wá síbí
The phrase "come here" in Yoruba is translated as wá síbí.
This phrase is used as a request or a command for someone to move toward the speaker's current location.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, you would rarely say wá síbí to an elder without adding the respectful prefix ẹ, changing the command to ẹ wá síbí.
- While wá síbí is a direct command, it is often accompanied by a specific hand gesture, such as a beckoning motion with the palm facing down, which is more polite than a palm-up gesture.
- The phrase wá síbí uses the word síbí, which is a contraction of sí meaning 'to' and ibí meaning 'place'.
Examples in context
- Oya wa, jọwọ.Come here, please.
- Wá síbí kí á tó bẹ̀rẹ̀.Come here before we start.
Example conversation
Yejide calls Femi to show him something in the kitchen.
- YejideFemi, wá síbí!Femi, come here!
- FemiMo ń bọ̀, Yejide.I am coming, Yejide.
- YejideWá síbí kí o rí i.Come here so you can see it.
- FemiÓ dára, mo ti dé.Okay, I have arrived.
