Chapter 7: Idioms and the Body
Idioms with the Verb Goyo
Goyo means "to beat", but it powers many Dholuo idioms: goyo thum, goyo erokamano, goyo mpira and more.
📚 Theory: The Verb ‘Goyo’
The verb ‘goyo’ means ‘to beat’. It is used to create a number of idioms in Dholuo.
| Dholuo | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goyo thum | To play music | |
| Goyo rangi | To paint | The word ‘rangi’ is borrowed from the Kiswahili word for paint. It can also mean ‘to polish shoes’ |
| Goyo oriti | To say goodbye | |
| Goyo erokamano | To say thank you | |
| Goyo mpira | To play football | The word ‘mpira’ is another loan word from Kiswahili. It means a ball. |
| Goyo adhula | To play football | It has the same meaning as ‘goyo mpira’ only without the kiswahili loanword. |
| Goyo koko | To make noise | |
| Goyo mos | To apologize | |
| Goyo mbaka | To make conversation with someone | |
| Goyo olang’ | To ring a bell | |
| Goyo abal | To swim |
✍️ The word ‘goyo’
Write down three sentences containing idioms built on the word ‘goyo’. Include their English translations.
Example: Bi wagoyo mbaka! – Come, we have a conversation
Suggested length: up to 100 words.
🎯 Practice Exercises
Interactive practice for this lesson is coming soon. In the meantime, say the phrases above out loud on Echo.
Speak on Echo
Answer the daily Dholuo prompt or post your own recording on Echo. Other learners listen, and a native Luo speaker reviews how you sound.
Practice speaking on Echo