Ẹ ku Ayọ Ọjọ Ibi
The English phrase 'happy birthday' is Ẹ ku Ayọ Ọjọ Ibi in Yoruba.
You use Ẹ ku Ayọ Ọjọ Ibi to offer good wishes to someone on their birthday. Another common well wish used in this context is Igba odun, odun kan, which means 'Long life and prosperity'.
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ẹ ku Ayọ Ọjọ Ibi literally translates to 'Congratulations on the joy of the day of birth'. Ayọ means 'joy' or 'happiness', and Ọjọ Ibi means 'day of birth'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The use of Ẹ at the beginning of the phrase makes it respectful when you are addressing an elder or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The word ọjọ for 'day' is linked to Ọlọ́jọ́, a primordial divinity in the traditional Ìṣẹ̀ṣe religion.
- In Yoruba culture, you can follow Ẹ ku Ayọ Ọjọ Ibi with the rhythmic blessing Igba odun, odun kan, which literally translates to 'Two hundred years, one year'.
Example conversation
Babatunde is greeting Titi on her birthday.
- TitiẸ ku Ayọ Ọjọ Ibi, Titi!Happy birthday, Titi!
- TitiẸ ṣeun, Babatunde!Thank you, Babatunde!
- BabatundeṢe o ni ayọ loni?Are you happy today?
- TitiBeeni, mo ni ayọ pupọ!Yes, I am very happy!
