òyìnbó
The Yoruba phrase for white person is òyìnbó.
In Yoruba, òyìnbó is the standard term used to refer to any person of European descent or anyone with very light skin, regardless of their specific nationality.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, òyìnbó is used as an adjective to describe an object as being 'modern' or 'sophisticated'.
- In informal settings, the word òyìnbó can be used to refer to the English language itself.
- Yoruba speakers may use òyìnbó to tease a friend who is acting too 'proper' or formal in a Western way.
Examples in context
- Òyìnbó náà ń sọ èdè wọn.The white person is speaking their language.
- Mo rí òyìnbó kan ní ọjà.I saw a white person at the market.
- Ṣé òyìnbó ni ẹ́?Are you a white person?
Example conversation
Yejide and Olumide are talking about a new neighbor.
- YejideOlumide, ǹjẹ́ o rí ọ̀rẹ́ tuntun yẹn?Olumide, did you see that new friend?
- OlumideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó jẹ́ òyìnbó.Yes, he is a white person.
- YejideǸjẹ́ ó sọ èdè Yorùbá?Does he speak Yoruba?
- OlumideBéè ni, ó mọ díẹ̀.Yes, he knows a little.
