Colours in Yoruba
The Yoruba words for the main colours, and the three traditional basic colour terms.
Colour words help you describe everyday things.
The main colours
| Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|
| funfun | white |
| dúdú | black |
| pupa | red |
| aró | blue (indigo) |
| àwọ̀ ewé | green (leaf colour) |
| ofeefee | yellow |
| àwọ̀ ọsàn | orange (orange-fruit colour) |
| àwọ̀ eérú | grey (ash colour) |
Three basic terms
Traditional Yoruba is often described as having three basic colour words: funfun (white and light colours), dúdú (black and dark colours) and pupa (red and warm colours). Other colours are named after things, such as àwọ̀ ewé (colour of leaves).
Descriptions
Colours follow the noun:
- aṣọ funfun, a white cloth
- ọkọ̀ pupa, a red car
- ẹyẹ dúdú, a black bird
Colour in culture
- Aró (indigo dye) is linked with traditional cloth such as adire, a resist-dyed fabric.
- Funfun is often worn for religious and ceremonial occasions.
- Pupa appears in many ceremonies and symbols.
Useful phrases
- Àwọ̀ wo ni o fẹ́? Which colour do you want?
- Mo fẹ́ àwọ̀ pupa. I want red.
The word àwọ̀ (aw-aw) means "colour".
Tips
- Learn the three basic words.
- Place colours after the noun.
- Use the dictionary to check colour words.
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