O dárọ̀, olólùfẹ́ mi
The Yoruba phrase for "good night, my love" is O dárọ̀, olólùfẹ́ mi.
This is a romantic farewell used when saying good night to a partner or spouse.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of O dárọ̀ (It is night) and olólùfẹ́ mi (my lover/beloved).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Yoruba, the possessive pronoun mi (my) follows the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- The verb dá used in O dárọ̀ is highly versatile and can also mean 'to cut' or 'to create'.
- In Yoruba, the concept of loving someone is linguistically linked to the act of wanting or choosing that person.
- Instead of simply saying 'good night' back to you, a Yoruba speaker might respond with a wish for your 'peaceful sleep'.
Examples in context
- O dárọ̀, olólùfẹ́ mi, ṣé o ti fẹ́ sùn?Good night, my love, are you ready to sleep?
Example conversation
A husband and wife are preparing to sleep in their bedroom.
- MorenikeMo ti fẹ́ sùn gan-an.I am very sleepy.
- BabatundeO dárọ̀, olólùfẹ́ mi.Good night, my love.
- MorenikeO dárọ̀, ọkọ mi.Good night, my husband.
- BabatundeÀlá rere.Sweet dreams.
