inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́
The Yoruba phrase for "nice to meet you" is inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́.
inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́ is a polite expression used specifically when meeting someone for the first time to convey that you are pleased to meet them. It is not used for general pleasantries.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "my inside is happy to know you".
How does it change in a sentence?
To show respect to an elder or to address more than one person, you should change the object pronoun to inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ yín.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say they are 'nice' to meet someone, a Yoruba speaker focuses on their internal state of 'dùn', which can also mean 'sweet' or 'delicious'.
- In Yoruba culture, the phrase inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́ is often accompanied by a physical gesture of respect, such as a slight bow or a slight bend of the knees when greeting an elder.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the marks on dùn and mọ̀ change the pitch, and using the wrong tone can completely change the meaning of the word.
Examples in context
- Inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́ gan-an.It is very nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Titi and Femi are introduced to each other at a party.
- TitiPèlú ìfẹ́, inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́, Femi.With love, nice to meet you, Femi.
- FemiẸ ṣé, Titi. Inú mi dùn láti mọ̀ ọ́ náà.Thank you, Titi. I am also glad to meet you.
- TitiṢé o wà ní ìlera?Are you in good health?
- FemiÀmọ́, mo wà dáadáa.Yes, I am doing well.
