Each and Repeated Groups

Level 3

Méjì-méjì can mean ‘in pairs’; ọdọọdún means ‘every year’.

How It Works

Distributive constructions apply a quantity or event separately across a set or series. Repeating a numeral can specify an allocation or group size: méjì-méjì means ‘two each’ or ‘in pairs’, according to context. Compare ìwé mẹ́ta ‘three books’ with ìwé mẹ́ta-mẹ́ta in a clause distributing three books to each recipient.

Established time forms express recurrence. Ọdún means ‘year’; ọdọọdún means ‘every year’. The repeated time expression involves vowel assimilation rather than a simple unchanged copy. Preserve its written vowel sequence and final high tone.

These patterns do not license unrestricted doubling of nouns. Repeated numerals, recurring time words and forms with linking morphemes require separate analyses. There are no gender or agreement endings added by the repetition. Habitual máa ń can accompany a recurring time expression, while a repeated numeral can also describe a completed allocation.

Examples (3)

  1. Ẹ jókòó ní méjì-méjì.

    Sit in pairs.

    The numeral specifies groups of two.

  2. Wọ́n gba ìwé mẹ́ta-mẹ́ta.

    They received three books each.

    The quantity is distributed to the recipients.

  3. A máa ń lọ sí Ìbàdàn lọ́dọọdún.

    We go to Ibadan every year.

    The contracted time phrase expresses annual recurrence.

How It Connects

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Each and Repeated GroupsLevel 3

Learn This First

Repeated numerals specify separate allocations or groups; established time forms mark recurrence.