àti
The Yoruba word for "and" is àti.
àti is a conjunction used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Did you know?
- The word àti can also function as a preposition meaning 'from' when describing a range, such as saying 'from here and there'.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, so changing the tone of àti can completely change its meaning to a different word, making the pitch of this simple conjunction vital for clarity.
- While àti connects nouns, the Yoruba language often uses different constructions or simply juxtaposes verbs to express a sequence of actions, rather than using a single word for 'and'.
Examples in context
- Mo fẹ́ oúnjẹ àti omi.I want food and water.
- Ó ní ìwé àti kọọ̀m̀pútà.He has a book and a computer.
- Lọ́jọ́ òní, mo rí ọmọ àti ẹgbẹ́ rẹ̀.Today, I saw the child and his friend.
Example conversation
Tunde and Yejide are at a market deciding what to buy.
- TundeNí kí ni a fẹ́ ra?What do we want to buy?
- YejideA fẹ́ ra ẹja àti ẹyẹ.We want to buy fish and chicken.
- TundeṢé a ní owó fún ẹja àti ẹyẹ?Do we have money for the fish and the chicken?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, Tunde.Yes, Tunde.
