Easy Yoruba Words to Teach Your Kids at Home

Teaching your kids Yoruba at home doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, the earlier children are introduced to native words, the easier it becomes for them to pick up the language naturally. For many Yoruba families living abroad — in places like the UK, US, Canada, or other parts of the world — passing down the mother tongue helps children understand the native language.

Children learn best through repetition, visuals, and everyday use. So starting with simple and common Yoruba words can be both fun and effective. This guide provides easy Yoruba words across different categories like greetings, body parts, family members, and everyday objects — perfect for parents or guardians looking to raise confident, bilingual kids at home.

COMMON YORUBA WORDS FOR KIDS (WITH ENGLISH MEANINGS)
1. Greetings
•  Bàáwo ni? – How are you?
•  Ẹ káàárọ̀ – Good morning
•  Ẹ káàsán – Good afternoon
•  Ẹ kúùrọ̀lẹ́ – Good evening
•  Odàbọ̀ – Goodbye
Encourage kids to greet every morning using “Ẹ káàárọ̀” or say “Odàbọ̀” when leaving a room or ending a call.

2. Family Members
•  Màmá – Mother
•  Bàbá – Father
•  Àbúrò – Younger sibling
•  Ègbón – Older sibling
•  Ìyá – Mum
•  Bàbá – Dad
•  Ìyá Agba – Grandmother
•  Bàbá Agba – Grandfather
You can make it fun by pointing at family pictures and calling their Yoruba titles together.

3. Body Parts
•  Ereke – Cheek
•  Ojú – Eye
•  Etí – Ear
•  Owo – Arm
•  Ẹsẹ̀ – Leg
•  Ọ́run – Neck
•  Imú – Nose
•  Ẹnu – Mouth
When dressing up or bathing, name each part in Yoruba: “This is your etí (ear),” “Touch your ojú (eye).”

4. Everyday Objects
•  Ìwé – Book
•  Aga – Chair
•  Tabili – Table
•  Bàtà – Shoe
•  Aṣọ – Cloth
•  Ìbùkún – Blessing
Let them repeat these as they use them: “Pick up your ìwé,” “Sit on the Aga.”

5. Numbers (1 to 5)
•  Ọ̀kan – One
•  Èjì – Two
•  Ẹ̀ta – Three
•  Ẹ̀rin – Four
•  Àrún – Five
Use these during play or counting games: “Give me ikan (one),” “Count àrún (five) spoons.”

6. Polite Words
•  Ẹ ṣé – Thank you
•  Pẹ̀lẹ́ – Sorry / Well done
•  Bẹ́ẹ̀ni – Yes
•  Rárá – No
•  Jọ̀wọ́ – Please
Make them part of daily habits: “Say ẹ ṣé when someone gives you something.”

Tips for Teaching Kids Yoruba at Home:
•  Use flashcards or draw simple pictures and label them in Yoruba.
•  Make songs or chants using Yoruba words.
•  Use bedtime and mealtime to repeat key words.
•  Watch Yoruba nursery videos or animations if available.
•  Mix Yoruba into everyday conversations gradually — even one or two words at a time.

Conclusion:
Introducing your children to Yoruba early is one of the best gifts you can give them. It strengthens their identity and improves communication with family. You don’t need to be a language expert — just a few words each day can make a big difference. Start small, be consistent, and before you know it, your kids will be speaking Yoruba with pride and ease.