Yorùbá is one of the most widely spoken languages in Nigeria and parts of West Africa. Rich in culture, rhythm, and proverbs, the Yoruba language holds a special place in African heritage. Whether you're a learner, a heritage speaker trying to reconnect with your roots, or someone curious about the beauty of African languages, this article offers you a helpful collection of simple Yoruba phrases and proverbs that can be used in daily life.

Common Yoruba Phrases for Everyday Use;

• Ẹ káàárọ̀ – Good morning • Ẹ káàsán – Good afternoon • Ẹ káalẹ́ – Good evening • Ṣé àlàáfíà ni? / Bawo ni – How are you? • Mo wà dáadáa / dáadáa ni – I’m fine. • Iwo nko? – And you? • Ẹ ṣé / Ọ ṣe – Thank you • Pẹ̀lẹ́ – Sorry
• E Jọ̀ọ́ / Jọ̀ọ́ – Please
• Béèni – Yes • Rárá – No • Ẹ káàbọ̀ – Welcome • Ó dàbọ̀ / Ó dààrọ̀ – Goodbye / Goodnight • Kí ni orúkọ rẹ? - What is your name? • Orúkọ mi ni… – My name is… • kò ye mí – I don’t understand • Níbo lo ń lọ? – Where are you going? • Jo fun mi ni iseju kan! – One moment, please.
• Ole! – Thief!
• E ma binu / Ma binu – I’m sorry • Ebi n pami – I’m hungry • On gbe n gbe mi – I’m thirsty • Fun mi – Give me • Mo n bo – I’m coming • Mo fe sun – I want to sleep • Ore mi – My friend • Jokoo – Sit down • Dide – Stand up

Common Yoruba Proverbs for Daily Wisdom

Yoruba proverbs (òwe) are often poetic, metaphorical, and rich in meaning. They are used to teach morals, correct behaviour, or express thoughts poetically. Here are some commonly used Yoruba proverbs with their meanings that land well in daily conversations; 1. "Ile la ti n ko eso re ode." Translation: Charity begins at home.
Meaning: A person’s behaviour reflects their upbringing and home environment. 2. "Ile oba to jo, ewa lo busi."
Translation: When a king’s palace burns down, the rebuilt palace is more beautiful.
Meaning: Setbacks can lead to better outcomes; adversity fosters creativity and renewal. 3. "A ki gbe sara koja a mosalasi."
Translation: One does not carry alms beyond the mosque.
Meaning: One should not overreach or use something beyond its rightful place; respect boundaries. 4. A pę ko to jęun, ki ję ibaję Translation: The person who eats late will not eat spoiled food Meaning: It is essential to be patient when seeking a solution in challenging situations, rather than hastily accepting an ill-conceived/unprepared solution. 5. Gbogbo alangba lo d'anu de le, a ko mo eyi t'inu nrun Translation: All lizards lie flat on their stomach, no one with a stomach ache Meaning: We all look the same on the outside, but everyone has problems that are invisible to others.

Why Use Yoruba Daily?

Using Yoruba in your daily interactions, especially with elders or native speakers, shows respect, cultural pride, and connection. Proverbs also help you speak with wisdom and maturity, which is highly valued in Yoruba culture.

Learning Yoruba phrases and proverbs can enrich your understanding of the culture and language. These simple expressions can be used in daily conversations to connect with Yoruba speakers and appreciate their heritage.