Want to learn Yoruba? Yoruba is spoken by tens of millions of people in Nigeria, Benin, Togo and across the diaspora, and it is very rewarding to learn. This beginner’s guide gives you a simple roadmap, the most useful phrases, numbers from 1 to 10 and practical tips to stay consistent.
Step 1: Learn the Alphabet and Tones
Start with the 25-letter Yoruba alphabet and the three tones (high, mid and low). Tone changes meaning, so practise with tone mark examples early.
Step 2: Learn Everyday Phrases
- Ẹ kú àárọ̀: Good morning
- Báwo ni?: How are you?
- Mo wà dáadáa: I am fine
- Ẹ ṣé: Thank you
- Jọ̀ọ́: Please
- Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni / Rárá: Yes / No
- Orúkọ mi ni…: My name is…
- Kí ni orúkọ rẹ?: What is your name?
- Ó dàbọ̀: Goodbye
More greetings are in our guide to Yoruba greetings. In Yoruba culture, greetings also show respect for age and status, so use the plural “Ẹ” form for elders.
Step 3: Learn Numbers 1 to 10
- 1: ọ̀kan
- 2: èjì
- 3: ẹ̀ta
- 4: ẹ̀rin
- 5: àrún
- 6: ẹ̀fà
- 7: èje
- 8: ẹ̀jọ
- 9: ẹ̀sán
- 10: ẹ̀wá
Step 4: Learn Through Culture
Language sticks when you connect it to culture. Read Yoruba proverbs, explore the meaning of Yoruba names, and listen to songs in our guide to Yoruba music. Following Yoruba quiz shows such as Masoyinbo is also a fun way to hear natural speech. Browse our Language category for more.
Tips for Faster Progress
- Practise ten minutes every day rather than one long session a week.
- Say words aloud and copy native speakers to master tones.
- Learn whole phrases, not only single words.
- Use a Yoruba dictionary such as YorubaName for names and meanings.
Learn Yoruba FAQs
Is Yoruba hard to learn?
Yoruba is simple in grammar but challenging in tone, so listening and speaking practice matter most.
How do you say thank you in Yoruba?
You say “Ẹ ṣé” or “Ẹ ṣeun”.
How do you say hello in Yoruba?
Greetings depend on the time of day, such as “Ẹ kú àárọ̀” in the morning, and on the situation.
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