arẹwa
The English word 'beautiful' is translated into Yoruba as arẹwa.
The word arẹwa is used to describe something or someone as attractive.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is built from the root ẹwa, which means 'beauty'.
How does it change in a sentence?
arẹwa is versatile in its grammatical function, acting as both an adjective meaning 'beautiful' and a noun meaning 'beauty'.
When do people say it?
When describing a child or a young person as beautiful, it is common to use the phrase ọmọ arẹwa, which literally translates to 'child of beauty'.
Did you know?
- The root word ẹwa also means 'goat' in Yoruba. The meaning is distinguished by the tone used when speaking the word.
- While arẹwa describes beauty, Yoruba has a specific concept called ọmọlúàbí to describe a 'beautiful' person in terms of their nobility and integrity.
- The word arẹwa is frequently used as a feminine given name, meaning the person is born as a 'beautiful one'.
Examples in context
- Ọmọ arẹwa ni.She is a beautiful child.
Example conversation
Femi compliments Morenike on her appearance at a party.
- FemiMorenike, o dabi arẹwa lónìí.Morenike, you look beautiful today.
- MorenikeẸ ṣeun, Femi.Thank you, Femi.
- FemiAṣọ rẹ arẹwa gan.Your dress is very beautiful.
- MorenikeMo dúpé lọ́pọ̀.I thank you very much.
