Days of the Week in Yoruba
The Yoruba names for the seven days, and a note on the older four-day week.
Yoruba day names begin with Ọjọ́, meaning "day".
The seven days
| Day | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| Monday | Ọjọ́ Ajé |
| Tuesday | Ọjọ́ Ìṣẹ́gun |
| Wednesday | Ọjọ́rú |
| Thursday | Ọjọ́bọ̀ |
| Friday | Ọjọ́ Ẹtì |
| Saturday | Ọjọ́ Àbámẹ́ta |
| Sunday | Ọjọ́ Àìkú |
Meanings and origins
- Ajé relates to commerce and wealth.
- Ìṣẹ́gun means "victory".
- Àìkú means "no death" and is used for Sunday.
Some day names are adapted from other languages, and scholars discuss their origins.
Useful phrases
- Ọjọ́ wo ni òní? What day is it today?
- Òní ni Ọjọ́ Ajé. Today is Monday.
- Òní (today)
- Ọ̀la (tomorrow)
- Àná (yesterday)
Weeks and weekends
- Ọ̀sẹ̀ (week)
- Ìparí ọ̀sẹ̀ (weekend)
- Ọjọ́ ìsinmi (day of rest, holiday)
The traditional week
Before the seven-day week became common, the Yoruba traditionally counted a four-day week, with each day linked to a deity. Many traditional ceremonies still follow that cycle.
Tips
- Learn Ọjọ́ as the day marker.
- Learn òní, ọ̀la and àná.
- Use the dictionary to check tone marks.
English Yoruba Dictionary
Offline English–Yoruba dictionary with clear, accurate meanings
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