Mo fẹ́ ẹ
The Yoruba phrase for "I want you" is Mo fẹ́ ẹ.
This phrase is used to express romantic or sexual desire for another person. The verb fẹ́ is versatile, as it carries the dual meaning of both "to want" and "to love/desire." This makes the expression applicable to both romantic affection and physical desire.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Mo (I), fẹ́ (want/love) and ẹ (you).
Did you know?
- The verb fẹ́ is also used when talking about marriage, meaning 'to marry'. Because it covers wanting, loving and marrying, Mo fẹ́ ẹ can be interpreted as 'I want to marry you' depending on the context.
- In Yoruba culture, expressing romantic desire directly like Mo fẹ́ ẹ is often considered too bold. Couples frequently use metaphors or indirect language to signal attraction to avoid appearing uncouth.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, so the high tone on fẹ́ is crucial. If the tone is changed or flattened, the word could lose its meaning of 'want' or 'love' entirely.
Examples in context
- Bros, mo fe e gan gan.Dude, I really want you.
- Mo fẹ́ ẹ gan-an.I want you very much.
- Mo fẹ́ ẹ nìkan.I want only you.
Example conversation
Titi and Olumide are sharing a romantic moment.
- TitiOlumide, mo fẹ́ ẹ.Olumide, I want you.
- OlumideÈmi náà mo fẹ́ ẹ, Titi.I want you too, Titi.
- TitiO jẹ́ ohun tí mo ní láyè.You are everything I have in life.
- OlumideÌfẹ́ rẹ jẹ́ ohun tí mo fẹ́.Your love is what I want.
