Language/Yoruba/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be

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

"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".

Conjugation of "Ni"

"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"

"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

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

- 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!

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