ba jẹ

Yoruba

FWOTD – 15 April 2024

Alternative forms

• bàjẹ́

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bà d͡ʒɛ́/

Verb

bà jẹ́

1. (splitting verb, ergative) to spoil; to ruin; to destroy; to damage; to corrupt

   Ó ti bà jẹ́. ― It has broken.

   Olú ba iṣu jẹ́. ― Olu spoilt the yam.

   Àyíká ti bà jẹ́. ― The environment is polluted.

2. (splitting verb, with inú) to upset; to be sad; to be troubled

   Mo rò pé ohun tí mo sọ ba ọ̀rẹ́ mi nínú jẹ́. ― I think what I said upset my friend.

   Inú ìyá mi bà jẹ́ ― My mother's sad (literally, “My mother's inside is ruined”)

3. (splitting verb, with ọkàn) to be heartbroken; to be heartsick; to be disheartened

   Synonym: gbọgbẹ́

   Ọkàn ẹ̀ bà jẹ́ ― She's heartbroken (literally, “Her heart has been destroyed”)

4. (splitting verb, with orúkọ) to bring shame to one's name; to give one a bad reputation
   • 2021, FAAJI TV, 5:04–5:08 from the start, in AJANAKU Latest Yoruba Movie 2021 Drama | 2021 Yoruba Movies Starring Itele | Regina Chukwu:

     Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni! Ìwọ! Kó o tó bà mí lórúkọ jẹ́

     Indeed! You! Before you disgrace me

Usage notes

• ba jẹ́ when used with a direct object.

Derived terms

• abàlújẹ́ (“troublemaker”)
• bà nínú jẹ́ (“to upset”)
• bàsèjẹ́ (“vandal”)
• ọ̀bàyéjẹ́ (“troublemaker”)
• àkẹ́bàjẹ́ (“spoilt child”)
• ìbàjẹ́ (“corruption”)
• ìbànújẹ́ (“sadness”)
• ìbàyíkájẹ́ (“pollution”)