How to Say “Thank You” in Yorùbá — And Why It Matters

Ẹ káàbọ̀ o!

Whether you’re learning Yorùbá for the first time or brushing up on what you already know, understanding how to say thank you properly isn’t just about good manners. In Yorùbá culture, it’s a vital way to show respect, humility, and deep cultural awareness.

So let’s break it down—how to say thank you in Yorùbá, when to use which version, and how you can start using it confidently in daily conversation.

🧠 Why Saying “Thank You” Is So Important in Yorùbá Culture

In Yorùbá, language is more than words—it’s a sign of character and upbringing. How you express gratitude shows how well you understand the culture and how much respect you’re giving to the person you’re speaking with.

Unlike English, Yorùbá uses different forms of “thank you” depending on who you’re addressing:

Is the person older than you?
A peer or younger?
A formal or informal situation?

Learning these distinctions will not only improve your Yorùbá but also help you move through Nigerian spaces with cultural intelligence and confidence.

💬 Two Easy Ways to Say “Thank You” in Yorùbá

1. “O ṣéun” – For Friends, Peers, and Younger People

Pronounced: oh-SHAY-oon
Use this when talking to people your age or younger, like siblings, friends, or children.

Example:
Your younger cousin brings you a snack?
➡️ Say: “O ṣéun!”
Want to keep it casual? You can shorten it to just “O ṣé.”

2. “Ẹ ṣéun” – For Elders or Formal Situations

Pronounced: eh-SHAY-oon
This is the respectful version used for elders, parents, teachers, or in formal settings.

Example:
Your grandmother hands you something you forgot?
➡️ Say: “Ẹ ṣéun!”
Shortened version? “Ẹ ṣé.” It’s polite, concise, and culturally correct.

🔑 Lingawa Tip: When in doubt, go with “Ẹ ṣé.” It’s always better to show too much respect than too little.

🎥 Watch: Learn with a Lingawa Tutor

Need help with pronunciation or unsure when to use which form?

Watch this quick video lesson from one of our expert tutors at Lingawa! They’ll break it down with real-life examples, correct tones, and tips you can use immediately.

👉 Click here to watch the video on Instagram

🎧 Pro Tip: Say the phrases out loud with the tutor to lock in correct pronunciation and build muscle memory. Don’t just watch—practice along!