lọ sùn
The English phrase "go and sleep" is translated into Yoruba as lọ sùn.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb lọ (go) and the verb sùn (sleep).
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to show respect to a single person, add the pronoun ẹ before the phrase to get ẹ lọ sùn.
Did you know?
- Yoruba has various ways to describe sleep based on the quality of rest, but sùn remains the fundamental root. For example, the word for 'deep sleep' evokes a sense of being completely submerged or hidden.
- The relationship between lọ and the Ede Ije nọ language suggests that this verb shares ancient roots with other Benue-Congo languages, tracing a long history of human movement across West Africa.
- Because Yoruba is tonal, the pitch used for lọ sùn is critical. A mistake in pitch does not just result in a bad accent, but can accidentally change the phrase into an entirely unrelated word.
Examples in context
- Jẹ́ kí á lọ sùn.Let us go and sleep.
- O ti ní láti lọ sùn.You have to go and sleep.
Example conversation
Folake tells Femi it is time for bed.
- FolakeFemi, ó ti pẹ́, lọ sùn.Femi, it is late, go and sleep.
- FemiṢùgbọ́n mo ṣì ń ka ìwé.But I am still reading.
- FolakeO óò rẹwà lọ́la, lọ sùn.You will be tired tomorrow, go and sleep.
- FemiÓ dáa, mo máa lọ sùn.Okay, I will go and sleep.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lọ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
