mo fẹ́
The English phrase "I want" is expressed in Yoruba as mo fẹ́.
mo fẹ́ is used to express a desire or a wish to have or do something. Depending on the context, it can also be used to mean "I love" or "I like".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mo (I) and fẹ́ (want/desire).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express wanting to perform an action, place the verb directly after mo fẹ́ without using a connecting word like "to".
Did you know?
- While fẹ́ expresses wanting or loving, the word fẹ́ also means 'to marry' in Yoruba. Telling someone mo fẹ́ ẹ can mean 'I want you' or 'I want to marry you' depending on the relationship.
- In Yoruba culture, expressing a strong 'want' using mo fẹ́ when speaking to an elder can be perceived as demanding. To be polite, speakers often use phrases that frame the desire as a request for the elder's permission or favor.
- The word fẹ́ is part of a tonal language where the pitch of the word changes its meaning. A slight shift in the tone of fẹ́ can change the word from 'want' to a completely different concept.
Examples in context
- Mo fẹ́ rà ìwé.I want to buy a book.This sentence shows how to use mo fẹ́ before a verb to express an intention to buy something.Tatoeba #3180913 by ecorralest101, translation #3180912 by CK
- Mo fẹ́ ṣòkòtò.I want trousers.This sentence demonstrates how to use mo fẹ́ to express a desire for a noun.Tatoeba #11207166 by janTuki, translation #11207167 by janTuki
- Mo fẹ́ jẹun.I want to eat.
Example conversation
Folake and Tunde are talking about their plans for the day.
- FolakeMo fẹ́ lọ sí ọjà.I want to go to the market.
- TundeṢé o fẹ́ kí n bá ẹ lọ?Do you want me to go with you?
- FolakeBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo fẹ́ ràn bíi.Yes, I want some help.
- TundeÓ dára, jẹ́ kí á lọ.Alright, let's go.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
