Ẹ ṣé tí ẹ wá, and welcome to the Ilẹ̀ Abínibí language digest. The Yoruba language (èdè Yorùbá) is spoken across Nigeria, Benin and Togo and carried by families across the Americas and Europe. Whether you are a learner, a parent or a curious reader, this digest points you to our most useful Yoruba language guides in one place.
Start with Yoruba Greetings
Greeting well is the first lesson in Yoruba life. Our guide to Yoruba greetings: how to say good morning, thank you, welcome and more gives you the phrases you will use every day, such as Ẹ káàárọ̀ (good morning) and Ẹ ṣé (thank you).
Yoruba Proverbs (Òwe): Wisdom in a Sentence
In Yoruba thought, the proverb is the heart of speech. As the saying goes, òwe lẹ́ṣin ọ̀rọ̀: the proverb is the horse of conversation. Explore ten of them in Yoruba proverbs (òwe) and their meanings.
Why Yoruba Tone Marks Matter
Yoruba is a tonal language, so the same letters can carry different meanings. Ogún means twenty, ogun means war and Ògún is the Òrìṣà of iron. Our article Why Yoruba tone marks matter shows how one word can change meaning, and why writing tone marks protects the language for the next generation.
Yoruba Names and Their Meanings
A Yoruba name is a sentence with a story. Browse 20 beautiful Yoruba baby names for boys and girls, then see how names are given in our guide to the Yoruba naming ceremony (Ìsọmọlórúkọ). More names are collected in our Names and Meaning section.
Yoruba Song Goes Global
Language lives when children sing it. Watch how UK schoolchildren brought a Yoruba classic to millions of viewers in our story on Lábẹ́ Igi Òròmbo going viral on TikTok.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Yoruba Language
Is Yoruba a tonal language?
Yes. Yoruba uses three tones, and tone marks help show which word is meant.
How do you say thank you in Yoruba?
You say Ẹ ṣé to elders and groups, and O ṣé to a friend or younger person.
Where can I keep learning?
Explore the Abínibí section for more lessons, guides and explainers.
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