The Yoruba word "a" is a subject pronoun meaning "we" or an object pronoun meaning "us" depending on its position and context in the sentence. This pronoun is fundamental to everyday communication in Yoruba, allowing speakers to express collective actions, thoughts, and experiences. Unlike English, which distinguishes between subject "we" and object "us," Yoruba uses "a" for both functions, with the meaning determined by its syntactic position.
For more lessons in this series, visit the complete course index at https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Q: What does "a" mean in Yoruba? A: The word "a" in Yoruba is a pronoun that means "we" when used as a subject and "us" when used as an object. It refers to the speaker and at least one other person, expressing plurality and inclusiveness in communication.
In this lesson, you will encounter "a" in various contexts showing its versatility: -
As a subject pronoun initiating actions ("we eat," "we go") -
As an object pronoun receiving actions ("they see us," "he calls us") -
In different tense constructions showing past, present, and future -
With various verb types demonstrating Yoruba's tonal and grammatical patterns -
In everyday conversational contexts relevant to learners
Course Title: Yoruba for English Speakers Lesson Number: 4 Topic: The pronoun "a" (we/us) Level: Beginner Learning Objectives: -
Understand the dual function of "a" as both subject and object pronoun -
Recognize "a" in various sentence positions -
Use "a" correctly in basic Yoruba sentences -
Understand tonal variations affecting meaning
-
"a" serves as both "we" and "us" in Yoruba -
Position in the sentence determines whether it's subject or object -
Tone marks are crucial for proper pronunciation -
"a" is essential for expressing collective actions and experiences -
Understanding "a" helps build foundation for more complex pronouns
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
4.1 A we ti have jẹun eaten tán finished
4.2 Wọ́n they rí see wa us ní at ọjà market
4.3 Ìyá mother pè called wá us wá come ilé home
4.4 A we ó will lọ go sí to iṣẹ́ work ní at òwúrọ̀ morning
4.5 Bàbá father fún gave wa us ní (marker) owó money
4.6 Kíni what a we ń are ṣe doing níbí here
4.7 A we kò not lè can sọ speak Gẹ̀ẹ́sì English
4.8 Ẹ you(pl) jẹ́ let kí that a we lọ go
4.9 Ọ̀rẹ́ friend mi my bá with wa us ṣeré play
4.10 A we ti have kọ́ learned ìwé book yìí this
4.11 Àwọn they kọ́ taught wa us orin song tuntun new
4.12 A we gbọ́dọ̀ must ṣe do iṣẹ́ work wa our
4.13 Olùkọ́ teacher sọ told fún to wa us pé that kí (subjunctive) a we wá come
4.14 Nígbà when tí that a we dé arrived ibẹ̀ there
4.15 A we ò will padà return wá come ọ̀la tomorrow
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
4.1 A ti jẹun tán. We have finished eating.
4.2 Wọ́n rí wa ní ọjà. They saw us at the market.
4.3 Ìyá pè wá wá ilé. Mother called us home.
4.4 A ó lọ sí iṣẹ́ ní òwúrọ̀. We will go to work in the morning.
4.5 Bàbá fún wa ní owó. Father gave us money.
4.6 Kíni a ń ṣe níbí? What are we doing here?
4.7 A kò lè sọ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì. We cannot speak English.
4.8 Ẹ jẹ́ kí a lọ. Let us go.
4.9 Ọ̀rẹ́ mi bá wa ṣeré. My friend played with us.
4.10 A ti kọ́ ìwé yìí. We have studied this book.
4.11 Àwọn kọ́ wa orin tuntun. They taught us a new song.
4.12 A gbọ́dọ̀ ṣe iṣẹ́ wa. We must do our work.
4.13 Olùkọ́ sọ fún wa pé kí a wá. The teacher told us to come.
4.14 Nígbà tí a dé ibẹ̀. When we arrived there.
4.15 A ò padà wá ọ̀la. We will come back tomorrow.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
4.1 A ti jẹun tán.
4.2 Wọ́n rí wa ní ọjà.
4.3 Ìyá pè wá wá ilé.
4.4 A ó lọ sí iṣẹ́ ní òwúrọ̀.
4.5 Bàbá fún wa ní owó.
4.6 Kíni a ń ṣe níbí?
4.7 A kò lè sọ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì.
4.8 Ẹ jẹ́ kí a lọ.
4.9 Ọ̀rẹ́ mi bá wa ṣeré.
4.10 A ti kọ́ ìwé yìí.
4.11 Àwọn kọ́ wa orin tuntun.
4.12 A gbọ́dọ̀ ṣe iṣẹ́ wa.
4.13 Olùkọ́ sọ fún wa pé kí a wá.
4.14 Nígbà tí a dé ibẹ̀.
4.15 A ò padà wá ọ̀la.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Yoruba pronoun "a" functions as both a subject and object pronoun, unlike English which distinguishes between "we" and "us."
As Subject Pronoun (we): -
"a" appears before the verb -
Often accompanied by tense markers: ń (progressive), ti (perfect), ó (future) -
Example: "A ń lọ" (We are going)
As Object Pronoun (us): -
"a" becomes "wa" when used as an object -
Appears after the verb or preposition -
Example: "Wọ́n rí wa" (They saw us)
-
Identify the pronoun's role: Is it performing the action (subject) or receiving it (object)? -
Subject position: Use "a" before the verb -
Present: A + ń + verb -
Past: A + ti + verb -
Future: A + ó + verb -
Object position: Change to "wa" after verbs or prepositions -
Direct object: Verb + wa -
Indirect object: Verb + preposition + wa
-
Using "a" instead of "wa" for objects -
Wrong: Wọ́n rí a -
Correct: Wọ́n rí wa (They saw us) -
Forgetting tense markers -
Wrong: A lọ (ambiguous tense) -
Better: A ń lọ (We are going) or A ti lọ (We have gone) -
Incorrect word order -
Wrong: Ń a lọ -
Correct: A ń lọ (We are going) -
Confusing "a" with "à" (we-negative) -
"a" = we (neutral tone) -
"à" = we (in negative constructions)
-
English: Distinct forms "we" (subject) and "us" (object) -
Yoruba: "a" (subject) changes to "wa" (object) -
English: Auxiliary verbs show tense (we are going, we will go) -
Yoruba: Particles show tense (a ń lọ, a ó lọ)
Subject forms: -
a (we - neutral) -
à (we - in negative)
Object forms: -
wa (us)
With tense markers: -
a ń (we are...) -
a ti (we have...) -
a ó (we will...) -
a kò (we do not...)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The use of "a" (we/us) in Yoruba reflects the communal nature of Yoruba society. Unlike individualistic cultures, Yoruba culture emphasizes collective identity and shared responsibility. The pronoun "a" embodies this worldview by frequently appearing in everyday discourse.
Social Implications: In Yoruba culture, using "a" often implies shared responsibility and collective action. When someone says "A ó ṣe é" (We will do it), it's understood that the task is a communal effort, not just the speaker's responsibility.
Age and Respect: Young people often use "a" when speaking to elders to show humility and avoid seeming presumptuous. Instead of "Mo wá" (I came), they might say "A wá" (We came) even if alone, showing deference.
Proverbs and Wisdom: Many Yoruba proverbs use "a" to express universal truths: -
"A kìí fi ọjọ́ kan bọ́ ọmọ" (We don't raise a child in one day) -
"A díẹ̀ díẹ̀ ni a fi ń jẹ ewúrà ẹlẹ́dẹ̀" (Little by little is how we eat the pig's yam)
Religious Context: In prayers and religious ceremonies, "a" is frequently used to express communal supplication and shared faith. Christian and Muslim Yoruba speakers often begin prayers with "A dúpẹ́" (We give thanks).
Modern Usage: Even in contemporary urban settings, the collective "a" remains strong, though younger speakers sometimes adopt more individualistic speech patterns influenced by English. However, in formal settings and traditional contexts, the communal "a" prevails.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From D.O. Fagunwa's "Ògbójú Ọdẹ nínú Igbó Irúnmalẹ̀" (The Brave Hunter in the Forest of Demons), 1938:
"A rìn, a rìn, a kò rí ohunkóhun tí ó lè báni lẹ́rù, ṣùgbọ́n bí a ti ń lọ báyìí ni ilẹ̀ ń ṣú dúdú sí i..."
A we rìn walked, a we rìn walked, a we kò not rí see ohunkóhun anything tí that ó it lè can bá meet ni person lẹ́rù fear, ṣùgbọ́n but bí as a we ti (aspect) ń are lọ going báyìí like-this ni (focus) ilẹ̀ ground ń is ṣú getting dúdú dark sí to i it
"A rìn, a rìn, a kò rí ohunkóhun tí ó lè báni lẹ́rù, ṣùgbọ́n bí a ti ń lọ báyìí ni ilẹ̀ ń ṣú dúdú sí i..."
We walked and walked, we did not see anything that could frighten one, but as we were going like this, the ground was getting darker...
This excerpt from Fagunwa's classic work demonstrates the repetitive use of "a" to create narrative rhythm and emphasize the collective journey of the hunters. The repetition "A rìn, a rìn" (We walked, we walked) is a common Yoruba storytelling device that conveys continuous action and builds suspense.
-
First "a": Subject pronoun with simple past verb "rìn" -
Repetition: Creates aspectual meaning of continuous action -
"a kò rí": Negative construction (we did not see) -
"bí a ti ń lọ": Complex construction showing "as we were going" -
Narrative voice: The consistent use of "a" maintains the collective perspective throughout
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
4.16 A we ti have dé arrived ilé home báyìí now
4.17 Ṣé Q a we lè can jẹun eat papọ̀ together
4.18 Bàbá father ní said kí that a we dúró wait de for òun him
4.19 A we ò will lọ go ra buy nǹkan things ní at ọjà market
4.20 Ọmọ child yìí this bá spoiled wa us jẹ́ completely
4.21 Kí what la we ó will ṣe do nípa about rẹ̀ it
4.22 Wọ́n they fẹ́ want rí see wa us ní at àárọ̀ morning ọ̀la tomorrow
4.23 A we kò not ní have owó money tó enough
4.24 Jẹ́ let kí that a we gbìyànjú try síi more
4.25 Ìyá mother wa our sọ said pé that a we ti too pẹ́ late
4.26 A we gbọ́dọ̀ must kánjú hurry kí so a we tó reach ibẹ̀ there
4.27 Ẹ̀yin you ló are sọ told fún to wa us báun like-that
4.28 A we yóò will rí see ara each wa other lẹ́ẹ̀kansi again
4.29 Kí before a we tó (subjunctive) mọ̀ know, ọjọ́ day ti has dì become alẹ́ evening
4.30 A we dúpẹ́ thank púpọ̀ much fún for ìrànlọ́wọ́ help yín your
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
4.16 A ti dé ilé báyìí. We have arrived home now.
4.17 Ṣé a lè jẹun papọ̀? Can we eat together?
4.18 Bàbá ní kí a dúró de òun. Father said we should wait for him.
4.19 A ò lọ ra nǹkan ní ọjà. We will go buy things at the market.
4.20 Ọmọ yìí bá wa jẹ́. This child has really troubled us.
4.21 Kí la ó ṣe nípa rẹ̀? What shall we do about it?
4.22 Wọ́n fẹ́ rí wa ní àárọ̀ ọ̀la. They want to see us tomorrow morning.
4.23 A kò ní owó tó. We don't have enough money.
4.24 Jẹ́ kí a gbìyànjú síi. Let us try harder.
4.25 Ìyá wa sọ pé a ti pẹ́. Our mother said we are late.
4.26 A gbọ́dọ̀ kánjú kí a tó ibẹ̀. We must hurry to get there.
4.27 Ẹ̀yin ló sọ fún wa báun. You (plural) are the ones who told us so.
4.28 A yóò rí ara wa lẹ́ẹ̀kansi. We will see each other again.
4.29 Kí a tó mọ̀, ọjọ́ ti dì alẹ́. Before we knew it, the day had become evening.
4.30 A dúpẹ́ púpọ̀ fún ìrànlọ́wọ́ yín. We thank you very much for your help.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
4.16 A ti dé ilé báyìí.
4.17 Ṣé a lè jẹun papọ̀?
4.18 Bàbá ní kí a dúró de òun.
4.19 A ò lọ ra nǹkan ní ọjà.
4.20 Ọmọ yìí bá wa jẹ́.
4.21 Kí la ó ṣe nípa rẹ̀?
4.22 Wọ́n fẹ́ rí wa ní àárọ̀ ọ̀la.
4.23 A kò ní owó tó.
4.24 Jẹ́ kí a gbìyànjú síi.
4.25 Ìyá wa sọ pé a ti pẹ́.
4.26 A gbọ́dọ̀ kánjú kí a tó ibẹ̀.
4.27 Ẹ̀yin ló sọ fún wa báun.
4.28 A yóò rí ara wa lẹ́ẹ̀kansi.
4.29 Kí a tó mọ̀, ọjọ́ ti dì alẹ́.
4.30 A dúpẹ́ púpọ̀ fún ìrànlọ́wọ́ yín.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
In daily Yoruba conversation, "a" appears in several key patterns:
Question Formation: -
"Ṣé a lè..." (Can we...?) -
"Kí la ó ṣe?" (What shall we do?) -
The question marker "ṣé" often precedes "a"
Reported Speech: -
"...ní kí a..." (said that we should...) -
"...sọ pé a..." (said that we...) -
Note how "a" maintains its form in reported speech
Compound Constructions: -
"a ti pẹ́" (we are late) - literally "we have delayed" -
"bá wa jẹ́" (troubled us) - idiomatic expression -
"rí ara wa" (see each other) - reflexive construction
Time Expressions: -
"Kí a tó mọ̀" (Before we knew it) -
Shows subjunctive mood with "kí...tó" construction -
"a" remains unchanged in these contexts
-
Overusing "àwa" (emphatic we) instead of simple "a" -
Daily conversation prefers simple "a" -
Use "àwa" only for emphasis -
Forgetting to change "a" to "wa" in "ara wa" (each other) -
This fixed expression always uses "wa" -
Incorrect question formation -
Remember: Question word + la (contracted form of "ni a") -
Example: "Kí la ó ṣe?" not "Kí a ó ṣe?"
In daily conversation, "a" can indicate: -
Inclusiveness: Drawing the listener into shared experience -
Politeness: Using collective forms to avoid directness -
Solidarity: Emphasizing group membership and belonging
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering self-directed learning approaches for classical and modern languages. These Yoruba lessons follow the Institute's proven methodology, which emphasizes:
Comprehensible Input Through Interlinear Texts: Each lesson provides carefully scaffolded content with word-by-word glosses in Section A, allowing beginners to understand authentic Yoruba from the first lesson. This approach, refined over nearly two decades, enables learners to build vocabulary and grasp grammatical structures naturally.
Progressive Skill Building: The lessons move systematically from supported reading (with full English glosses) to independent comprehension (Yoruba-only text), mirroring the natural language acquisition process. This graduated approach has proven successful for thousands of autodidactic learners worldwide.
Cultural Integration: Unlike conventional textbooks, these lessons embed cultural context throughout, recognizing that language and culture are inseparable. Understanding when and how to use pronouns like "a" requires cultural as well as grammatical knowledge.
Literary Engagement: Each lesson includes authentic literary excerpts, exposing learners to real Yoruba as used by native speakers and celebrated authors. This approach, central to the Latinum method, ensures learners encounter the living language rather than artificial textbook constructions.
Genre Variety: The inclusion of different genres—from daily conversation to formal writing—prepares learners for real-world communication. This comprehensive exposure is essential for developing practical language skills.
The Latinum Institute's approach has received widespread recognition for its effectiveness. For testimonials and reviews from learners worldwide, visit https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
These lessons are designed for self-directed learners who want to progress at their own pace without dependence on classroom instruction. The clear structure, comprehensive explanations, and cultural notes provide everything needed for independent study.
For more information about the Latinum Institute's methodology and to access the complete course index, visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index and latinum.org.uk
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---