kò sí ìrora, kò sí èrè
The phrase "no pain, no gain" is translated into Yoruba as kò sí ìrora, kò sí èrè.
This proverb is used to say that hard work and suffering are necessary to achieve success.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is constructed using the negation kò sí, which means "there is no" or "there does not exist". The term ìrora means pain or suffering, and èrè refers to the profit, gain or benefit resulting from an action.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, the concept of ìrora is often linked to the idea of 'character building' through endurance, suggesting that pain is a necessary tool for moral growth.
- The word èrè is used not only for financial profit but also to describe the spiritual rewards or blessings one receives from a deity.
- Yoruba speakers often use a wide range of proverbs, known as òwe, to communicate complex ideas indirectly rather than stating them bluntly.
Examples in context
- Ṣé o mọ̀ pé kò sí ìrora, kò sí èrè?Do you know that there is no pain, no gain?
Example conversation
Folake encourages Olumide during a difficult study session.
- FolakeOlumide, ìwè yìí ṣòro láti kà gan.Olumide, this book is very hard to read.
- OlumideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ṣùgbón mo fẹ́ kà á tán.Yes, but I want to finish reading it.
- FolakeMá jẹ́ kí o sùn, kò sí ìrora, kò sí èrè.Don't fall asleep, no pain, no gain.
- OlumideO tọ́, n óò tẹ̀síwájú.You are right, I will keep going.
