Yoruba proverbs are sayings that carry important lessons, wisdom, and knowledge passed down through generations. They are often used in conversations to express feelings, explain situations, or teach a lesson. Proverbs are an important part of the Yoruba culture, and they are used in daily life by both children and adults. Here are some Yoruba proverbs and their English translations, with simple explanations that primary school students can understand.
1. “O ni k’eko, k’eko o ni k’ile”
Translation: “One learns from school, but does not learn from the house.” Meaning: This proverb means that we learn important things in school, but we must also learn from our surroundings and experiences in life, such as our families and communities.
2. “Igi ti a ko tan, k’ete o le da”
Translation: “A tree that is not fully grown, cannot be used for making a canoe.” Meaning: This proverb teaches that something that is not fully developed or prepared cannot be used for important tasks. It reminds us that we need time and effort to grow.
3. “Bi ile ba ru, a ko mo, a o fi te”
Translation: “When the house is in disarray, it is not easy to sit and relax.” Meaning: If things are not in order around you, it becomes difficult to focus and relax. It is important to organize our lives before we can rest.
4. “A k’aaro o k’oro”
Translation: “A morning does not begin with an argument.” Meaning: This proverb teaches that it is better to start your day in peace, without fighting or arguing. A calm start helps you have a better day.
5. “Omo eni to ba mo ni to, ni i mo lowo”
Translation: “A child who knows their parents well is the one who will have a good future.” Meaning: This teaches us the importance of respecting and learning from our parents. They guide us towards success.
6. “Eru ohun ni o mu ki a se”
Translation: “It is the fear of things that makes us take action.” Meaning: Sometimes, the fear of failure or bad results is what makes us do our best. Fear can push us to work harder.
7. “Omo ti a ko n’ile, o ni k’aja e ni kin”
Translation: “A child who is taught in the house will not behave like a dog.” Meaning: Children who are raised well in their homes will have good behavior. This teaches the importance of good upbringing.
8. “Agbala gbogbo ni o t’ode”
Translation: “Every farm belongs to a particular person.” Meaning: This teaches that everyone has a role and a place in life. Just like farms belong to farmers, we all have responsibilities that are ours to take care of.
9. “Oni mo ki n’sepe ko lo”
Translation: “The one who knows how to do something well, doesn’t talk about it.” Meaning: People who are skilled don’t boast about their abilities. Instead, they show their talents through action.
10. “Eja t’o ba n’kuku, o n’jo”
Translation: “The fish that is in the river does not know that the river has water.” Meaning: Sometimes, we don’t realize the value of the things we have until we lose them. This teaches us to appreciate what we have.
11. “Ibi ti a ti n’ba t’ile, ki n’s’os”
Translation: “The place where you are born will always have a special place in your heart.” Meaning: This proverb tells us that no matter where we go in life, we will always remember our roots and the place we were born.
12. “Bi a ba fi elugba sile, a o gba ni to”
Translation: “If you take a rock and throw it into a river, it will sink to the bottom.” Meaning: This means that no matter how tough a person is, they will eventually face challenges that will bring them down. It teaches humility and the reality of life’s struggles.
13. “Omo ti a ba ni k’ori, o ni se iyawo”
Translation: “A child who has a good head will be able to marry well.” Meaning: This proverb teaches that wisdom and intelligence will guide you to make good decisions in life, even when it comes to marriage.
14. “Ti a ba ri omo, a ki se ehin”
Translation: “When we see a child, we should not ignore them.” Meaning: This means that children should be respected and listened to, because they are the future.
15. “A ki mo baba, k’eko o di ni”
Translation: “One cannot learn from a father without knowing his background.” Meaning: To understand a person, you need to understand their background and experiences.
16. “Igba ti a ba fi omo lo, e o mo bi a ti fi ehin”
Translation: “When you send a child on an errand, you don’t know how it will end.” Meaning: You cannot always predict how things will turn out, and life can be full of surprises.
17. “O ni, a ni a o s’aye”
Translation: “One cannot carry the whole world on their head.” Meaning: This means that no one can do everything by themselves. We all need help and support from others.
18. “Akara o mu, agbado o mu”
Translation: “The bean cake does not fry itself, the corn does not boil itself.” Meaning: This teaches that we must put in effort to make things happen. Success does not come easily; hard work is required.
19. “Ojo k’oto o fo, o ni k’ale o le da”
Translation: “The rain does not fall, but the thunder speaks.” Meaning: Sometimes, things are not as they seem. When things are quiet on the surface, something else may be happening underneath.
20. “E jek’amo lo, ki o ni mo e”
Translation: “Learn from others so you can do better.” Meaning: This teaches that it is good to learn from others who have experience, so you can make wiser choices.
21. “Bi a ba fi igba ti ko to, o yege”
Translation: “When you try to solve a problem too quickly, you will make mistakes.” Meaning: This proverb tells us not to rush things, as doing so may cause mistakes. Patience is important in solving problems.
22. “Eje ka o se, a o ri siwaju”
Translation: “You can only see ahead by walking forward.” Meaning: If you want to make progress, you must keep moving forward. You cannot achieve anything if you stand still.
23. “Ibi ti a ba lo, a ti ba ile wa”
Translation: “No matter where you go, you always return home.” Meaning: This teaches that we will always return to our roots, no matter where we travel in life.
24. “O ni, bi o ba le jere, ko si esin”
Translation: “If you can’t achieve success, then there is no use in working.” Meaning: This means that the purpose of working hard is to achieve something. If you don’t reach your goal, there is no point in working.
25. “A o fi ori tuntun se re”
Translation: “You cannot change your destiny with a new head.” Meaning: This proverb teaches that our destiny is already set, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot change what is meant for us.
ConclusionYoruba proverbs are rich with meaning, and each one has a lesson for us. They help us understand the world around us and guide us in making better decisions. Whether it’s about learning, respect, patience, or humility, these proverbs offer wisdom that is valuable at every stage of life. By learning and using these proverbs, we not only keep our culture alive but also become wiser individual
