Body and Health in Yoruba: Talking to a Doctor
Yoruba vocabulary for body parts and common health complaints, with phrases for the doctor and pharmacy.
Health vocabulary is among the most practical you can learn.
Parts of the body
| Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|
| orí | head |
| ojú | eye, face |
| etí | ear |
| imú | nose |
| ẹnu | mouth |
| ehín | tooth |
| ọwọ́ | hand, arm |
| ẹsẹ̀ | foot, leg |
| ikùn | stomach |
| ẹ̀yìn | back |
| ọkàn | heart |
Saying what hurts
Yoruba uses ń dùn mí (is hurting me), or ń ṣe mí (is troubling me):
- Orí ń fọ́ mi. I have a headache.
- Ikùn ń dùn mí. My stomach hurts.
- Ẹ̀yìn ń dùn mí. My back hurts.
Common complaints
- ibà, fever
- ikọ́, cough
- òtútù, cold
- àárẹ̀, tiredness, weakness
At the doctor
- Mo nílò dókítà. I need a doctor.
- Ara mi kò yá. I don't feel well.
- Mo ní ibà. I have a fever.
- Mo nílò oògùn. I need medicine.
At the pharmacy
- ilé oògùn, pharmacy
- oògùn, medicine
Emergencies
- Ẹ gbà mí! Help me!
- Ẹ pe ọkọ̀ ìgbàlà. Call an ambulance.
This article is a vocabulary guide, and any real health concern needs a qualified doctor.
Tips
- Learn ń dùn mí.
- Save emergency phrases.
- Use the dictionary for medical terms.
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