obìnrin arẹwà
The English phrase "beautiful woman" is translated into Yoruba as obìnrin arẹwà.
Use this phrase to describe a woman who is physically attractive or pleasing to look at.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of obìnrin, meaning "woman" and arẹwà, meaning "beautiful person" or "one with beauty".
Which one should you use?
While obìnrin arẹwà refers to a beautiful woman generally, you can use ọmọge arẹwà if you want to specify a beautiful young lady or maiden.
Did you know?
- When praising a beautiful woman in a formal or traditional setting, it is common to use 'oriki', which are complex, melodic praise poems that go far beyond a simple phrase like obìnrin arẹwà.
- The word arẹwà is often used as a proper name for women in Yoruba culture, effectively naming a child 'Beauty'.
- The Yoruba language uses a system of tones where a change in pitch can change the meaning of a word entirely, meaning arẹwà must be spoken with specific melodic rises and falls to be understood.
Examples in context
- Wọ́n sọ pé obìnrin arẹwà ni.They say she is a beautiful woman.
- Obìnrin arẹwà ni ọmọ tí mo rí.The girl I saw is a beautiful woman.
- Ó jẹ́ obìnrin arẹwà gan-an.She is a very beautiful woman.
Example conversation
Tunde is complimenting Yejide at a party.
- TundeYejide, o jẹ́ obìnrin arẹwà gan-an.Yejide, you are a very beautiful woman.
- YejideO ṣeun, Tunde.Thank you, Tunde.
- TundeAṣọ rẹ mú kí o túbò rẹwà.Your clothes make you even more beautiful.
- YejideMo dúpé lọ́wọ́ rẹ.I am grateful to you.
