ìfẹ́
The English word 'love' is translated into Yoruba as ìfẹ́.
ìfẹ́ is a noun meaning strong affection.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb nífẹ̀ẹ́, which means to have affection for or to love, is a compound of ní (to have) and ìfẹ́ (love).
Which one should you use?
When expressing love as a verb, you have several options depending on the nuance. The word fẹ́ can mean to love, but it more commonly and literally means 'to want' or 'to desire' something. fẹ́ràn is a common way to express liking or loving someone or something, often used for more general affection than the more intense nífẹ̀ẹ́. Finally, nífẹ̀ẹ́ is used to express the state of having love or affection for someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ìfẹ́ is formed by adding the noun-forming prefix ì- to the verb fẹ́.
Did you know?
- Because fẹ́ can mean 'to want', expressing 'love' can sometimes sound like you are expressing a strong 'demand' if the tone is not careful.
- The word ìfẹ́ is also used in many Yoruba names, such as Ìfẹ́oluwa, which means 'love of God'.
- While fẹ́ràn is used for 'liking', it is the primary word used to describe a love for food, hobbies or inanimate objects.
Example sentences for Yoruba are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Olumide and Morenike are talking about their relationship.
- OlumideMorenike, ìfẹ́ rẹ mú inú mi dùn.Morenike, your love makes me happy.
- MorenikeOlumide, mo ní ìfẹ́ tòbi fún ẹ.Olumide, I have a great love for you.
- OlumideA múyẹ ìfẹ́ wa títí láé.Let us cherish our love forever.
- MorenikeMo gbà pé ìfẹ́ wa jẹ́ òtítọ́.I believe our love is true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
