ẹ ṣé
formal
In Yoruba, 'thank you' is expressed through several forms, with ẹ ṣé being the default form. Wiktionary also lists ẹ ṣeun and o ṣé.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Yoruba | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ẹ ṣé | formal | |
| ẹ ṣeun | /ɛ̄ ʃē.ũ̄/ | formal |
| o ṣé | informal | |
| o ṣeun | /ō ʃē.ũ̄/ | informal |
These phrases are used to express gratitude to others.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb component ṣé literally relates to the act of doing, performing a deed or being well. The pronoun ẹ is used at the beginning of the phrase to show respect to an elder or to address a group.
Which one should you use?
The extended versions ẹ ṣeun and o ṣeun add the suffix -un to the verb to make the expression of gratitude feel more complete or emphasized.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To maintain Yoruba etiquette, use the polite forms ẹ ṣé or ẹ ṣeun when addressing an elder, a stranger or a person in a position of authority. For casual speech with peers or younger individuals, use the informal o ṣé or o ṣeun.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, failing to use the honorific ẹ when thanking an elder is not just a grammar mistake but can be seen as a serious sign of disrespect.
- Depending on the tone and context, the phrase ẹ ṣé can be extended into a song or a rhythmic chant during traditional celebrations to show deep gratitude.
- When you say ẹ ṣeun, you are essentially telling the person that what they have done is 'commendable'.
Examples in context
- Ẹ ṣé fún ìrànlọ́wọ́ yín.Thank you for your help.
- Ẹ ṣé gan-an.Thank you very much.
- Ẹ ṣé fún ẹrù náà.Thank you for the gift.
Example conversation
Tunde hands a document to Yejide in an office.
- TundeYejide, ẹ jẹ́ kí n fún yín ní ìwé yìí.Yejide, let me give you this paper.
- YejideẸ ṣé, Tunde.Thank you, Tunde.
- TundeKò sí ìṣòro.No problem.
- YejideẸ ṣé fún àkókò yín.Thank you for your time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries ẹ ṣeun, o ṣeun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
