Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ
The English phrase "I like you" is translated into Yoruba as Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into Mo (I), fẹ́ràn (like/love) and rẹ (you).
Which one should you use?
Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ is used when addressing friends or people younger than you, whereas Mo fẹ́ràn yín is used for more than one person or to show respect to a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address multiple people or to show respect to a single person, replace rẹ with yín to form Mo fẹ́ràn yín.
Did you know?
- The verb fẹ́ràn literally translates to 'want the liver'. In Yoruba culture, the liver is traditionally seen as the seat of emotions and affection rather than the heart.
- In some Yoruba social circles, instead of saying 'I like you' directly, one might use proverbs about 'sweetness' or 'coolness' to describe how a person's presence feels.
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, saying Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ with the wrong pitch on the syllables can change the meaning of the words entirely, potentially turning a compliment into something nonsensical.
Examples in context
- Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ gan-an.I like you very much.
- Ṣé o mọ̀ pé mo fẹ́ràn rẹ?Do you know that I like you?
- Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ gẹ́gẹ́ bí ọ̀rẹ́.I like you as a friend.
Example conversation
Femi and Yejide are talking in a park.
- FemiYejide, mo fẹ́ràn rẹ.Yejide, I like you.
- YejideÓòtọ́ ni? Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ náà.Really? I like you too.
- FemiInú mi dùn láti gbọ́ èyí.I am happy to hear this.
- YejideẸmi náà inú mi dùn.I am happy as well.
