Language/Yoruba/Vocabulary/Days-of-the-Week
Hi Yoruba learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn the days of the week in Yoruba. This will help you to express yourself when making plans, scheduling appointments, or referring to specific days. Remember that the Yoruba culture is rich and diverse, and knowing the language will enable you to communicate better and appreciate its beauty.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages:Food, Feelings and Emotions, Common Foods & Beverages.
Basic Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
In Yoruba, the days of the week are named after celestial bodies, historical figures, and cultural references. Here are the days of the week in Yoruba:
| Yoruba | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ojo Aiku | /oʊˌdʒoʊ ˈaɪku/ | Sunday |
| Ojo Ajé | /oʊˌdʒoʊ ˈɑdʒeɪ/ | Monday |
| Ojo Ìsẹ́gun | /oʊˌdʒoʊ ɪˈʃɛɪɡʊn/ | Tuesday |
| Ojo Ru | /oʊˌdʒoʊ ˈru/ | Wednesday |
| Ojo Ẹti | /oʊˌdʒoʊ ˈɛti/ | Thursday |
| Ojo Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ | /oʊˌdʒoʊ ɛˈdʒɪrɛ/ | Friday |
| Ojo Àbámẹ́ta | /oʊˌdʒoʊ əˈbɑmeɪtə/ | Saturday |
Bear in mind that the days of the week can be used to form phrases, similar to how we use expressions like "every," "on," and "next" in English. For example:
- "Ojo Aiku ni mo ti fun ọjọ ajumọṣe" means "I gave notice on Sunday." - "Ni ojo Ajé oni, mo le sọrọ nitori ẹni ti mo gba" means "On Monday, I can talk about the person I met."
Fun Facts[edit | edit source]
In Yoruba culture, the days of the week hold special significance. Each day is believed to have spiritual and symbolic meanings that influence human behavior and events. The following are some cultural references to the days of the week in Yoruba:
- Ojo Aiku (Sunday) is dedicated to the veneration of ancestors and spiritual beings known as orishas. This day is often spent with family, attending religious services, and giving offerings to the deities. People born on this day are believed to possess good luck and leadership qualities.
- Ojo Ajé (Monday) is associated with the god of thunder and lightning, Sango. It is believed that Sango holds special powers on this day and can provide protection and success to those who worship him. People born on this day are thought to be honest, brave, and hardworking.
- Ojo Ìsẹ́gun (Tuesday) is linked to the goddess of love and fertility, Osun. It is said that Osun represents beauty, grace, and prosperity, and can provide spiritual and physical healing. People born on this day are believed to have artistic talents and be kind-hearted.
- Ojo Ru (Wednesday) is dedicated to the god of wisdom and divination, Ifa. This day is often associated with intellectual pursuits, problem-solving, and decision-making. People born on this day are believed to have strong intuition and insight into human nature.
- Ojo Ẹti (Thursday) is linked to the god of destiny and fate, Ori. It is believed that Ori can influence individual potential and success, and therefore this day is often devoted to personal growth and self-improvement. People born on this day are thought to be ambitious and innovative.
- Ojo Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ (Friday) is associated with the goddess of beauty and love, Oshun. It is said that Oshun provides joy, affection, and emotional stability, and is often worshipped for matrimony and childbirth. People born on this day are believed to be charming, sociable, and romantic.
- Ojo Àbámẹ́ta (Saturday) is dedicated to the god of creation and fertility, Obatala. This day is often spent in reflection, meditation, and spiritual pursuits. People born on this day are believed to have high self-esteem, exceptional creativity, and leadership qualities.
Now that you have learned the days of the week in Yoruba, you can use them in everyday conversations and impress your friends and colleagues with your linguistic skills. Don't forget to keep practicing and expanding your Vocabulary. To improve your Yoruba language skills, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Here's a dialogue between two friends discussing their plans for the week, using the days of the week in Yoruba:
- Bisi: E káàárọ̀, ọjọ́ Ajé ni! (Good morning, it's Monday!)
- Funmi: Ó dàbí mọ́. Kí lo wá dúrò lòní? (Yes indeed. What are we doing today?)
- Bisi: Mo ní àpòjú láti ṣe àtàwọn abínibí bi ọjọ́ Ìsẹ́gun tó n lọ. (I have plans to meet some friends, like on Tuesday.)
- Funmi: Ohun tuntun? (Something new?)
- Bisi: Aà, ojú ìwọ akọ́kọ̀ yẹn ni. (Not really, it's our class reunion.)
- Funmi: Àáàá, iná àbò lásán ni ibi n wá o. (Wow, we will have so much fun!)
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Adeoye, C. L. (2002). The Yoruba language: Structure, usage, and education. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press. - Babajide, A. A. (2009). The day-naming system of the Yoruba: A corpus-based description. Nordic Journal of African Studies, 18(4), 220-239. - Lawal, B. (1995). The geles of the Yoruba people. Journal of Black Studies, 25(2), 230-245. - UNESCO. (2005). Culture and Customs of Nigeria. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
➡ 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 Lessons Ep 27 || Days of the Week in Yoruba || Lets Learn ...[edit | edit source]
LEARN THE DAYS OF THE WEEK IN YORUBA TODAY - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Express Surprise
- Health
- Count to 10
- Fruits
- Drinks
- Feelings and Emotions
- Colors
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Food
Sources[edit | edit source]