Here are some common words that convey a complete sense of the Yoruba language. Each word as a standalone makes a whole sense.
come – wá
go – máa lọ
sit (down) – jókòó
stand – dìde
bye – ó dàbọ̀
welcome – káàbọ̀
enter – wọlé
ask – béèrè
answer – dáhùn
where – níbo
who – tani
how – báwo
drink – mu ú
look – wò ó
eat – jẹun
begin/start – bẹ̀rẹ̀
wait - dúró
kneel – kúnlẹ̀
bring – mú u wá
dance – jó
sleep - sùn
here – níbí yìí
there – nibẹ́ yẹn
never – láéláé
no – rárá
yes – bẹ́ẹ̀ ni
yesterday – lánàá
leave – kúrò
listen – tẹ́tí
which? – èwó
thanks – o ṣe or o ṣeun
apologize – tọrọ àforíjì
please – jọ̀wọ́
pray – gbàdúrà
read – kàwé
write – kọ̀wé
today – lónìí
tomorrow – lọ́la
yesterday – lánàá
what? – kíni?
when? – nígbà wo?
hurry – yára
maybe – bóya
later! – tó bá yá
take/receive - gbà
accept – gbà ... fún
agree – tẹ́wọ́gbà
apologies – dáríjì
Babe! - Ọmọ!
baby - ọmọdé
bro - ẹ̀gbọ̀n
open - ṣí i
close – pa á dé
now – ní báyìí
outside – ní ìta
inside – nínú
stop! – dúró!
sure! – ó dájú
sorry – má bínú
speak – sọ̀rọ̀