Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́?
In Yoruba, the phrase "what is wrong with you?" is expressed as Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́?
This phrase is used to ask why someone is acting strangely or to inquire about what is bothering them. Depending on your tone and the context of the conversation, Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́? can function as a genuine inquiry into a person's well-being or as a confrontational way to ask why someone is behaving badly.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́? translates to "What is it that is doing you?"
Did you know?
- The phrase Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́? reflects a worldview where a person's strange behavior is often viewed as something external 'doing' them.
- In Yoruba culture, asking Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́? to an elder is considered a breach of etiquette unless the phrasing is shifted to a respectful plural form.
- Because Yoruba is a tonal language, changing the pitch on ṣe can turn this question into a completely different statement or word altogether.
Examples in context
- Kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́?What is wrong with you?
Example conversation
Titi notices Babatunde acting very moody and quiet.
- TitiBabatunde, kí ló ń ṣe ẹ́?Babatunde, what is wrong with you?
- BabatundeKò sí ohun kan, Titi. Mo kàn rẹ́rẹ̀ ni.Nothing, Titi. I am just tired.
- TitiO ò sọ̀rọ̀ kankan láti òwúrọ̀.You haven't said a word since morning.
- BabatundeÀtúnjú mi kò dáa, náà ni.My mood is just not good, that's all.
