arákùnrin
The Yoruba word for brother is arákùnrin.
arákùnrin is used to refer to a brother. It can describe a biological brother or be used more broadly to mean a male sibling or a male relative.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of ará, meaning relative or sibling and kùnrin, meaning male.
Did you know?
- The word ará is also used in phrases referring to the human body, as siblings are seen as being 'of the same body'.
- In Yoruba culture, the term for 'brother' is often superseded by specific titles like egbon for an older brother or aburo for a younger brother. Using the generic arákùnrin in a direct conversation can actually feel impersonally distant.
- While arákùnrin describes a male sibling, a Yoruba person might address a complete stranger as 'brother' to show respect or build rapport, much like the English 'bro' but with a more formal weight of kinship.
Examples in context
- Níbo ni arákùnrin rẹ wà?Where is your brother?
Example conversation
Morenike is asking Femi about his family.
- MorenikeFemi, Ṣé o ní arákùnrin?Femi, do you have a brother?
- FemiBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo ní arákùnrin kan.Yes, I have one brother.
- MorenikeKí ni orúkọ rẹ̀?What is his name?
- FemiOrúkọ rẹ̀ ni Tunde.His name is Tunde.
