fi mí sílẹ̀
The English phrase "leave me" is translated into Yoruba as fi mí sílẹ̀.
You use fi mí sílẹ̀ when you want a person to either stop touching you or to go away from your presence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase utilizes the object pronoun mi (me) to specify that you are the person who should be left alone.
Did you know?
- If you are speaking to an elder or a person in authority, you would change the pronoun to 'wa' to say fi wá sílẹ̀, which shows respect through the use of the plural 'us' instead of the singular 'me'.
- In Yoruba culture, telling an elder fi mí sílẹ̀ can be seen as a grave sign of disrespect, even if the elder is the one touching you. A younger person would typically use a more indirect or soft tone to avoid appearing defiant.
- The phrase fi mí sílẹ̀ literally translates to 'cast me aside' or 'set me aside'. It uses the verb 'fi' which implies an action of placing or leaving something in a specific position.
Examples in context
- Fi mí sílẹ̀, jọ̀wọ́.Leave me alone, please.
- Fi mí sílẹ̀, n kò fẹ́ ẹ.Leave me alone, I don't want you.
- Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ fi mí sílẹ̀.Please, leave me alone.
Example conversation
Femi is trying to help Morenike carry a heavy bag, but she wants to do it herself.
- FemiJẹ́ kí n ràn ẹ́ lọ́wọ́.Let me help you.
- MorenikeRárá, fi mí sílẹ̀.No, leave me alone.
- FemiṢùgbọ́n ó wúwo gan.But it is very heavy.
- MorenikeMo le ṣe é, fi mí sílẹ̀.I can do it, leave me alone.
