tèmi
The English word "mine" is translated into Yoruba as tèmi.
Meaning: that which belongs to me (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the possessive pronoun tè (belonging to) and the first-person singular pronoun mi (me).
Did you know?
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, using a high tone instead of a low tone in tèmi can accidentally turn a pronoun into a person's name.
- Yoruba uses a system of honorifics where you might avoid tèmi and use a more formal plural form when speaking to an elder to show respect.
- Possession in Yoruba is often expressed by placing the pronoun after the noun, such as ilé mi for 'my house', rather than before it as in English.
Examples in context
- Ìwé yìí jẹ́ tèmi.This book is mine.
- Ọmọ yìí jẹ́ tèmi.This child is mine.
- Ètò yìí jẹ́ tèmi.This plan is mine.
Example conversation
Femi and Titi are identifying their bags.
- FemiTiti, ńjẹ́ bágì yìí jẹ́ tèmi?Titi, is this bag mine?
- TitiRárá, òun jẹ́ tèmi.No, that one is mine.
- FemiNíbo ni tèmi wà?Where is mine?
- TitiÓ wà níbẹ̀.It is over there.
