jí
The English phrase "wake up" is translated into Yoruba as jí.
The verb jí means to become awake.
Meaning: to (become) awake (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The base form jí is used as an imperative to command someone to wake up. To describe a state or an action in different tenses, you add particles before the verb: use ó jí to say he/she woke up or he/she is awake, use á jí to say he/she will wake up and use kò jí to say he/she did not wake up or he/she is not awake.
Did you know?
- The word jí is used as a root for the concept of resurrection. Because it means to awaken or rise, it is the central verb used when discussing the dead returning to life.
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, the meaning of jí can change entirely if the tone is shifted, though it is most commonly used to mean 'wake up' or 'arise'.
- In Yoruba proverbs, the concept of 'waking up' is often a metaphor for gaining awareness or wisdom, moving from a state of ignorance to knowledge.
Examples in context
- Jí o!Wake up!
- Mo jí ní kùtùkùtù.I woke up early.
- Ṣé o ti jí?Have you woken up?
Example conversation
Morenike is waking up Olumide in the morning.
- MorenikeOlumide, jí nísìnyí.Olumide, wake up now.
- OlumideMo ti jí, ṣùgbọ́n mo wà ní oorun.I am awake, but I am sleepy.
- MorenikeJíjì ó dára, ṣùgbọ́n o ní láti lọ.Waking up is good, but you have to go.
- OlumideÓ dára, mò ń dìde.Okay, I am getting up.
