ayaba
The Yoruba word for queen is ayaba.
ayaba is a noun used to refer to a female monarch.
Meaning: female monarch (noun)
Did you know?
- The term ayaba literally translates to 'wife of a king' because the word is a combination of aya, meaning 'wife', and ọba, meaning 'monarch'.
- In some Yoruba kingdoms, the queen mother, known as Iya Oba, holds a distinct and often more powerful political position than the ayaba.
- Because the Yoruba language is tonal, changing the pitch of the vowels in ayaba can completely change the meaning of the word into something unrelated.
Examples in context
- Ayaba náà rẹwà gan-an.The queen is very beautiful.
- Wọ́n fẹ́ ayaba tuntun.They want a new queen.
Example conversation
Morenike and Tunde are looking at a history book.
- MorenikeTunde, wo ayaba yìí.Tunde, look at this queen.
- TundeÓ rẹwà gan-an.She is very beautiful.
- MorenikeAyaba yìí jẹ́ ẹni tí ó mọ̀ọ́mọ̀.This queen is a wise person.
- TundeMo gbà pé ó jẹ́ òtítọ́.I agree that it is true.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayaba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
