ọba
The Yoruba word for king is ọba.
ọba refers to a male of a royal family who is the supreme ruler of his nation.
Meaning: a male of a royal family who is the supreme ruler of his nation (noun)
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the word Kabiyesi to refer to the abstract concept of kingship. It is used exclusively to address monarchs.
When do people say it?
When speaking directly to a monarch, it is customary to use the specific address Kabiyesi.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, the ọba is often viewed as a spiritual link between the ancestors and the living community.
- When an ọba is mentioned in a formal setting, speakers may use a series of praising epithets called oriki to honor their lineage.
- Some linguists believe the word ọba can be broken down into a prefix meaning 'agent' and a verb meaning 'to watch over'.
Examples in context
- Eyi ni Oba AdeyemiThis is King Adeyemi.
- Awọn ọmọ naa ti nlo si ile ObaThe children are going to the king's palace.
- Ọba náà fẹ́ jẹun.The king wants to eat.
- Ọba tí ó fẹ́ wá.The king who wants to come.
Example conversation
Tunde and Yejide are discussing a royal visit.
- TundeṢé o rí ọba?Did you see the king?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo rí ọba.Yes, I saw the king.
- TundeṢé ọba náà dáadáa wà?Is the king doing well?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ọba wà ní àlàáfíà.Yes, the king is in peace.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ọba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
