e ṣe
In Yoruba, thanks is expressed as e ṣe.
The phrase is used to express appreciation or gratitude.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, e ṣe means "you did" or "you have done" in a positive sense.
Which one should you use?
e ṣe is the polite or plural form used when addressing elders, superiors or a group of people, while o ṣe is the singular or informal version used for peers or subordinates.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say thanks to one person or someone younger, use o ṣe instead of e ṣe.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, a response to e ṣe is not 'you are welcome' but rather a prayer or a wish for the person to be blessed in return.
- In Yoruba culture, saying e ṣe is often accompanied by a physical gesture of respect, such as a slight bow or a subtle dip of the knees for women when thanking an elder.
- To express deep or intense gratitude, Yoruba speakers often repeat the phrase as e ṣe, e ṣe, e ṣe to emphasize the weight of the favor received.
Examples in context
- E ṣe gan-an.Thank you very much.
- E ṣe fun iranlọwọ yín.Thank you for your help.
Example conversation
Babatunde gives Folake a gift.
- FolakeE ṣe, Babatunde!Thanks, Babatunde!
- BabatundeKo to nkan.It is nothing.
- FolakeMo fe e pupo.I like it very much.
- BabatundeInu mi dun pe o fe e.I am glad that you like it.
