dúdú
The English word black is translated into Yoruba as dúdú.
dúdú is used as an adjective to describe the color black, meaning an object that absorbs all light. It can also function as a noun to refer to the color black itself.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Related words
Did you know?
- The concept of 'blackness' expressed by dúdú is often linked to the idea of 'coolness' or 'calmness' in Yoruba philosophical-linguistic traditions, contrasting with 'hot' or 'red' temperaments.
- In Yoruba-speaking regions, the word dúdú is frequently used to describe the quality of 'smoothness' or 'glossiness' when applied to textures, not just the color itself.
- The word dúdú is frequently incorporated into personal names to mark a child's complexion at birth, turning a simple color adjective into a permanent identity.
Examples in context
- Okan duduA black heart
- Ile duduA black house
- Aṣọ dúdú ni mo fẹ́ rà.I want to buy a black cloth.
- Ọmọ náà ní ojú dúdú.The child has black eyes.
Example conversation
Tunde and Yejide are shopping for a new outfit.
- TundeYejide, wo aṣọ dúdú yìí.Yejide, look at this black cloth.
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó rẹwà gan-an.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- TundeṢé kí n rà á fún ẹ?Should I buy it for you?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, jọ̀wọ́, rà á fún mi.Yes, please, buy it for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
