ìyá
The English word 'mother' is translated into Yoruba as ìyá. Wiktionary also lists abiyamọ and iye.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Yoruba | IPA |
|---|---|
| ìyá | |
| abiyamọ | /ā.bī.jā.mɔ̃̄/ |
| iye | /ī.jē/ |
| yèyé | |
| màmá | |
| mọ́mì |
What does it mean word for word?
The word ìyá is the standard and most common noun for 'mother' in Yoruba.
Which one should you use?
ìyá is the standard noun, while abiyamọ is a more descriptive term meaning 'parent' or 'one who gives birth'. màmá is used as an informal way to address or refer to a mother, similar to 'mom' or 'mama' in English. yèyé is a colloquial term used for a mother or a woman in a maternal role. iye and mọ́mì are also forms of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are addressing your own mother respectfully, you can use the phrase Ìyá mi. abiyamọ is a formal or descriptive way to refer to the person who gave birth to a child. màmá is the common informal choice, while yèyé is used colloquially and affectionately.
Did you know?
- The word ìyá also appears in the name of the Ìyá Àjé, the spiritual leaders or 'mothers' of the mysterious and powerful women in traditional Yoruba cosmology.
- The word iye for 'mother' is thought to derive from the verb yè, meaning 'to live' or 'to survive'. This makes the literal meaning 'that which you survive for'.
- In many Yoruba-speaking contexts, the term màmá is used not just for one's own mother, but as a respectful title for any older woman in a position of authority or care.
Examples in context
- Ìyá rẹ ń ṣiṣẹ́ lọ́wọ́.Your mother is working.
Example conversation
Femi and Yejide are talking about their families.
- FemiṢé ìyá rẹ wà nílè?Is your mother at home?
- YejideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó wà ní ilé.Yes, she is at home.
- FemiMo fẹ́ kí n kí ìyá rẹ.I want to greet your mother.
- YejideÓ máa dutiful rẹ láti rí ẹ.She will be happy to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries abiyamọ, iye, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abiyamọ, iye, CC BY-SA 4.0.
