ìṣòro
The English word "problem" is translated to Yoruba as ìṣòro.
ìṣòro is used to denote a general difficulty or a problem.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
Which one should you use?
The informal term Wahala can be used to mean "problem," and the informal term Gbese is used specifically when referring to financial problems or debt.
Did you know?
- The word Wahala is not originally Yoruba but was adopted from the Hausa language before becoming a staple of Nigerian Pidgin.
- In Yoruba, ìṣòro is conceptually linked to physical strenuousness, describing a task that is 'hard' to perform rather than a logic puzzle.
- In Yoruba culture, 'problems' are often spoken of as a collective or communal experience rather than just an individual burden.
Examples in context
- O wa ni gbeseHe/She has a financial problem.
- Ìṣòro yìí kò rọrun.This problem is not easy.
- Ṣé o rí ìṣòro kankan?Did you see any problem?
Example conversation
Yejide is asking Tunde for help with a task.
- YejideTunde, mo ní ìṣòro kan.Tunde, I have a problem.
- TundeKí ni ìṣòro náà?What is the problem?
- YejideMi ò lè ṣe iṣẹ́ yìí.I cannot do this work.
- TundeMa bójúyè, màá ràn ẹ́ lọ́wọ́.Don't worry, I will help you.
