ọmọ mi
/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄ mĩ́/word by word
To say "my baby" in Yoruba, use ọmọ mi.
The phrase ọmọ mi is used to refer to one's own child. While the word ọmọ literally means "child," it is the standard way to refer to one's offspring, including an infant or a baby.
What does it mean word for word?
ọmọ mi is composed of ọmọ, meaning "child" and the possessive pronoun mi, meaning "my".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Lagos, you may hear omoge mi to specifically mean "my baby girl". In Oyo, the phrase okan mi can be used to express "my love" when referring to your baby.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄ mĩ́/
Did you know?
- The phrase ọmọ mi can be used as a term of endearment or pity toward someone who is not a relative, similar to how 'my dear' is used in English.
- Beyond the family, ọmọ is often used as a slang prefix in urban areas like Lagos to describe a person's character or origin, such as ọmọ Naija for a Nigerian.
- In certain contexts, referring to a child as ọmọ carries a deep spiritual weight, as children are seen as gifts from the ancestors and the divine.
Examples in context
- Ọmọ mi ni mo fẹ́ rí.It is my baby I want to see.
- Ọmọ mi nìyí.Here is my baby.
- Mo nìfẹ́ ọmọ mi gan-an.I love my baby very much.
