In Yorùbá language, òwe (proverbs) and akanlo èdè (idioms) are different. While proverbs are wise sayings that teach or advise, idioms are everyday expressions whose meanings go beyond the literal words. Idioms are colorful, witty, and often humorous ,they enrich conversations and give depth to how we speak.
Below are ten Yorùbá idioms (akanlo èdè), their literal translations, meanings, and examples in context:
–
- Yà lénu
To express surprise
Context: My mom expressed surprise at the surprise birthday party we threw for her, she blurted out, “Ó yà mí lẹ́nu”
- Kí ọba waja
For the king to pass away.
Meaning: A respectful way of saying that a king (or someone highly revered) has died.
Context: Instead of bluntly saying “the king died,” people will say: “Ọba ti wàjá.” It softens the announcement and shows respect.
- Gbó lẹ́nu- Meaning: To become bold or outspoken, often beyond one’s usual place or status.
Context: A servant talking back rudely to his master might earn this remark: “Ṣé ò ń gbó mi lẹ́nu ni?” (Have you suddenly grown bold in your speech?).
- Fi ara dà
To endure.
Meaning: To bear pain, hardship, or difficulty with patience.
Context: When someone is sick but refuses to complain or seek help, people may say: “Ó ń fi ara dà, kò fẹ́ sọ ìrora rẹ̀.” (She is enduring silently and doesn’t want to talk about her pain).
- Fa ọmọ yọ
Meaning: To do creditably well.
Context: Folake performed exceptionally well in her studies – Folake fa ọmọ yọ nínú ẹ̀kọ́ ọ rẹ̀
- Dí lọ́wọ́
Meaning: To hinder a person at his work.
Context: Sola n di Bimpe lowo ise
- Taku
To resist or refuse stubbornly.
Meaning: To be defiant or obstinate.
Context: A child refusing to obey instructions might be described as: “Ó ń taku gidigidi.” (He’s being very stubborn).
- Kíyè sara
To pay attention to oneself.
Meaning: To be cautious, careful, or alert.
Context: Parents might warn their child before a trip: “Kíyè sara dáadáa níbi tí o bá ń lọ.” (Be very careful wherever you go).
- Mójú kúrò
Meaning: To ignore deliberately, to pretend not to see.
Context: If someone witnesses wrongdoing but refuses to intervene, people might say: “Ó mojú kúrò” (He ignored it).
- Ṣe ojú furu
To make the eyes blurry.
Meaning: To pretend not to notice, to act as though unaware.
Context: A wife may see her husband misbehaving in public but chooses not to react: “Ó ṣe ojú furu bí ẹni pé kò rí i.” (She pretended not to see him).
Final Thoughts
Akanlo èdè beautify the Yorùbá language by adding flavor and hidden meaning to our speech. They make conversations richer, and often more playful. By using idioms, speakers can say so much with very little, and listeners are drawn into a deeper understanding of context and culture.
As the Yorùbás say, “Èdè l’ẹ̀dá ènìyàn” — language is the essence of human beings. Keeping our idioms alive is keeping our heritage alive.
Leave a Reply