o dárọ̀
The English phrase "good night" is o dárọ̀ in Yoruba.
o dárọ̀ is used as a farewell when parting ways at night, implying that the person will see the morning.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'good night' to more than one person or to an elder, change the pronoun 'o' to 'ẹ' to get ẹ dárọ̀.
Did you know?
- The word o in o dárọ̀ can be a clipping of wò, which relates to the act of seeing.
- The distinction between o dárọ̀ and ẹ dárọ̀ is a strict social requirement based on the status of the listener, not just their number.
- If you are leaving a house late at night, saying o dárọ̀ might be followed by the phrase a ó rí i lọ́jọ́ tuntun, meaning 'we shall see it on a new day'.
Examples in context
- O dárọ̀, ẹ kú ìsinmi.Good night, have a good rest.
- Ẹ ṣé, o dárọ̀.Thank you, good night.
Example conversation
Olumide and Yejide are saying goodbye for the evening.
- OlumideYejide, mo fẹ́ lọ sùn.Yejide, I want to go to sleep.
- YejideÓ dáa, o dárọ̀ Olumide.That is fine, good night Olumide.
- OlumideO dárọ̀, láìsí àìsùúrẹ́.Good night, sleep well.
- YejideẸ ṣeun, ó dárọ̀.Thank you, good night.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries o, CC BY-SA 4.0.
