In Yoruba society, there is a saying that proverbs are the horses of speech: when communication gets lost, proverbs are used to find it. Yoruba proverbs, called òwe, are short sayings that carry deep lessons about character, patience, family and community. This guide shares ten well-loved ones, what they mean and how to use them.
Why proverbs matter in Yoruba culture
Proverbs are used to teach younger generations, to settle disputes, to praise good behaviour and to soften criticism. Scholars have collected more than five thousand Yoruba proverbs, which shows how central they are to the oral tradition. Elders weave them into speeches at weddings, naming ceremonies and festivals, and listeners are expected to read the meaning between the lines.
10 Yoruba proverbs with meanings
1. Ile la ti n ko eso re ode
Charity begins at home. Good manners, values and kindness are first learned in the family before they are shown to the outside world.
2. Ilé la ń wò, ká tó sọmọ lórúkọ
We look at the home before naming the child. A name should reflect the family’s background and circumstances. Read more in our guide to the Yoruba naming ceremony.
3. A pe ko to jeun, ki je ibaje
The person who eats late does not eat spoiled food. Be patient and think carefully in difficult situations instead of grabbing a hasty, poorly prepared solution.
4. Eyin to ta yo, wahala enu ni
A protruding tooth is trouble for the mouth. A member of the family who misbehaves brings trouble to everyone else.
5. Ile oba t’o jo, ewa lo busi
When a king’s palace burns down, the rebuilt one is more beautiful. Setbacks can be the start of something better.
6. Eewu be loko Longe, Longe fun ara re eewu ni
There is danger on Longe’s farm; Longe himself is danger. Be extra careful around a person or place with a history of trouble.
7. Gbogbo alangba lo d’anu dele, a ko mo eyi t’inu nrun
All lizards lie flat on their stomachs, so we cannot tell which one has a stomach ache. You cannot always tell from the outside who is suffering, so be kind.
8. Ebi npa ejo, ahun nyan, ati ahun ati ejo, eran jije ni fun olode
Both the tortoise that taunts a hungry snake and the snake itself are edible meat to a hungry hunter. Rivals may share a bigger danger, so do not waste energy mocking one another.
9. Ero ona ni royin oka to gbo
Passers-by are the first to report that the corn is ripe. People outside your situation often notice your progress before you do.
10. Bi Eegun nla ba ni ohun o ri gonto, gonto na a ni ohun o ri Eegun nla
If the big masquerade says it cannot see the small one, the small one will also say it cannot see the big one. Respect should go both ways.
How to use Yoruba proverbs in daily life
- Open a speech or toast with a fitting proverb to show respect.
- Teach children one proverb a week and talk about what it means.
- Use proverbs in writing, captions and greetings to keep the language alive in the diaspora.
Frequently asked questions
What is a proverb called in Yoruba?
A proverb is called òwe.
Where can I learn more Yoruba proverbs?
Oyekan Owomoyela’s book Yoruba Proverbs (University of Nebraska Press) collects more than 5,000 sayings with commentary, and many are also shared by community language groups.
Related reading: Yoruba Greetings.
Sources: Wikibooks (Yoruba proverbs) and Owomoyela’s Yoruba Proverbs. Image credits: Ayodele Adeniyi on Unsplash.
