bawo ni
bawo ni is the Yoruba phrase for "hi, how are you?"
bawo ni is a common greeting used to ask someone about their well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bawo ni literally translates to "how is it" or "how is it going".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Lagos, the greeting bawo ni may sound like bawo ni o.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with bawo ni, a common response is dada ni, which means "it is good" or alaafia ni, which means "it is well" or "I am in peace".
Did you know?
- The response alaafia ni uses the word alaafia, which is derived from the Arabic word 'al-afiyah'. This reflects the historical influence of Islam and trade along the West African coast.
- When greeting elders, men may perform dobale by prostrating flat on the ground and women may kneel. Using bawo ni while standing is typically reserved for peers or younger people.
- In Yoruba culture, the act of greeting is not just a formality but a vital social requirement. Failing to greet an elder with a phrase like bawo ni can be seen as a serious sign of disrespect or a lack of upbringing.
Examples in context
- Bawo ni?How are you?
- E n le, bawo ni?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Morenike and Tunde meet on the street.
- MorenikeBawo ni, Tunde?Hi, how are you, Tunde?
- TundeMo wa da, Morenike. Bawo ni e?I am fine, Morenike. How are you?
- MorenikeMo wa da, o shey.I am fine, thank you.
- TundeO dara, mo ki e.That's good, I greet you.
