ẹ kú iṣẹ́
The Yoruba phrase for "good job" is ẹ kú iṣẹ́.
This phrase is used to praise someone for their efforts or to acknowledge a task that has been completed.
Meaning: a phrase used to praise for a good job or efforts (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you (plural/polite) well done work".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ẹ kú iṣẹ́ is the polite or formal version used when speaking to elders or people of higher status. For peers or subordinates, you can use the informal version kú iṣẹ́.
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the honorific ẹ from the phrase results in the informal version kú iṣẹ́.
When do people say it?
In Yoruba culture, this phrase serves a dual purpose: it is used as a greeting to acknowledge someone's ongoing labor and as a way to praise a completed task.
Did you know?
- While ẹ kú iṣẹ́ is used for 'good job', the word kú in this context does not mean 'die', but is a specialized greeting particle used to acknowledge a specific state or activity.
- The greeting ẹ kú iṣẹ́ is part of a vast system of 'situational greetings' where Yoruba speakers have specific phrases for almost every possible activity, from waking up to traveling.
- The plural marker ẹ in ẹ kú iṣẹ́ is used for a single person if they are an elder, reflecting a linguistic culture where respect is expressed through grammatical plurality.
Example conversation
Tunde is praising Yejide for finishing a difficult task at work.
- TundeYejide, ẹ kú iṣẹ́.Yejide, good job.
- YejideẸ ṣé, Tunde.Thank you, Tunde.
- TundeIṣẹ́ náà dára gan-an.The work was very good.
- YejideInú mi dùn láti gbọ́.I am happy to hear that.
