GB and P: Yoruba's Two Doubled Sounds

Two Yoruba consonants sound unusual to English speakers: gb and p.

GB

gb is a single sound, not a g followed by a b. The back of the tongue and the lips close at the same moment, and you release both at once.

Examples:

• gbogbo (gboh-gboh), all
• gbà (gba), to take, to receive
• ẹgbẹ́ (eh-gbeh), group
• ọgbọ́n (aw-gbawn), wisdom
• ìgbà (ee-gba), time

P

In Yoruba, the letter p is pronounced like kp, with the back of the tongue and the lips closing at once and releasing together. It is not like English p.

Examples:

• pẹ̀lú (kpeh-loo), with
• pàdé (kpa-deh), to meet
• pẹ́ (kpeh), to be late
• ọ̀pọ̀ (aw-kpaw), many

How to practise

1. Say g and b at the same time, not one after the other, for gb.
2. Say k and p together, for p.
3. Start slowly, with a vowel after the sound.
4. Listen to a native speaker.

A common mistake

Learners often say gb as two sounds (g-b) or p as English p. The result may still be understood, but it will sound unnatural.

Other languages

Similar doubled sounds appear in many West African languages, so if you know one, it may help.

Tips

1. Practise short words first.
2. Record yourself.
3. Use the dictionary to see how each word is spelled.

Look up any Yoruba word with English Yoruba Dictionary →