Shopping and Money in Yoruba
Yoruba words and phrases for markets, prices, bargaining and payment.
Markets are lively places to practise Yoruba.
Key words
| Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ọjà | market |
| ṣọ́ọ̀bù | shop |
| owó | money |
| nàírà | naira |
| iye owó | price |
| olùtajà | seller |
| olùrajà | buyer |
| ìyípadà | change |
Asking about price
- Èló ni èyí? How much is this?
- Èló ni gbogbo rẹ̀? How much is it all together?
- Ó wọ́n jù. It is too expensive.
- Ẹ dín owó rẹ̀ kù díẹ̀. Please reduce the price a little.
Choosing
- Mo fẹ́ èyí. I want this one.
- Ẹ fi òmíràn hàn mí. Show me another one.
- Mi ò fẹ́ èyí. I don't want this.
- Èmi yóò ra èyí. I will buy this.
Paying
- Mo máa san owó. I will pay.
- Ẹ ní ìyípadà? Do you have change?
- Ẹ ṣé. Thank you.
Numbers and prices
Prices use Yoruba or English numbers. See the article on Yoruba numbers for counting.
Bargaining
Bargaining is common in many Nigerian markets, and it is usually friendly. A greeting first, then a polite request, works best. In fixed-price shops, bargaining is not expected.
Greetings in the market
- Greet the seller: Ẹ kú iṣẹ́. (well done at your work)
- Reply to their greeting before talking business.
Tips
- Greet first.
- Learn Èló ni?
- Use the dictionary to check shop words.
English Yoruba Dictionary
Offline English–Yoruba dictionary with clear, accurate meanings
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