Electronics

1. Fóònù

   Phone

   Usage

   From English "phone" — the everyday word

2. Ẹ̀rọ ìbánisọ̀rọ̀

   Telephone (formal term)

   Usage

   Literally "machine for conversing with people" — the formal written term. In speech, "fóònù"

3. Kọ̀mpútà

   Computer

   Usage

   From English "computer" — the word at an internet cafe

4. Ṣájà

   Charger

   Usage

   From English "charger" — show it to borrow one at your hotel

5. Okùn ṣájà

   Charging cable

   Usage

   Literally "charger cord" — show the connector shape

6. Bátìrì

   Battery

   Usage

   Covers dry cells and built-in batteries

7. Sọ́kẹ̀tì

   Power socket

   Usage

   Nigeria runs 230 V on UK-style type G sockets with three rectangular pins

8. Iná

   Electricity / light

   Usage

   Originally "fire" — "iná kò sí" means the power is out, and you will hear it constantly

9. Ẹ̀rọ amúnáwá

   Generator

   Usage

   Literally "machine that brings light" — though people often just say "generator". Outages are frequent, so everyone runs one

10. Wi-Fi

    Usage

    Ask at cafes and hotels — speed varies enormously

11. Íńtánẹ́ẹ̀tì

    Internet

    Usage

    From English "internet" — also used for mobile data

12. Káàdì SIM

    SIM card

    Usage

    Buying and registering one needs your passport

13. Kámẹ́rà

    Camera

    Usage

    Always ask before photographing people or public buildings

14. Ẹ̀rọ amóhùnmáwòrán

    Television

    Usage

    Literally "machine that captures sound and image" — a Yoruba coinage that stuck

15. Rédíò

    Radio

    Usage

    Yoruba-language radio is still a major source of news

16. Firíìjì

    Refrigerator

    Usage

    Show this if you need to keep medicine cold

17. Ẹ̀rọ afẹ́fẹ́

    Fan

    Usage

    Literally "wind machine" — more common than AC at cheap hotels

18. Ẹ̀rọ atutù

    Air conditioner

    Usage

    Literally "cooling machine" — English "AC" also works

19. Ẹ̀rọ ìfọṣọ

    Washing machine

    Usage

    Literally "clothes-washing machine" — hand-washing is more usual at hotels

Browse all TravelPhrases languages