Saying I love you in Yoruba is simple once you know the pattern: Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ. Yoruba is a tonal language, so the marks above and below the letters matter, but a sincere attempt is always appreciated. Here are 15 romantic phrases you can use with a partner, a spouse or someone you are getting to know.
The essentials
| English | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| I love you | Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ |
| I love you very much | Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ gan-an |
| I like you | Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ |
| My love | Ìfẹ́ mi |
| My beloved | Olólùfẹ́ mi |
| My heart | Ọkàn mi |
| I miss you | Mo ṣàárò rẹ |
Compliments and sweet words
| English | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| You are beautiful | O rẹwà |
| You are my joy | Ìwọ ni ayọ̀ mi |
| I am thinking of you | Mo ń ronú rẹ |
| Good morning, my love | Ẹ káàárọ̀, olólùfẹ́ mi |
| Good evening, my love | Ẹ kú ìrọ̀lẹ́, olólùfẹ́ mi |
| Good night | Ó dàárọ̀ |
| Thank you, my dear | Ẹ ṣeun, olólùfẹ́ mi |
| I am happy with you | Inú mi dùn sí ọ |
How the main phrase is built
Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ breaks down as mo (I), ní (have), ìfẹ́ (love) and rẹ (you). The words join together in speech, which is why you see nífẹ̀ẹ́ as one word. Read our guide to Yoruba pronouns to see how mo, o and ó change the meaning.
Tips for saying it well
- Listen to a native speaker, because tones carry meaning.
- Use the polite plural ẹ (as in Ẹ káàárọ̀) with elders and in formal settings, and the singular with a partner.
- If you cannot type the marks, see how to type Yoruba letters on your phone and computer.
Keep learning
Try our Yoruba greetings next, then work on family members in Yoruba so you can speak to your partner’s relatives.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say I love you in Yoruba? Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ.
What does olólùfẹ́ mean? It means a lover or beloved, from ìfẹ́ (love).
Photo: Unsplash contributor, illustrative of affection and laughter. Spellings and tone marks follow common usage; check with a native speaker for formal writing.
