báwo
In Yoruba, the word for "how" is báwo.
báwo is used to inquire about the manner or way in which something is done or exists.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
When do people say it?
The phrase Báwo ni? is a standard and common way to ask "How are you?" or "How is it?" in Yoruba.
Did you know?
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, a slight shift in the pitch applied to báwo can completely change the meaning of a sentence, even if the spelling remains the same.
- Because Yoruba uses an extensive system of honorifics, the word báwo is frequently paired with the plural 'you' even when speaking to one person to show high respect.
- In traditional Yoruba culture, the act of greeting is so important that failing to respond to báwo ni correctly can be seen as a significant sign of disrespect.
Examples in context
- Bawo ló wà?How are you doing?
- Báwo ni?How are you?
- Báwo ni a ṣe lè ṣe é?How can we do it?
- Báwo ni o ṣe dé?How did you arrive?
Example conversation
Tunde and Titi meet on the street.
- TundeBáwo ni, Titi?How is it, Titi?
- TitiMo wà dáadáa, Tunde.I am doing well, Tunde.
- TundeBáwo ni gbogbo ẹbí rẹ?How is all your family?
- TitiWọ́n wà ní àlàáfíà.They are in peace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
