oṣe

ọmọ oṣè kan mèyìn tị̀ là

The child of the baobab tree one rests on to succeed/survive


oṣe

hissing, the act of hissing, the act of sucking one's teeth


lameyitọ

From ọlá (“honor”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + èyí (“the one”) + tó (“that”) + tọ́ (“to be truthful”), literally “Honor knows that which is true”.


ọṣọ

Ọmọ́tọ́ṣọ̀ọ́

Yoruba name, "The child is worth ornaments."


imọlẹ

/ī.mɔ̃̄.lɛ̀/

i- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ (“to mold, to shape”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”), literally “The creators of the land”, compare with Itsekiri umalẹ̀, if the term existed in Proto-Yoruboid, perhaps it was Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-mɔlɛ̀

ugbómọlẹ̀

forbidden forest, forest inhabited by the imọlẹ̀

primordial spirits or energies in Ìṣẹ̀ṣe. The first four hundred and one of these spirits who were sent to Earth are regarded as the irúnmọlẹ̀. Humans chosen or inhabited by the imọlẹ̀ are known as òrìṣà

Àjàlémògún jẹ́ imọlẹ̀ tí ìlú Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín

Àjàlémògún is the patron earth spirit of the town of Ilara-Mokin

earth spirit, ancient ancestor (that are worshipped)


imọlẹ

/ì.mɔ̃́.lɛ̀/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ́lẹ̀ (“to shine, to light, to brighten, to make clear”)


apaadi

mo fi àpáàdì fọnná

I used a slice of a clay pot to carry away hot charcoal


iwe agberoyinjade

/ì.wé ā.ɡ͡bé.ɾò.jĩ̀.d͡ʒá.dē/

ìwé (“paper”) + a (“agent prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + ìròyìn (“news, storytelling, report”) + jáde (“out”)


afinju

/ā.fĩ́.d͡ʒú/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + fín (“to be meticulous”) + ojú (“face”), literally “Someone who is beauty conscious”.

af

someone or something that is neat, clean, fashionable


ironupiwada

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ronúpìwàdà (“to repent”)


iroyin

ì (“nominalizing prefix”) + rò (“to tell, to inform”) + ìyìn (“news”)


alalupayida

From oní- (“owner, one who”) + àlúpàyídà (“magic”), literally “Owner of magic”


iyọ oyinbo

From iyọ̀ (“salt”) + òyìnbó (“european, white man”), literally “European salt”


itọ ṣuga

/ì.tɔ̀ ʃú.ɡà/


alupayida

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lú (“to mix”) + pa (“to make”) + èyí (“this”) + dà (“to change”), literally “Mixing things to conjure up a potion”


ominira

/ò.mĩ̀.nĩ̄.ɾā/

Likely from ò- + mì + ni + ara, cognate with Igala òmìnọlami, definition related to the concept of self-ownership of one's body, see ara


kurekure

(mythology) A supernatural forest or tree creature


pataki

Compare Nupe kpàtàkì, Edo kpataki, Fon kpàtàkì.


atọgbẹ

/à.tɔ̀.ɡ͡bɛ̄/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tọ̀ (“to urinate”) + gbẹ (“to be dry”)


iyọ

A much newer term for salt, to see more historic and older forms for salt, see Yoruba oghun (Owe)

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - iyọ̀view map

ínúFREIFREIMɔ̄kɔ́léKandiimuFREIFREINorthern NagoKamboleiyɔ̀FREIFREIManigriiyɔ̀FREIFREINote: 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


iyọ

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ (“to remove, to subtract”)


irawọ

→ Ayere: irawɔ

Proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ìlàwɔ̀, cognate with Igala ìlàwò

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ìràwọ̀view map

àǹwéABDESTABDESTManigriaweABDESTABDESTSouthern NagoÌsakétéìràwɔ̀ABDESTABDESTÌfànyìnìràwɔ̀ABDESTABDESTNote: 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


irawọ

beetle, specifically the scarab beetle and Goliath beetle


pidanpidan

Reduplication of pidán (“to do magic”), literally, "One who does magic."


ẹranmi

/ɛ̄.ɾã̄.mĩ̄/


oloṣelu

*oní- (“owner of, one who”) + òṣèlú (“politics”)


oṣelu

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


adagun

From a- (“agent prefix”) + dágún (“to be stagnant”).

af

pond, lake, pool, any stagnant body of water


ayipada oju-ọjọ

/à.jí.k͡pā.dà ō.d͡ʒú.ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́/

From àyípadà ojú ọjọ́ (“Change of the climate”).


igbagbọ

/ì.ɡ͡bà.ɡ͡bɔ́/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbàgbọ́ (“to believe”)


oyi

ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yì (“to encircle”)


ọjọkanri

/ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́.kã̄.ɾí/


oṣupadẹjẹ

/ò.ʃù.k͡pá.dɛ̀.d͡ʒɛ̀/

From òṣùpá di ẹ̀jẹ̀ (“The moon becomes blood”).


bairo

From the BIRO brand of pens made by the BIC corporation, which were named after László Bíró, the inventor of the pen.

genericized trademark
genericized trademark

(genericized trademark) pen (in particular) ballpoint pen


yimiyimi

Reduplication of yímí (“to roll dung”), literally "That which rolls dung".


uṣu

Cognate with Igala úchu, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ú-cu


ẹẹra

From Contraction of ẹrị́rà, possibly from ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rị́rà (“partial reduplication of rà to decay, crumble”)

ẹlẹ́ẹẹ́rà

someone who collects and sells ẹẹ́rà leaves

Èmi lọmọ ají-pẹẹ́rà bí ọ̀yẹ́yẹ́ l'Ékìtì ― I am the one who wakes up and collects eera leaves like a squirrel in Ekiti (personal oríkì)

(Ekiti, in particular) The leaves of the plants Thaumatococcus daniellii and Megaphrynium macrostachyum, which are used in wrapping foods like ọ̀lẹ̀lẹ̀, ẹ̀kọ, and iyán.


iṣu

→ Arigidi: adʒu

Cognate with Igala úchu, Ede Idaca icu, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *u-cu, Proto-Edekiri *u-cu, ultimately from Proto-Yoruboid *ú-cu
Possible cognates include Igbo ji, Nupe eci, Arigidi iʃɛ̃, Igasi Arigidi ìti, Uro/Aje Arigidi ìsi, Proto-Plateau *ì-tsit, Igede iju, Idoma ihi, Proto-Gbe *-te

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - iṣuview map

isuSESQUIPEDALIANISMEde Languages/Southwest YorubaÌdàácàBeninIgbó ÌdàácàicuSESQUIPEDALIANISMIfɛ̀AkpáréitsuSESQUIPEDALIANISMAtakpamɛitsuSESQUIPEDALIANISMTchettiitsuSESQUIPEDALIANISMNote: 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

èsúrú

Dioscurea dumetorum, Dioscurea odoratissima

èsùsú

Diospyros barteri; Dioscorea mangenotiana

any of the various species of wild and cultivated yam in the family Dioscorea

(extension) tuber; (especially) yam tuber

ọmọ kùrùbútú búṣu ùdí ìlàǹbásà

The man who is round like the bulb of an onion

(extension) bulb; (especially) onion or garlic bulb


gbẹnagbẹna

head

gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà

gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà

yo-pos

gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà

gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà

yo-noun

gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà

gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà

/ɡ͡bɛ́.nã̀.ɡ͡bɛ́.nã̀/

Reduplication of gbẹ́nà (“to carve”), "One who carves (using wood)."


kokoro arun

/kò.kò.ɾò à.ɾũ̀/

kòkòrò (“insect, bug”) + àrùn (“disease”)


ipẹyarun

/ì.k͡pɛ̀.jà.ɾũ̄/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + ẹ̀yà (“ethnicity, race”) + run (“to perish”)


kọlekọle

Reduplication of kọ́lé (“to build houses”, literally “One who builds houses”)


ijokoo

/ì.d͡ʒó.kòó/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jókòó (“to sit”)


tio-tio

shrike, Lanius gubernator or Lanius mackinnoni


ipẹta

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pẹtà (“to become rusty”), ultimately from pa + ẹtà.


ipẹta

violet tree, Securidaca longipedunculata


ounjẹ

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - oúnjẹview map

ìjɛABBREVIATORYNortheast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbajíjẹABBREVIATORYEde Languages/Southwest YorubaIfɛ̀TchettidzídzɛABBREVIATORY

ìdzɛABBREVIATORYNote: 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


pomegiraneti

head

pómégíránétì

pómégíránétì

yo-pos

pómégíránétì

pómégíránétì

yo-noun

pómégíránétì

pómégíránétì


ojude

/ō.d͡ʒú.ꜜdē/


gbọmọgbọmọ

head

gbọ́mọgbọ́mọ

gbọ́mọgbọ́mọ

yo-pos

gbọ́mọgbọ́mọ

gbọ́mọgbọ́mọ

yo-noun

gbọ́mọgbọ́mọ

gbọ́mọgbọ́mọ

/ɡ͡bɔ́.mɔ̃̄.ɡ͡bɔ́.mɔ̃̄/

Reduplication of gbọ́mọ (“to carry a child”), literally "child carrier".


ajereke

/ā.d͡ʒè.ɾè.ké/

a- (“agentive prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + ìrèké (“sugar cane”), hence "sugar cane eater".

affix

(derogatory, offensive, ethnic slur) A Jamaican or Caribbean person.


ẹsẹ

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́ʃɛ̀, Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ-sɛ̃̀, or Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́sɛ̀, all ultimately deriving from the verb *sɛ̀, or a slight variation (see *ʃɛ̀ or *sɛ̃̀). Cognate with Itsekiri ẹsẹ̀n, Igala ẹ́rẹ̀, Ayere ehè, and Àhàn esè

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ẹsẹ̀view map

àtẹlẹhinABERRATEEde Languages/Southwest YorubaAnaSokodeɛsɛ̀ABERRATECábɛ̀ɛ́Cábɛ̀ɛ́ɛsɛ̀ABERRATETchaourouɛsɛ̀ABERRATEÌcàBantèɛsɛ̀ABERRATEÌdàácàBeninIgbó Ìdàácàɛsɛ̀ABERRATEỌ̀họ̀rí/Ɔ̀hɔ̀rí-ÌjèỌ̀họ̀rí/Ɔ̀hɔ̀rí/ÌjèÌkpòbɛ́ɛsɛ̀ABERRATEOnigboloɛsɛ̀ABERRATEKétu/ÀnàgóKétuɛsɛ̀ABERRATEIfɛ̀Akpáréɛsɛ̀ABERRATEAtakpamɛɛsɛ̀ABERRATEBokoɛsɛ̀ABERRATEMoretanɛsɛ̀ABERRATETchettiɛsɛ̀ABERRATEMɔ̄kɔ́léKandiisɛ̀ABERRATEABERRATENorthern NagoKamboleɛsɛ̀ABERRATEManigriɛsɛ̀ABERRATEOverseas YorubaLucumíHavanaeseABERRATENote: 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


ẹsẹ

verse, a small section or row of a written text, (in particular) the Bible or Odù Ifá


iwọ

Cognate with Igala íwọ, ultimately from Proto-Yoruboid *ɪ́-wɔ


iwọ

Compare with Itsekiri ùghọ́, possibly cognate with Ifè ìfɔ̃́ (“navel”). Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ʊ̀-ɣɔ́, *ɪ̀-ɣɔ́, ultimately from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ̀-ɣɔ́, *ɪ̀-ɣɔ́. Originally only referring to the umbilical cord, it has semantically shifted to also refer to the navel, becoming synonymous with idodo


ẹyin

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-ɣɪ̃ or Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-gɪ̃, see Igala ẹ́gẹ, Olukumi ẹ́ghẹ́n, Ifè ɛnyɛ

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ẹyinview map

adìyẹ yé ẹyin mẹ́wàá


ẹyin

ẹ̀yìn ológbò kì í kanlẹ̀

The back of a cat never touches the ground

ẹ̀yìn ìyàwó kò níí mọ ẹní

May the back of the bride not know the mat - (May the bride not lie on her back for too long for copulation before getting pregnant) (a greeting issued to a bride after a wedding as a prayer for children)

ẹ wáá wo ẹ̀yìn ọ̀rọ̀ wò

Come and see the aftermath of the matter

àbámọ̀ níí gbẹ̀yìn ọ̀rọ̀

Regret is what normally ends all human endeavors


ẹyin

mo kọ odi ẹyìn mẹ́wàá


ewedo

From ewé (“plant, leaf”) + odò (“river”).


iwuye

*ì (“nominalizing prefix”) + wú (“to bring forth”) + oyè (“chieftancy”)

compound

coronation ceremony for a chief or a king.


ifẹyinti

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fẹ̀yìn tì (“to relax, to retire, to lean back”)


ijapa okun

/ì.d͡ʒà.k͡pá ò.kũ̄/


ọgọdọ

/ɔ̀.ɡɔ̀.dɔ̀/


ọwọ

Cognate with Igala ọ́wọ̀, ultimately proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-ɓɔ́, equivalent to *ɔ́- (“nominalizing prefix”) + *ɓɔ́


ọwọ

Compare with Edo ọghọ, Urhobo ọghọ, Igala ọ̀wọ̀ (“Islam”)


ọwọ

a name for several herbs in the genus Brillantaisia, including Brillantaisia lamium, Brillantaisia owariensis, and Brillantaisia nitens.


ọwọ

Proposed to derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-ɓɔ́. Cognate with Igala ọ́wọ́, Ayere ɔ́wɔ́, Àhàn ɔɔ, Edo obọ, and Ehueun o-wɔ́. See obọ for a more detailed etymological analysis.

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọwọ́view map

loguóANTONYMNote: 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

direction, location, side; either right or left

ọwọ́ rẹ̀ ẹ́ dára níwèé

(usually as lọ́wọ́) time of action or event; current

(idiomatic) possession (literally, "in the hand of someone")

kò lọ́wọ́ sí ọ̀rọ̀ náà

(idiomatic) active engagement, endorsement


ọwọ

Cognate with Igala ọ̀wọ́ (“to be multiple, to be a group”)

cog

patterned group, a homogeneous entity, caravan, series, class


oke okun

From òkè + òkun, a calque of English overseas.

Ṣé Tóyọ̀sí ti dé láti òkè òkun?

Àbúrò mi kan tòkè òkun dé!

One of my younger siblings arrived from abroad!


ipenija

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pè níjà (“to call into question, to challenge”).


alakara

*oní- (“one who has”) + àkàrà (“akara”), literally “One who has akara”


ọganjọ

/ɔ̀.ɡã̀.d͡ʒɔ́/

From ọ̀gàn (“dark, severe”) + ọjọ́ (“day”), literally “Dark part of the day”.


ọọrọ

(Ekiti) Alternative form of àárọ̀ (“morning, origin, beginning”)


ẹku

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kú (“to be dead”)

af

ẹ̀kú níí ṣe iyì fún eégún ― the Egúngún costume is the glory of the Egúngún (proverb on a distinguishing mark)

The sacred regalia or costume worn by Egúngún


adabalukofi

(Ekiti) a praise name or oríkì name for the dove


ọrụkọ

/ɔ̄.ɾʊ́.kɔ̄/


uranlọọ

/ʊ̀.ɾɔ̃̀.lɔ́ɔ́/

*ụ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rọ̀nlọ́ọ́ (“to help, to give aid”)


ọkuta

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


pipiri

(Ekiti) Alternative form of píìrì (“a type of Èkìtì drum”)


irẹpọ

/ì.ɾɛ́.k͡pɔ̀/


gbalaja

/ɡ͡bā.lā.d͡ʒā/

Ó dọ̀bálẹ̀ gbalaja.

Mo sùn gbalaja.

at full-length, stretched out, with the whole body


ajọ

From a- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọ̀ (“to sieve, to sift”)


ajọ

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

organization, meeting, assembly, the act of doing something together as a group

Àjọ Orílẹ̀-èdé Ajùmọ̀tepoolẹ̀-sórílẹ̀-èdèmìíràn


afinihan

From a- (“agent prefix”) + fi (“to show”) + hàn (“someone”) + ẹni, literally “one who exposes someone”


iyẹwu

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ (“to remove”) + ẹ̀wù (“clothes”)


iforiti

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + forí tì (“to persevere”)


iṣẹtọfabo

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣe (“to make”) + ẹ̀tọ́ (“rights”) + fún (“for”) + abo (“females”), hence "advocation for women's rights".


agbebọ

/à.ɡ͡bé.bɔ̀/


ipinnu

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pinnu (“to decide”)


laakaye

common sense, understanding, mental faculty


iṣura

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣúra (“to treasure”)


gọmbọ

/ɡɔ̀.ŋ̀.bɔ́/

A type of Yoruba tribal mark or scarification attributed to the Ọ̀yọ́ and other related sub-ethnic groups, such as the and Ìbọ̀lọ́ and Ìbàdàn


arifin

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rífín (“to disregard, to show contempt”)

the act of disregarding or showing contempt

disregard, disrespect, contempt, rudeness


agabagebe

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gàbà (“to move along clumsily”) + gùn (“to climb”) + ebè (“hill”), literally “Moving along clumsily and climbing many hills”, likely an ideophonic description of the many arguments and excuses one regarded as a hypocrite will make


okiki

òkìkí ọkùnrin yẹ́n kàn dé gbogbo ayé

That man's fame spread throughout the whole world


ayekootọ

From ayé (“world”) + kọ (“to reject”) + òótọ́ (“truth”), literally “The world rejects the truth”.

compound

Psittacus erithacus
Psittacus erithacus#Translingual

parrot; (in particular) African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus)


gadagbagadagba

/ɡà.dà.ɡ͡bà.ɡā.dā.ɡ͡bā/


gadagbagadagba

Lẹ́tà gàdàgbàgàdàgbà yìí ń pe àfiyèsí sí ọ̀rọ̀ náà

The bold letters draw attention to that word


afopina

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fò (“to fly”) + pa (“kill, turn off”) + iná (“light, fire”), literally “one who flies and kills (turns off) the light”.

af

Àfòpiná, tó lóun ó pa fìtílà. Ara ẹ̀ ni yóò pa.

2010 July 13, Villepastour, Amanda and Ayandokun, Rabiu, Ancient Text Messages of the Yoruba Bata Drum, Oxford: Taylor & Francis, →ISBN:

The moth that attempts to extinguish an oil lamp flame. It is destined to fail.

Àfòpiná tó fẹ́ paná súyà; ẹran pọ̀ sí i

2005 July 1, Oyekan Owomoyela, Yoruba Proverbs, University of Nebraska Press, →ISBN:

The moth that wants to put out the suya fire; the meat becomes more.


adado

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to act alone”) + dó (“to settle”)


amuga

Originally referred to scissors, a recent semantic change has changed the meaning to fork among speakers of Standard Yoruba. The form is still referred to as scissors in dictionaries and various Yoruba dialects.


igbalẹ

/ì.ɡ͡bá.lɛ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbá (“to sweep, to broom”) + ilẹ̀ (“floor, ground”), literally “That which sweeps the ground”


igbalẹ

/ì.ɡ͡bà.lɛ̀/

sacred grove where Eégún performers and worshipers meet before a festival or performance


ọra

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-la, compare with Igala ọ́la, Olukumi ara, Ayere ɔ́lá


ọra

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ù-la, compare with possible cognate Igala ùlà

(by extension) plastic film; plastic bag

Ilẹ̀ tó wà nítòsí àkùrọ̀ lọ́ràá

The soil near the wetlands has nutrients


igbo kijikiji

/ī.ɡ͡bó kì.d͡ʒī.kì.d͡ʒī/


isinku

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sìn (“to bury”) + òkú (“deceased, corpse, dead”)


yinyin

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


ọjọ-ibi

/ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́.ì.bí/

From ọjọ́ (“day”) + ìbí (“birth”). Compare with Igala ọ́jọ́-úbí.

Ẹ kú ọjọ́-ìbí!

Ọjọ́ wo ni ọjọ́-ìbí rẹ?
Ọjọ́-ìbí mi ni ọjọ́ kejìlélógún Oṣù-Òwéwe.
When is your birthday?
My birthday is September 22nd.

Ọjọ́ ìbíì mi ni ọjọ́ ìkẹ́ta nínú oṣù-kejì ọdún

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

My birthday is the third day of February


ijẹbu

/ì.d͡ʒɛ̀.bú/

(Ekiti) A drum played during funerals and weddings by the Èkìtì people


ọgbase

/ɔ̀.ɡ͡bà.sè/

(Ekiti) The plants Nauclea diderrichii and Nauclea latifolia


ọjọ-ubi

/ɔ̄.d͡ʒɔ́.ù.bí/

Ìn kú ọjọ́-ùbí lónìí!

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ọjọ́-ìbí (“birthday”)


ruuru

(Ekiti) The african tulip tree, Spathodea campanulata


ṣẹpuṣẹpu

/ʃɛ́.k͡pú.ʃɛ́.k͡pú/


ṣọkọrọgbọdọ

head

ṣọkọrọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀

ṣọkọrọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀

yo-pos

ṣọkọrọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀

ṣọkọrọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀

yo-noun

ṣọkọrọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀

ṣọkọrọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀

/ʃɔ̄.kɔ̄.ɾɔ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̀.dɔ̀/

ṣe (“to make”) + ọkọ (“husband”) + rọ̀gbọ̀dọ̀ (“healthy, beautiful”), literally “That which makes your husband healthy, beautiful”

compound

(Ekiti) The plant Tabernaemontana pachysiphon, known for its healing properties.


oromọdiyẹ

/ò.ɾò.mɔ̃̄.dì.jɛ̄/


bilisi

Borrowed from Arabic إِبْلِيس (ʔiblīs), cognate with Igala èbìlíì.


ologinni

/ō.ló.ɡĩ̀.nĩ́/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gìnní (“of an entity being meticulous or walking cautiously”).


onigbagbọ

/ō.nĩ́.ɡ͡bà.ɡ͡bɔ́/

*oní (“owner of”) + ìgbàgbọ́ (“faith, belief”), literally “Owner of faith”


ẹbun

ẹ̀ (“nominalizing prefix”) + bùn (“to give, to bless, to gift”)


apẹrẹ

/ā.k͡pɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/


ṣalanga

/ʃá.lá.ŋ́.ɡá/

Possibly derived from Hausa salgā (“latrine”)


aasiki

From Arabic رِزْق (rizq, “wealth, fortune”).

ọkùnrin kò gbọ́dọ̀ bá ìyàwó ẹlòmìíràn tí ó wà nínú oyún lò pọ̀; bí ó bá ṣe bẹ́ẹ, ẹni náà kò ní ní aáṣìkí mọ́, akùdé yóò sì máa wọ ọ̀ràn-an rẹ̀

A man must not have sex with the pregnant wife of another man; if he did that, the man would no longer have good fortune, inadequacy would enter his affairs


atunyẹwo

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tún (“again”) + yẹ̀wò (“to check”), literally “The act of checking over again”


ile ifowopamọ

ilé (“house, building”) + ì (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to put”) + owó (“money”) + pamọ́ (“to hide, to put away”), literally “The building that which we put away money”


ijọ

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọ (“together, joint”)


ilakaka

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to overcome, to pass over”) + àkàkà (“a long stride, a giant stride”)


mọnafiki

From Hausa mùnāfùkī, ultimately from Arabic مُنَافِق (munāfiq).


laluuri

From Arabic ضروري (“necessity”), perhaps through Hausa làr̃ūr̃ā̀.


ṣẹkẹtẹ

/ʃɛ̀.kɛ̀.tɛ́/

A type of alcoholic drink made from corn or millet


ṣege

Wọ́n lù ú ṣégè


ipẹjalapaju

/ì.k͡pɛ̄.d͡ʒā.lá.ꜜk͡pā.d͡ʒù/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + ẹja (“fish”) + ní àpajù (“excessively”), hence "excessive fishing".


kọfi

mu kọfí

Nítorí kọfí mímu t'ó mu láràárọ̀, ó gbára lé kaféènì kí ó lè ṣe ohunkóhun.

Because he drinks coffee every morning, he relies on caffeine to do anything.


ẹbu

palm oil producing square, an arena demarcated for the production of palm oil and its waste products.


ọdan

A class of deciduous trees usually planted around a house to provide shade, consisting of members of the Moraceae family


orogun

Possibly from oro + ogún (“inheritance”), may relate to the fact that ogún also refers to the sense of jealousy and competition among wives married to the same man, and relating to inheritance divided amongst the wives of a husband. See cognate term Igala ógwú, in which in addition to the definition of inheritance, also refers to the jealousy among co-wives.

co-wife, the other wives of one's husband in a polygamous marriage


orogun

A wooden stirring stick used to prepare foods like àmàlà and ẹ̀kọ, similar to a spatula and smaller than the ọmọ odó used for pounding.

ọmọrogùn

a smaller version of the orógùn often used for modern cooking in a metal pot


sanmọni

/sã̀.mɔ̃́.nĩ̀/


girimọkayi

/ɡí.ɾí.mɔ̃́.ká.jì/


ifaara

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


nasia

From Hausa nàsīhā̀, ultimately from Arabic نَصِيحَة (naṣīḥa).

der

Arabic نَصِيحَة (naṣīḥa)


girimọkai

/ɡí.ɾí.mɔ̃́.ká.ì/

From Hausa giriman-kái (“arrogance, pride, conceit”).


ankali

From Arabic عَقْل (ʕaql), perhaps through Hausa hankali (“sense, care”).


alukiamọ

From Hausa kìyāmā̀, ultimately from Arabic قِيَامَة (qiyāma).


owo omi

From owó (“money”) + omi (“water”). Literally ‘‘water money’’.


ẹdinwo

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dín (“to reduce”) + owó (“money”).


ẹyawo

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yá (“to borrow”) + owó (“money”).


ifirosinroojẹ

head

ìfìrósínròójẹ

ìfìrósínròójẹ

yo-pos

ìfìrósínròójẹ

ìfìrósínròójẹ

yo-noun

ìfìrósínròójẹ

ìfìrósínròójẹ

/ì.fì.ɾó.sĩ́.ɾòó.d͡ʒɛ̄/

From ì- (“nominalising prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + ìró (“sound”) + sín jẹ (“to imitate”) + ìró (“sound”). Literally ‘‘the use of a sound to imitate a sound’’.


aleebu ara

/à.léé.bù ā.ɾā/


agbalẹ

/ā.ɡ͡bá.lɛ̀/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + gbálẹ̀ (“to sweep the ground”).

cleaner, sweeper, one who sweeps the ground.


iṣe

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣe (“to do”).

Èdè, àṣà, àti ìṣe Yorùbá.

Yoruba language, culture, and practices.


ọrịṣa

(Ekiti) Alternative form of òrìṣà (“orisha”)


imọ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”).


ekoidẹ

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ìkóídẹ (“parrot feathers”)


aọfịn

Proposed to be derived Proto-Yoruba *à-ɣɔ̀fɪ̃, from Proto-Edekiri *à-ɣɔ̀fɪ̃. Perhaps equivalent to àọ̀ + ọfịn


ikoidẹ

ìkó (“parrot feathers”) + odídẹrẹ́ (“parrot”), literally “Parrot feathers”

compound

parrot feathers, (in particular) the red tail feathers of the African gray parrot ("odídẹrẹ́"), often used in traditional rituals and ceremonies.


adin

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

cog

oil; usually in reference to palm kernel oil


ajule ọrun

/à.d͡ʒù.lé ɔ̀.ɾũ̄/


iṣakọlẹ

/ì.ʃá.kɔ́.lɛ̀/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣá (“to dig”) + ọkọ́ (“hoe”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”), literally “Dig up the ground with a hoe”.

af

the act of opening a piece of land for renting as farmland

legal permission to rent a piece of land to use as farmland


ogho

(Ikalẹ) Ikalẹ form of owó (“money, cowrie”)


ogungun

(Ondo) Alternative form of egungun (“bone”).


oṣupa aranmọju

head

òṣùpá àrànmọ́jú

òṣùpá àrànmọ́jú

yo-pos

òṣùpá àrànmọ́jú

òṣùpá àrànmọ́jú

yo-noun

òṣùpá àrànmọ́jú

òṣùpá àrànmọ́jú

/ò.ʃù.k͡pá à.ɾã̀.mɔ̃́.d͡ʒú/

From òṣùpá (“moon”) + à (“nominalizing prefix”) + ràn (“to shine”) + mọ́jú (“overnight”), literally “The moon that shines throughout the night”.


akitẹṣọ

/á.kí.tɛ́.ʃɔ̀/


ọpẹlẹ

/ɔ̀.k͡pɛ̀.lɛ̀/

From ọ̀pẹ̀ (“palm tree, Elaeis guineensis”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground”), literally “Palm tree of the ground”
*The tree Elaeis guineensis is sacred to the worship of Ifá and the nuts of the ọ̀pẹ̀ tree are used to form the ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀.

A divination chain used in the Yoruba religion and Ifá divination, specifically to communicate with the orisha Ọ̀rúnmìlà. It serves a similar purpose to the ikin, but in less formal situations.


ọpọn Ifa

/ɔ̄.k͡pɔ̃́ ī.fá/

From ọpọ́n (“wooden tray”) + Ifá (“Ifa”).

A wooden tray used during Ifá divination


ogbugbu

/ò.ɡ͡bù.ɡ͡bú/


ogbugbu

/ò.ɡ͡bù.ɡ͡bú/


ẹmi

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mí (“to breathe”).


agbari

From igbá (“calabash”) + orí (“head”). Literally "the calabash of the head".


awujẹ

/à.wù.d͡ʒɛ̀/

Bó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ ọ̀nà ni a lè gbà dẹ́kun èsúkè, fífi òwú sí àwùjẹ̀ ọmọdé tàbí orí ẹnikẹ́ni kì í ṣe ìkan lára rẹ̀.

December 6, 2022, Elizabeth Ogunmowo, “Ǹjẹ́ fífi òwú sí àwùjẹ̀ ọmọdé lè dẹ́kun èsúkè? [Does putting a strand of wool on a baby's head stop hiccups?]”, in Dubawa:

Although there are many ways to stop hiccups, putting string on a baby's fontanelle or anyone's head is not one of them.


yẹti

From yẹ (“to befit, to adorne”) + etí (“ear”).


yungba

A type of traditional Yoruba oral poetry among the Ọ̀yọ́ Yoruba performed by high ranking] aristocrat women (wives of chiefs and the king), during festivals to honor the king, the Aláàfin.


yureniọ

/jū.ɾé.nĩ́.ɔ̃̀/

elements/dowork

púróakítíníọ̀

elements

púróakítíníọ̀

uranium (chemical element, U, atomical number 92)


isaaro

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣí (“to open, to remove”) + àáró (“the stand of a cooking pot”), literally “To remove the stand of a cooking pot (that belonged to the elderly women who has died)”

compound

A form of Yoruba oral poetry and ceremony performed at Ọ̀yọ́ Yoruba funerals of elderly women. It is usually lead by the head, or alágbaa, of a family worshipping the ọ̀jẹ̀ class of egúngún.


yẹri

skirt (in particular) one worn under an ìró (“wrapper”); undergarment


irungbọn

/ī.ɾũ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̃̀/

irun (“hair”) + àgbọ̀n (“chin”). Literally "hair of the chin".


ọmọleti

From ọmọ (“child”) + ní (“in”) + etí (“ear”). Literally "the child in the ear".


ogbere

A form of traditional Yoruba oral poetry among the Ọ̀yọ́ performed during funeral and burial rites.


ogbere

(Ekiti) stranger, foreigner, noninitiate


olele

(Ijesha) A form of oral Yoruba poetry among the Ìjẹ̀ṣà people


ẹdọ

Cognate with Igala ẹ̀dọ̀ (“torso, chest, heart”), proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ̀-dɔ̀ (“chest, heart”). The form semantically shifted from heart/chest to liver in Yoruba, but maintains the chest meaning in some dialects like Ekiti. However, compounds like ẹ̀dọ̀fùfù (“impulsiveness, irritability”), still show remnants of that original meaning


ẹdọ

Adenia cissampeloides, a species of passionflower


ifo

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fò (“to leap, to jump”)


ile-ounjẹ

/ī.lé.ō.ṹ.d͡ʒɛ̄/

Mo lọ sí ilé-oúnjẹ Ṣáìnà pẹ̀lú àbúrò mi.

I went to a Chinese restaurant with my younger sibling.

Wọ́n fi í sórí tábìlì ilé-oúnjẹ.


irun

Possibly from Proto-Yoruboid *irṵ̀ or Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ-rʊ̃, cognate with Edo irọn

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - irunview map

nrũDENOTATIONAtakpamɛirũDENOTATIONBokoirũDENOTATIONMoretanirũDENOTATIONTchettiirɔ̃DENOTATIONMɔ̄kɔ́léKandintoDENOTATIONDENOTATIONNorthern NagoKamboleenyɔ̃DENOTATIONDENOTATIONManigriiyɔ̃DENOTATIONDENOTATIONSouthern NagoÌsakétéirunDENOTATIONDENOTATIONÌfànyìnirunDENOTATIONDENOTATIONNote: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties

now deemed dialects of Yorùbá in Nigeria

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

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


irun

Perhaps related to the root for five, see ọrún (“every five days”)

(Islam) salat (The obligatory prayer that Muslims are called to perform five times a day)


ẹtẹ

ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tẹ̀ (“to be trampled”)

a kì í fi ẹ̀tẹ̀ sílẹ̀ pa làpálàpá

we don’t ignore leprosy and treat a rash


ẹtẹ

ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tẹ́ (“to be punished, to be humiliated”)


ọginnitin

/ɔ̀.ɡĩ̀.nĩ̀.tĩ̀/


keferi

From Hausa kāfìr̃ī, ultimately from Arabic كَافِر (kāfir, “unbeliever”).

(Islam, sometimes derogatory) disbeliever, infidel


eekan

Alternative form of èékánná (“nail, claws”)

Alternative form of èékánná (“a name for several plants of which their leaves are sharp like nails or claws”)


eekan

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kìkàn (“partial reduplication of kàn "to nail"”).


eekanna

/èé.kã́.nã́/

From Contraction of èkíkánná, compare with Olukumi ẹ̀kíkan, Ifè èkíkã́, Itsekiri akikan, Ede Nago àíkã́nã́, proposed to be derived form Proto-Yoruba *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́, *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́lã́, ultimately a Proto-Edekiri innovation, Proto-Edekiri *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́, *ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́lã́

inh

*ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́

*ɛ̀-kɪ́kɪ̃ã́nã́

èékánnásẹ̀ adìẹ

A name of several types of trees including the Strychnos spinosa and Ziziphus spina-christi,

nail (may refer to nails of either the toe or finger), claw

A term used to identify a diverse variety of plants and trees with typically thorny features.


onidiri

From oní- (“one who has”) + ìdìrí (“braiding of the head”).


dokita eyin

From dókítà (“doctor”) + eyín (“tooth”), literally "tooth doctor".


tiroo

Borrowed from a Northern language, perhaps Hausa tirā̀ (“to dye”)

A dark powder similar to kohl, made from powered galena or antimony, and used as traditional Yoruba eye makeup

antimony (chemical element, Sb, atomical number 51)


olugbongbo

/ò.lù.ɡ͡bó.ŋ́.ɡ͡bó/


lukudi

A ritual often performed to produce wealth or money via spiritual means, often characterized by practice of kidnapping and human sacrifice


ṣaworo

tiny bells, often made of brass, put on the surrounding edges of the mother (center) drum, ìyá ìlù in a talking drum ensemble


ṣaworo

group of plants that bear fruits with loose seeds in the pod that make a jingling noise when shaken, including Trilepisium madagascariense, Cardiospermum grandiflorum (heartseed), and Cardiospermum halicacabum (balloonvine).


eegun paari

/ēē.ɡũ̄ k͡páá.ɾì/

From eegun (“bone”) + páárì (“jaw”). Literally "bone of the jaw".


tọọrọ agbọn

head

tọ́ọ́rọ́ àgbọ̀n

tọ́ọ́rọ́ àgbọ̀n

yo-pos

tọ́ọ́rọ́ àgbọ̀n

tọ́ọ́rọ́ àgbọ̀n

yo-noun

tọ́ọ́rọ́ àgbọ̀n

tọ́ọ́rọ́ àgbọ̀n

/tɔ́ɔ́.ɾɔ́ à.ɡ͡bɔ̃̀/

From tọ́ọ́rọ́ (“indent”) + àgbọ̀n (“chin”).


ifohunpeniyan

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + ohun (“an object”) + pè (“to call”) + ènìyàn (“a human”).


agbẹ

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbẹ̀ (“to plant”), literally “The one that plants”


odo ilu

drum shell; (in particular) the hourglass frame of the dùndún (talking drum).


kannago

/kã̀.nã̀.ɡó/


kannango

/kã̀.nã̀.ŋ̀.ɡó/

From Hausa kalango, cognate with Nupe kànàngú.

(music) A type of talking drum in the dùndún ensemble


ewebẹ

ewé (“plant, leaf”) + ọbẹ̀ (“stew, soup”)


ika ifabẹla

head

ìka ìfábẹ̀lá

ìka ìfábẹ̀lá

yo-pos

ìka ìfábẹ̀lá

ìka ìfábẹ̀lá

yo-noun

ìka ìfábẹ̀lá

ìka ìfábẹ̀lá

From ìka + ìfábẹ̀lá, literally “Finger that is used to scoop and lick stew”, ultimately from ìka (“finger”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fá (“to pull up, to draw”) + ọbẹ̀ (“stew”) + lá (“to lick”).


agbẹdẹ

/à.ɡ͡bɛ̀.dɛ̄/

From à- + gbẹ̀ + idẹ (“brass”). Cognates include Ifè àgbɛ̀ɖɛ


arẹmọ

From ààrẹ (“leader, president”) + ọmọ (“child”), literally “Leading child”.

com

/à.ɾɛ̀.mɔ̃̄/

Àrẹ̀mọ

title of the crown prince or crown princess of a Yoruba kingdom


arẹmọ

/à.ɾɛ̀.mɔ̃̄/


ataju

a (“agent prefix”) + ta (“to sting”) + ojú (“eyes”), literally “That which stings the eyes”


aakaragba

/àá.kà.ɾà.ɡ͡bá/

Alternative form of àkíkàràgbá (“broken plate or calabash”)


sọwedowo

sọ (“make”) + ìwé (“paper”) + di (“become”) + owó (“money”), literally “Paper that becomes used as money”


ọfun

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọ̀funview map

ọ̀nọ̀fọnTRADE WINDOǹdóOǹdóọ̀fanTRADE WINDÌtsẹkírìÌwẹrẹọfunTRADE WINDOlùkùmiUgbódùọ̀fọ́nTRADE WINDProto-YorubaCentral YorubaÈkìtìÈkìtìÀdó Èkìtìọ̀fụnTRADE WIND

gòlòfunTRADE WINDÒdè Èkìtìọ̀fụnTRADE WIND

gòlòfunTRADE WINDMọ̀bàỌ̀tùn Èkìtìọ̀fụnTRADE WINDIfẹ̀Ilé Ifẹ̀gòlòfunTRADE WINDNorthwest YorubaÀwórìÈbúté Mẹ́tàọ̀funTRADE WINDẸ̀gbáAbẹ́òkútaọ̀funTRADE WINDÈkóÈkóọ̀funTRADE WINDÌbàdànÌbàdànọ̀funTRADE WINDÌbàràpáIgbó Òràọ̀funTRADE WINDÌbọ̀lọ́Òṣogboọ̀funTRADE WINDỌ̀fàọ̀funTRADE WINDÌlọrinÌlọrinọ̀funTRADE WINDOǹkóÒtùọ̀fọnTRADE WINDÌwéré Iléọ̀fọnTRADE WINDÒkèhòọ̀funTRADE WINDÌsẹ́yìnọ̀fọnTRADE WINDṢakíọ̀fọnTRADE WINDTedéọ̀funTRADE WINDÌgbẹ́tìọ̀fọnTRADE WINDỌ̀yọ́Ọ̀yọ́ọ̀funTRADE WINDÒgbómọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀funTRADE WINDÌkirèọ̀funTRADE WINDÌwóọ̀funTRADE WINDStandard YorùbáNàìjíríàọ̀funTRADE WINDBɛ̀nɛ̀ɔ̀funTRADE WINDNortheast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbaọ̀nọ̀ ọ̀fọnTRADE WINDEde Languages/Southwest YorubaIfɛ̀Akpáréɔ̀hɔ̃TRADE WINDAtakpamɛɔ̀hɔ̃TRADE WINDEst-Monoɔ̀hɔ̃TRADE WINDTchettiɔ̀hɔ̃TRADE WINDNote: 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


ododo

Cognate with Igala òdòdó, Urhobo ódódó, Idoma ododo, and Igbo òdòdò, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ò-dòdó


ankuri

/à.ŋ̀.kú.ɾí/


barawo

From Hausa ɓàrāwṑ, likely from Kanuri bárwù.


tulasi

Yorùbá kì í fi túlàsì mú ènìyàn jagun

The Yoruba do not use compulsion to make people sign up for war


disai

From Hausa lī̀shā, ultimately from Arabic عِشَاء (ʕišāʔ).

der

Arabic عِشَاء (ʕišāʔ)

ó rí mi ní dìsáì


ibantẹ

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bàǹtẹ́ (“loincloth”), ultimately from Hausa bante (“loincloth, apron”), cognate with Nupe bèǹte.


Atini

From Hausa Lī̀tìnîn, ultimately from Arabic الاِثْنَيْن (al-iṯnayn).


Jimọ

From Hausa Jumma'ā̀, ultimately from Arabic الجُمْعَة (al-jumʕa).


Alaadi

From Hausa Lahàdì, ultimately from Arabic الْأَحَد (al-ʔaḥad).


Alaruba

From Hausa Lā̀r̃àbā, ultimately from Arabic الْأَرْبِعَاء (al-ʔarbiʕāʔ).

der

الْأَرْبِعَاء

Arabic الْأَرْبِعَاء (al-ʔarbiʕāʔ)


Asabuta

From Hausa Àsabàr̃, ultimately from Arabic السَّبْت (as-sabt).


ọbẹ

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ (“to cut”), proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-bɛ, see Igala ọ̀bẹ. Doublet of abẹ

affix

Mo fi ìbínú gún un ní ọ̀bẹ

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọ̀bẹview map

ìsɛ̃ABASHABASHNote: 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


ọbẹ

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọbẹ̀view map


gbanjo

/ɡ͡bà.ŋ̀.d͡ʒō/


iyọnda

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ̀ǹda (“to grant permission, to permit”), ultimately from Hausa yàr̃da

permission, the act of granting permission, an exemption, waiver


agilinti

A species of monitor lizard smaller than the Nile monitor; likely the Ornate monitor, known for its very thick skin.


alegba

monitor lizard, Varanus niloticus, also translated in modern times as alligator (however alligators are not endemic to Africa)


alepa

Possibly from à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lé (“to chase”) + pa (“to kill”), literally “That which we chase to kill”


ajanaka

(Ekiti) The tree Crateva religiosa, also known as the sacred garlic pear


apoporo

a nine day festival period in which the apoporo drum is beat before the annual new yam festival (ọdún Ìjẹṣu)


ijakariwọ

/ì.d͡ʒà.ká.ɾì.wɔ̀/


ịjakariọ

/ɪ̀.d͡ʒà.ká.ɾì.ɔ̀/

From ị̀- + jàkárìọ̀, proposed to be ideophonic

ị̀- + jàkárìọ̀


ẹrẹkẹ

/ɛ̀.ɾɛ̀.kɛ́/


ejirẹ

/è.d͡ʒì.ɾɛ́/

èjì (“two”) + rẹ́ (“to be friendly to, to be friends”), literally “The two friends”


eeku

A mucilaginous plant similar to ewédú and ọọ́yọ́, used to make a vegetable stew


eeku

handle, specifically the handle of a hammer, a sword, a knife, etc.


eeku

Contraction of èkúkú, ultimately from è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kíkú (“the act of dying, the act of being dead”)


ọyaya

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yàyà (“of an entity bubbling or gushing out”), probably related to Edo oghagha (“brag, boast”).

af

ó fi ọ̀yàyà ṣe wá ní àlejò

cheerfulness, outgoingness, high spirits, enthusiasm


obiṣuari

/ò.bí.ʃú.á.ɾì/


irinkerindo

/ì.ɾĩ̀.kè.ɾĩ̄.dò/

From ì- + rìnkè rindò, ultimately from rìn (“to journey”) + òkè (“hill, mountain”) + rìn (“to journey”) + odò (“river”), literally “Traversing through the mountains and the rivers”.


agbamurere

/à.ɡ͡bá.mũ̀.ɾé.ɾé/


kijipa

a type of thick locally woven fabric often dyed and used to make the innermost layers of clothes like aso oke or the ẹ̀kú of an Egungun


ẹgbaa

six pence (sixpence); in modern usage, five kobo


itadogun

ẹ̀tà (“three”) + dín (“subtracted from”) + ogún (“twenty”)

seventeenth day, seventeen days from now


ọgbun

Wọ́n fi ìbínú ju olè sínú ọ̀gbun

In their anger they threw the thief into a deep pit


egbin

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *é-gbĩ, compare with Igala égbi

ọmọ́ dára bí egbin


egbin

Pericopsis laxiflora
Pericopsis laxiflora#Translingual

The plants Pericopsis laxiflora and Pericopsis elata (African teak, afromosia)


egbin

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

af

(idiomatic, Ekiti) Alternative form of ẹ̀gbin (“dirt, filth, refuse”)

(idiomatic, Ekiti) Alternative form of ẹ̀gbin (“contempt, insult, humiliation”)


egbin

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

(horticulture, Ekiti) Alternative form of ẹ̀gbìn (“plant, crop”)


wura

Possibly from Baatonum wura (“gold”), ultimately from a Songhay language, see Zarma wura, Humburi Senni wúrâ, compare with Gourmanchéma wula

gold, (chemical element, Au, atomical number 79)

Wúràoyè

A Yoruba name meaning "the gold of a chieftaincy title"

Wúràọlá

A Yoruba name meaning "the gold of honor"


kọnkọ

/kɔ̀.ŋ̀.kɔ̀/


ẹkịkụn

/ɛ̄.kɪ́.kʊ̃́/


mọriwo

/mɔ̃̀.ɾì.wò/


kinkinrinmiyin

/kĩ̀.kĩ̀.ɾĩ́.mĩ̄.jĩ́/


kere-ugun

/ké.ɾé.ū.ɡṹ/


irunmarugbo

/ì.ɾũ̀.mà.ɾú.ɡ͡bó/


aloju

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lò (“to use”) + jù (“too much”).


ayọpọrọ

/ā.jɔ̀.k͡pɔ̀.ɾɔ́/

Ọ́n yọ̀ ayọ̀pọ̀rọ́

(Ekiti) (Àkúrẹ́) extreme joy, enthusiasm, to be ecstatic, to be elated, very happy


kọbọ

From English copper, perhaps through Hausa kwabṑ.

kobo, lowest denomination of the Nigerian currency, equal to 1/100 of a naira


igbiwo

From igba (“two hundred”) + owó (“cowries, money”).

compound

two-hundred cowries; one halfpenny in colonial usage; in modern usage, half a kobo


eepinni

/ēé.k͡pĩ̀.nĩ̀/

Má fún un ní eépìnnì kan!

(idiomatic, figurative) a very small amount


ọnini

Hausa: ànīnī

/ɔ̀.nĩ́.nĩ́/

Cognate with Igala àníní, Urhobo áníní, Edo anini, Ibibio anini, Nupe ànini

(obsolete) an amount equal to one farthing (one-quarter of a penny)

(idiomatic) a small, inconsequential amount


igbio

From igba (“two hundred”) + ió (“cowries, money”).


tọrọ

threepence; in modern usage, three kobo; pittance


olofoofo

From oní- (“one that has”) + òfófó (“gossip”).


okunfa

Okùnfà kọ́ nìyẹn.


afikun

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to put”) + kún (“to fill”). Cognates include Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba ẹ̀fukún.


iyemeji

From iyè (“mind”) + méjì (“two”), literally "two minds".

Kò sí iyèméjì nípa ẹ̀


ifọ

From i- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fọ̀ (“to speak”).


yugọọti

/jú.ɡɔ́ɔ̀.tì/


ẹlẹmu

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.mũ̄/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ẹmu (“palm wine”).


akurọ

fertile, swampy, irrigated river bank, fadama, paddy

àkùrọ̀ ti lómi tẹ́lẹ̀, kí òjò tó rọ̀ sí i


iṣikanrin

/ì.ʃí.kã̄.ɾĩ́/


ajibẹtẹ

/ā.d͡ʒí.bɛ́.tɛ́/


ẹja onirungbọn

/ɛ̄.d͡ʒā ō.nĩ́.ɾũ̀.ɡ͡bɔ̃̀/

From ẹja (“fish”) + oní- (“one who has”) + irùngbọ̀n (“beard”), literally "bearded fish".

compound

Royal threadfin (Pentanemus quinquarius)


ẹja alaran-an

/ɛ̄.d͡ʒā ā.lá.ɾã̀ã́/

From ẹja (“fish”) + oní- (“one who has”) + àrán (“velvet”), literally “The fish with velvet-like skin”.


tannatanna

Reduplication of tanná (“to turn on light, fire”), literally "light switcher"


ẹja ọsan

/ɛ̄.d͡ʒā ɔ̄.sã̀/

From ẹja (“fish”) + ọsàn (“orange (fruit)”), literally "orange fish".

African brown knifefish (Xenomystus nigri)


tomati elejo

From tòmátì (“tomato”) + oní- (“one who has”) + ejò (“snake”), literally "snake tomato".


ẹja apatamaja

From ẹja (“fish”) + àpátámàjà (“stingray”).

stingray, skate (Dasyatidae and Rajidae spp.)


erinmilokun

/ē.ɾĩ̄.mĩ̄.ló.kũ̄/

From erin (“elephant”) + omi (“water”) + oní- (“one who has”) + òkun (“ocean”).


ẹnikẹni

/ɛ̄.nĩ̄.kɛ́.nĩ̄/

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


ọmọniyan

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.nĩ̀.jã̀/


ọmọlọ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.lɔ̄/

From ọmọ (“child”) + ọlọ (“grinding stone”).


ọmọwu

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.wú/


ọmọ-ọwọ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄ ɔ̄.wɔ́/

From ọmọ (“child”) + ọwọ́ (“hand”), literally "child of the hand".


ọmọ ẹgbẹ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄ ɛ̄.ɡ͡bɛ́/


ojugun

/ō.d͡ʒú.ɡũ̄/

From ojú (“face, front”) + eegun (“bone”).


ọkọ oju irin

/ɔ̄.kɔ̀ ō.d͡ʒú ī.ɾĩ̄/

From ọkọ̀ (“vehicle”) + ojú (“surface”) + irin (“iron”), literally “iron borne vehicle”.


ọmọluwabi

From ọmọ (“child”) + olú (“lord”) + ìwà (“character, existence”) + bí (“to give birth to”), literally "a child that Ìwà birthed".

one born of the best ideals; person of good ìwà

The Yoruba concept of the ideal human that one must strive to attain.


ojukoju

/ō.d͡ʒú.kō.d͡ʒú/

From ojú (“face”) + kò (“to touch”) + ojú (“face”).


ọmọkọmọ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.kɔ́.mɔ̃̄/

From ọmọ (“child”) + -kí- (interfix) + ọmọ (“child”).


ọmọdo

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.dó/

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọmọdóview map


ọṣụpa

/ɔ̀.ʃʊ̀.k͡pá/

(Ekiti) Alternative form of òṣùpá (“moon”)


egbogbo

/ē.ɡ͡bò.ɡ͡bò/


kọlikọli

From Reduplication of kọ́ ulí (“to build a house”), literally "house builder".

reduplication

(Ikalẹ) Ikalẹ form of kọ́lékọ́lé (“builder”)


ejijẹ

/ē.d͡ʒí.d͡ʒɛ̄/

From e- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jíjẹ (“partial reduplication of jẹ to eat”).

affix

(Ikalẹ) Alternative form of oúnjẹ (“food”)


ologho

From olí- (“one who has”) + oghó (“money”).

(Ikalẹ) Ikalẹ form of olówó (“rich person”)


akike

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kíké (“partial reduplication of ké to cut”).

(Ikalẹ, Ekiti) Alternative form of àáké (“axe”)


erirun

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rírún (“partial reduplication of rún to crumble”).


olilu

From ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lílù (“partial reduplication of lù to beat”).

(Ikalẹ, Ekiti) Ikalẹ form of òòlù (“hammer”)


emimi

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mímí (“partial reduplication of mí to breathe”).

(Ikalẹ, Ekiti) Ìkálẹ̀ and Èkìtì form of èémí (“breath”)


eriru

From e- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rírú (“partial reduplication of rú to glow”).

(Ikalẹ, Ekiti) Alternative form of eérú (“ash”)


etitan

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + títàn (“partial reduplication of tàn to spread”).

(Ikalẹ) Alternative form of ààtàn (“dunghill”)


ehihẹn

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + híhẹ́n (“partial reduplication of hẹ́n to chisel”).


epipa

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pípá (“partial reduplication of pá to crust”).

(Ikalẹ, Ekiti) Alternative form of èépá (“crust”)


edidun

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dídún (“partial reduplication of dún "to be black" ”).


abeti aja

From abi- (“prefix”) + etí (“ear”) + ajá (“dog”), literally "one that resembles a dog's ear".

abetí ajá cap; a Yorùbá fìlà with two triangular flaps that can be folded, resembling dog's ears.


eghighọ

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ghìghọ̀ (“partial reduplication of ghọ̀ to forbid”).


ileelẹ

(architecture) bungalow; single story building


ayiyọn

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yíyọ̀n (“partial reduplication of yọ̀n to be sweet”).


arungbo

/ā.ɾũ̄.ɡ͡bó/

Mì re arungbó


uṣẹ

(Ekiti, Ijebu) Èkìtì, Ìjẹ̀bú form of iṣẹ́ (“work”)


alupipi

(Owe) Owe form of alùpùpù (“motorcycle”)


agbinrin

/à.ɡ͡bĩ̀.ɾĩ̀/

(Owe) Alternative form of àgbọ̀nrín (“bushbuck”)


ajola

(Owe) Alternative form of òjòlá (“python”)


irukẹrẹ

/ì.ɾù.kɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/

From Blend of ìrù (“tail”) + kẹ̀rẹ̀ (“to be important”), literally “The tail that is important”.

blend

a white (or black) flywhisk, used as a symbol of authority by chiefs, priests, and monarchs, and also used during dancing and rituals in festivals


ọnikọni

/ɔ̄.nĩ̄.kɔ́.nĩ̄/

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


ayikule

From a- (“agent prefix”) + yí (“to roll”) + okúlè (“dung”)


ile-iwosan

ilé (“house, building”) + ì (“nominalizing prefix”) + wòsàn (“to heal, to tend to”)


ẹgbẹ

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbẹ (“to be dry, to dry”)

af

dehydration, dryness; that which is dry or dried


jangiroba

/d͡ʒā.ŋ̄.ɡī.ɾó.bà/


ile ọmọ

/ī.lé ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄/


ile ẹyẹ

/ī.lé ɛ̄.jɛ̄/


ile iwosan

From ilé (“house”) + ìwòsàn (“healing”).

Alternative form of ilé-ìwòsàn (“hospital”)


iṣile

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣí (“to open”) + ilé (“home”).


ilekile

From ilé (“house”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ilé (“house”).

Ní ilékílé tí ẹ̀yin bá sì wọ̀.


ile kikọ

From ilé (“house”) + kíkọ́ (“building”).


ile ikawe

Alternative form of ilé-ìkàwé (“library”)


ile ọba

ilé ọba tó jó, ẹwà ló bù sí

the palace that burns down; beauty is added


ikaniyan

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kà (“to count”) + ènìyàn (“people”).

2019 November 4, “Ìtọ́sọ́nà rẹ sí Ìkànìyàn 2020 [Your Guide to the 2020 Census]”, in Ìtọ́sọ́nà rẹ sí Ìkànìyàn 2020 (Yoruba Language Guide):


ile ẹjọ

/ī.lé ɛ̄.d͡ʒɔ́/


ile ẹjọ kotẹmilọrun

head

ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn

ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn

yo-pos

ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn

ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn

yo-noun

ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn

ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn

/ī.lé ɛ̄.d͡ʒɔ́ kò.tɛ́.mĩ̄.lɔ́.ɾũ̀/

From ilé ẹjọ́ (“court”) + kò (“not”) + tẹ́ lọ́rùn (“satisfy”) + mi (“me”).

compound

2020 December 4, “Maryam Sanda: Ilé-ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn fòntẹ̀ lu ìdájọ́ ikú fún Sanda tó gún ọkọ rẹ̀ pa [Maryam Sanda: Appeals court overturns Sanda's death sentence for stabbing her husband]”, in BBC Yorùbá:


ẹla

Cognate with Olukumi ẹlá, probably from ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lá (“to be big”). It is unknown if its related to the similar forms ẹran (“meat, cow”), ẹlịlá (“cow”).


ẹla

ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to split, to divide”)


ẹla

(Ọyọ) the plant Calyptrochilum christyanum


ẹla

ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to dilute”)


kitipa

Ó gbé kítípà bora


iṣikinrin

/ì.ʃí.kĩ̄.ɾĩ́/

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ìṣíkanrín (“fruit fly”)


oduwa

Oduwa ti jáde


papakọ ofuurufu

pápá (“field”) + ọkọ̀ òfuurufú (“airplane”)


ulikuli

From ulí (“house”) + kí (“infix”) + ulí (“house”).

affix

(Ikalẹ) Ikalẹ form of ilékílé (“any house; bad house”)


oghun

Older form for the term salt only found in Northeast and Southeast Yoruba dialects. See Igala ómu, Ifè oŋu, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ó-ɓũ. The form likely referred to an indigenous salt, perhaps related to rock salt or halite, which was later replaced by salt imported from the North.

Mú oghun díẹ hí ọ̀bẹ̀ ghìn lọ́wọ́ inọ́

Put a little salt in the soup on the fire


ọfọ

From ọ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fọ̀ (“to speak”). Cognate with Itsekiri ọ̀fọ̀ (“word”).

(Ikalẹ, Ekiti, Ọwọ, Ào, Usẹn) word, statement


aghọfẹn

/à.ɣɔ̀.fɛ̃̄/

Cognates include Itsekiri àghọ̀fẹn. From Proto-Edekiri *à-ɣɔ̀fɪ̃, equivalent to àghọ̀ + ọfẹn

com

àghọ̀ + ọfẹn


aafin

Cognates include Itsekiri àghọ̀fẹn, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba àwọ̀fi. Proposed to be derived Proto-Yoruba *à-wɔ̀fɪ̃, from Proto-Edekiri *à-ɣɔ̀fɪ̃. The Proto-Yoruboid term is unclear, see Igala éfọfẹ (“palace”), Igala ọ́fẹ (“chieftaincy title”). Here we see a shifting of /ɣ/ and /w/ to /f/ or vice versa, which, while it is not clear which direction that sound change may have taken, is seen in other Yoruboid or Edekiri cognates, see ehoro vs. afolo and ọ̀fàfà vs. awàwà. See perhaps ultimately from Proto-Yoruboid *á-fɔ̀fɪ̃, *ɛ́-fɔ̀fɪ̃ or Proto-Yoruboid *á-ɣɔ̀fɪ̃, *ɛ́-ɣɔ̀fɪ̃. Also see Proto-Yoruboid *-fɪ̃ (“root relating to royalty or nobility”). Likely a Doublet of Ọlọ́fịn, Doublet of ọfịn, Doublet of Ọ̀dọ̀fin

inh

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ààfinview map


ejide

èjì (“two”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “The two have arrived”

compound

(Ekiti) An oríkì or praise name for twins


ụgbẹ

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ị̀gbẹ̀ (“time, occasion, season”)


ibeji

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bí (“to give birth to”) + èjì (“two”)


imọ ẹrọ

/ì.mɔ̃̀ ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + ẹ̀rọ (“machine”).


imọ iṣegun

/ì.mɔ̃̀ ì.ʃè.ɡũ̀/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + ìṣègùn (“medicine”).


imọ ajakalẹ arun

head

ìmọ̀ àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn

ìmọ̀ àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn

ìmọ̀ àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn

ìmọ̀ àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn

/ì.mɔ̃̀ à.d͡ʒà.ká.lɛ̀ à.ɾũ̀/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn (“epidemic”).

compound

àjàkálẹ̀ àrùn


imọ ẹda-ede

head

ìmọ̀ ẹ̀dá-èdè

ìmọ̀ ẹ̀dá-èdè

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ ẹ̀dá-èdè

ìmọ̀ ẹ̀dá-èdè

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ ẹ̀dá-èdè

ìmọ̀ ẹ̀dá-èdè

/ì.mɔ̃̀ ɛ̀.dá è.dè/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + ẹ̀dá (“creation”) + èdè (“language”).


imọ sayẹnsi

head

ìmọ̀ sáyẹ́ǹsì

ìmọ̀ sáyẹ́ǹsì

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ sáyẹ́ǹsì

ìmọ̀ sáyẹ́ǹsì

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ sáyẹ́ǹsì

ìmọ̀ sáyẹ́ǹsì

/ì.mɔ̃̀ sá.jɛ́.ŋ̀.sì/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + sáyẹ́ǹsì (“science”).


onimọ

/ō.nĩ́.mɔ̃̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”).


imọlara

/ì.mɔ̃̀.lá.ɾā/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ní (“in”) + ara (“body”).


ẹka ede

From ẹ̀ka (“branch”) + èdè (“language”).


imọ iṣiro

/ì.mɔ̃̀ ì.ʃī.ɾò/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + ìṣirò (“mathematics”).


imọ eto ọrọ-aje

head

ìmọ̀ ètò ọrọ̀-ajé

ìmọ̀ ètò ọrọ̀-ajé

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ ètò ọrọ̀-ajé

ìmọ̀ ètò ọrọ̀-ajé

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ ètò ọrọ̀-ajé

ìmọ̀ ètò ọrọ̀-ajé

/ì.mɔ̃̀ è.tò ɔ̄.ɾɔ̀ ā.d͡ʒé/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + ètò ọrọ̀-ajé (“economy”).

compound

ètò ọrọ̀-ajé


imọ iṣẹ ẹrọ

head

ìmọ̀ iṣẹ́ ẹ̀rọ

ìmọ̀ iṣẹ́ ẹ̀rọ

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ iṣẹ́ ẹ̀rọ

ìmọ̀ iṣẹ́ ẹ̀rọ

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ iṣẹ́ ẹ̀rọ

ìmọ̀ iṣẹ́ ẹ̀rọ

/ì.mɔ̃̀ ī.ʃɛ́ ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + iṣẹ́ (“work”) + ẹ̀rọ (“machine”).


ọrọ agba

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.ɡ͡bà/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”) + àgbà (“elder”), literally "words of the elders".


akanlo ede

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kàn (“just”) + lò (“to use”) + èdè (“language”).


elede meji

From oní- (“one who has”) + èdè (“language”) + méjì (“two”).


ọrọkọrọ

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.kɔ́.ɾɔ̀/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”).


aka-ọrọ

/à.ká ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀/

From àká (“store, barn, library”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”).


koko-ọrọ

/kó.kó ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀/

From kókó (“point, focus”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”).


ọrọ-akanlo

head

ọ̀rọ̀-àkànlò

ọ̀rọ̀-àkànlò

yo-pos

ọ̀rọ̀-àkànlò

ọ̀rọ̀-àkànlò

yo-noun

ọ̀rọ̀-àkànlò

ọ̀rọ̀-àkànlò

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.kã̀.lò/

Alternative form of ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò (“idiom”)


ọrọ ajọsọ

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.d͡ʒɔ̄.sɔ̄/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jọ (“together”) + sọ (“to say”).


ọrọ awada

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.wà.dà/


ọrọ aṣiri

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.ʃí.ɾí/

Ọ̀rọ̀ àṣírí ni mo sọ o, etí kẹta ò gbọ́dọ̀ gbọ́ ọ.

I just told you a secret, a third ear must not hear it.


ọrọ akanlo

head

ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò

ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò

yo-pos

ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò

ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò

yo-noun

ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò

ọ̀rọ̀ àkànlò

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.kã̀.lò/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“phrase”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kàn (“just”) + lò (“to use”).


imọ nipa ẹda eniyan

head

ìmọ̀ nípa ẹ̀dá ènìyàn

ìmọ̀ nípa ẹ̀dá ènìyàn

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ nípa ẹ̀dá ènìyàn

ìmọ̀ nípa ẹ̀dá ènìyàn

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ nípa ẹ̀dá ènìyàn

ìmọ̀ nípa ẹ̀dá ènìyàn

/ì.mɔ̃̀ nĩ́.k͡pā ɛ̀.dá è.nĩ̀.jã̀/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + nípa (“about”) + ẹ̀dá (“creation”) + ènìyàn (“humanity”).


ẹda oye-ọrọ

head

ẹ̀dà òye-ọ̀rọ̀

ẹ̀dà òye-ọ̀rọ̀

yo-pos

ẹ̀dà òye-ọ̀rọ̀

ẹ̀dà òye-ọ̀rọ̀

yo-noun

ẹ̀dà òye-ọ̀rọ̀

ẹ̀dà òye-ọ̀rọ̀

/ɛ̀.dà ò.jē ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀/

From ẹ̀dà (“copy”) + òye (“understanding”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“utterance”), literally "a copy of the understanding of an utterance".


ọrọ aibofin-ile-igbimọ-aṣofin-mu

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀ à.ì.bó.fĩ̄ī.lé.ì.ɡ͡bì.mɔ̃̀.ā.ʃò.fĩ̄.mũ̄/

From ọ̀rọ̀ (“utterance”) + àì- (“negating prefix”) + bá mu (“to be appropriate with”) + òfin (“rule, law”) + ilé ìgbìmọ̀ aṣòfin (“parliament, senate”).

affix

unparliamentary language
unparliamentary language


ifọrọwanilẹnuwo

head

ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò

ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò

yo-pos

ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò

ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò

yo-noun

ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò

ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to put”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“words”) + wá (“to search”) + ẹni (“person”) + ní (“in”) + ẹnu (“mouth”) + wò (“to look”), literally "the act of using words to search someone in the mouth".


ifọrọdara

/ì.fɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.dá.ɾà/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“words”) + dá (“to create”) + àrà (“spectacle”).

word play; typically utilizing tone and repetition.


sọrọsọrọ

head

sọ̀rọ̀sọ̀rọ̀

sọ̀rọ̀sọ̀rọ̀

yo-pos

sọ̀rọ̀sọ̀rọ̀

sọ̀rọ̀sọ̀rọ̀

yo-noun

sọ̀rọ̀sọ̀rọ̀

sọ̀rọ̀sọ̀rọ̀

/sɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.sɔ̀.ɾɔ̀/


ifọrọwero

/ì.fɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.wé.ɾò/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“words”) + wá (“to search for”) + èrò (“thoughts”).


iṣatunto

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣàtúntò (“to adjust, to reform”).


amojuto ile-ikawe

From a- (“agent prefix”) + mójú tó (“to manage”) + ilé-ìkàwé (“library”).


alakooso ile-ikawe ile-iwe

From oní- (“one who has”) + àkóso (“control”) + ilé-ìkàwé (“library”) + ilé-ìwé (“school”), literally "the one who has control over the school library".


dokita iṣatunto eyin

head

dókítà ìṣàtúntò eyín

dókítà ìṣàtúntò eyín

yo-pos

dókítà ìṣàtúntò eyín

dókítà ìṣàtúntò eyín

yo-noun

dókítà ìṣàtúntò eyín

dókítà ìṣàtúntò eyín

From dókítà (“doctor”) + ìṣàtúntò (“adjustment”) + eyín (“teeth”), literally "teeth adjustment doctor".


ọrọ-aje

/ɔ̄.ɾɔ̀ ā.d͡ʒé/

From ọrọ̀ (“matter”) + ajé (“commerce”).


ọlọrọ

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ɾɔ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ọ̀rọ̀ (“word”).


ọlọrọ

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ɾɔ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ọrọ̀ (“wealth”).


imọ iwalaaye-nnkan onikaako

head

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò

yo-pos

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò

yo-noun

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò

ìmọ̀ ìwàláàyè-nǹkan oníkàákò (canonical)

/ì.mɔ̃̀ ì.wà.láà.jè.nŋ̀.kã̄ ō.nĩ́.kàá.kò/

ìmọ̀ (“knowledge, science”) + ìwàláàyè-nǹkan (“the state of being alive, livingness”) + oníkàákò (“microscopic, microfilm”), literally “Study of state of living of microscopic organisms”


ẹni

Proposed to have derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-nɪ̃ (of which the Central Yoruba form maintains the same form), compare with Arigidi ẹ̀nẹn, Igbo onye, Igala ẹ́nẹ.
Possibly equivalent to ẹ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ni (“to be”), literally “That which exists”

af

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ẹniview map

ẹnẹABHORÌtsẹkírìÌwẹrẹọnẹABHORProto-YorubaCentral YorubaÈkìtìÈkìtìÀdó ÈkìtìọnịABHORÀkúrẹ́Àkúrẹ́ọnịABHORMọ̀bàỌ̀tùn ÈkìtìọnịABHORWestern ÀkókóỌ̀gbàgì ÀkókóọniABHORNorthwest YorubaÀwórìÈbúté Mẹ́tàẹniABHORẸ̀gbáAbẹ́òkútaẹniABHORÈkóÈkóẹniABHORÌbàdànÌbàdànẹniABHORÌbàràpáIgbó ÒràẹniABHORÌbọ̀lọ́ÒṣogboẹniABHORÌlọrinÌlọrinẹniABHOROǹkóÒtùẹniABHORÌwéré IléẹniABHORÒkèhòẹniABHORÌsẹ́yìnẹniABHORṢakíẹniABHORTedéẹniABHORÌgbẹ́tìẹniABHORỌ̀yọ́Ọ̀yọ́ẹniABHORStandard YorùbáNàìjíríàẹniABHORBɛ̀nɛ̀ɛniABHORNortheast Yoruba/OkunOwéKabbaọniABHOREde Languages/Southwest YorubaÌdàácàBeninIgbó ÌdàácàɔniABHORIfɛ̀AkpáréɛnɛABHORAtakpamɛɛnɛABHORTchettiɛnɛABHORKuraAledjo-KouraɛniABHORABHORAwotébiɛniABHORABHORPartagoɛniABHORABHORNote: 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


ẹni

Compare with Ifè aní, Itsekiri ẹní, Olukumi ẹní

baba ń hun ẹní


ọsọọsan

/ɔ̀.sɔ̀ɔ̀.sã́/


ọdọọdun

/ɔ̄.dɔ̄ɔ̄.dṹ/


ẹrọ-ayaworan

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄.ā.jà.wò.ɾã́/

Alternative form of ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán (“camera”)


yariini

/jā.ɾíì.nĩ̀/


ayafọto

From a- (“agent prefix”) + yà (“to take”) + fọ́tò (“photo”).


ẹrọ ayaworan

head

ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán

ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán

yo-pos

ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán

ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán

yo-noun

ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán

ẹ̀rọ ayàwòrán

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ā.jà.wò.ɾã́/

ẹ̀rọ (“machine, device”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + yà (“to photograph”) + àwòrán (“picture”), literally “Device that takes photographs”


kọnkere

/kɔ̃̄.ké.ɾé/

Alternative form of kankéré (“concrete”)


aworan

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wò (“to look at”) + rán (“to stare”), literally “That which is looked at intensively”

af

the act of observing or watching to ponder


afẹẹri

/à.fɛ́ɛ̀.ɾí/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fẹ́ (“to want”) + àì- (“negating prefix”) + rí (“to see”).


atọọle

/ā.tɔ̀ɔ́.lé/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + tọ̀ (“to urinate”) + nílé (“at home”).

(sometimes derogatory, offensive) bedwetter

(sometimes derogatory, offensive) one who wets themselves


alailowaya

From oní- (“one that has”) + àì- (“negating prefix”) + lò (“to use”) + wáyà (“wires”).


dindinrin

/dĩ̀.dĩ̀.ɾĩ̀/


aloku

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lò (“to use”) + kù (“to be left over”).

Ṣé àlòkù ni àbí tuntun?


oponu

From ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ponú (“to be daft”).


olooorun

/ō.lóòó.ɾũ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + òórùn (“odor”).

(sometimes offensive) odorous person, dirty person


aṣẹwo

→ Nigerian Pidgin: ashawo, ashewo

From a- (“agent prefix”) + ṣẹ́ (“to be broken”) + owó (“money”).

(sometimes derogatory, offensive) prostitute, hoe, slut


ọmọ ale

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄ à.lè/

From ọmọ (“child”) + àlè (“concubine”), literally "child of a concubine".


uparo

/ʊ̀.k͡pā.ɾò/


orirun

ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rírùn (“partial reduplication of rùn to smell”)

af

(Ekiti, Ikalẹ) Alternative form of òórùn (“smell”)


orirun

orí (“soul, head”) + run (“to originate”)

compound

In the Yoruba religion, the place where the soul originates from


ụgbalẹ

/ʊ̀.ɡ͡bá.lɛ̀/

From ụ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbálẹ̀ (“to sweep”), likely derived from the Standard Yoruba sense, and has largely replaced ọọ̀


ẹlẹnu iru

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.nũ̄ ī.ɾú/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ẹnu (“mouth”) + irú (“fermented locust beans”).

(offensive) someone with bad breath, stench mouthed person


ọmakọma

/ɔ̄.mã̄.kɔ́.mã̄/

From ọma (“child”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ọma (“child”).

(Ikalẹ) Ikalẹ form of ọmọkọ́mọ (“naughty child”)


aboyun

From abi- (“prefix”) + oyún (“pregnancy”).


ẹdọn

(Ọwọ) Ọwọ form of ẹdun (“colobus monkey”)


ọbun

Cognates include Ifè ɔ̀bɔ̀ (“dirtiness”)


ọbun

Cognates include Itsekiri ọ̀bọ̀n, Àpọ́ị̀ Izon ọ̀bọ̀n.

Lọ́bùn

a senior female cheiftancy title for the official controller of all markets in Oǹdó


ẹgwa

Proposed to have derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ̀-gwà. Possible cognates include Igala ɛ̀gwà and Igbo àgwà.

(Ọwọ, Ondo) Alternative form of ẹ̀wà (“bean”)


ẹgwa

(Ọwọ, Ondo) Alternative form of ẹwà (“beauty”)


eewọ

Contraction of èwìwọ̀ (“taboo”), proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ɛ̀-ɣɪ̀ɣɔ̀, from Proto-Edekiri *ɛ̀-ɣɪ̀ɣɔ̀

Personal taboos are often given to individual people early in life via the Àkọsẹ̀jayé.

èèwọ̀ ni kí aboyún rìn ní ọ̀sán gangan

It is a taboo for a pregnant woman to walk around in the hot afternoon

àdín jẹ́ èèwọ̀ Èṣù

Giving the orisha Esu palm kernel oil is a taboo

taboo, cultural or religious prohibition.

èèwọ̀ ni nílẹ̀ Yorùbá, kí ìyàwó titun bá ọkọ ọ rẹ̀ nílé

It is an abomination in Yorubaland for a new bride to meet her new husband at home when she arrives to her marital home


ọmama

/ɔ̄.mã̄.mã̄/

(Ọwọ, Ikalẹ) Alternative form of ọmọọmọ (“grandchild, descendant”)


ọma

Proposed to have derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-mã, Cognates include Igala ọ́ma, Itsekiri ọma, Ede Idaca ọma

(Ọwọ, Ikalẹ, Ilajẹ) Alternative form of ọmọ (“child”)


oorun

Possibly from Proto-Yoruboid *ó-lũ̀ or Proto-Yoruboid *ó-lìlũ̀, cognate with Olukumi òrùn, Igala ólù


oorun

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ó-rũ, cognate with Igala ólu, Igbo òlu, Ifè orũ, Olukumi órún, probably ultimately from *rũ (“to sleep”), which is now an obsolete root. It is not clear if the root *sũ̀ (“to sleep”) (sùn) is from the same root.


ẹrọ amunawa alẹfuufu

head

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá alẹ̀fúùfù

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá alẹ̀fúùfù

yo-pos

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá alẹ̀fúùfù

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá alẹ̀fúùfù

yo-noun

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá alẹ̀fúùfù

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá alẹ̀fúùfù

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ā.mṹ.nã́.wá ā.lɛ̀.fúù.fù/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + mú wá (“to bring”) + iná (“fire, electricity”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + lò (“to use”) + ẹ̀fúùfù (“wind”), literally “machine that brings electricity using wind”.


ẹrọ ifọbọ

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.fɔ̄.bɔ́/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fọ̀ (“to wash”) + abọ́ (“dishes”), literally “machine that washes dishes”.


ẹrọ amunawa

head

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

yo-pos

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

yo-noun

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ā.mṹ.nã́.wá/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + mú wá (“to bring”) + iná (“fire, electricity”), literally “machine that brings electricity”.


ẹrọ iranṣọ

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.ɾã́.ʃɔ̄/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rán (“to sew”) + aṣọ (“clothes”), literally “machine that sews clothes”.


ẹrọ amunimi

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ā.mṹ.nĩ̄.mĩ́/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + mú (“to make”) + ẹni (“one”) + mí (“to breathe”), literally “machine that makes people breathe”.


ẹrọ ilọnkan

head

ẹ̀rọ ìlọǹkan

ẹ̀rọ ìlọǹkan

yo-pos

ẹ̀rọ ìlọǹkan

ẹ̀rọ ìlọǹkan

yo-noun

ẹ̀rọ ìlọǹkan

ẹ̀rọ ìlọǹkan

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.lɔ̄.ŋ̀.kã̄/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọ (“to grind”) + nǹkan (“things”), literally “machine that grinds things”.


ẹrọ iṣawari

head

ẹ̀rọ ìṣàwárí

ẹ̀rọ ìṣàwárí

yo-pos

ẹ̀rọ ìṣàwárí

ẹ̀rọ ìṣàwárí

yo-noun

ẹ̀rọ ìṣàwárí

ẹ̀rọ ìṣàwárí

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.ʃà.wá.ɾí/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ìṣàwárí (“search”), literally “machine that searches”.


ẹrọ ibanisọrọ

head

ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

yo-pos

ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

yo-noun

ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.bá.nĩ̄.sɔ̀.ɾɔ̀/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bá (“with”) + ẹni (“person”) + sọ̀rọ̀ (“to talk”), literally “communication machine”.


ẹrọ itẹwe

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.tɛ̀.wé/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tẹ̀ (“to print”) + ìwé (“paper”), literally “machine that prints paper”.


ẹrọ ifọṣọ

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.fɔ̄.ʃɔ̄/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fọ̀ (“to wash”) + aṣọ (“clothes”), literally “machine that washes clothes”.


ẹrọ iṣiro

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ì.ʃí.ɾò/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣírò (“to calculate”), literally “machine that calculates”.


ẹrọ amohuntutu

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ā.mó.hũ̄.tū.tù/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + mú (“to make”) + ohun (“things”) + tutù (“to be cold”), literally “machine that cools things”.


ẹrọ agbaworanyọ

/ɛ̀.ɾɔ̄ ā.mó.ɡ͡bá.wò.ɾã́.jɔ̄/

From ẹ̀rọ (“machine”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + gbé (“to make”) + àwòrán (“pictures”) + yọ (“appear”), literally “machine that makes images appear”.


akọgirisi

/à.kɔ́.ɡì.ɾì.sì/

(Ekiti) The yellow sterculia tree, Sterculia oblonga


majẹmu

/má.d͡ʒɛ̀.mũ̄/


ereṣupa

/ē.ɾé.ʃù.k͡pá/

Contraction of eré òṣùpá (“moonlight game”).

contraction

Alternative form of eré òṣùpá (“moonlight games”)


jẹnẹretọ

/d͡ʒɛ̄.nɛ̄.ɾé.tɔ̀/


ere oṣupa

/ē.ɾé ò.ʃù.k͡pá/

moonlight games; form of Yorùbá physical or mental game played by children in the evenings, including bojúbojú, àlọ́ àpamọ̀, àlọ́ àpagbè.


ẹghẹn

Cognates with Itsekiri ẹghẹn, Olukumi ẹ́ghẹ́n, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba ẹwẹn, Yoruba ẹyin, Èkìtì Yoruba ẹịn, see Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-ɣɪ̃


jijẹ

/d͡ʒí.d͡ʒɛ̄/


oigho

Cognates include Itsekiri orígho, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba orúwo


abiyẹ

From abi- (“prefix”) + ìyẹ́ (“feather, wing”).


iyẹ

From Proto-Yoruboid *ɪ̀-wɛ́, compare with Olukumi ẹyẹ́


abuubutan abuke

àbùùbùtán (“whale”) + abuké (“hunchbacked, humpbacked”), a Calque of English humpback whale


ehikọ

à rí ehìkọ́ kan lánọ̀ọ́


ọlọ

From ọ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọ (“to grind”). Cognates include Edo olọ.

affix

grinding stone; (in particular) large grinding stone


alubasa

From Hausa albasa, from Arabic بَصَل (baṣal).

Ó gé àlùbásà hí ẹrọn ghin í bọ́. ― She put onions in the meat she is boiling. (Owé)

(Owe, Ọwọ, Ondo, Ekiti) Alternative form of àlùbọ́sà (“onion”)


origho

Cognates include Itsekiri orígho, Igala ójí proposed to be derived from Proto-Edekiri *o-ríɣo, *o-rí, ultimately from Proto-Yoruboid *ó-ɗí, *ó-rí. The compounding of the suffix "ɣo" (later "wo") is possibly an Proto-Edekiri innovation still maintained in a majority of Edekiri languages, and the non-suffixed version likely existed side by side. However, Ayere ago may suggest it is a remnant of an older root. See potential non-Yoruboid cognates, Arigidi igíri, Proto-Bantu *mʊ̀tʊ́è, Proto-Grassfields *tú, Proto-Plateau *-tii, Proto-Benue-Congo *-to, possibly Igbo isi, Akpes ìcùm, perhaps ultimately from Proto-Atlantic-Congo *-li- or Proto-Niger-Congo *-túi, *-tu

Ọfọ̀ yìí ghùn mí nórígho.

(I was touched by this speech) (Ìlàjẹ)

(Ikalẹ, Ilajẹ, Idanre) (Yoruba religion) the orí


kayeefi

Likely derived from the Hausa [Term?] language


agabangebe

/à.ɡà.bà.ŋ̀.ɡē.bè/

Alternative form of àgàbàgebè (“hypocrisy”)


alagabangebe

oní- (“one who possesses”) + àgàbàǹgebè (“hypocrisy”)


alagabagebe

oní- (“one who possesses”) + àgàbàgebè (“hypocrisy”)


iyọba

From iye (“mother”) + ọba (“monarch”), cognate with Edo iyọba

the queen mother of the Kingdom of Benin


orukọkorukọ

/ō.ɾú.kɔ̄.kó.ɾú.kɔ̄/

From orúkọ (“name”) + -kí- (“infix”) + orúkọ (“name”).


eyin erin

/ē.jĩ́ ē.ɾĩ̄/

From eyín (“tooth”) + erin (“elephant”).


oukọ

Kí oúkọ "ìgbín" nédè Oǹdó?
"Ùgbẹ́n".
What's the name of "ìgbín" in Oǹdó?
"Ùgbẹ́n".

(Ondo) Alternative form of orúkọ (“name”)


labankada

lábàǹkádà cap; a Yorùbá fìlà with two triangular flaps that can be folded, resembling dog's ears.


laefi

From Hausa lâifi (“sin, guilt”), ultimately from Arabic اَلْعَيْب (al-ʕayb).


ataare

Guinea pepper, alligator pepper (Aframomum spp.)


ugbẹn

(Ondo, Ọwọ, Usẹn) Alternative form of ìgbín (“snail”)


ọyẹ

harmattan, harmattan season, cold dry weather


ogede

baba ń pògèdè sí ọgbẹ́ ejò

The elder was chanting an incantation on the snake bite


ogede

ògédé iṣu nìkàn l'ó wà lọ́jà

ògédé àgálámọ̀ṣà ni gbogbo ọ̀rọ̀ọ rẹ̀

His utterances fully consisted of inconsistencies


igbin

(music) upright open-ended log drums with single leather heads fastened and tuned by wooden pegs, sacred to the orisha Ọbàtálá, it is a subfamily of the gbẹ̀du family of drums.

Onígbìndé

A Yoruba name meaning, "the igbin drummer has arrived."


igbin

From Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ̀-gbɪ̃́, cognate with Igala ìgbí, Idoma ìgbí, Olukumi ùgbẹ́n, Ifè ɔ̀gbɛ̃́, Fon agbĭn

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ìgbínview map

ugbìnABIETINEde Languages/Southwest YorubaIfɛ̀Akpáréɔ̀gbɛ̃́ABIETINAtakpamɛɔ̀gbɛ̃́ABIETINTchettiɔ̀gbɛ̃́ABIETINNote: This amalgamation of terms comes from a number of different academic papers focused on the unique varieties and languages spoken in the Yoruboid dialectal continuum which extends from eastern Togo to southern Nigeria. The terms for spoken varieties

now deemed dialects of Yorùbá in Nigeria

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

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


ibọn jagamu

/ì.bɔ̃̄ d͡ʒā.ɡā.mũ̀/


ibọn agbelejika

head

ìbọn àgbéléjìká

ìbọn àgbéléjìká

yo-pos

ìbọn àgbéléjìká

ìbọn àgbéléjìká

yo-noun

ìbọn àgbéléjìká

ìbọn àgbéléjìká

/ì.bɔ̃̄ à.ɡ͡bé.lé.d͡ʒì.ká/

ìbọn (“gun”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + ní (“on”) + èjìká (“shoulders”)


iṣẹṣe

From ìṣẹ̀ + ìṣe, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣẹ̀ (“to originate”) + ìṣe (“tradition”), literally “The source of our traditions”.

af

ọ̀rọ̀ yìí ṣẹlẹ̀ ní ìṣẹ̀ṣe, ó ṣẹ̀ dọ̀rọ̀ ìtàn

This matter has a historical origin, it has now become history

the cultural or historical origins of a people, (in particular) the origins of the Yoruba people


ibọn

Possibly from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọn (“of a moderate entity springing off once suddenly”)

ọdẹ́ da ojú ìbọn kọ wọ́n, ó sì ta wọ́n ní ìbọn

The hunter turned his gun toward them and shot at them


ibọn agba

/ì.bɔ̃̄ à.ɡ͡bá/

ìbọn (“gun”) + àgbá (“barrel, cylinder”)


oniṣẹṣe

/ō.nĩ́.ʃɛ̀.ʃē/

From oní- (“one who, owner of”) + Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (“Isese”).

af

a practitioner of the Yoruba religion, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe; a worshipper of the orisha


ọbọn-unbọn-un

/ɔ̀.bɔ̃̀.ũ̀.bɔ̃̄.ũ̀/

Alternative form of ọ̀bọ̀n-ùn-bọn-ùn (“beetle”)


oyin igan

/ō.jĩ̄ ì.ɡã̀/

oyin (“honey”) + ìgàn (“bundle (in reference to the beehive)”)

compound

fresh or pure honey extracted from a beehive


oloyin

From oní- (“one who is, owner of”) + oyin (“bees, honey, sweetness”).

affix

àgbàdo olóyin

Something that is characterized by being sweet


atiala

The African pied hornbill, Lophoceros fasciatus or Tockus fasciatus


ifura

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + fura (“to suspect”)

ìfura ni òògùn àgbà

A sense of suspicion is the medicine of an elder


iṣẹ-ọsin-oyin

/ī.ʃɛ́.ɔ̀.sĩ̀.ō.jĩ̄/

iṣẹ́ (“work, study”) + ọ̀sìn (“domestication”) + oyin (“bees”), literally “The work concerning the domestication and maintenance of bees”


ọlọ inu

/ɔ̄.lɔ̄ ī.nṹ/


apotọ

àpò (“sack”) + ìtọ̀ (“urine”), literally “Urine sack”


apo orooro

/à.k͡pò ò.ɾóò.ɾō/

àpò (“sack”) + òróòro (“bile”), literally “Bile sack”


ọbọn-un-bọn-un

/ɔ̀.bɔ̃̀.ũ̀.bɔ̃̄.ũ̀/

From Reduplication of ọ̀bọ̀n-ùn, ultimately from ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bọ̀n-ùn (“of a heavy entity springing off once suddenly”).


yanja-yanja

/jã̄.d͡ʒā.jã̄.d͡ʒā/


ogboni

/ò.ɡ͡bó.nĩ̄/

ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbó (“matured, experienced”) + ẹni (“person,people”), compare with Ede Ije ògbóni (“father”)

a respected older male; gentleman, fellow colleague


udako

(Ikalẹ) cutlass, machete used by farmers to clear vegetation


agbara

a- (“agent prefix”) + gba (“to knock away”) + àrá (“thunder”)

lightning rod, something that deflects lightning


agbara

a- (“agent prefix”) + gbé (“to carry”) + ara (“body”), literally “that which powers the body”

alágbára

a powerful person, someone who is strong


agbara

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbàrà (“to outbid”)


agbara

Àgbàrá kò fo kòtò, ire ilé ayé kò níí fò wá

The torrent did not jump over the gutter, and as such, may the goodness of the world not jump over us (proverbial prayer for good fortune)


pẹna

Clipping of pẹnáítì or pẹnárítì ultimately from English penalty.


agbabọọlu

/ā.ɡ͡bá.bɔ́ɔ̀.lù/

a- (“agent prefix”) + gbá (“to kick”) + bọ́ọ̀lù (“ball”), literally “ball kicker”


igbabọọlu

/ì.ɡ͡bá.bɔ́ɔ̀.lù/

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbá (“to kick”) + bọ́ọ̀lù (“ball”), literally “ball kicking”


pẹnaiti

Contraction of pẹnárítì from English penalty.


omuwẹ

ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + ìwẹ̀ (“swimming”), literally “one who knows how to swim”


ugwẹ

ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gwẹ̀ (“to swim, to bath”)

(Ikalẹ) Alternative form of ìwẹ̀ (“bathing or swimming”)


omugwẹ

/ò.mũ̀.ɡʷɛ̀/

ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mà (“to know”) + ùgwẹ̀ (“swimming”), literally “one who knows how to swim”

(Ikalẹ) (swimming) Alternative form of òmùwẹ̀ (“swimmer”)


otupa

(Ondo, Ọwọ, Ijebu) Alternative form of àtùpà (“lamp”)


ẹun

ẹrun

Ọ̀wọ̀, Ìkálẹ̀


iwẹ

ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wẹ̀ (“to swim, to bath”)


kaadi pupa

From káàdì + pupa, a calque of English red card.


ẹlẹluu

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.ꜜlú/

oní- (“owner of, one who”) + ẹ̀lú (“indigo”)

prefix

A person who makes indigo dye or sells indigo-dyed clothing


ẹlu

An indigo plant, specifically Indigofera arrecta, used to make indigo-dye


epo rọbi

/ē.k͡pō ɾɔ̀.bì/


erinpin-eluju

/ē.ɾĩ́.k͡pĩ́.è.lù.d͡ʒù/

(Ekiti) The tree Xylopia aethiopica, of which its seeds are used in the spice Grains of Selim


ọọṣa

(Ekiti) Alternative form of òrìṣà (“orisha”)


ẹgin

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-ɣɪ̃

(Igbomina) Alternative form of ẹyin (“egg”)


ẹbiti

From ẹ̀- + bìtì, literally “that which is solid, roundish, heavy and deep-seated”

af

When the animal goes for the food, it will move the stick, causing the load to fall upon the animal, killing.

ẹ̀bìtì kò lè pèèrà

A loaded trap cannot kill an ant (proverbial incantation on invincibility)

bí ẹ̀bìtì yóò bá jà lọ́la, eku tí ó bá pa lónìí, àpagbé ni

If a loaded trap is going to collapse on something tomorrow, the rat it has killed today, that is irreversible (proverb on irreversibility)

A traditional Yoruba loaded animal suspended trap, consisting of a load of dirt or stone, held by a branch, with food under it.

èbìtì

Èkìtì, Ìgbómìnà


ojulowo

From ojú (“face”) + ní (“to have”) + owó (“money”), literally “valuable to have”.

compound

something that is genuine, authentic, the real deal, valuable


ojulumọ

/ō.d͡ʒú.lù.mɔ̃̀/

ojú (“face”) + ní (“to have”) + ì (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”), literally “A familiar face”

ojúlùmọ̀ ni arákùnrin náà sí wa

friend, acquaintance, someone who is well-known to a person


akewi

a- (“agent prefix”) + ké (“to chant”) + ewì (“poetry”), literally “One who chants poetry”


ibi-ọmọ

/ī.bī.ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄/


iṣẹ amurele

head

iṣẹ́ àmúrelé

iṣẹ́ àmúrelé

yo-pos

iṣẹ́ àmúrelé

iṣẹ́ àmúrelé

yo-noun

iṣẹ́ àmúrelé

iṣẹ́ àmúrelé

/ī.ʃɛ́ à.mṹ.ɾē.lé/

iṣẹ́ (“work”) + à (“nominalizing prefix”) + mú (“to make”) + re (“to go”) + ilé (“home”), literally “The work that goes home with you”


ọdọn

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-dʊ̃́ (“year, festival”)

inh

Ọdọ́n tì paí. ― The year has finished. (Oǹdó)

Ma a tọ́n wá lọ́dọ́n mẹ́ta èní. ― I'll come again in three years' time. (Ìkálẹ̀)

(Ọwọ, Ondo, Ikalẹ, Òǹkò) Alternative form of ọdún (“year; festival”)

a kú ùmúa ọdọ́n

a greeting for preparations for a festival

a kú ùpalẹ̀mọ́ ọdọ́n

a greeting for predations for a festival

ẹ kú ùmọ́ra Ọdọ́n Ùjeíjẹ

a greeting for preparations for the New Yam Festival


aṣọle

* a- (“agent prefix”) + ṣọ́ (“to guard”) + ilé (“home; base”), literally “guard of the base”.

af

2019 July 27, “Vincent Enyeama: Aṣọ́lé Nàìjíríà tẹ́lẹ̀ rí ṣe tán láti padà sórí pápá. [Vincent Enyema: A former Nigerian goalkeeper is ready to return to the pitch.]”, in BBC Yorùbá:


gulegule

Ó ń mí gúlegúle


aghọ

(Ijebu, Ọwọ) Alternative form of awọ (“skin”)


awurọ

Alternative form of àárọ̀ (“morning, origin, beginning”)


ọyun

ọ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yún (“to itch, to scratch”), literally “The place where it itches”


ọwụrọ

/ɔ̀.wʊ́.ɾɔ̀/

(Ekiti) Alternative form of òwúrọ̀ (“morning, origin, beginning”)


ajinjin

/à.d͡ʒĩ̀.d͡ʒĩ̀/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jìnjìn (“partial reduplication of jìn, "to be deep"”)

af

(Ekiti) Alternative form of ààjìn (“postmidnight”)


etitu

From è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + títú (“partial reduplication of tú to spill out”).

prefix

(Ekiti, Ikalẹ) Alternative form of èétú (“pus”)


aajin

From Contraction of àjìnjìn, ultimately from à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jìnjìn (“partial reduplication of jìn "to be deep"”), literally “deep into the night”.


akeekee

Contraction of àkérekère, compare with Nupe kínkèrè, Eastern Xwla Gbe kekire, Fon hɔnkékélé, Ayere ikẽkè


eetu

ètítú

Èkìtì, Ìkálẹ̀


owuọ

(Ikalẹ, Ondo) Alternative form of òwúrọ̀ (“morning, origin, beginning”)


ajijẹn

/à.d͡ʒì.d͡ʒɛ̃̀/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jíjẹ̀n (“partial reduplication of jẹ̀n, "to be deep"”)

prefix

(Ikalẹ) Alternative form of ààjìn (“postmidnight”)


nọmba agbabọọlu

head

nọ́ḿbà agbábọ́ọ̀lù

nọ́ḿbà agbábọ́ọ̀lù

yo-pos

nọ́ḿbà agbábọ́ọ̀lù

nọ́ḿbà agbábọ́ọ̀lù

yo-noun

nọ́ḿbà agbábọ́ọ̀lù

nọ́ḿbà agbábọ́ọ̀lù

/nɔ́.ŋ́.bà ā.ɡ͡bá.bɔ́ɔ̀.lù/

From nọ́ḿbà (“number”) + agbábọ́ọ̀lù (“footballer”), literally “footballer number”.


gbẹdu

→ Nigerian Pidgin: gbedu

Láìkú ẹ̀kìrì, a kò lè fi awọ rẹ̀ ṣe gbẹ̀du.
Untill the black duiker dies, it's skin cannot be used to made a gbẹ̀du drum.

(music) large sonorous type of drum with a skin made from ẹ̀kìrì (black duiker) or ìgalà hide. It is one of the 4 main families of drums among the Yoruba, and is mainly played for the king and by elders including the Ògbóni

someone who speaks with a deep, resounding, voice (in comparison to the gbẹ̀du drum)

(slang, music) drum heavy music such as Afrobeats and Jùjú (in comparison to the gbẹ̀du drum)

(slang) party (where drum heavy music is played)


atọsin

Alternative form of àtọ̀sí (“gonorrhea”)


arun jakutẹ

head

àrùn jàkùtẹ̀

àrùn jàkùtẹ̀

yo-pos

àrùn jàkùtẹ̀

àrùn jàkùtẹ̀

yo-noun

àrùn jàkùtẹ̀

àrùn jàkùtẹ̀

/à.ɾũ̀ d͡ʒà.kù.tɛ̀/


iyaalu

ìyá (“mother”) + ìlù (“drum”), literally “Mother drum”

compound

The largest drum in any Yoruba ensemble of drums and with the lowest pitch. Each of the 4 families of drums among the Yoruba bàtá, dùndún, sákárà, and gbẹ̀du has the "mother drum."


atọsi

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tọ̀ (“to urinate”) + sí (“on”)


arun sun-unrun-sun-unrun

/à.ɾũ̀ sũ̄ũ̄.ɾũ̄.sũ̄ũ̄.ɾũ̄/

African sleeping sickness
African sleeping sickness

sleeping sickness, specifically African sleeping sickness


afọmọlọmu

a- (“agent prefix”) + fún (“to give”) + ọmọ (“child”) + ní (“to have”) + ọmú (“breast”), literally “ones who give [their] child breast [milk]”

affix

ones who give 􂀿their􂁀 child breast 􂀿milk􂁀


afayafa

a- (“agent prefix”) + fi (“to use”) + àyà (“chest”) + fà (“to crawl”), literally “One who crawls on their chest”


ejo abiruṣoro

/ē.d͡ʒò ā.bì.ɾù.ʃō.ɾó/

From ejò (“snake”) + abi- (“prefix”) + ìrù (“tail”) + ṣe (“to make”) + oró (“poison”), literally “The snake that carries poison in its tail”.


ejo ọka

/ē.d͡ʒò ɔ̄.ká/

From ejò (“snake”) + ọ- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ká (“to coil”), literally “The snake that coils”


omele

(music) omele drum; the smallest drum that is highest in pitch, part of bàtá or ẹ̀kù ensembles, beaten with thin sticks made of a flexible raw hide bílálà.


ejo paramọlẹ

/ē.d͡ʒò k͡pā.ɾā.mɔ̃́.lɛ̀/

From ejò + pa + ara + mọ́ + ilẹ̀, literally “The snake that camouflages itself with the ground”.

puff adder or night adder (Causus rhombeatus)


ejo ọwun

/ē.d͡ʒò ɔ̀.wũ̀/

Alternative form of ejò ọ̀wọ̀n (“Black-necked spitting cobra”)


ejo abewerẹ

/ē.d͡ʒò ā.bé.wé.ɾɛ́/

ejò (“snake”) + a (“agent prefix”) + bá (“with”) + ewé (“leaf”) + rẹ́ (“to associate with”), literally “The snake that matches its color with leaves”


ejo mọnamọna

head

ejò mọ́námọ́ná

ejò mọ́námọ́ná

yo-pos

ejò mọ́námọ́ná

ejò mọ́námọ́ná

yo-noun

ejò mọ́námọ́ná

ejò mọ́námọ́ná

/ē.d͡ʒò mɔ̃́.nã́.mɔ̃́.nã́/

From ejò (“snake”) + mọ́námọ́ná (“partial reduplication of mọ́ná "to be bright"”), literally “The multicolored snake”.


aoro

From Proto-Yoruba *à-ɣòrò, from Proto-Edekiri *à-ɣòrò, equivalent to à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ò (“to look”) + rò (“to tell”), literally “The one who looks [at what the orisha say in obì divination] and then tells”

af

The one who looks 􂀿at what the orisha say in obì divination􂁀 and then tells

(Ekiti) a male priest, often the chief priest of a specific orisha or deity; see àòrò Ògún


olomele

* oní- (“one who has”) + omele (“omele drum”).

Kò sẹ́ni tó mèdè àyàn bí ẹni tó gbé ọ̀pá ẹ̀ lọ́wọ́, olómele ló mọ ohun tí ó ń fi omele sọ.

There's no one that knows the speech of a drum like the person who carries the drumstick in their hand, it's the omele drummer who knows what they are speaking through the drum

olómele kì í sọ pé igi yóò dá lóde lọ́la


ibusun

From ibi (“place”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sùn (“to sleep”), literally “the place for sleeping”.


atamatase

From a- (“agent prefix”) + ta (“to shoot”) + má (“not”) + tàsé (“to miss”).


elegee ara

/ē.lé.ꜜɡé à.ɾà/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ègé (“dribbling”) + àrà (“spectacle”), literally “one who has spectacular dribbling.”.


ejo ṣebe

/ē.d͡ʒò ʃè.bé/


ẹja arọ

/ɛ̄.d͡ʒā à.ɾɔ̀/


ẹja ṣawa

/ɛ̄.d͡ʒāā ʃá.wá/


olorogbo

/ō.ló.ɾó.ɡ͡bó/

From oní- (“one who has”) + orógbó (“the bitter kola nut”), literally “One who has bitter kola nut”.

Someone who sells bitter kola nuts (orógbó)


orogbo

olójú orógbó! Ṣàngó kì í jobì

The one who has eyes for the bitter kola nut, Shango does not eat regular kola nut!

Garcinia kola, The bitter kola nut, it plays an important role in the worship of the òrìṣà, especially that of Ṣàngó


apọn

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pọ́n (“to be red”)

Grey-headed kingfisher, Halcyon leucocephala


udangho

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

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


agbayunkun

Alternative form of àgbáyun (“miracle berry”)


ẹpẹyọ

/ɛ̀.k͡pɛ̀.jɔ̀/

Ọ ra ẹ̀pẹ̀yọ̀


ulọta

From ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọ̀ (“to grind”) + ata (“pepper”).

(Ọwọ) Alternative form of ìlọta (“pepper grinder”)


olongbo

/ō.ló.ŋ́.ɡ͡bò/


logbo

(Ondo) Alternative form of ológbò (“cat”)


ẹlẹpa

From oní- (“one who has”) + ẹ̀pà (“peanut”), literally “One who has peanuts”.

A peanut farmer, someone who sells peanuts


ugha

Cognate with Edo ùghà, Itsekiri ùghà, probably ultimately from Proto-Edekiri *ʊ̀-ɣà, but also possibly an Edo loan word. Also see Proto-Yoruba *ʊ̀-ɣà. The palace of the Oba of Lagos is known as ìgà, which may suggest this term is likely an Edo term, perhaps borrowed into Proto-Edekiri or a later stage of Yoruba.

(Ọwọ, Ondo) royal courtyard (in particular) the up to 100 courtyards of the palace (àghọ̀fẹn) of Ọ̀ghọ̀, each dedicated to an òrìṣà with its own purpose, as well as the courtyards of the (àghọ̀fẹn) of Oǹdó


abiyamọ

Possibly from abi- (“agent prefix”) + iye (“mother”) + ọmọ (“child”). An explanation from the shift from ọ to a maybe explained by analogy with ìyá (“mother”)

abiyamọ, ẹ kú ọrọ̀ ọmọ!

Mothers, greetings to you for facing up to the challenges of raising children!


aboorunyi

/ā.bóò.ɾũ̀.jí/

a- (“agent prefix”) + bá (“with”) + òòrùn (“sun”) + yí (“to turn”), literally “One that turns with the sun”


arun gbajumọ

/à.ɾũ̀ ɡ͡bā.d͡ʒú.mɔ̃̀/

From àrùn (“disease”) + gbajúmọ̀ (“popular person”), literally “popular person's disease”.


KASA

kòkòrò apa-sójà-ara
kokoro apa-soja-ara#Yoruba

(virology) Abbreviation of kòkòrò apa-sójà-ara (“HIV”).


eedi

Contraction of èdìdì, from è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dìdì (“partial reduplication of dì, to cause someone to behave irrationally, contrary to reason.”)


irunmọlẹ

/ī.ɾṹ.mɔ̃̄.lɛ̀/

From blend of irún + imọlẹ̀, ultimately from irún (“four hundred”) + i- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ (“to mold, to shape”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”), literally “The four hundred creators of the land”.

compound

Humans chosen or inhabited by the imọlẹ̀ are known as òrìṣà

àgbà irúnmọlẹ̀ ni Ògún

primordial spirits in Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, they are the first group of four hundred and one deities (imọlẹ̀) created after the creation of the world and the ones who live in the sky with Olodumare, such as Ògún, Èṣù, Ọ̀rúnmìlà, Ọbàtálá, and Olókun.


iba pọnju-pọntọ

/ī.bà k͡pɔ̃́.d͡ʒú.k͡pɔ̃́.tɔ̀/

From ibà (“fever”) + pọ́n (“to stain”) + ojú (“eye”) + pọ́n (“to stain”) + itọ̀ (“urine”), literally “fever that causes discoloured eyes and urine”.


arun amọ

/à.ɾũ̀ à.mɔ̃́/

From àrùn (“disease”) + àmọ́ (“pancreas”), literally “pancreas disease”.


arun abẹgẹẹja

head

àrùn abẹ́gẹ̀ẹ́jà

àrùn abẹ́gẹ̀ẹ́jà

yo-pos

àrùn abẹ́gẹ̀ẹ́jà

àrùn abẹ́gẹ̀ẹ́jà

yo-noun

àrùn abẹ́gẹ̀ẹ́jà

àrùn abẹ́gẹ̀ẹ́jà

/à.ɾũ̀ ā.bɛ́.ꜜɡɛ́.d͡ʒà/

From àrùn (“disease”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + bá (“with”) + ẹ̀gẹ́ (“cassava”) + jà (“fight”), literally “The disease that fights with cassava”

compound

Bacterial blight of cassava, a bacterial disease afflicting the cassava crop


ọlẹdarun

/ɔ̀.lɛ́.dà.ɾũ̀/

From ọ̀lẹ (“laziness”) + di (“to become”) + àrùn (“disease”), literally “Laziness has become your disease”.

Ọ̀lẹ́dàrùn, wáṣẹ́ ṣe!!


arun awu

/à.ɾũ̀ ā.wú/

àrùn (“disease”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + wú (“to swell”)

Cacao swollen shoot virus, a virus primarily affecting cocoa trees


arun korikori

head

àrùn kòrìkòrì

àrùn kòrìkòrì

yo-pos

àrùn kòrìkòrì

àrùn kòrìkòrì

yo-noun

àrùn kòrìkòrì

àrùn kòrìkòrì

/à.ɾũ̀ kò.ɾì.kò.ɾì/

Black pod disease, a protozoan disease afflicting cocoa trees


imọ arun eweko

/ì.mɔ̃̀ à.ɾũ̀ ē.wé.kō/

From ìmọ̀ (“knowledge”) + àrùn (“disease”) + ewéko (“plants”).


Abẹkẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ̀ (“to beg”) + kẹ́ (“to care for”), literally “One we beg to care for”

af

A female oríkì name, meaning "One we beg to care for".


Arọni

clipping

Àrọ̀nì-gìdìgbà

An orisha of the forest, including the use of herbs and medicinal charms. She is said to have the head and tail of a dog, a single leg, with the rest of her body being human. She is a close associate of Ọ̀sanyìn.


ologiiriṣẹṣẹ

head

ológìírìṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀

ológìírìṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀

yo-pos

ológìírìṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀

ológìírìṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀

yo-noun

ológìírìṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀

ológìírìṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀

/ō.ló.ɡìí.ɾì.ʃɛ̀.ʃɛ̀/

red-billed firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala)


atannigbọnnini

/ā.tã̄.nĩ̄.ɡ͡bɔ̃́.nĩ̄.nĩ̄/

From the phrase, a- + tan + ẹni + gbọ́n + enini, literally “Someone who engages in tricking a person into going through the early morning wet grass by the wayside”.


ọtẹtẹ

/ɔ̀.tɛ́.tɛ́/


ẹlẹja

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.d͡ʒā/


ẹwẹn

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ́-ɣɪ̃. Cognates with Itsekiri ẹghẹn, Ọ̀wọ̀ Yoruba ẹghẹn, Olukumi ẹghẹn, Yoruba ẹyin, Èkìtì Yoruba ẹịn

Ẹdùwẹ yẹ̀n yẹ́n ẹwẹn wọ̀nwé


ẹrin keekee

head

ẹ̀rín kèékèé

ẹ̀rín kèékèé

yo-pos

ẹ̀rín kèékèé

ẹ̀rín kèékèé

yo-noun

ẹ̀rín kèékèé

ẹ̀rín kèékèé

/ɛ̀.ɾĩ́ kèé kèé/

From ẹ̀rín (“laughter”) + kèékèé (“onomatopoeic imitation of laughter”).

ẹ̀rín kkk etc

and so on, depending on the supposed length of the laugh

EYÍN rẹ ṣe pàtàkì! Wọ́n wúlò fún ọ nígbà tí o bá ń jẹun àti nígbà tí o bá ń sọ̀rọ̀, wọ́n tún kó ipa pàtàkì kan nínú ẹ̀rín músẹ́ tàbí ẹ̀rín kèékèé tí ó gún régé.

1998, “Iṣẹ́ Ìṣàtúntò Eyín—Kí Ni Ó Ní Nínú?”, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

YOUR teeth are important! You need them for eating and for speaking, and they are also an important part of a pleasant smile or laugh.


ẹrin kk

/ɛ̀.ɾĩ́ kèé kèé/

/ɛ̀.ɾĩ́ kɛ̀ɛ́ kɛ̀ɛ́/

From ẹ̀rín (“laughter”) + kèékèé or kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́ (onomatopoeic imitation of laughter).

bayii ni awọn mẹtẹẹta gbe ẹrin kkkkkkk ti wọn si di mọ ara wọn. (báyìí ni àwọn mẹ́tẹ̀ẹ̀ta gbé ẹ̀rín kkkkkkk tí wọ́n sì dì í mọ́ ara wọn.)

2020-5-22, DJ uglyboy, Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=564459734211847&id=138292253495266

thus the three of them kept their laughter.

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́
ẹrin kẹẹkẹẹ#Yoruba

(text messaging, Internet slang) Abbreviation of ẹ̀rín kèékèé or ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́ (“laughter; giggling”).


ẹrin kẹẹkẹẹ

head

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

yo-pos

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

yo-noun

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́

/ɛ̀.ɾĩ́ kɛ̀ɛ́.kɛ̀ɛ́/

Ẹ̀rín kẹ̀ẹ́kẹ̀ẹ́ 😁 rèé lẹ́nu Minisita [Mínísítà] Raji Fashola tó jẹ́ gómìnà àná ní Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó àti Gómìnà Akinwumi Ambode
These grins [Beaming Face with Smiling Eyes Emoji] on the faces of Minister Raji Fashola, a previous governor of Lagos State and Governor Akinwumi Ambode

Alternative form of ẹ̀rín kèékèé (“laugh; giggle; grin”)


awoko

igbó kò ń pa ohùn mọ́ àwòko lẹ́nu

The forest or bush cannot shut up the voice of the nightingale (proverb against unwarranted intimidation)

The nightingale bird, known in Yoruba proverbs for its beautiful singing


alaṣẹrẹ

/ā.lá.ʃɛ̀.ɾɛ́/

Standard-winged nightjar or Pennant-winged nightjar, traditionally believed to be carry the lightning of the thunder god Ọ̀rámfẹ̀


jagunjagun

/d͡ʒā.ɡũ̄.d͡ʒā.ɡũ̄/

Reduplication of jà ogun (“to fight war”, literally “One who fights war”)


aroko

Tí obìnrin tàbí ọkùnrin bá ránṣẹ́ òòyà bí àrokò sẹ́ni kejì wọn, ó túmọ̀ sí pé wọ́n fẹ́ pínyà ipò tọkọtaya

If a man or a woman sends a comb as a symbolic message, it means that they intend to separate from their marriage

Baṣọ̀run Gáà fi ẹyin oódẹ pàrokò ránṣẹ́ sí Aláàfin

Basorun Gaa used a parrot egg as a symbolic message to the Alaafin. (This symbolic message means that the Alaafin should either abdicate or commit ritual suicide)

In traditional Yoruba society, a symbolic message sent as a form of communication between two entities. The purpose of the àrokò was to send a secret message in which only the two entities communicating would understand what the contents of the àrokò meant.


ilẹkẹ

→ Portuguese: ileké

→ English: ileke

→ Spanish: eleke

Wọ́n ń so ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ tí ó já

They were stringing the beads that snapped

beads, usually worn as necklaces and bracelets by royalty or traditional priests, ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ often specifically refers to coral beads


ihuhuu-ẹyẹ

compound

ìhúhùú + ẹyẹ


esuru

Gùdùgudu fi ojú jọ èṣúrú, bẹ́ẹ̀ ni kò ṣeé jẹ.

Poisonous yam looks like aerial yam, yet is inedible.

Dioscorea bulbifera
Dioscorea bulbifera#Translingual


esuu

(Ondo) Alternative form of èsúrú (“aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera)”)


odere-koko

Spilopelia senegalensis
Spilopelia senegalensis#Translingual


ẹyẹ-oge

/ɛ̄.jɛ̄.ò.ɡé/


oloofeere

/ō.lóò.féè.ɾé/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ò- (“nominalizing prefix”) + féèré (“characterizing something quick, fast”), ultimately ideophonic


ẹyẹ-ọba

/ɛ̄.jɛ̄.ɔ̄.bā/

From ẹyẹ (“bird”) + ọba (“king”), literally “Royal Bird, Bird of a King”.


ẹyẹ Ṣango

/ɛ̄.jɛ̄ ʃã̀.ɡó/

ẹyẹ (“bird”) + Ṣàngó (“Shango”), literally “Shango's bird”


ẹga

Cognate with Nupe ègwa, Igala ìga, Urhobo ọriọka, Edo akha, and Idoma àga. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *V̀-ga. Blench (2007) proposed a tentative reconstruction to Proto-Niger-Congo *-ga.

ẹni tí kò gbọ́ tẹnu ẹ̀gà l'ó ní ẹ̀gà ń pàtótó

whoever does not understand the chirping of the weaver-birds will say they are babbling (proverb against misjudgement)


ẹyẹ-ọpẹẹrẹ

head

ẹyẹ-ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́

ẹyẹ-ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́

yo-pos

ẹyẹ-ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́

ẹyẹ-ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́

yo-noun

ẹyẹ-ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́

ẹyẹ-ọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́

/ɛ̄.jɛ̄.ɔ̀.k͡pɛ́ɛ̀.ɾɛ́/


atọka

From a- (“agent prefix”) + tọ́ka (“to point”), literally “The one points; the pointer”.

af

(literally) the one who points; pointer
(idiomatic) Greyish eagle-owl

the one who points; pointer
Greyish eagle-owl

Kárọ́ọ̀tì l'atọ́ka sọ̀nà ọ̀fun

The carrot is the one that points towards the throat

(literally) the one who points; pointer
(idiomatic, humorous) carrot


atọọka

/ā.tɔ́ɔ̀.kā/

Alternative form of atọ́ka (“Greyish eagle-owl”)


olokoṣẹ

Alternative form of ológoṣẹ́ (“pin-tailed whydah”)


alabasita

Nígbà tó wà ní Bẹ́tánì, tó ń jẹun* ní ilé Símónì adẹ́tẹ̀, obìnrin kan mú orùba* alabásítà tí wọ́n rọ òróró onílọ́fínńdà sí wá, ojúlówó náádì tó wọ́n gan-an ni.

(Can we date this quote?), “Bíbélì Mímọ́ ti Ìtumọ̀ Ayé Tuntun: Máàkù 14 – Àkọsílẹ̀ Máàkù”, in ÀKÁ ÌWÉ ORÍ ÍŃTÁNẸ́Ẹ̀TÌ ti Watchtower:

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.


ọbịtụn

/ɔ̄.bɪ̄.tʊ̃̄/

Possibly from ọbị̀nrịn (“woman”) + tịtụn (“new”), literally “New woman”, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃ (“maiden”). See Ifè àbitɔ̃

compound

Ajagun sín èyé mi lọ́bịtụn

The Chief Ajagun met my mother as a virgin

(Ekiti) virgin, a recently married woman who has not had children


ebute

Ṣé ìyá ẹ ti débùúté lálàáfíà?

Did your mum reach her destination safely?


ọlọbatala

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ọbàtálá (“Obatala”), literally “One who has Ọbàtálá”.

af

priests or initiates of the orisha Ọbàtálá


iyẹrosun

/ì.jɛ̀.ɾò.sũ̀/

From ìyẹ̀rẹ̀ (“powder, scrapings”) + osùn (“camwood”).

compound

A type of powder from camwood, the wood of the Baphia nitida tree. It is used in the traditional Yoruba religion during divination, in which the powder is sprinkled on the ọpọ́n Ifá, and an odù signature is traced in the powder.


igala

bushbuck, specifically the harnessed bushbuck


iẹsi

Contraction of ìrẹsì, borrowed from English rice.


garawa

mo pọn garawa omi mẹ́fà


gọlọmiṣọ

/ɡɔ̀.lɔ̀.mĩ̀.ʃɔ̀/

(of a sizeable entity) being clumsily tall and hefty


gọlọmiṣọ

/ɡɔ̀.lɔ̀.mĩ̀.ʃɔ̀/


gọlọmiṣọ

/ɡɔ̄.lɔ̄.mĩ̄.ʃɔ̄/

(of a medium sized entity) being clumsily tall and hefty


gọlọmiṣọ

/ɡɔ́.lɔ́.mĩ́.ʃɔ́/

(of a light entity) being clumsily tall and hefty


aba-ipilẹ

From àbá (“theory”) + ìpìlẹ̀ (“foundational, base”), literally “The base of a theory”.


ipinlẹ

From ìpín (“section; division”) + ilẹ̀ (“land”).

af

Ìpínlẹ̀ mẹ́rìndínlógójì (36) ló wà nínú Nàìjíríà.


ẹlomii

/ɛ̄.lò.mĩ́ĩ̀/

From ẹni (“one; person”) + òmíì (“other”).

Ọ̀kánjúwà kì í mu ẹ̀jẹ̀ ẹlòmíì; ẹ̀jẹ̀ ara ẹ̀ náà ní ń mu

The greedy person does not drink other people’s blood; he drinks only his own.


awọ

From a- (“agent prefix”) + wọ̀ (“to set, to go down”), literally “That which sets”.


ipin

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pín (“to share out; to divide”), literally “one's lot, one's portion”.

Ìpín

one's personal orisha, orisha of destiny and luck

the act of dividing something into parts

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


akara oyinbo

head

àkàrà òyìnbó

àkàrà òyìnbó

yo-pos

àkàrà òyìnbó

àkàrà òyìnbó

yo-noun

àkàrà òyìnbó

àkàrà òyìnbó

From àkàrà (“akara”) + òyìnbó (“European”), literally “European version of the bean cake”.


ibikibi

From ibi (“place”) + -kí- (“infix”) + ibi (“place”).

af

Ibikíbi tí oyin bá wà lèèrà ń wá a rí.

Wherever honey is, ants will search it out.


amunisin

From a- (“agent prefix”) + mú (“to make”) + ẹni (“person”) + sìn (“to serve”), literally “One who engages in exploiting a person to work for them”.

ìjọba amúnisìn

colonial administration (specifically the British)


oṣibata

Nymphaea lotus
Nymphaea lotus#Translingual


ojibata

Alternative form of òṣíbàtà (“Nymphaea lotus”)


ojiya

Alternative form of òjíá (“The plant Daniellia ogea, myrrh”)


saa ijọba-amunisin

/sáà ì.d͡ʒɔ̄.bá.ā.mṹ.nĩ̄.sĩ̀/

From sáà (“era, period”) + ìjọbá (“government”) + amúnisìn (“colonialism”), literally “The era of the colonial government”.

compound

colonial era, specifically referring to the era of colonialism by the British Empire in Nigeria


ijọba amunisin

/ì.d͡ʒɔ̄.bā ā.mṹ.nĩ̄.sĩ̀/

From ìjọba (“government”) + amúnisìn (“colonialism”).

colonial administration, specifically referring to the British Empire's administration of Colonial Nigeria

A repressive or authoritarian government


ọkunmẹ

/ɔ̀.kũ̀.mɛ̀/

(Eastern Akoko) Alternative form of ọ̀kùn (“millipede”)


ọlọgẹdẹ

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ɡɛ̀.dɛ̀/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ (“banana”), literally “One who has bananas”.


ekolo

From e- (“agent prefix”) + kòló (“an ideophone that represents a twisting motion”), literally “The one that makes twisting motions in the ground”.

békòló bá júbà ilẹ̀, ilẹ̀ á lanu fún un

If an earthworm pays homage to mother earth, she will open up the burrows for it


ọgẹdẹ agbagba

head

ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ àgbagbà

ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ àgbagbà

yo-pos

ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ àgbagbà

ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ àgbagbà

yo-noun

ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ àgbagbà

ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ àgbagbà

/ɔ̀.ɡɛ̀.dɛ̀ à.ɡ͡bā.ɡ͡bà/


mooluẹ

→ Nigerian Pidgin: molue

→ English: molue

From English mould + ẹ̀ (“it (third-person singular object pronoun)”), literally “mould it”, describing the manufacturing process.

com

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

Wọ́n wọ móòluẹ̀ lọ sí Ìkòròdú.

(chiefly Lagos) molue (a type of bus in Lagos)


onisuuru

/ō.nĩ́.sùú.ɾù/

From oní- (“one who possesses”) + sùúrù (“patience”).


alagidi

From oní (“one who possesses”) + agídí (“stubbornness”).


agidi

From a- (“agent prefix”) + gídí (“of being forceful and defiant”)


ọlọpaa-inu

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ꜜk͡pá ī.nṹ/

From ọlọ́pàá (“police”) + inú (“inside”), literally “inside law enforcer”.


alugbagba

/ā.lù.ɡ͡bà.ɡ͡bà/


ọlọpaa

→ Nupe: olókpàá

→ Nigerian Pidgin: olokpa

→ Portuguese: alibã

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ꜜk͡pá/

From oní- (“one who has”) + ọ̀pá (“baton”), literally “one who possesses a baton”, probably referring to the batons the colonial police officers carried.


ọgẹdẹ

→ Ebira: ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀

→ Baatonum: àgẹ̀dẹ̀

/ɔ̀.ɡɛ̀.dɛ̀/

Cognates include Edo ọghẹdẹ and Igbo ògèdè, Igbo ọ̀gèdè. This may be reconstructed to Proto-Yoruboid if such a term existed for an older food crop not bananas. Bananas reached West Africa centuries after the Proto-Yoruboid language had dispersed, but may have come in contact with Proto-Yoruba speakers. Thus, it is unclear if this term was borrowed and then transversed the many people groups as they traded and came into contact with the banana (see the term kòkódìà), or if a semantic shift occurred (see the term ọkà).

ọ̀kín níí ṣolóríi gbogbo ẹyẹ; àgbagbà níí ṣolóríi gbogbo ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀

It is the peacock that is the head of all birds; it is plantain that is the head of all types of banana

Yoruba Varieties and Languages - ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀view map

atánDEALOlùkùmiUgbódùọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ gwẹrẹDEALProto-YorubaCentral YorubaÈkìtìÈkìtìÀdó Èkìtìọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀DEALÀkúrẹ́Àkúrẹ́ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀DEALMọ̀bàỌ̀tùn Èkìtìọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀DEALNorthwest YorubaÀwórìÈbúté Mẹ́tàẹ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀DEAL

àgbáŋ̀gbàDEALOverseas YorubaLucumíHavanaoguedeDEALNote: 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


abẹ

Cognate with Igala ábẹ (“pocketknife”), Doublet of ọ̀bẹ, proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *á-bɛ, equivalent to a- (“agent prefix”) + bẹ (“to cut”)


aṣigba

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + ṣí (“to open”) + ọgbà (“enclosure”)


ẹkẹ

Melia azedarach
Melia azedarach#Translingual

Azadirachta indica
Azadirachta indica#Translingual

The similar trees Melia azedarach and Azadirachta indica, of which their leaves are used in herbal drinks known as (àgbo).


rọparọsẹ

/ɾɔ̄.k͡pá.ɾɔ̄.sɛ̀/

From rọ (“to paralyse”) + apá (“arm”) + rọ (“to paralyse”) + ẹsẹ̀ (“leg”).


ọtin

Proposed to be derive from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-tɪ̃́, see Igala ọ́tẹ́


ọsin

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sìn (“to domesticate”).


ọti

→ Portuguese: otim

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-tɪ̃́, Igala ọ́tẹ́


ijẹrẹ

/ì.d͡ʒɛ́.ɾɛ́/


aapọn

Irvingia gabonensis
Irvingia gabonensis#Translingual

the fruit of the tree Irvingia gabonensis

A mucilaginous soup similar to ewedu, made from ogbono, the seeds of the ààpọ̀n fruit


ẹka

igi náàá pẹ̀ka

(by extension) department, unit, section


ẹka

From ẹ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kà (“to read, to recite”).

recitation, (in particular) reciting a dirge


igbayẹkẹtẹ

head

ìgbáyẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀

ìgbáyẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀

yo-pos

ìgbáyẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀

ìgbáyẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀

yo-noun

ìgbáyẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀

ìgbáyẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀

/ì.ɡ͡bá.jɛ̀.kɛ̀.tɛ̀/

From ìgbá (“eggplant, garden egg”) + yẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀ (“an ideophone describing a physical entity being large, loose, soft, fragile and heavy”), literally “large and heavy garden egg”


iṣu-nikan-kọniyan

/ī.ʃū.nĩ̀.kã̀.kɔ́.nĩ̄.jã́/

From iṣu (“yam”) + nìkàn (“only”) + kọ́ (“not”) + ni (“to be”) + iyán (“pounded yam”), literally “Yam is not the only thing that can be pounded”.


ẹyẹ aganran

/ɛ̄.jɛ̄ ā.ɡã́.ɾã́/

Poicephalus senegalus
Poicephalus senegalus#Translingual


ẹyẹ akoko

woodpecker, specifically the African grey woodpecker


kawọboju-kokoro

From ká (“fold”) + ọwọ́ (“hands”) + bò (“to cover”) + ojú (“face”) + kòkòrò (“insect”), literally “one that coils the hands to conceal or cover up the face of an insect”.


alapaandẹdẹ-pupa

From alápàáǹdẹ̀dẹ̀ (“swallow bird”) + pupa (“red”), literally “Red swallow”.

alápàáǹdẹ̀dẹ̀