kí ló dé
kí ló dé is how to say why in Yoruba.
kí ló dé is used to ask for the reason or cause behind a situation that has already occurred or is currently unfolding.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of kí (what), ló (a contraction of ni o, meaning it is) and dé (to arrive or happen). Literally, it translates to what is it that arrived or happened.
Did you know?
- When responding to kí ló dé, a Yoruba speaker might start their answer with a proverb rather than a direct explanation to maintain social harmony.
- While kí ló dé asks why something happened, Yoruba has a distinct way of asking why something is desired or intended, often using different phrasing entirely.
- Yoruba is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say kí can change the meaning of the sentence entirely, even if the spelling remains the same.
Examples in context
- Kí ló dé tí o kò lọ sí iṣẹ́?Why didn't you go to work?
- Kí ló dé tí o fi ń sọ bẹ́ẹ̀?Why are you saying that?
- Kí ló dé tí o kò jẹun?Why haven't you eaten?
Example conversation
Femi asks Folake why she is late for dinner.
- FemiFolake, kí ló dé tí o fi pẹ́?Folake, why are you late?
- FolakeỌkànra rọ̀ mọ́ mi ní ọ̀nà.Traffic held me up on the road.
- FemiṢé o ti jẹun?Have you eaten?
- FolakeRárá, mi ò tíì jẹun.No, I haven't eaten yet.
