irọ́
The English word 'lie' can be expressed as irọ́ in Yoruba.
irọ́ refers to an intentional untruth.
Meaning: tell an intentional untruth (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
While the English phrase 'lie' is often used as a verb, in Yoruba, irọ́ functions as a noun meaning 'a lie'.
Did you know?
- Because irọ́ is a noun, Yoruba speakers often use a circumstantial construction to say 'he is lying' by literally saying 'lie is on his mouth'.
- The word irọ́ can sound identical to words meaning 'sound' or 'noise' depending on the tone used, making the pitch of the voice critical to avoid confusion.
- In traditional Yoruba storytelling, a 'trickster' figure like Èṣù is not seen as a 'liar' in a negative sense, but as a catalyst for change through deception.
Examples in context
- Ó sọ irọ́.He/She told a lie.
- Ó ń sọ irọ́ sí mi.He is telling a lie to me.
- Má ṣe sọ irọ́.Do not tell a lie.
Example conversation
Babatunde and Titi are talking about a broken vase.
- TitiBabatunde, ṣé o jẹ́ kí ìkòkò yìí bà?Babatunde, did you break this vase?
- BabatundeRárá, mi ò ṣe é.No, I didn't do it.
- TitiMá ṣe sọ irọ́ fún mi.Do not tell a lie to me.
- BabatundeÓtítọ́ ni, mi ò ṣe é.It is the truth, I didn't do it.
