Yorùbá for Travelers: 15 Phrases to Know Before You Visit Nigeria

Planning a trip to Nigeria? 🇳🇬
If you’re visiting Lagos, Ibadan, or any part of southwestern Nigeria, learning a few Yorùbá phrases will take you a long way. Yorùbá is one of Nigeria’s most widely spoken languages, known for its rhythm, tone, and warmth.

Whether you’re navigating markets, greeting locals, or showing respect to elders, speaking even a few Yorùbá words can turn a polite exchange into a meaningful connection.

Here are 15 essential Yorùbá phrases to know before you travel, plus pronunciation tips to help you sound natural.

1. Ẹ ǹ lẹ́ / Báwo ni? — Hello / How are you?

Polite and casual greetings you’ll hear everywhere.
Pronounced: eh-n-leh / bah-woh-nee

2. Ẹ káàárọ̀ — Good morning

Used from sunrise until late morning.
Pronounced: eh-kah-ah-raw

3. Ẹ káàsán — Good afternoon

Used from noon to around 4 p.m.
Pronounced: eh-kah-sahn

4. Ẹ káalẹ́ — Good evening

A friendly way to greet after sunset.
Pronounced: eh-kah-leh

5. Ẹ ṣé — Thank you

You’ll use this everywhere.
Pronounced: eh-sheh

6. Ẹ ṣé púpọ̀ — Thank you very much

Shows deeper appreciation.
Pronounced: eh-sheh-poo-paw

7. Bẹ́ẹ̀ni / Rárá — Yes / No

Simple, essential responses.
Pronounced: beh-eh-nee / rah-rah

8. Jọ̀ọ́ — Please / Excuse me

Useful for polite requests.
Pronounced: jaw

9. Mo dúpẹ́ — I’m grateful

A more formal way to say thank you.
Pronounced: moh-doo-peh

10. Ẹ jọ̀ọ́, mo fẹ́ ra èlé yí — Please, I want to buy this

A must-know phrase for markets.
Pronounced: eh-jaw-moh-feh-rah-eh-leh-yee

11. Èló ni? — How much is it?

Essential for shopping or bargaining.
Pronounced: eh-law-nee

12. Ṣé o mọ ibi tí mo ti lè jẹun? — Do you know where I can eat?

Useful when asking for a local restaurant or food stall.
Pronounced: shay-oh-mah-ee-bee-tee-moh-tee-leh-jeh-oon

13. Oúnjẹ náà dùn gan! — The food is delicious!

A phrase that always makes people smile.
Pronounced: oon-jeh-nah-doon-gahn-ahn

14. Ó rẹ̀ mí — I’m tired

Pronounced: oh-reh-mi

15. Ẹ káàbọ̀ — Welcome

When someone says this to you, respond with Ẹ ṣe!

Quick Pronunciation Tip

Yorùbá is a tonal language, meaning pitch changes word meaning. Try to listen and repeat words using native audio — Ajíire’s Audio Companion is a great resource for mastering these tones.

Final Thoughts

Speaking a few Yorùbá phrases before your trip helps you connect beyond tourism. It shows respect, opens doors, and lets you experience Nigeria through warmth and conversation — not just sightseeing.

Start learning now with the Ajíire Yorùbá Flashcards + Audio Companion, and you’ll arrive ready to greet, shop, and connect like a local.
 👉 Visit The Journal by Ajíire Podcast for sample audio