O da abọ
The Yoruba phrase for goodbye is O da abọ.
O da abọ is used to express farewell when parting from someone.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, the word abọ can relate to the concept of returning, framing a 'goodbye' not as a final parting but as a wish for a safe return.
- The social etiquette of Yoruba farewells is so nuanced that speakers may use different phrases depending on whether they are the person departing or the person remaining.
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, altering the pitch of the words in O da abọ can change the entire meaning of the phrase even if the spelling stays the same.
Examples in context
- O da abọ.Goodbye.
- O da abọ, ẹ jẹ́ kí á lọ.Goodbye, let's go.
Example conversation
Two friends are parting ways after a visit.
- FemiMo ti ń lọ sịsẹ.I am leaving now.
- YejideO dábọ̀, Femi.Goodbye, Femi.
- FemiO da abọ, Yejide.Goodbye, Yejide.
- YejideÓ dàbọ̀ o!Goodbye then!
