Want to say I love you in Yoruba, wish someone a happy birthday or say good night? This guide gives you 15 everyday phrases with English meanings and tips for using them politely. Tone marks and wording can vary by region, so use these as a reliable starting point.
Love and Feelings
- Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ: I love you.
- Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ: I like you.
- Ẹ ṣé / Ẹ ṣeun: thank you.
- Má bínú: do not be angry; I am sorry.
Greetings Through the Day
- Ẹ kú àárọ̀: good morning.
- Ẹ kú ọ̀sán: good afternoon.
- Ẹ kú ìrọ̀lẹ́: good evening.
- Ó di àárọ̀: until morning; commonly used for good night.
- Ẹ káàbọ̀: welcome.
Celebrations
- Ẹ kú ọjọ́ ìbí: congratulations on your birthday; happy birthday.
- Ẹ kú oríire: congratulations; well done on your good fortune.
- Ẹ kú ọdún tuntun: happy new year.
- Ọlọ́run á bùkún fún ọ: God will bless you.
- Ẹ kú iṣẹ́: well done for your work; a common greeting to someone working.
How to Be Polite in Yoruba
The word Ẹ is the respectful form of “you” and is also used for more than one person, so use it with elders and strangers. Younger people traditionally greet elders first. Learn more about respect and character in Yoruba culture.
Keep Learning
- Start with our beginner’s guide to learning Yoruba.
- See more greetings in Yoruba greetings.
- Count with Yoruba numbers and learn the calendar in days of the week and months.
- Practise sounds with the Yoruba alphabet.
For further reading, visit Wikipedia’s Yoruba language page.
Yoruba Phrases FAQs
How do you say I love you in Yoruba?
You say “Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ”.
How do you say happy birthday in Yoruba?
A common greeting is “Ẹ kú ọjọ́ ìbí”.
How do you say good night in Yoruba?
“Ó di àárọ̀” is widely used, meaning “until morning”.
