Language/Yoruba/Vocabulary/Clothes
Hi Yoruba learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the different types of clothes and their names in Yoruba.
Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: Food, Feelings and Emotions, Daily Routines & Days of the Week.
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Below is a list of clothing items in Yoruba, along with their pronunciation and English translation:
| Yoruba | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Aso agbada | /a-so a-gba-da/ | Agbada (a long, flowing gown worn by Yoruba men) |
| Aso-oke | /a-so oh-ke/ | Aso-oke (a hand-woven fabric popularly worn during special occasions) |
| Dandogo | /dan-do-go/ | Sandals |
| Fila | /fee-la/ | Traditional cap worn by Yoruba men |
| Gbariye | /g-ba-ri-ye/ | Scarf or head tie |
| Gele | /geh-leh/ | Gele (a large head tie worn by women) |
| Iro | /ee-roh/ | Wrapper worn by women |
| Sokoto | /soh-koh-toh/ | Traditional trousers worn by Yoruba men |
| Buba | /boo-bah/ | Blouse worn by women |
| Bisipoto | /bee-see-poh-toh/ | Flip flops |
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Below is a dialogue between two friends discussing what to wear for a wedding ceremony.
- Titi: Mo ní aso-oke lórí àwòdì tó jà ní orí, kò ṣe wà fún è. (/moh nee ah-soh oh-keh luh-ree ah-woh-dee toh jah nee oh-ree, koh sheh wah foon e/ - "I have an Aso-oke wrapped in my room, but it's not suitable for the occasion.")
- Folu: O sì ṣe fún bífẹ́rẹ́, mo ní géle tó rẹ̀wà. (/oh see sheh foon bee-feh-reh, moh nee geh-leh toh reh-wah/ - "It's okay for a low-key event, I have a nicely tied Gele.")
- Titi: Iwọ fẹ́ ṣe nínú bùbá àti ìró, kò ní pálẹ́ nmáḿì. (/ee-woh feh sheh nee-noo boo-bah ah-tee ee-roh, koh nee pah-leh n-mah-mee/ - "Do you want to wear a Buba and Iro? It won't be a bad idea.")
- Folu: Ògádá, nínu idé bíbẹ̀, àwọn tí a fi ṣófùn ati bíbe ló ní ìdájò àjò. (/oh-gah-dah, nee-noo ee-deh bee-beh, ah-won tee ah fee shoh-foon ah-tee bee-beh loh nee ee-dah-joh ah-joh/ - "My dear, in this modern era, those who wear suits and ties are going to weddings.")
- Titi: E pele o, a o ri bi ire ni gbogbo wọn. (/eh peh-leh oh, ah oh ree bee ee-reh nee g-boh-g-boh won/ - "Thank you, we will see everyone looking good.")
Cultural insights[edit | edit source]
The Yoruba culture is rich and colorful, and clothing plays an essential role in showcasing the beauty of the culture. The Aso-Oke is a hand-woven fabric that is popularly worn during weddings, funerals, and other celebrations. It is usually bright and colorful, and the intricate designs are a symbol of the weaver's craftsmanship. The Gele is another essential fashion accessory, which is a large head tie worn by women. It adds more elegance and beauty to the attire.
In the Yoruba culture, clothing items are not only worn for their functionality but also their symbolic meanings. For instance, the Agbada is a long, flowing gown mostly worn by Yoruba men. Its embroidery patterns and designs epitomize the wearer's prestige and social standing.
If you want to learn more about Yoruba culture, you can join the Polyglot Club to find native speakers and ask them any questions. You can also improve your Yoruba Vocabulary on this website.
➡ 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]
Yoruba Stars | Clothes in Yoruba | Aṣọ ni Èdè Yorùbá - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Days of the Week
- Colors
- How to say Good Bye?
- Animals
- Fruits
- Feelings and Emotions
- Health
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Family
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Clothes names in Yoruba and English | Clothes in Yoruba - Learn ...
- How to say "Clothes hanger" in Yoruba and 22 more useful words.
- Yoruba Vocabulary | LEARN101.ORG