In Yoruba, family is ẹbí or ìdílé, father is bàbá, mother is ìyá or màmá, and a child is ọmọ. Family words matter in Yoruba culture because they carry respect, and the way you address an elder shows how well you were raised. This guide lists the main family words with meanings and examples.
Core family words
| Yoruba | English |
|---|---|
| ẹbí / ìdílé | family, relatives |
| bàbá | father |
| ìyá / màmá | mother |
| ọmọ | child |
| ọmọkùnrin | son, boy |
| ọmọbìnrin | daughter, girl |
| ẹ̀gbọ́n | older brother or sister |
| àbúrò | younger brother or sister |
| arákùnrin | brother |
| arábìnrin | sister |
| bàbá àgbà | grandfather |
| ìyá àgbà | grandmother |
| ọkọ | husband |
| ìyàwó | wife |
| ọmọ-ọmọ | grandchild |
Why ẹ̀gbọ́n and àbúrò matter
Yoruba does not usually say “brother” or “sister” on its own. It marks who is older and who is younger. You call an older sibling ẹ̀gbọ́n and a younger one àbúrò, and the younger one is expected to show respect to the older. The same respect applies to elders in general, as our guide to greeting elders in Yoruba culture explains.
Example sentences
- Bàbá mi wà nílé. My father is at home.
- Ìyá mi ń sè oúnjẹ. My mother is cooking food.
- Ẹ̀gbọ́n mi ń lọ sí ilé-ìwé. My older sibling is going to school.
Keep learning
Pair these words with Yoruba pronouns and sentence structure, the 20 essential greetings and the Learn Yoruba hub. If you are choosing a name for a relative, see Yoruba baby names and their meanings.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say family in Yoruba?
Ẹbí or ìdílé.
How do you say mother in Yoruba?
Ìyá, or màmá in everyday speech.
What is the difference between ẹ̀gbọ́n and àbúrò?
Ẹ̀gbọ́n is an older sibling, and àbúrò is a younger one.
Pronunciation and tone marks follow common standard spelling. Listen to native speakers to hear the pitch.
