Feelings

1. Inú mi dùn

   I am happy

   Usage

   Literally "my inside is sweet" — Yoruba locates feeling in the belly

2. Mo ní ayọ̀

   I have joy

   Usage

   Joy at a celebration — a slightly more formal register

3. Inú mi bàjẹ́

   I am sad

   Usage

   Literally "my inside is spoiled" — also usable to express sympathy

4. Ó bí mi nínú

   I am angry

   Usage

   Literally "it angered my insides" — a strong statement, so try calm negotiation first

5. Mo bẹ̀rù

   I am afraid

   Usage

   Show this to ask for help when you feel unsafe

6. Ọkàn mi kò balẹ̀

   I am uneasy

   Usage

   Literally "my heart will not settle" — for voicing worry about a plan or your health

7. Ara mi ti rẹ̀

   I am tired

   Usage

   Literally "my body is tired" — grounds for asking to rest

8. Mo fẹ́ sùn

   I want to sleep

   Usage

   Literally "I want to sleep" — a gentle way to decline an invitation

9. Ó yà mí lẹ́nu

   I am surprised

   Usage

   Literally "it opened my mouth" — for good and bad surprises alike

10. Mo fẹ́ràn rẹ

    I like you

    Usage

    Works for friendship and romance — lighter than "nífẹ̀ẹ́"

11. Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ rẹ

    I love you

    Usage

    A strong statement, for a partner or family

12. Mo ń ṣàárò rẹ

    I miss you

    Usage

    A warm thing to say on parting, to friends and family alike

13. Ojú ń tì mí

    I am embarrassed

    Usage

    Literally "my face is pressing me" — say it after a blunder and it defuses the moment

14. Ó sú mi

    I am bored

    Usage

    Only with close friends — rude if someone is showing you around

15. Ọkàn mi balẹ̀

    I am at ease

    Usage

    Literally "my heart has settled" — for when a worry is resolved

16. Mo dá wà

    I am alone

    Usage

    Also means "I am travelling alone"

17. Mo ní ìrètí

    I am hopeful

    Usage

    Literally "I have hope" — a positive word about what is coming up

18. Mo wà dáadáa

    I am fine

    Usage

    The standard reply when asked how you are — safe with anyone

19. Ara mi kò yá

    I am not well

    Usage

    Literally "my body is not right" — works at a clinic or a hotel

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