dúró
The Yoruba word for stop is dúró.
The word dúró is used to command or describe the cessation of movement or an action.
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term dúró is composed of the root for 'stand' or 'stay', implying a stop by remaining in a fixed position.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing stopping at a specific location, dúró is often followed by the preposition ní.
Did you know?
- The phrase is often used in rhythmic patterns in Yoruba drumming and music to signal a pause or a fixed point in a performance.
- The root of dúró implies a state of stability, which is why it is used both for stopping a car and for the concept of standing firm in one's beliefs.
- The Yoruba language uses tonal markers to distinguish meaning, and a slight change in the tone of dúró can change the intent from a polite request to a sharp command.
Example conversation
Morenike is asking Olumide to stop walking because he dropped something.
- MorenikeOlumide, dúró síbẹ̀!Olumide, stop right there!
- OlumideKí ló ṣẹlẹ̀, Morenike?What happened, Morenike?
- MorenikeO sọ nǹkan sílẹ̀.You dropped something.
- OlumideO ṣeun, Morenike.Thank you, Morenike.
