ọkọ
/ɔ̄.kɔ́/
The Yoruba word for husband is ọkọ.
Ọkọ refers to a male partner in marriage. To say 'my husband', you add the possessive pronoun mi after the noun to form ọkọ mi.
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word for wife, ìyàwó, is the natural counterpart to ọkọ (husband).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ̄.kɔ́/
Did you know?
- Depending on the context and tone, the word ọkọ can also mean a 'canoe' or a 'vehicle'.
- While ọkọ is the noun for husband, Yoruba speakers often use respectful titles or kinship terms when addressing a husband in public to show honor.
- The term ọkọ shares a linguistic root with the word akọ, which is used to describe a 'male' or 'masculine' being.
Examples in context
- Ọkọ mi rẹwa gan.My husband is very handsome.
- Nibo ni ọkọ rẹ wà?Where is your husband?
- Ọkọ rẹ n ṣiṣẹ lónìí.Your husband is working today.
Example conversation
Morenike is introducing Babatunde to a friend.
- MorenikeKí ni orúkọ ọkọ rẹ?What is your husband's name?
- BabatundeOrúkọ ọkọ mi ni Babatunde.My husband's name is Babatunde.
- MorenikeInú mi dùn láti mọ ọkọ rẹ.I am happy to meet your husband.
- BabatundeẸ ṣeun, Morenike.Thank you, Morenike.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “husband” translations and entries ọkọ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ọkọ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
