Ẹ kú àárọ̀? Ẹ káàárọ̀ ? Ẹ káàrọ̀ ? How do you say good morning in Yorùbá.
Yorùbá has more than one way to say “good morning”. In this short guide, we’ll break down the full root greeting “Ẹ kú àárọ̀”, the proper contracted form “Ẹ káàárọ̀”, and the shortened spelling “Ẹ káàrọ̀” in clear and simple terms.
1. Ẹ kú àárọ̀ – the original, full root expression
Ẹ kú àárọ̀ is a fuller, more traditional style of greeting. Literally, it can be understood as “well done for the morning” – a way of acknowledging the person’s presence and the new day.
You will often hear this form in more formal settings, with elders, or when you want to sound extra respectful. It clearly shows the two parts: “Ẹ kú” (a respectful greeting frame) and “àárọ̀” (morning).
Think of Ẹ kú àárọ̀ as the “full root” form. From here, Yorùbá speakers naturally contract the phrase in everyday speech.
2. Ẹ káàárọ̀ – the proper contracted form
In fast, natural conversation, the sounds in Ẹ kú àárọ̀ come together. The “kú” and the beginning of “àárọ̀” blend, and many speakers say Ẹ káàárọ̀.
This form is the formally correct and proper contracted form of the original expression, and is spelled out in a way that best captures the proper pronunciation of the greeting.
It is the most common and widely spoken way to say "good morning" by native speakers. Pay attention to this spelling when learning to speak and you will sound more natural and fluent.
3. Ẹ káàrọ̀ – the shortened spelling
From Ẹ káàárọ̀, you will also see and hear a shorter written form: Ẹ káàrọ̀. Here, the long vowel in the middle is reduced in writing, and the phrase looks even simpler.
In many everyday texts, chats, and informal messages, Yorùbá speakers may choose Ẹ káàrọ̀ as a quick way to write the same morning greeting. The meaning does not change – you are still saying “good morning”.
You can see it as a step in the chain: Ẹ kú àárọ̀ (full root) → Ẹ káàárọ̀ (contracted) → Ẹ káàrọ̀ (shortened spelling).
So, which form should you use?
For learners, it is helpful to understand Ẹ kú àárọ̀ so you understand the full structure. As you become more comfortable, you will naturally hear and use Ẹ káàárọ̀ and Ẹ káàrọ̀ in real conversations.
Most importantly, do not be afraid of the variation. All three are connected, and Yorùbá speakers will understand that you are greeting them warmly in the morning.
As you listen to native speakers, pay attention to which version they use and in what context. Over time, your ear will tune into the tones and rhythm of Yorùbá greetings, and switching between Ẹ kú àárọ̀, Ẹ káàárọ̀, and Ẹ káàrọ̀ will feel natural.
Visit Dialogue Africa to learn & explore Yorùbá language & culture, and to practice more everyday greetings and expressions.
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