ibo / níbo

Asking Where

Level 1

Ibo ni or níbo ni + subject + predicate asks where.

How It Works

In the fronted location frame, ibo or níbo precedes mid-tone ni. The subject and predicate follow. The initial ní in níbo is distinct from the following focus ni. The question expression has no gender or number endings.

Níbo ni ilé ìwòsàn wà? requests a hospital's location. Ibo ni Bísí ń ṣiṣẹ́? requests the place where Bísí works. The predicate establishes the spatial relation, and an answer supplies a suitable place expression.

This fronted pattern permits optional ní in this fronted frame. That does not establish optional prepositions throughout Yoruba. Destination marking with sí belongs to its own construction. These examples teach location and workplace questions without extrapolating a destination paradigm.

Examples (3)

  1. Níbo ni ilé ìwòsàn wà?

    Where is the hospital?

    Questions a building's location.

  2. Ibo ni Bísí ń ṣiṣẹ́?

    Where does Bísí work?

    Uses the licensed fronted unprefixed form.

  3. Níbo ni àpò náà wà?

    Where is the bag?

    Questions an identifiable object's location.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ibo / níboLevel 1Asking Where

Learn This First

Ask ibo ni or níbo ni for a location.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.