Basic Words

1. Bẹ́ẹ̀ni

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Ẹ jọ̀wọ́

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

   Grammar Note

   The initial "Ẹ" is the respectful second-person plural. Use it with strangers and elders; "O" is the familiar form.

4. Ẹ ṣé

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

   Grammar Note

   "Ẹ ṣé" is the respectful thank-you; "O ṣé" is the familiar version.

5. Ẹ má bínú

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Ẹ má bínú" literally means "do not be angry"; it covers both squeezing past and a light apology.

6. Mo tọrọ àforíjì

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Ó dáa

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Kò yé mi

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Ó yé mi

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Mo ti parí

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ dúró

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Ẹ dúró díẹ̀

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Àgbà kan

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Mi ò ṣe ìfipamọ́

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

15. Mo ti ṣe ìfipamọ́

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Ẹ gbà mí!

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

    Grammar Note

    "Ẹ gbà mí" means "save me" — shout it in an emergency.

17. Ẹ tún sọ ọ́

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Ẹ sọ̀rọ̀ jẹ́ẹ́jẹ́

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Mo sọ díẹ̀

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Ṣé ẹ ń sọ èdè Gẹ̀ẹ́sì?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Èyí

    This

    Usage

    Point at something within reach

22. Ìyẹn

    That

    Usage

    Point at something further away; Yoruba does not split "that" and "that over there"

23. Níbí

    Here

    Usage

    Point at a place near you

24. Níbẹ̀

    There

    Usage

    Point at a place further away

25. Èmi

    I / me

    Usage

    Make clear that you mean yourself

26. Ìwọ

    You

    Usage

    Point at the other person; ẹ̀yin is politer for elders

27. Papọ̀

    Together

    Usage

    Say that you are with someone or want to sit together

28. Ènìyàn kan

    One person

    Usage

    Give the number of people for a table or room

29. Ènìyàn méjì

    Two people

    Usage

    Give the number of people for a table or room

30. Ènìyàn mẹ́ta

    Three people

    Usage

    Give the number of people for a table or room

31. Lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀

    Right now / immediately

    Usage

    Show that something needs to happen at once

32. Ẹ fi kún un

    Please add more

    Usage

    Ask for more while pointing at what you mean

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