Language/Yoruba/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be
Hi Yoruba learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing the usage of "be" in Yoruba language. We will also include cultural information and interesting facts. Let's begin!
Introduction[edit | edit source]
"Be" is an important verb in Yoruba language. It is used to describe a state of being, identity or an attribute. In English language, "be" is used in sentences like "I am a teacher", "She is beautiful", etc. In Yoruba, "be" is translated as "ni" or "je".
Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Alphabets and Pronunciation & Give your Opinion.
Conjugation of "Ni"[edit | edit source]
"Ni" is used in sentences where "be" means "to have". It is also used as a linking verb in sentences that describe someone or something. Here's how to conjugate "ni" in Yoruba:
| Yoruba | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mo ni ikan | mo nee e-kahn | I have something |
| E ni owo | eh nee oh-woh | You have money |
| O ni oko | oh nee oh-koh | He has a farm |
| Awa ni iye | ah-wah nee ee-ye | We have life |
| Ewo ni ibon | eh-woh nee ee-bawn | You all have birds |
| Won ni ise | wohn nee ee-shay | They have work |
Conjugation of "Je"[edit | edit source]
"Je" is used in sentences where "be" means "to be". It describes the essence or characteristics of someone or something. Here's how to conjugate "je" in Yoruba:
| Yoruba | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mon je onisegun | mohn jay oh-nee-shay-goon | I am a doctor |
| E je alare | eh jay ah-lah-ray | You are a traveler |
| O je omo irin | oh jay oh-moh ee-rin | He is a blacksmith's son |
| Awa je eniyan | ah-wah jay eh-nee-yahn | We are humans |
| Ewo je awon omo | eh-woh jay ah-wohn oh-moh | You all are children |
| Won je awon omode | wohn jay ah-wohn oh-moh-day | They are kids |
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Let's see how "ni" and "je" are used in a dialogue between two people:
- Person 1: E ni aso-oke ni? (Do you have aso-oke?)
- Person 2: Ehn, mo ni aso-oke. (Yes, I have aso-oke.)
- Person 1: E je iyawo re? (Is she your wife?)
- Person 2: Ehn, o je iyawo mi. (Yes, she is my wife.)
- Person 1: Mo ni owo mi lehin irinwole yi o. (I have my money after this work.)
- Person 2: Se o ni ise yii? (Don't you have this job?)
Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
- Yoruba language is spoken by over 30 million people inside and outside Nigeria. - The Yoruba religion has a complex pantheon of gods known as Orishas. - Proverbs are an important part of Yoruba culture. "Ile la ti n ko eso re ode" which means "Charity begins at home" is one of the popular proverbs in Yoruba.
To improve your Yoruba Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Videos[edit | edit source]
7 TIPS FOR LEARNING YORUBA || HOW TO MAKE YOUR ...[edit | edit source]
Yoruba Tones - Àmìn Ohùn | How To Pronounce Words Using The ...[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Gender
- Future Tense
- Oro asopo (Conjunctions)
- Give your Opinion
- Nouns
- Onka Yoruba (Counting and Numbers in Yoruba)
- Conditional Mood
- Adjectives
- Questions
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Yoruba language - Wikipedia
- Yoruba Grammar - How to Use "Be"
- Yoruba: A Grammar Sketch: Version 1.0 by Oluseye Adesola 1 ...