sùn dáradára
The phrase "sleep well" in Yoruba is translated as sùn dáradára.
sùn dáradára is used as a parting wish when someone is going to bed or as a way to say goodnight to wish them a restful and undisturbed night of sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb sùn (to sleep) and the adverb dáradára (well or properly).
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, rather than just saying sùn dáradára, people often say o di aarọ which means 'until the morning'.
- The word dáradára is a reduplication of dára (good). In Yoruba, repeating a word like this is a common grammatical way to intensify a quality or express a state of completion.
- When saying sùn dáradára to an elder, a younger person may slightly bow or lean forward as a sign of respect, as Yoruba culture emphasizes seniority in all social interactions.
Examples in context
- Sùn dáradára.Sleep well.
- Mo fẹ́ kí o sùn dáradára.I want you to sleep well.
Example conversation
Folake is saying goodnight to Femi before they go to bed.
- FolakeFemi, mo n lọ sùn nísinsìnyí.Femi, I am going to sleep now.
- FemiO dàbọ̀, Folake. Sùn dáradára.Goodbye, Folake. Sleep well.
- FolakeO ṣeun, ìwọ náà sùn dáradára.Thank you, you sleep well too.
- FemiO dàbọ̀!Goodbye!
