mo
The English word 'I' is translated into Yoruba as mo. Wiktionary also lists n̄ (before negative pronouns or kí) and mi (before negative pronouns or kí).
Meaning: personal pronoun (pron)
Ways to say it
| Yoruba | Note |
|---|---|
| mo | |
| n̄ (before negative pronouns or kí) | |
| mi (before negative pronouns or kí) | |
| èmi | emphatic, pronoun |
In Yoruba, the word for 'I' changes depending on the context of the sentence and how much emphasis you wish to place on yourself.
Which one should you use?
The standard, unstressed subject pronoun is mo. If you want to emphasize that it is specifically 'I' who is performing an action, often to contrast yourself with another person, use the emphatic form èmi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun mo undergoes changes in specific grammatical structures. It changes to the particle n̄ or mi when used in a negative construction or when placed before the word kí (to want or to let).
Did you know?
- When addressing an elder or a superior, Yoruba speakers may avoid using 'I' and instead refer to themselves in the third person to show respect.
- In Yoruba culture, using the emphatic èmi too frequently in a social setting can be perceived as overly proud or boastful.
- The word mi is not only a functional part of the pronoun 'I' in negative sentences, but it is also the name of the third note in the musical scale used in solfège.
Examples in context
- Mo lọ sí odò.I went to the river.This sentence shows the use of mo to express an action in the past.Tatoeba #4536800 by ecorralest101, translation #4536799 by CK
- Mo fẹ́ rà ìwé.I want to buy a book.This sentence shows the use of mo to express a desire.Tatoeba #3180913 by ecorralest101, translation #3180912 by CK
- Mo ní ológbò méjì.I have two cats.This sentence shows the use of mo to express possession.Tatoeba #3081443 by ecorralest101, translation #2412739 by fjrjdk
- Mo jẹ́ Tolu.I am Tolu.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olumide and Yejide are talking about their hunger.
- OlumideMo ebi ń pa mí.I am hungry.
- YejideṢé o fẹ́ jẹun?Do you want to eat?
- OlumideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo fẹ́ jẹun.Yes, I want to eat.
- YejideẸ jẹ́ kí á lọ.Let us go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I” translations and entries mo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
