Family Members in Yorùbá Language

The concept of family is an integral part of Yoruba culture. Identifying and referring to family members appropriately is one of the first steps in learning the Yorùbá language. In this post, we will explore the names of various family members in Yoruba and their meanings.

In Yoruba culture, family holds a special place. It is not just about parents and siblings but extends to uncles, aunts, cousins, and even friends who become part of the larger family circle. The Yorùbá language reflects this strong sense of community and belonging through specific terms used for each family member.

In this post, we will explore the names of various family members in Yorùbá and their meanings.

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Basic Family Vocabulary in Yoruba

Here are the common words for immediate family members:

Father	Bàbá
Mother	Ìyá / Màmá
Younger Sibling	Àbúrò
Older Sibling	Ẹ̀gbọ́n
Child	Ọmọ
Children	Àwọn ọmọ
Husband	Ọkọ
Wife	Aya / Ìyàwó
Son	Ọmọkùnrin
Daughter	Ọmọbìnrin

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Extended Family Members in Yoruba

Grandmother	Ìyá àgbà
Maternal Grandmother	Ìyá ìyá / Màmáa màmá
Paternal Grandmother	Ìyáa bàbá / Màmáa bàbá
Grandfather	Bàbá àgbà
Maternal Grandfather	Bàbá ìyá
Paternal Grandfather	Bàbá bàbá
Nephew/Niece	Ọmọ abúrò / Ọmọ ẹ̀gbọ́n

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Sample Sentences

To help you practice, here are some sample sentences using family-related vocabulary:

1. Bàbá mi jẹ́ ògá ní ilé iṣẹ́ – My father is a boss at the office.
2. Ìyá rẹ wà ní ilé – Your mother is at home.
3. Èmi ni ẹ̀gbọ́n rẹ̀ – I am his/her older sibling.
4. Àbúrò mi nì yìí – This is my younger sibling.

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Interactive Practice: Pronouncing Yoruba Family Words

To make learning these family terms easier, here’s a video/audio link (YouTube) where you can listen to the correct pronunciation of these family members names.

Practice along with the video, and try repeating the words aloud. If possible, converse with Yoruba speakers or fellow learners to reinforce your vocabulary. You can also record yourself speaking and compare your pronunciation with native speakers.

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Feel free to practice these words with your family and friends! Stay tuned for our next lesson.