ìyá àgbà
The English word 'grandma' is translated into Yoruba as ìyá àgbà.
ìyá àgbà is used to refer to a grandmother in an informal manner.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ìyá, meaning mother and àgbà, meaning elder or old person. It literally translates to 'elder mother'.
Did you know?
- Because Yoruba culture places immense value on seniority, addressing a grandmother simply by her name without a title like ìyá would be considered highly offensive.
- The word àgbà is also used to describe traditional leaders or titled chiefs, meaning the 'grandma' phrase shares a root with political authority.
- The word ìyá is used in a variety of compound words to denote the 'source' or 'origin' of things, not just biological motherhood.
Example conversation
Babatunde and Titi are talking about their family visit.
- BabatundeṢé ìyá àgbà wà níbẹ̀?Is grandma there?
- TitiBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó wà níbẹ̀.Yes, she is there.
- BabatundeMo fẹ́ mú quàá lọ fún ìyá àgbà.I want to bring some snacks for grandma.
- TitiYóò fẹ́ràn rẹ̀ gan-an.She will really like it.
