ẹlẹ́dẹ̀
The English word pig is translated into Yoruba as ẹlẹ́dẹ̀. Wiktionary also lists òdo.
Meaning: mammal of family Suidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Yoruba |
|---|
| ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ |
| òdo |
This term refers to the mammal of the family Suidae.
Which one should you use?
ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ is the standard term for a pig, whereas òdo is an alternative form.
Did you know?
- While ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ is the standard term, the word òdo can be ambiguous because it is a homonym for 'river' or 'stream' depending on the tone used.
- The term ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ begins with the prefix ẹlẹ-, which denotes ownership. This reflects a linguistic pattern where livestock are named based on their relationship to a possessor.
- The word ẹran ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ specifically identifies pork, which is distinct from the general Yoruba words for 'meat'. Some Yoruba groups avoid this specific meat for cultural or religious reasons.
Examples in context
- Mo rí ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ nínú igbó.I saw a pig in the forest.
- Ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ ń jẹ oúnjẹ.The pig is eating food.
Example conversation
Femi and Folake are visiting a local farm.
- FemiFolake, wo ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ yẹn!Folake, look at that pig!
- FolakeÓ ńáa gàn-án!It is very big!
- FemiMo fẹ́ bọ́ ẹlẹ́dẹ̀ kan.I want to buy a pig.
- FolakeÌyẹn jẹ́ èrò tó dára.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pig” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
