Pẹlẹ
The Yoruba phrase for "I am sorry" can be translated as Pẹlẹ, which is used to express sympathy.
Pẹlẹ is an expression used to show sympathy or to offer comfort to someone who is experiencing pain or distress.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between expressing sympathy and apologizing for a mistake. Use Pẹlẹ to console someone who is suffering. If you are apologizing for an error or asking for forgiveness, use Ẹ má bínú instead.
Did you know?
- While Pẹlẹ expresses sympathy, the phrase Ẹ má bínú used for apologies literally translates to 'Do not be angry'.
- When someone is grieving, saying Pẹlẹ is often accompanied by a soft, rhythmic patting of the person's shoulder or arm to physically convey comfort.
- The word Pẹlẹ can also be used as a command to 'be calm' or 'steady yourself' when someone is agitated or in a hurry.
Examples in context
- Pẹlẹ, kò yẹ kí ó ṣẹlẹ̀.I am sorry, it should not have happened.
Example conversation
Tunde is comforting Yejide after she lost her favorite book.
- TundePẹlẹ, Yejide. Mo rí i pé o kùn.I am sorry, Yejide. I see that you are sad.
- YejideO ṣeun, Tunde. Mo nìyàn gan.Thank you, Tunde. I am very upset.
- TundePẹlẹ, ó máa rọrùn láti rí ọmíràn.I am sorry, it will be easy to find another one.
- YejideMo nireti pé o tọ́.I hope that is true.
