ki emi re ma sinmi ni alaafia
The Yoruba phrase for 'rest in peace' is ki emi re ma sinmi ni alaafia.
This phrase is used as a blessing or an expression of hope.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
Which one should you use?
The informal version Sun re o is used to say 'Rest well'. You can also use the personal expression Sun re o ore to mean 'Rest well friend', where ore means 'friend'.
Did you know?
- In traditional Yoruba beliefs, ensuring the deceased 'rests' correctly is vital to prevent them from returning as a restless spirit to haunt the living.
- The word alaafia in the phrase 'rest in peace' is actually borrowed from the Hausa word lāfiyā̀.
- In Yoruba culture, the concept of 'peace' expressed as alaafia encompasses not just a lack of conflict but also physical health and general well-being.
Example conversation
Titi and Babatunde are visiting a gravesite.
- TitiInu mi kun fun itoju nitori baba rẹ.My heart is full of sympathy for your father.
- BabatundeE se pupo, Titi. O je eniyan rere.Thank you very much, Titi. He was a good man.
- TitiKi emi re ma sinmi ni alaafia.May his soul rest in peace.
- BabatundeAmin, mo gba adura yẹn.Amen, I accept that prayer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alaafia, re, CC BY-SA 4.0.
