jẹ́

Being in a Stated Role

Level 1

Use subject + jẹ́ + noun phrase to state a profession, relationship or classification.

How It Works

A noun subject or subject pronoun comes first, followed by jẹ́ and a nominal complement. The verb keeps its form across subjects. English 'a' need not have a separate equivalent in a profession statement. Age descriptions can use ọmọ ọdún followed by a number.

  • Mo jẹ́ àgbẹ̀. — I am a farmer.
  • Wọ́n jẹ́ akẹ́kọ̀ọ́. — They are students.
  • Ẹja jẹ́ oúnjẹ. — Fish is food.
  • Délé jẹ́ ọmọ ọdún méje. — Délé is seven years old.

Compare Bísí jẹ́ olùkọ́ with Olùkọ́ ni Bísí: both classify Bísí, but the category occupies a different position. Replacing the connector without adjusting the frame does not preserve the construction.

Use kì í ṣe for ordinary classification denial. Many qualities instead use a direct property predicate, and location uses wà. Preserve the high tone in jẹ́; mid-tone jẹ means 'eat'. The combination jẹ́ kí belongs to a separate permission or invitation construction.

Examples (4)

  1. Mo jẹ́ àgbẹ̀.

    I am a farmer.

    The profession follows jẹ́.

  2. Wọ́n jẹ́ akẹ́kọ̀ọ́.

    They are students.

    Jẹ́ retains its form with a plural subject.

  3. Ẹja jẹ́ oúnjẹ.

    Fish is food.

    The complement classifies the subject.

  4. Délé jẹ́ ọmọ ọdún méje.

    Délé is seven years old.

    The nominal complement expresses age.