arákùnrin
The Yoruba word for uncle is arákùnrin.
arákùnrin is the noun used to refer to a brother of one's parent. It is used for both a father's brother and a mother's brother.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word arákùnrin is a compound of ará, meaning relative and kùnrin, meaning male.
Which one should you use?
arákùnrin refers specifically to a male relative, whereas arábìnrin is the term used for an aunt.
Did you know?
- The word ará in arákùnrin can also mean 'body' or 'limb', reflecting the cultural view that relatives are extensions of one's own physical being.
- In many Yoruba families, you would never call an arákùnrin by his given name, even if you are an adult. Using a name directly can be seen as a sign of disrespect, so you would instead use a title or a respectful descriptor.
- While arákùnrin is the formal term for uncle, many Yoruba speakers use the word baba (father) to address their paternal uncles as a sign of respect and status within the family hierarchy.
Example conversation
Titi and Babatunde are talking about a family gathering.
- TitiBabatunde, ǹjẹ́ arákùnrin rẹ yóò wá?Babatunde, will your uncle come?
- BabatundeBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó máa dé lárọ̀ọ́.Yes, he will arrive tomorrow.
- TitiÓ sàn, mo fẹ́ kí n rí i.That's good, I want to see him.
- BabatundeÓ máa dùn mọ́ ọn láti rí ẹ.He will be happy to see you.
