Learning the colours in Yoruba is a great first step in the language, and colours also carry cultural meaning in clothing, ceremony and the worship of the orisha. Here are the basic colour words, how to use them in a sentence, and what some colours signify in Yoruba tradition.
Basic Colours in Yoruba
| Yoruba | English |
|---|---|
| Pupa | Red |
| Funfun | White |
| Dúdú | Black |
| Àwọ̀ ewé | Green |
| Búlúù | Blue |
| Ofeefee | Yellow |
| Àwọ̀ ọsàn | Orange |
| Àwọ̀ eérú | Grey |
Àwọ̀ means “colour” or “skin”. Some words for newer colours, such as búlúù (blue), are borrowed from English, so you may hear different words in different regions.
Using Colours in a Sentence
- Aṣọ pupa ni mo fẹ́ — I want a red cloth.
- Ẹyin funfun — a white egg.
- Ológbò dúdú — a black cat.
- Àwọ̀ wo ni o fẹ́? — Which colour do you want?
Colours and Yoruba Culture
In Yoruba religion and dress, colours often point to particular orisha. White (funfun) is widely associated with Ọbàtálá, the deity linked to purity and creation, while red and white are associated with Ṣàngó, the deity of thunder. Worshippers wear the colours of their orisha at festivals. Practices vary between towns, so treat these as common associations rather than fixed rules. See our orisha list for more.
Colour also shows up in fabrics. Aṣọ òkè (Aso Oke) is woven in rich strip patterns, and adire is traditionally dyed in deep indigo blue. Colour choices for family gatherings, called aṣọ ẹbí, let relatives dress alike at weddings and funerals. Read more in our guide to Yoruba wedding attire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say red in Yoruba?
Red is pupa.
How do you say white in Yoruba?
White is funfun.
Why are there fewer traditional colour words?
Many languages name a small set of basic colours and describe others by comparison to objects, and Yoruba does this as well, which is why borrowed words appear for some shades.
Continue with Yoruba numbers, common Yoruba words and the Learn Yoruba hub.
