jọ̀wọ́
Making a Polite Request
Begin with jọ̀wọ́, or ẹ jọ̀wọ́ for plural or respectful address.
How It Works
Use jọ̀wọ́ with an instruction to request an action courteously. A comma can separate the courtesy expression from the instruction in writing. The verb phrase supplies the action and any object or destination; it needs no extra word corresponding to English ‘to.’
For several listeners or one respected listener, use ẹ jọ̀wọ́. The instruction can also carry ẹ, explicitly marking its addressee. Compare Gbé ìwé náà wá. ‘Bring the book’ with Jọ̀wọ́, gbé ìwé náà wá. ‘Please bring the book.’ To request avoidance, use a má instruction after the courtesy expression. Neither part takes an agreement ending. Politeness also depends on the speakers’ relationship and delivery; adding ‘please’ does not settle every question of appropriate address.
Examples (3)
- Jọ̀wọ́, gbé ìwé náà wá.
Please bring the book.
The instruction supplies the requested action.
- Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ fún mi ní àga.
Please give me a chair.
Ẹ marks plural or respectful address in both parts.
- Jọ̀wọ́, má ṣí fèrèsé náà.
Please do not open the window.
Má makes the instruction negative.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Use jọ̀wọ́ to make a courteous request.
Related Patterns
Practice jọ̀wọ́ in Bubblegum
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