Words for the things around you are easy to practise because you can see them every day. This guide lists common household items in Yoruba, grouped by room, so you can label things at home and learn as you go.
The house and its parts
| English | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| House | Ilé |
| Room | Yàrá |
| Door | Ilẹ̀kùn |
| Window | Fèrèsé |
| Key | Kọ́kọ́rọ́ |
Furniture
| English | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| Bed | Ibùsùn |
| Chair | Àga |
| Table | Tábìlì |
| Mat | Ẹní |
| Mirror | Dígí |
The kitchen
| English | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| Pot | Ìkòkò |
| Plate | Àwo |
| Spoon | Ṣíbí |
| Cup | Ife |
| Water | Omi |
| Broom | Ìgbálẹ̀ |
Some of these words differ between regions, and you may hear other names in different towns. Pair them with food words from our Yoruba food guide and market words, and with describing words from our Yoruba adjectives guide, for example ‘a big house’ (ilé ńlá).
A simple way to practise
- Write five of the words on sticky notes and put them on the objects.
- Say the word aloud with its tone marks; see the pronunciation guide.
- Review with our 60 common Yoruba words.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say house in Yoruba? Ilé.
How do you say chair in Yoruba? Àga.
Photo: Unsplash contributor, women in colourful clothes on a bench, illustrative of everyday life. Spellings and tone marks follow common usage; check with a native speaker for formal writing.
