How to say happy birthday in Yoruba
Ẹ kú ọjọ́ ìbí
Say it like this: eh KOO aw-JAW ee-BEE
To say happy birthday in Yoruba, you say "Ẹ kú ọjọ́ ìbí". Yoruba is spoken by millions of people in south-west Nigeria, and also in Benin and Togo. Here is how to say it, other kind wishes and blessings, and what people sing at parties.
"Ẹ kú" is the start of many Yoruba greetings and shows respect. "Ọjọ́" means day and "ìbí" means birth. So it means "greetings on your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Yoruba
- O kú ọjọ́ ìbíSay it like this: oh KOO aw-JAW ee-BEEThe friendly form, for a friend or someone younger than you. "Ẹ" is the respectful form for elders.
- Ẹ̀mí rẹ á gùnSay it like this: EH-mee reh ah GOONMeans "your life will be long". A very common blessing to add after the greeting.
- Ọlọ́run á bùkún fún ọSay it like this: aw-LAW-roon ah boo-KOON foon awMeans "God will bless you". Yoruba birthday wishes often include a prayer like this.
- Wàá ṣe ọ̀pọ̀ ọdún láyéSay it like this: wah sheh AW-paw aw-DOON lah-YEHMeans "you will live many years in the world". A warm wish for anyone.
The Happy Birthday song in Yoruba
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
At most Yoruba birthday parties, people sing the English Happy Birthday song, as English is widely used in Nigeria. Prayers and blessings in Yoruba often follow, and guests answer "Àṣẹ!" or "Àmín!".
Birthday customs
- In Nigeria, Yoruba milestone birthdays, such as 50, 60 or 70, are often marked with a big, lively party called an "owambe".
- At Yoruba parties in Nigeria, family and friends often wear matching outfits made from the same chosen fabric, called "aso ebi".
- At Yoruba celebrations, guests often "spray" money by placing notes on the birthday person while they dance. It is a joyful way to show love and support.
A quick tip
Yoruba is a tonal language. The marks over the letters show if your voice goes up, down or stays level. The dot under "ẹ" and "ọ" makes the sound more open, like the "e" in "bed" and the "aw" in "law". If you cannot type the marks, "E ku ojo ibi" will still be understood in a message.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Yoruba to an elder?
Say "Ẹ kú ọjọ́ ìbí". The "Ẹ" at the start is the respectful form, used for elders and anyone you want to honour.
How do you say it to a friend?
Say "O kú ọjọ́ ìbí". You can add a blessing such as "Ẹ̀mí rẹ á gùn" (your life will be long).
What do you say back?
To an elder, say "Ẹ ṣé" (eh SHEH). To a friend, say "O ṣé" (oh SHEH). Both mean thank you. When someone prays for you, answer "Àṣẹ" or "Àmín".
Wish someone happy birthday in Yoruba
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Yoruba: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.