If you are learning Yoruba, there are some phrases you will hear almost every day. These are not big grammar sentences. They are simple, everyday expressions that help you connect with people, show respect, and sound natural.
As a Yoruba person, I can tell you this. If you master these common phrases and know when to use them, people will understand you better and respond warmly to you, even if your Yoruba is not yet perfect.
Let us go through ten important Yoruba phrases every learner should know, and how to use them correctly.
This is one of the most important Yoruba greetings.
You use Ẹ káàárọ̀ in the morning, usually from early morning until around noon. It is polite and respectful, especially when greeting elders.
You can say:
If you greet an elder with this, they will appreciate it. Greeting well is the first step to speaking Yoruba properly.
You use Ẹ káàsán in the afternoon, usually from around noon until evening.
This greeting shows you are aware of time and respectful of Yoruba customs. It is commonly used at work, at home, or when visiting someone.
Yoruba people greet a lot, so don’t rush past this greeting. Take your time and say it clearly.
Ẹ káalẹ́ is used in the evening and at night.
Whether you are greeting someone at home, on the street, or on the phone, this greeting is appropriate once the day is ending.
Using the correct greeting for the time of day shows you understand Yoruba culture, not just the language.
This is a common way to ask someone how they are doing.
You can use Báwo ni? with friends, colleagues, or people you meet casually. For elders, you may add respect by using Ẹ̀yin forms or follow up politely.
Usually, this question is not rushed. Yoruba people expect a response, not just a quick “fine” and walk away.
This is a simple and polite response to Báwo ni?
It means you are fine or doing well. You can also say:
This phrase is useful in almost every conversation.
Ẹ ṣé is one of the most powerful words in Yoruba.
You use it to say thank you, show appreciation, or respond politely when someone helps you.
For friends or younger people, you may hear O ṣé, but as a learner, Ẹ ṣé is safer and more respectful in most situations.
Yoruba people value gratitude deeply. Saying thank you goes a long way.
Jọ̀ọ́ means please.
You use it when asking for something, requesting help, or speaking politely.
For example:
Using jọ̀ọ́ softens your request and makes you sound polite.
Má bínú is used to apologize or excuse yourself.
You can use it when:
It does not always mean a deep apology. Sometimes it just means excuse me.
This phrase helps avoid conflict and shows humility.
This phrase helps you express your needs.
For example:
It is a very useful phrase for beginners. Keep your sentences short and clear.
This is very important for learners.
You use this phrase when you don’t understand what someone said. It shows you are interested and willing to learn.
Yoruba speakers appreciate learners who ask questions politely. Don’t be shy to use this phrase.
Learning phrases is not enough. Knowing how to use them is what makes the difference.
Here are some tips:
Yoruba people value effort. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, your respect will be noticed.
Many learners translate directly from English and rush conversations. Yoruba conversations are warmer and more expressive.
Greeting properly and using polite phrases will help you sound natural, even as a beginner.
Try to use at least two of these phrases every day.
Use them:
The more you use them, the more confident you become.
You don’t need to know hundreds of Yoruba words to start speaking. These ten phrases can already open many doors for you.
They help you greet, ask, respond, apologize, and connect with people. That is the heart of language.
Start with these phrases. Practice them daily. Use them with confidence.
Yoruba is a language of connection. And with these simple phrases, you are already on the right path.
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