kékeré
The English word "small" is translated as kékeré in Yoruba.
kékeré is an adjective used to describe something that is not large
Meaning: not large (adj)
Did you know?
- Yoruba is a tonal language, so even though kékeré means 'small', changing the pitch of the syllables can completely change the word's meaning to something unrelated.
- In Yoruba, the size of an object is often tied to its importance, where calling something kékeré can sometimes be a subtle way of implying it is insignificant or trivial.
- In many Yoruba contexts, describing a person's physical size as kékeré is a common way to affectionately refer to a child or a younger sibling.
Examples in context
- Ọmọ kékeré ni.It is a small child.
- Ilé kékeré ni wọ́n n gbé.They live in a small house.
Example conversation
Babatunde and Titi are looking at a puppy.
- BabatundeTiti, wo ajá kékeré yìí!Titi, look at this small dog!
- TitiÓ yé mi, ó rẹwà gan.I see, it is very beautiful.
- BabatundeṢé o fẹ́ mú un lọ?Do you want to take it home?
- TitiBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, mo fẹ́ràn rẹ̀.Yes, I like it.
