Family Words in Yoruba
Yoruba vocabulary for relatives, including how seniority shapes the words for siblings.
Yoruba family terms show the importance of age and respect.
Close family
| Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|
| bàbá | father |
| ìyá / màmá | mother |
| òbí | parent |
| ọmọ | child |
| ọmọkùnrin | son, boy |
| ọmọbìnrin | daughter, girl |
| ẹ̀gbọ́n | older sibling |
| àbúrò | younger sibling |
Yoruba marks seniority more than gender. Ẹ̀gbọ́n means an older sibling and àbúrò a younger one, and gender words can be added when needed.
Gender added
- ẹ̀gbọ́n ọkùnrin, older brother
- ẹ̀gbọ́n obìnrin, older sister
- àbúrò ọkùnrin, younger brother
- àbúrò obìnrin, younger sister
Grandparents and wider family
- bàbá àgbà, grandfather
- ìyá àgbà, grandmother
- ẹ̀gbọ́n bàbá, father's older brother
- àbúrò bàbá, father's younger brother
Marriage
- ọkọ, husband
- ìyàwó, wife
- àna, in-law
- ìgbéyàwó, wedding
Talking about family
- Mo ní ẹ̀gbọ́n kan. I have an older sibling.
- Bàbá mi jẹ́ àgbẹ̀. My father is a farmer.
- Ìdílé wa tóbi. Our family is big.
Extended family
The extended family, ẹbí, is important in Yoruba life, and relatives are addressed with titles of respect.
Tips
- Learn ẹ̀gbọ́n and àbúrò.
- Add gender words when needed.
- Use the dictionary to check relationship terms.
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