Easy words to Apologize in Yoruba Language

Apologizing and making peace are important parts in all aspects of human being. When you say sorry in Yoruba, it’s not just about words—it’s about showing respect, humility, and the willingness to restore harmony. Whether you’ve made a mistake, hurt someone’s feelings, or want to calm a heated situation, knowing the right Yoruba phrases to use can make a big difference.

These expressions are useful for daily life: between friends, family members, spouses, neighbors, or even strangers. For Yoruba learners and Diasporans, learning how to say sorry properly can help you communicate more naturally and respectfully.

This post covers short and simple Yoruba phrases you can use to apologize and make peace. They are easy to remember, polite, and appropriate for both casual and formal settings.

Common Yoruba Phrases for Apologizing
1. Ẹ má bínú – Please don’t be angry
•  Polite and commonly used
•  Can be said to elders or peers

Example:
– Ẹ má bínú, mi ò mọ̀ pé ó burú tó bẹ́ẹ̀.
(Don’t be angry, I didn’t know it was that bad.)

2. Ṣáà má bínú sí mi – Please don’t hold it against me
•  A more personal way of asking for forgiveness, often used among friends or peers.

Example:
– Ṣáà má bínú sí mi, jọ̀wọ́.
(Please don’t get upset with me.)

3. Má ṣàníyàn – Don’t worry
•  Often used to calm someone after a misunderstanding

Example:
– Má ṣàníyàn, a má ṣètò rẹ.
(Don’t worry, we’ll settle it.)

4. Mo n bìnú – I am angry (used to explain your feelings)
5. Ṣé o bìnú? – Are you angry?
6. Má bìnú, ẹ jọ̀wọ́ – Don't be annoyed, please
•  Useful for both serious and small issues

Example:
– Má bìnú, mi ò mọ̀ pé ó ń bí o ninu
(I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was offending you.)

7. Mo bẹ̀ ọ̀ – I beg you
•  Very humble way to apologize
•  Can be used to plead for peace or forgiveness

Example:
– Mo bẹ̀ ọ̀, ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ dá mi lóhùn.
(I beg you, please forgive me.)

8. Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ darí jì mi – Please forgive me
•  A respectful and formal way to apologize

Example:
– Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ darí jì mi fún ohun tí mo ṣe.
(Please forgive me for what I did.)

9. Mo mọ̀ pé mo ṣe aṣìṣe – I know I made a mistake
10. Je ko pari – Let’s make peace
•  A simple way to suggest settling a dispute

Supporting Phrases for Making Peace
11. Ko ye ka je ko tó bẹ́ẹ̀ – We shouldn’t let it go too far
12. Jẹ ká gbàgbé e – Let’s forget about it
13. Eyo kan ni wa – We are one
14. Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ jé ká fi sílẹ̀ – Please, let’s leave it
15. Àlàáfíà ló dáa jù – Peace is better

Conclusion
In Yoruba culture, making peace is seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. The ability to say sorry and settle issues respectfully is something highly valued, whether in the home, among friends, or within the community.