báwo ni
In Yoruba, the phrase "how far" is translated as báwo ni.
The phrase is used to ask about distance.
Meaning: what distance (adv)
Which one should you use?
The phrase Bawo ni? is an informal way to ask "How far?", while the longer phrase Bawo ni gbogbo nkan? is an informal way to ask "How far?"
Did you know?
- A common way to reply to this greeting is alafia ni, which means 'it is peace'.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say báwo ni can change the meaning of the words entirely if the tones are shifted.
- Using báwo ni with an elder or a superior might be considered too casual, as it lacks the formal honorifics required in Yoruba etiquette.
Example conversation
Tunde asks Titi about her journey to the market.
- TundeTiti, báwo ni ọ̀nà náà?Titi, how far was the road?
- TitiÓ jìn gan, Tunde.It was very far, Tunde.
- TundeṢé o rí ìṣòro?Did you have any trouble?
- TitiRárá, mo dé láyè.No, I arrived on time.
