Ayé
Ayé is the Yoruba word for life.
Ayé is used to refer to the state of being alive, but it also carries the meaning of "the world."
Meaning: the state of being alive (noun)
Did you know?
- Yoruba speakers use the phrase Ayé l'ọmọ to describe the unpredictable nature of life, literally suggesting that life is like a child who can change mood instantly.
- In Yoruba cosmology, Ayé is often personified as a powerful deity or spirit that governs the physical realm and can influence human destiny.
- Depending on the tone used in speech, the word for 'life' can change meaning entirely, making correct tonal inflection vital for being understood.
Examples in context
- Omi ni ayé.Water is life.This sentence shows how to express that water is life using Ayé.Tatoeba #5978173 by ecorralest101, translation #3861611 by Hybrid
- Ayé kò rọrùn.Life is not easy.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting under a tree talking about their struggles.
- TitiAyé kò rọrùn rárá.Life is not easy at all.
- OlumideTiti, gbogbo ayé ni bẹ́ẹ̀.Titi, that is how all life is.
- TitiṢé ò n gbọ́ mi?Do you hear me?
- OlumideMo gbọ́, ṣùgbọ́n ìrètì wà.I hear you, but there is hope.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
