Food and Drink in Yoruba
Yoruba vocabulary for everyday food and drink, with phrases for eating and hospitality.
Food is central to Yoruba hospitality, and the vocabulary is useful.
Everyday food
| Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ìrẹsì | rice |
| iyán | pounded yam |
| àmàlà | yam-flour paste |
| ẹ̀bà | cassava paste (garri) |
| ọbẹ̀ | soup, stew |
| ẹ̀gúsí | melon seeds, used in soup |
| dòdò | fried plantain |
| àkàrà | bean fritters |
| mọ́ínmọ́ín | steamed bean pudding |
| ẹran | meat |
| ẹja | fish |
| ẹyin | egg |
Drinks
- omi (water)
- wàrà (milk)
- ẹ̀kọ (corn pap)
- tíì (tea)
Meals
- oúnjẹ àárọ̀, breakfast
- oúnjẹ ọ̀sán, lunch
- oúnjẹ alẹ́, dinner
The general word for food is oúnjẹ.
Phrases
- Ebi ń pa mí. I am hungry.
- Òùngbẹ ń gbẹ mí. I am thirsty.
- Ṣé ẹ ti jẹun? Have you eaten?
- Oúnjẹ náà dùn. The food is delicious.
- Mo fẹ́ díẹ̀ sí i. I would like a little more.
- Ó tó. That's enough.
Hospitality
Hosts commonly offer food to guests, and refusing entirely can seem impolite. Accepting a little with thanks is a good response.
Eating customs
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Many dishes are eaten with the right hand.
- Wait for elders to begin.
Dietary needs
- Èmi kì í jẹ ẹran. I don't eat meat.
Tips
- Learn the dish names you may see on menus.
- Accept hospitality warmly.
- Use the dictionary for food words.
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