ilẹ̀ kòkó
The English word "brown" is translated into Yoruba as ilẹ̀ kòkó.
In certain contexts, the word dudu can be used to mean either "black" or "brown", so the specific meaning will depend on the surrounding words in your sentence.
Meaning: having a brown color/colour (adj)
Which one should you use?
For example, Pupa abọ. is used specifically to describe the color "light brown". An informal way to describe shades of brown is by combining the words for black and red: dudu ati pupa.
Did you know?
- Yoruba traditionally uses a primary color system of red, black and white. Most other colors, including brown, are described as variations or mixtures of these three basics.
- The term ilẹ̀ kòkó literally translates to 'dark earth' or 'dark soil' in English. This shows how Yoruba color concepts are often rooted in the physical properties of the natural world.
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, changing the pitch of the words in ilẹ̀ kòkó could theoretically change the meaning of the individual components, even if the spelling remains the same.
Example conversation
Titi and Femi are looking at a new bag.
- TitiFemi, wo bágì ilẹ̀ kòkó yìí!Femi, look at this brown bag!
- FemiÓ rẹ́wa gan-an, Titi.It is very beautiful, Titi.
- TitiǸjẹ́ o fẹ́ kí n rà á?Do you want me to buy it?
- FemiBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, jọ̀wó rà á.Yes, please buy it.
