àbúrò mi
The English phrase "my brother" is translated into Yoruba as àbúrò mi when referring to a younger brother.
In Yoruba, the term for brother is determined by birth order rather than just gender. The phrase àbúrò mi specifically denotes a sibling who is younger than the speaker.
Which one should you use?
While àbúrò mi refers to a younger brother, ẹ̀gbọ́n mi is used to refer to an older brother.
Did you know?
- Because àbúrò refers to any younger sibling, you can use àbúrò mi for a younger sister as well as a younger brother.
- Yoruba speakers often use ẹ̀gbọ́n or àbúrò to refer to people who are not biologically related, treating close friends or colleagues as siblings based on their age.
- In formal Yoruba settings, a younger sibling would almost never call an older sibling by their first name, using ẹ̀gbọ́n mi instead to avoid being seen as rude.
Examples in context
- Àbúrò mi ni ẹni yẹn.That person is my brother.
- Mo nìfẹ́ àbúrò mi.I love my brother.
- Ṣé àbúrò mi wà nílé?Is my brother at home?
Example conversation
Titi is asking Tunde about his sibling.
- TundeTiti, wò àbúrò mi lọ!Titi, look at my brother!
- TitiÓ ti dàgbà lọ́wọ́.He has grown up.
- TundeÀbúrò mi mọ bí a ṣe ń kàwé.My brother knows how to read.
- TitiÌyẹn jẹ́ nǹkan tí ó dára.That is a good thing.
