ọmú
The Yoruba word for breast is ọmú.
ọmú refers to the milk-producing organ.
Meaning: milk-producing organ (noun)
Did you know?
- There is a linguistic distinction in Yoruba where ọmú refers specifically to the female breast, while male chest area is referred to as àyà.
- A common Yoruba proverb uses the concept of 'breast' to discuss maternal influence and the nurturing of character in children.
- Because ọmú is so strongly linked to nursing, using the word in a romantic or sexual context is often perceived as an aggressive breach of social decorum.
Examples in context
- Ọmú rẹ yàtọ̀ sí ti ẹlẹ́gbẹ́ rẹ.Your breast is different from your friend's.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing the baby's feeding habits.
- YejideBabatunde, ọmọ wa n mu inú ọmú.Babatunde, our baby is breastfeeding.
- BabatundeṢé ó ti tójú rẹ̀?Is he full yet?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó ti dẹkun lára ọmú mi.Yes, he has stopped from my breast.
- BabatundeÓ dára, jẹ́ kí á gbé e lọ sùn.That's good, let's take him to sleep.
