultimately from àrì- (“without”) + wẹ̀ (“to shower, to bathe”).


arobo

a- (“agent prefix”) + ròbó (“of an entity that is roundish, fleshy and reddish”)


ṣago

a large glass bottle; (in particular) a demijohn

Alternative form of ságo (“glass or plastic bottle”)


ẹrẹwọn

/ɛ̄.ɾɛ̄.wɔ̃̄/


arọmọdọmọ

/à.ɾɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.dɔ́.mɔ̃̄/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + ọmọ (“child”) + dé (“to reach, to”) + ọmọ (“child”).

the act of seeing one's children and descendants

the seeing of one's children and descendants

(in the plural) descendants, generations


sẹlẹru

/sɛ́.lɛ̀.ɾú/

Alternative form of ṣẹ́lẹ̀rú (“creek; brook”)


ṣẹlẹru

/ʃɛ́.lɛ̀.ɾú/

From Clipping of ìṣẹ́lẹ̀rú, ultimately from ṣẹ́ (“to gush or burst forth suddenly”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”) + rú (“to sprout”).

compound

Ṣẹ́lẹ̀rú àgbo, àgbàrá àgbo l'Ọ́ṣun fi ń wẹmọ rẹ̀ kí dókítà ó tó dé
Spring of herbal medicine, flowing waters of herbal medicine, this is what Ọ̀ṣun used to bath her children before western medicine came


efun

From e- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fun (“to be white; light”)

af

(Ekiti, Ifẹ) Alternative form of ẹfun (“chalk”)


ẹgunjẹ

/ɛ̀.ɡṹ.d͡ʒɛ̄/

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gún (“to grind”) + jẹ (“to eat”), literally “that which is ground/pounded to eat”. Modelled on earlier àgúnmu (“a traditional powder medicine”, literally “that which is ground and drank”).

(neologism, law) bribery, kickback, settlement


ṣaki

Ṣàkì ń ṣe bí ọ̀rá, egungun ń ṣe bí ẹran

The tripe presents itself as fat; the bone presents itself as meat


pọnmọ

→ Igbo: kpọmọ

→ English: ponmo

→ Nigerian Pidgin: ponmo, kpomo

/k͡pɔ̃̀.mɔ̃́/


afeimojo

Possibly from àfè (“striped grass mouse”) + ì (“negation marker”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + òjò (“rain”), literally “The rat-like creature that does not know rain”, in reference to the fact that the aardvark is known to burrow and lives nocturnally (and therefore rarely encounters rain), associating it with the mouse àfè because of their similar characteristics.

compound

ẹmọ́ kú, ojú òpó dá; àfèìmòjò kú, ẹnu isà ń ṣọ̀fọ̀

The mouse dies, the surface of the pole becomes vacant, the aardvark dies, and the burrow goes into mourning (proverb on tragedy)

Striped grass mouse, known for its very long tail (in proportion to the rest of its body)


ẹdun arinlẹ

/ɛ̄.dũ̄ ā.ɾĩ̄.lɛ̀/

From ẹdun (“colobus monkey”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + rìn (“to walk”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”), literally “The colobus monkey that treads on the ground”.

ìṣẹ́ kì í ṣẹ́ igún kó di ojúgbà adìẹ

poverty does not afflict the colobus monkey to the extent that it becomes a land dwelling creature; the vulture is never so badly off that it becomes the equal of a chicken

(idiomatic, derogatory) a bankrupt person; (specifically) a rich person who has lost all of their fortune


aifo

Possibly a contraction of arífó, afífó, compare with Olukumi ẹ́fífó. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *a-fífó

aífó ń mu mi


oluku

→ English: Olukumi

→ Spanish: lucumí

> Lucumí: lucumí (inherited)

Cognate with Igala ónúkwu, Itsekiri olùkùn, and Olukumi olùkù, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *o-lùkù


ọparun

/ɔ̄.k͡pā.ɾũ̄/


unagho

ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + nághó (“to spend money”)

af

(Ọwọ) Alternative form of ìnáwó (“spending”)


ọrọ ẹyin

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ ɛ̀.jĩ̀/


gbeborun

/ɡ͡bé.bō.ɾũ̀/

From gbé (“to carry”) + ìborùn (“iborun (a shoulder sash worn by women)”).

com

(neologism, idiomatic, sometimes offensive) a gossip; busybody; interloper


sọgbodile sọgbẹdigboro

/sɔ̄.ɡ͡bó.dī.lé sɔ̀.ɡ͡bɛ́.dì.ɡ͡bō.ɾō/

From the phrase "sọgbó dilé sọ̀gbẹ́ dìgboro, ọba asààtàn dọjà", an oríkì for a successful ọba that maintains and expands a settlement, ultimately from sọ (“to make”) + igbó (“forest”) + di (“to become”) + ilé (“house”) + sọ (“to make”) + ìgbẹ́ (“bush”) + di (“to become”) + ìgboro (“urban area”), literally “[the process which] turns forests into homes and bush into towns.”.

􂀿the process which􂁀 turns forests into homes and bush into towns.

Àtẹ̀jáde kan tí Àjọ Ìparapọ̀ Àwọn Orílẹ̀-Èdè fi ṣọwọ́ sáwọn oníròyìn sọ pé: “Nítorí iṣẹ́ àgbẹ̀, iṣẹ́ sọgbódilé-sọ̀gbẹ́dìgboro àtàwọn ìgbòkègbodò míì téèyàn ò lè tètè rí ipa wọn, àwọn igbó kìjikìji tó kù sórí àwọn òkè kan ti ń pa run.”

2005, “Àwọn Àǹfààní Tá À Ń Rí Lára Òkè”, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

“Some of these last wild areas are fast disappearing in the face of agriculture, infrastructure development and other creeping impacts,” explains a recent United Nations press release.

development (in rural areas or at the fringes of urban areas); urban sprawl


ẹnjinia

/ɛ̄.ŋ̄.d͡ʒī.ní.à/


ipapoda

From ì- + papòdà, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ipò (“position”) + padà (“to change, to transform”), literally “to change positions”
* padà is a splitting verb (ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là), in this case it is split by the "ipò"

af

(literally) changing of a position (in life);

(euphemistic, idiomatic) the act of transmitting to the other side


Ṣango-pipe

/ʃã̀.ɡó.k͡pí.k͡pè/

a form of oral poetry consisting of chanting and invocation (pípè) in worship of the orisha Ṣàngó


mọlẹbi

Possibly from ọmọ (“child”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ní (“in”) + ẹbí (“family”), literally “Descendants of the family”


pupọ

From partial reduplication of pọ̀ (“to be plenty”).


ipinya

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pínyà (“to divide, to separate”), ultimately from pín (“share equally”) + yà (“break, divide, split”).


tẹli

Clipping of tẹlifíṣọ̀n, or from English telly.


majata

From má + jẹ + ata, literally “don't eat pepper”.


ẹlẹyinju aanu

head

ẹlẹ́yinjú àánú

ẹlẹ́yinjú àánú

yo-pos

ẹlẹ́yinjú àánú

ẹlẹ́yinjú àánú

yo-noun

ẹlẹ́yinjú àánú

ẹlẹ́yinjú àánú

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.jĩ̄.d͡ʒú àá.nṹ/

From oní- (“owner”) + ẹyinjú (“eyeball”) + àánú (“mercy”), literally “one with a merciful eye”.

af

(idiomatic) sympathetic person; compassionate person


ikebe

Borrowed from Nigerian Pidgin ikebe, ultimately from Edoid language such as Isoko ikebe, Urhobo ikebe or Edo ikebe.


olodongboro

/ō.ló.dò.ŋ̀.ɡ͡bō.ɾō/


ladugbo

clay pitcher (terracotta vessel for fetching water)


ọyẹyẹ

/ɔ̀.jɛ̀.jɛ̀/

ọ̀- + yẹ̀yẹ̀


ọyẹyẹ

/ɔ̀.jɛ́.jɛ́/


goobe

(informal, neologism) chaos; crisis; trouble


gogongo

/ɡò.ɡò.ŋ́.ɡò/


gidi-gidi

Noun sense derives from ideophone sense, ultimately from reduplication of gìdì (“solid, firm”)

Gìdì-gìdì ò mọ́là; ká ṣiṣẹ́ bí ẹrú ò da nǹkan.

Scurrying around does not ensure prosperity; working like a slave results in nothing.

Lẹ́yìn ìgbà yẹn, á wá sáré gìdìgìdì lọ wọ ọkọ ojú irin lọ sí ibùdó tó kàn

2000, “Atànmọ́lẹ̀ fún Ọ̀pọ̀ Orílẹ̀-Èdè”, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

Afterward, he rushed to catch the train for another scheduled stop.

(of an entity) rushing in a stampede; having great strength


gidi-gidi

eegun gìdì-gìdì l'ó wà lára ọmọkùnrin yẹn

That boy has the strength of a yellow-backed duiker (literally, “The bones of the yellow-backed duiker are in the body of that boy”)


ko-la-ko-ṣagbe

From kò (“not”) + là (“to be wealthy”) + kò (“not”) + ṣagbe (“to beg”).


uwowo

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *u-ɣòɣò

(Ekiti, Ifẹ, Usẹn) gourd; from the plant Lagenaria siceraria


alimoyi

Àlìmóyì oún Ọmọ́layọ̀ ó ká


ojule

From ojú (“face, eyes, opening”) + ilé (“house”).

compound

Ilé baba mi lójúlé mẹ́jọ

My father's house has eight rooms (literally, “My father's house has eight door entrances”)


itẹlọrun

/ì.tɛ́.lɔ́.ɾũ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tẹ́ lọ́rùn (“to satisfy”).


ifasiti

Alternative form of yunifásítì (“university”)


fasiti

Clipping of yunifásítì, or from English varsity.


agbẹgilere

/ā.ɡ͡bɛ́.ɡī.lé.ɾē/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + gbẹ́ (“to carve”) + igi (“wood”) + ní (“adverbial preposition”) + ère (“sculpture”), literally “one who carves wood into sculpture”.

Bísí Fakẹ́yẹ jẹ́ ìlúmọ̀ọ́ká agbẹ́gilére, ó wá láti ìdílé agbẹ́gilére tí ó gbajúmọ̀. Bàbá-bàbá-bàbá rẹ̀ ni agbẹ́gilére Ọláwọyin láti Ìlá Ọ̀ràngún. Ìbátan Lámìdí Fákẹ́yẹ ni ó jẹ́. Àwọn ẹbí Fákẹ́yẹ ti gbé àwọn ìṣe àdáyébá ère gbígbẹ́ ilẹ̀ Yorùbá ga, wọn sì ti sọ ìṣe náà ti gbajúgba dé òkè òkun.

2022 May 14 (last accessed), “Bísí Fákẹ́yẹ”, in John Randle Centre For Yoruba Culture & History, archived from the original on 2022-07-05:

Bisi Fakeye is a carver of renown, from a family of famous carvers. His great grandfather was the carver Olawoyin from Ila Orangun. He is cousin to Lamidi Fakeye. The Fakeye family have maintained and developed the carving traditions of the Yoruba people and given them international fame.


ainitẹẹlọrun

head

àìnítẹ̀ẹ́lọ́rùn

àìnítẹ̀ẹ́lọ́rùn

yo-pos

àìnítẹ̀ẹ́lọ́rùn

àìnítẹ̀ẹ́lọ́rùn

yo-noun

àìnítẹ̀ẹ́lọ́rùn

àìnítẹ̀ẹ́lọ́rùn

/à.ì.nĩ́.ꜜtɛ́.lɔ́.ɾũ̀/

From àì- (“negating prefix”) + ní (“to have”) + ìtẹ́lọ́rùn (“satisfaction”).


ifẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fẹ́ (“to love; to desire”).


airiṣẹṣe

/à.ì.ɾí.ʃɛ́.ʃē/

From àì- (“negating prefix”) + rí (“to see; to find”) + iṣẹ́ (“job”) + ṣe (“to do”).


airigbẹẹya

head

àìrígbẹ̀ẹ́yà

àìrígbẹ̀ẹ́yà

yo-pos

àìrígbẹ̀ẹ́yà

àìrígbẹ̀ẹ́yà

yo-noun

àìrígbẹ̀ẹ́yà

àìrígbẹ̀ẹ́yà

/à.ì.ɾí.ꜜɡ͡bɛ́.jà/

From àì- (“negating prefix”) + rí (“to see; to find”) + ìgbẹ́ (“faeces”) + yà (“to egest”).


tẹjumalejo

/tɛ̄.d͡ʒú.má.ꜜlē.d͡ʒò/

From tẹjú mọ́ (“to stare at”) + àlejò (“guest; visitor”), literally “[that which] stares at visitors”.


olugbe

From olù- (“non-productive agent prefix”) + gbé (“to reside; to inhabit”).


ipagborun

/ì.k͡pā.ɡ͡bó.ɾũ̄/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + igbó (“forest”) + run (“to destroy”).


airọmọbi

/à.ì.ɾɔ́.mɔ̃̄.bí/

From àì- (“negating prefix”) + rí (“to find”) + ọmọ (“child”) + bí (“to birth”).


ipalara

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pa (“to do, to kill, to damage”) + ní (“on”) + ara (“body”)


adodo

→ Ayere: adòdó

Cognate with Igala òdòdó and Ayere adòdó

(Ekiti) Alternative form of òdòdó (“flower”)

Ọlọ́fin Ufẹ̀ jẹ́ kí ń radòdó ṣe èyé o ― Ọlọ́fin of Ifẹ̀, let me have a child I can be a mother to (literally, “Olofin of Ifẹ̀, let me see a flower that I can be a mother to”) (Èkìtì prayer for children)

(Ekiti, idiomatic) child (used as a term of endearment)


furọ

Probably from Baatonum pùrɔ̀ru, a sound change from p-->f may be possible as Yoruba does not have /p/


olugbeja

/ō.lù.ɡ͡bè.d͡ʒà/

From olù- (“non-productive agent prefix”) + gbèjà (“to defend”).


alabaaṣiṣẹpọ

head

alábàáṣiṣẹ́pọ̀

alábàáṣiṣẹ́pọ̀

yo-pos

alábàáṣiṣẹ́pọ̀

alábàáṣiṣẹ́pọ̀

yo-noun

alábàáṣiṣẹ́pọ̀

alábàáṣiṣẹ́pọ̀

/ā.lá.ꜜbá.ʃī.ʃɛ́.k͡pɔ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bá (“to accompany”) + ṣiṣẹ́ (“to work”) + pọ̀ (“together”).


ede aiyede

èdè (“language”) + àì- (“negation prefix”) + yé (“to understand”) + èdè (“language”), literally “language doesn't understand language”


ọganwo

the name for four African mahogany trees in the genus Khaya, Khaya ivorensis, Khaya anthotheca, Khaya grandifoliola, and Khaya senegalensis


eyinjija

/è.jĩ̀.d͡ʒì.d͡ʒà/


anikangbiju

/ā.nĩ̀.kã̀.ɡ͡bī.d͡ʒù/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + ni (“to be”) + ọ̀kàn (“only one”) + gbà (“to take, to occupy”) + ijù (“forest, jungle, wilderness”), literally “The one who solely dominates the forest”.

af

(idiomatic) the plant Hoslundia opposita


osilo

From ò- + sìlò, possibly related Owe Yoruba ùhìn

Ọmọbị̀nrin Àkúrẹ́ tọjà yìí bọ̀, ó f'òsìlò p'ẹfọ̀n ― The Akure girl comes from the market and uses a knife to kill a buffalo (oríkì of Àkúrẹ́)


imi-ọjọ

/ī.mĩ́.ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́/

From imí (“excrement, feces”) + ọjọ́ (“day, sunrise, sun”), literally “excrement of the sun”.

compound

sulfur (chemical element, S, atomical number 16)


ẹlịla

Part of the etymology possibly derives from lá (“to be big”), compare with Ifè lalá

(Ekiti) cow; (in particular) a shorthorn dwarf cow known as muturu. This species of cow is different from the zebu cow known as màlúù


ijẹgun

/ì.d͡ʒɛ̄.ɡṹ/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + gún.

af

(Ekiti) eggplant, garden egg; (in particular) Solanum aethiopicum


owo ifẹyinti

head

owó ìfẹ̀yìntì

owó ìfẹ̀yìntì

yo-pos

owó ìfẹ̀yìntì

owó ìfẹ̀yìntì

yo-noun

owó ìfẹ̀yìntì

owó ìfẹ̀yìntì

From owó (“money”) + ìfẹ̀yìntì (“retirement”), literally “retirement money”.


idimulẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dìmú (“to hold”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”).


idimu

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dìmú (“to hold”).


arinurode

/ā.ɾí.nṹ.ɾó.ꜜdē/

a- (“agent prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + inú (“inside”) + rí (“to see”) + òde (“outside”), literally “one who sees the inside and the outside”.


alagbada ina

oní (“owner”) + agbádá (“agbada”) + iná (“fire”), literally “wearer of the agbada of fire”.


ọịṣẹ

Possibly from Contraction of ọ̀ṣíṣẹ́, ultimately from ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣị́ṣẹ́ (“partial reduplication of ṣẹ́ "to break"”). Perhaps a borrowing from Ondo.


ọsọọsẹ

/ɔ̀.sɔ̀ɔ̀.sɛ̀/


agbajọ

/à.ɡ͡bá.d͡ʒɔ̄/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbá (“to sweep; to rake”) + jọ (“together”).

(literally) the act of raking or sweeping of things together

(literally) that which is raked or swept together


gbẹgbẹrẹ

/ɡ͡bɛ̀.ɡ͡bɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/


ogolomọṣi

/ò.ɡò.lò.mɔ̃̀.ʃí/

compound

ògòlò + mọ̀ṣí


agbakoroju

/à.ɡ͡bà.kò.ɾó.d͡ʒú/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbà (“to hit, kick”) + kò (“negation prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + ojú (“surface”), literally “we hit it, but a mark did not surface”, highlighting the fact the shin is a strong part of the leg


ṣụnṣụnwịnwịn

head

ṣụ̀nṣụ̀nwịnwịn

ṣụ̀nṣụ̀nwịnwịn

yo-pos

ṣụ̀nṣụ̀nwịnwịn

ṣụ̀nṣụ̀nwịnwịn

yo-noun

ṣụ̀nṣụ̀nwịnwịn

ṣụ̀nṣụ̀nwịnwịn

/ʃʊ̃̀.ʃʊ̃̀.wɪ̃̄.wɪ̃̄/

(Ekiti) the plant Talinum fruticosum, also known as waterleaf


akojọ

/à.kó.d͡ʒɔ̄/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kó (“collect”) + jọ (“together”).


alegun

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lé (“to be on top of; to be upon”) + gùn (“to climb”), literally “that which is stepped on to climb”.


atọtọ

(vulgar, anatomy) uncircumcised penis; foreskin


aaro

Alternative form of àdìrò (“traditional Yoruba oven or stove and stand”)


ụrara

From ụ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ra (“to rub”) + ara (“body”).


ọkẹlẹjẹu

head

ọ̀kẹ́lẹ́jẹ̀ú

ọ̀kẹ́lẹ́jẹ̀ú

yo-pos

ọ̀kẹ́lẹ́jẹ̀ú

ọ̀kẹ́lẹ́jẹ̀ú

yo-noun

ọ̀kẹ́lẹ́jẹ̀ú

ọ̀kẹ́lẹ́jẹ̀ú

/ɔ̀.kɛ́.lɛ́.d͡ʒɛ̀.ú/

(Ekiti, derogatory, offensive, insultive) someone who is malnourished; someone who has kwashiorkor


aiye

Archaic spelling of ayé (“life, world”).


eeyan

(idiomatic, in the plural) chiefs (in their position as representatives of the people of the town)


gẹdu

Possibly related to Baatonum gɛ̃dɔ̃ and Igbo ìgèdu

the African mahogany trees - Khaya grandifoliola and Khaya ivorensis

(by extension) timber; (as the species of tree identified as gẹdú are often used as timber)


kaadi

Borrowed from English card. Doublet of tákàdá and ṣáàtì.

Mo fi káàdì ìdúpẹ́ ránṣẹ́ sí wọn


akolẹta

From a- (“agent prefix”) + kó (“to pack; to carry”) + lẹ́tà (“letter”), literally “one who carries letters”.


ẹbọ

Cognate with Igala ẹ́bọ and Edo ẹbọ, from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-bɔ̄, equivalent to ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọ (“to worship, to carry a sacrifice”)

ritual sacrifice or offering to a deity or divinity


eyin ọgan

/ē.jĩ́ ɔ̀.ɡã̀/

From eyín (“tooth”) + ọ̀gàn (“spur, spike”). Possibly related to Olukumi uga (“molar”)


ọgan

A plant of any of several species of plant in the genus Combretum of bushwillows, including Combretum micranthum, Combretum dolichopetalum, Combretum zenkeri, Combretum glutinosum, and Combretum paniculatum.


akukọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kùkọ (“partial reduplication of kọ (“to crow”)”), literally “That which crows”, cognate with Igala àìkọ, Igbo ọ̀kụkụ̀, Edo ọkhọkhọ. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *à-kɪ̀kɔ. Likely related distantly to Proto-Bantu *nkókó, of onomatopoeic origin. See Akan akokɔ and other cognates in Benue-Congo

A hairstyle inspired by roosters' combs, worn by priestesses


ibẹrẹ

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ̀rẹ̀ (“to begin, to commence”)

affix

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ìbẹ̀rẹ̀view map

ìɖònɖálɛ̀ABDUCENote: 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


ewuro

adùn ni ń gbẹ̀yìn ewúro

sweetness is the aftertaste of bitter leaf


ọlọrunmila

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ɾṹ.mĩ̀.là/

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ọ̀rúnmìlà (“Orunmila”).

af

(rare) a priest of the worship of the divinity Ọ̀rúnmìlà and Ifa; babalawo


ibanujẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bà jẹ́ (“to be sad”) + inú (“insides/mind”).


itọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tọ̀ (“to urinate”), cognate with Igala ìtọ̀.


itọ

Cognate with Igala ítɔ́, possibly from Proto-Yoruboid *ɪ́-tɔ̃́, ultimately equivalent to *í- (“nominalizing prefix”) + *tɔ̃́ (“to spit, to eject”), compare with Igbo asọ


pọtimanto

Bi Falọrọ ti wi niyẹn. Maneja ileeṣẹ naa paapaa, Nazih Tabet, nigba ti oun naa n jẹrii niwaju awọn adajọ sọ pe oun ati Falọrọ lawọn jọ ka owo naa, ti awọn si fi i sinu pọtimanto kan, pe ki wọn le lọọ ko owo naa si Backlays Bank, to wa ni Ọba Akran, n’Ikẹja.

2020 June 29, admin, “Ibo 1979 ku si dẹdẹ, n lawọn adigunjale ba ko girigiri ba awọn oloṣelu atijọba Ọbasanjọ (4)”, in Alaroye:


bẹri

Mi ò ní bẹ́rí fún olóṣèlú


ajimẹfun

/ā.d͡ʒí.mɛ́.fũ̄/

a- (“agent prefix”) + jí (“to wake up”) + mú (“to take”) + ẹfun (“chalk”), literally “one who wakes up to grasp chalk”


abẹbẹ

→ Portuguese: abebé


obukọ

Proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-bʊ́kɔ, ultimately from to *ɔ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + *bʊ́kɔ, cognate with Igala òbúkọ, Yekhee uviukọ, and Edo ovbukhọ


Ẹsinmirin

/ɛ̀.sĩ̀.mĩ̀.ɾĩ̀/

Possibly from ẹ̀- + sìnmìrìn, which in term may be constructed to Proto-Yoruboid *ò-sĩ̀mĩ̀lì. Likely related to Igbo òsìmìlì (“river”), Igbo Òsìmìlì (“Niger river”), and Igala òhìmìnì (“a major river”). While the term only exists as the name of a mythological river found in an oral story, it may have originally been used as a term for any large body of water, similar to the Niger river, as the Proto-Yoruboid, and then Proto-Yoruba speakers migrated into Yorubaland and came upon many different large bodies of waters. The term likely was used in reference to the Niger river, the major body of water Proto-Yoruboid speakers would have known and likely worshipped. It is potentially an older cognate with Igbo mmiri (“water”) and thus potentially a Doublet of omi.

(obsolete) any big river or body of water, usually referring to the Niger river


aferemọjo

/à.fè.ɾè.mɔ̃̀.d͡ʒò/

Alternative form of àfèìmòjò (“aardvark”)


oṣiṣẹ

From ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣiṣẹ́ (“to work”)


arun kogboogun

/à.ɾũ̀ kò.ɡ͡bóò.ɡũ̀/

From àrùn + kògbóògùn, ultimately from àrùn + kò + gbọ́ + òògùn


araalu

From ará (“relative, member”) + ìlú (“town, country”)


igbaradi

/ì.ɡ͡bá.ɾā.dì/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + ara (“body, one's self”) + dì (“before”).


olu-ilu

Láyé àtijọ́ ni Ìlú-Ọba Ọ̀yọ́, olú-ìlú kín-ìn-ní wọn jẹ́ Ọ̀yọ́-Ilé

In the days of old is when the Ọ̀yọ́ Empire existed, it's first capital was Ọ̀yọ́-Ilé


iṣelu

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣèlú (“to govern”).


aigbagbọ

/à.ì.ɡ͡bà.ɡ͡bɔ́/

From àì- (“negative prefix”) + gbàgbọ́ (“to believe”)


alaini

From oní- + àìní, ultimately from oní- (“one who has”) + àì- (“negative prefix”) + ní (“to have”), literally “One who has the act of not having”


adumaadan

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dú (“to be dark”) + máa (“that is”) + dán (“shining”), literally “that which is dark and shining”

Látibo ni àdúmáadán ọkùnrin níwájú mi ti wá, òun náà tó dá gbogbo èèyàn tó rí òun dúró?

Where has this beautiful dark-skinned man come from, the one that makes everyone that sees him to halt?

(idiomatic) a beautiful dark-skinned person


basejẹ

From bà jẹ́ (“to spoil”) + àsè (“feast; event; occasion”).

com

Kàkà kí wọ́n mójú tó ilé ayé, wọ́n wá di bàsèjẹ́.

Instead of looking after the earth, they became vandals.


alase

From oní- (“one who has”) + àsè (“banquet; feast”).


ikunlẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kúnlẹ̀ (“to kneel”)


ibaluwẹ

Possibly from ibi (“place”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + lùwẹ̀ (“to shower, to swim”)


gbẹrẹbi

/ɡ͡bɛ̀.ɾɛ̀.bí/


oloogun ebi

/ō.lóò.ɡũ̀ ē.bī/

From olóògùn (“one who has medicine”) + ebi (“hunger”), literally “Curer of hunger”


akuṣẹẹ

/ā.kú.ʃɛ̀ɛ́/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + kúṣẹ̀ẹ́ (“to be destitute”), ultimately from kú (“to greet, to salute”) + ìṣẹ́ (“poverty”)


abọgibọpẹ

/ā.bɔ̄.ɡī.bɔ̀.k͡pɛ̀/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + bọ (“to venerate”) + igi (“tree”) + bọ (“to venerate”) + ọ̀pẹ̀ (“palm tree”), literally “one who worships trees and palms”

af

Kò sí bí a ṣe lè ṣe abọgibọ̀pẹ̀ kí igba irúnmọlẹ̀ ò máa gbe ni

There is not a possibilty that one who practices animisim will not be favoured by the 200 divine supernatural spirits


ogunlende

ogúnlén̄dé (canonical)
ogunlén̄dé (canonical)

From the given name Ogúnlén̄dé, ogun (“war”) + lé (“to chase”) + n̄ (“me”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “war pursued me”


owo gba-maa-binu

From owó (“money”) + gbà (“take”) + má (“don't”) + bínú (“be angry”), literally “'take, sorry' money”


bọsikọrọ

→ English: bosicorner

/bɔ́.sí.kɔ̀.ɾɔ̀/

From bọ́ (“to go”) + sí (“to”) + kọ̀rọ̀ (“from English corner”), literally “go to the corner”, from the phrase "bọ́ sí kọ̀rọ̀, kó o yẹ̀ ẹ́ wò" (go to the corner to try it on)

from English <i class="Latn mention" lang="en">corner</i>

bend-down select; Okrika; secondhand thrifted clothes, often inexpensive and sold in roadside markets


agbagba

/à.ɡ͡bā.ɡ͡bà/

From àgba + gbà, compare with Ifè àgbáŋ̀gbà

cog

Ifè àgbáŋ̀gbà


arugbo

From a- (“agent prefix”) + rú + ogbó (“elderliness, old age”), literally “One who has become one of old age”, compare with Olukumi árígbó and Itsekiri ẹlígbó, Igala ánágbó, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *a-rígbó, perhaps ultimately from a proto Edekiri form, though gbó (“to be old”), can be traced back to Proto-Yoruboid


oruwo

Cognates with Itsekiri orígho, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba orígho, Ìlàjẹ Yoruba orígho, Ìdànrè Yoruba orígho, Oǹdó Yoruba oígho, Ifè eríwo, Yoruba orí.


olurun

From olí- (“one who has”) + urun (“thing”). Compare with Yoruba olóhun


urunkurun

/ū.ɾũ̄.kú.ɾũ̄/

From urun (“thing”) + -kí- (“infix”) + urun (“thing”). Compare Yoruba ohunkóhun


urun

Compare Yoruba ohun. Cognate with Itsekiri urun, Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba unrun, Èkìtì Yoruba unun, Ọ̀wọ̀ Yoruba ughun, Ondo Yoruba uun. Compare with Ede Idaca unwun.


ẹbọra

From ẹbọ + ara, cognate with Igala ẹ́bọ (“deity”), Edo ẹbọ, Olukumi ẹbọ, Urhobo ẹbo (“charm”)

(chiefly CY) deity, divinity; earth spirit

mythological monster or troll believed to live in forests


erukuku

Compare with Nupe lukuku, Urhobo inékuku, Edo elikhukhu, Igbo kpalakwukwu, Ebira arekuku, Ifè àlúŋ̀kùkù, Olukumi olékùkù, possibly related to Ibibio ebomon-kuku, a widespread Niger-Congo root, Blench (2003) proposes a reconstruction to Proto-Niger-Congo *-kuku. See proposed Proto-Yoruboid *è-lúkùkù. Probably ultimately Onomatopoeic

cog

Ifè àlúŋ̀kùkù


orisun

From orí (“head”) + ìsun (“flow; spring”).


igbelarugẹ

/ì.ɡ͡bé.lá.ɾū.ɡɛ̄/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé lárugẹ (“to promote”)


ẹkun ijọba ibilẹ

head

ẹkùn ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

ẹkùn ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

yo-pos

ẹkùn ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

ẹkùn ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

/ɛ̄.kũ̀ ì.d͡ʒɔ̄.bā ì.bí.lɛ̀/

From ẹkùn (“district”) + ìjọba (“government”) + ìbílẹ̀ (“local”)


ogiriṣakọ

/ò.ɡì.ɾì.ʃá.kɔ́/

Ògìrìṣákọ́ ìí rárùn èṣí

The young palm tree never lacks growth (literally, “The young palm tree does not usually stunt in growth per year”) (proverbial incantation)


sanyan

highly valued woven silk cloth usually brown in color


oogun apakokoro

/ōò.ɡũ̀ ā.k͡pā.kò.kò.ɾò/

From oògùn (“medicine”) + apakòkòrò (“one that kills bugs”), ultimately from oògùn + a- (“agent prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + kòkòrò (“bug; insect”)


kedere

Ó hàn kedere.


fiofio

igi gíga fíofío

Ó lọ sókè fíofío


geere

Alóyinlóhùn ni akéwì náà; ọ̀rọ̀ já geere lẹ́nu rẹ̀

That poet had a beautiful voice; they spoke with such fluency

Ó ń lọ geere


mọdẹmọdẹ

head

mọ̀dẹ̀mọ̀dẹ̀

mọ̀dẹ̀mọ̀dẹ̀

yo-pos

mọ̀dẹ̀mọ̀dẹ̀

mọ̀dẹ̀mọ̀dẹ̀

/mɔ̃̀.dɛ̀.mɔ̃̀.dɛ̀/

Ó ń lẹ̀ mọ̀dẹ̀mọ̀dẹ̀.


pẹlẹbẹ

Àwo roboto pẹlẹbẹ ni kó o rà fún mi

A round flat plate is what you should buy for me


gbagungbagun

/ɡ͡bá.ɡũ̄.ɡ͡bà.ɡũ̄/

Kò fi bẹ́ẹ̀ jìnnà, ṣùgbọ́n ọ̀nà rí gbágungbàgun.

It's not that far, but the road is bumpy.


wuruwuru

→ Nigerian Pidgin: wuru-wuru

Má jẹ́ kí iyàrá ẹ rí wúruwùru.

(of an object) disorganized; slovenly; messy; rough; dishevelled


Laaroye

Ẹlẹ́kún ń sunkún, Láàróyè ń ṣẹ̀jẹ̀ ― The crying person is crying, meanwhile Láàróyè is bleeding (Used to describe Láàróyè as someone who sympathizes)

a nickname or praise name of the orisha Èṣù


hẹbẹhẹbẹ

head

hẹ́bẹ́hẹ́bẹ́

hẹ́bẹ́hẹ́bẹ́

yo-pos

hẹ́bẹ́hẹ́bẹ́

hẹ́bẹ́hẹ́bẹ́


ṣikiti

(of hair or vegetation) thick; dense; lush


pẹrẹsẹ

/k͡pɛ̄.ɾɛ̄.sɛ̄/

Àwo pẹrẹsẹ


fẹlifẹli

Iyán yìí gbóná fẹlifẹli.

Ìròyìn tó gbóná fẹlifẹli

Breaking news (literally, “Piping hot news”)


ijọba ibilẹ

head

ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

yo-pos

ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

yo-noun

ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

/ì.d͡ʒɔ̄.bā ì.bí.lɛ̀/

From ìjọba (“government”) + ìbílẹ̀ (“native; traditional”).

com

Ìjọba Ìbílẹ̀ Olúyọ̀lé

local government area (administrative division of a state)


ami ayo

From àmì (“mark; sign”) + ayò (“competition; game”)

Àmì ayò méjì sí òdo.


laali

From Hausa lallḕ, possibly through an intermediary like Nupe lǎli


ṣukuṣuku

Máa fi omi àti iyọ̀ yọnu ṣùkùṣùkù.


gedegede

Ó yàtọ̀ gédégédé.


ọwa

Likely from Edo ọgua (“courtyard of a traditional home”), see Urhobo ọguá (“palace”), Olukumi ọ́gwá (“palace”)

Ọwá

title of monarchs in certain regions of Yorubaland

Ọmọ ọwá, ọmọ ẹkùn
Child of the king, child of the leopard (praise poetry of people of Àkúrẹ́)

(historical) palace, great house
(by extension, CY, NEY) king, monarch


hẹlẹhẹlẹ

Ajá ń sáré, tó sì ń mí hẹlẹhẹlẹ.


olowo

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


olowo

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


oniwaduwadu

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


yekeyeke

Ó yé mi yékéyéké.


gbongbodu

/ɡ͡bō.ŋ́.ɡ͡bō.dú/


ẹyunbọ

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


papayẹkẹ

Compare Yoruba pẹ́pẹ́yẹ, Olukumi kpẹ́kpẹ́yẹ. Cognate with Itsekiri kpákpáyẹkẹ


ubirọ

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


wunrẹn

Borrowed from the Ẹ̀gbá and Ijebu dialects