Translation of "Hello" from English to Yoruba

Interpretations of 'Hello' in Yoruba

Interpretation 1

• Definition: A greeting used to acknowledge someone's presence or to begin a conversation.
• Common Usage: Used to greet someone when meeting them for the first time or when starting a conversation.
• Cultural Context: It is considered polite and respectful to greet others in Yoruba culture.

"Hello, how are you?"

"Bawo ni, se alafia ni?"

*Bàwo ní, ṣẹ́ aláfíà ní?*

Interpretation 2

• Definition: An expression of surprise or excitement.
• Common Usage: Used to express surprise or excitement in various situations.
• Cultural Context: Can be used to show enthusiasm or astonishment in conversations.

"Hello! I can't believe you're here!"

"Ehn hen! Mo le fi ohun ti o wa si!"

*Ẹ̀hẹ̀n! Mó lẹ fi ọ̀hùn tí ó wà sí!*

Interpretation 3

• Definition: A call for attention or to get someone's focus.
• Common Usage: Used to draw someone's attention or to indicate that you want to speak with them.
• Cultural Context: Often used in crowded places or noisy environments to get someone's attention.

"Hello, can you hear me?"

"Bawo ni, se o le maa ra mi?"

*Bàwo ní, ṣẹ o lè màá rà mi?*

Interpretation 4

• Definition: A way to initiate a phone conversation.
• Common Usage: Used at the beginning of a phone call to greet the person on the other end.
• Cultural Context: It is customary to greet someone politely before starting a conversation on the phone.

"Hello, is this Mary?"

"Bawo ni, se o ni Mary?"

*Bàwo ní, ṣẹ o ni Mary?*

Interpretation 5

• Definition: An informal way to show acknowledgment or agreement.
• Common Usage: Used to express agreement or acknowledgment in a casual manner.
• Cultural Context: Can be used among friends or peers to signify understanding or approval.

"Hello, I totally get what you mean."

"Bawo ni, mo gbe o ga ju."

*Bàwo ní, mò gbẹ́ o gà jù.*

Interpretation 6

• Definition: A way to express concern or check on someone's well-being.
• Common Usage: Used to inquire about someone's health or general state of being.
• Cultural Context: Shows care and consideration for the person being greeted.

"Hello, I heard you were feeling unwell."

"Bawo ni, mo ri pe o ti gbewa."

*Bàwo ní, mò rí pé ó ti gbẹwa.*