What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb wá (come) and the verb jẹun (eat), which literally translates to "come eat".
Which one should you use?
Adding the pronoun ẹ at the beginning makes it a polite invitation for multiple people or an elder. Adding the pronoun ó at the beginning changes the meaning from an invitation to a statement meaning "he/she comes to eat".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The bare form wá jẹun is used when speaking to children, close friends or people younger than you. For a more polite approach, especially when inviting elders or guests to show respect, use ẹ wá jẹun.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address one or more people politely, or to address a group, add the pronoun ẹ before the phrase to get ẹ wá jẹun. To change the phrase from an imperative invitation into a declarative statement about a third party, add the pronoun ó to get ó wá jẹun.
Did you know?
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the pitch of wá and jẹun can change the word entirely. A mistake in tone could turn an invitation to eat into a completely different and confusing command.
- The verb jẹ used in wá jẹun is versatile and can also mean 'to consume' or 'to experience' in a metaphorical sense, such as experiencing hardship.
- The word jẹun is actually a contraction of jẹ meaning 'to eat' and ohun meaning 'thing'. It literally describes the act of eating a thing rather than just the general action of eating.
Examples in context
- Ẹ wá jẹun, oúnjẹ ti ṣe.Come and eat, the food is ready.
Example conversation
Titi is calling Tunde from the kitchen.
- TitiTunde, wá jẹun!Tunde, come and eat!
- TundeMo ń wá, Titi.I am coming, Titi.
- TitiYíyá, oúnjẹ yóò tutù.Hurry, the food will get cold.
- TundeMo ti dé níbẹ̀.I am already there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jẹun, CC BY-SA 4.0.
