Yoruba often describes feelings with set phrases rather than single words. This guide gives you the most useful ones for saying how you feel, with a short note on how they work.
How I feel
| Yoruba | English |
|---|---|
| Inú mi dùn. | I am happy. |
| Inú mi bàjẹ́. | I am sad or upset. |
| Mo bínú. | I am angry. |
| Ẹ̀rù ń bà mí. | I am afraid. |
| Àárẹ̀ mú mi. | I am tired. |
| Ebi ń pa mí. | I am hungry. |
| Òùngbẹ ń gbẹ mí. | I am thirsty. |
| Ara mi yá. | I feel well. |
A note on inú
The word inú means ‘inside’ or ‘stomach’, and many Yoruba expressions for emotion are built from it. ‘My inside is sweet’ is how Yoruba says ‘I am happy’. Hunger and thirst are described as something ‘hitting’ or ‘drying’ you, which is why they use ń pa mí and ń gbẹ mí.
Asking others how they feel
- Báwo ni? asks ‘how are you?’ See our basic sentences guide.
- Show care with Ẹ pẹ̀lẹ́, said when someone is tired or unwell.
- Use the question words to ask why someone feels a certain way.
For family and relationships, continue with family words in Yoruba.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say I am happy in Yoruba? Inú mi dùn.
How do you say I am hungry in Yoruba? Ebi ń pa mí.
Photo: Unsplash contributor, two sisters laughing, illustrative of joy. Spellings and tone marks follow common usage; check with a native speaker for formal writing.
