ọ̀rẹ́ mi
The English phrase "my friend" is translated into Yoruba as ọ̀rẹ́ mi.
ọ̀rẹ́ mi is used to refer to a person with whom you share a bond of mutual affection and trust.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun ọ̀rẹ́ (friend) and the possessive pronoun mi (my/mine).
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, the term ọ̀rẹ́ can be used as a polite social lubricant to address a complete stranger to soften a request or initiate a conversation.
- Yoruba has a complex system of honorifics, so while you might call a peer ọ̀rẹ́ mi, you would rarely use it for an elder regardless of how close the friendship is.
- The pronoun mi in ọ̀rẹ́ mi descends from an ancient root found in the Proto-Niger-Congo language family.
Examples in context
- Padi mi, bawo ni?My friend, how are you?
- Orekelewa mi, káàbọ̀!My beautiful friend, welcome!
- Gbogbo ọ̀rẹ́ mi ni mo fẹ́ rí.I want to see all my friends.
- Ọ̀rẹ́ mi ni ẹni tí ó ràn mí lọ́wọ́.My friend is the person who helped me.
Example conversation
Olumide is introducing a person to Folake.
- OlumideFolake, jọ̀wọ́ mọ ọ̀rẹ́ mi.Folake, please meet my friend.
- FolakeInú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́.I am glad to meet him.
- OlumideÒun ni ọ̀rẹ́ mi láti ilé-ìwé.He is my friend from school.
- FolakeẸ kú àbọ̀, ọ̀rẹ́ Olumide.Welcome, Olumide's friend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
