Hausa: everyday phrases and how to type ɓ ɗ ƙ

Sannu

Hello

Works at any time of day. The reply is Yauwa, sannu.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ina kwana?

Good morning

Literally 'how did you sleep?'. Used from waking until late morning. Reply: Lafiya lau.

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Lafiya lau

Fine, very well (reply)

The standard answer to almost every greeting question.

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ina wuni?

Good afternoon

Literally 'how has your day gone?'. Used from late morning until evening. Also spelled Ina yini. Reply: Lafiya lau.

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Barka da asuba

Good early morning

Said at dawn, around the first prayer.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka da safiya

Good morning

A 'blessing' greeting for the morning; reply Barka kaɗai or Yauwa.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Barka da rana

Good day (around midday)

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ina laʼasar?

Good late afternoon

Laʼasar is the afternoon prayer time, roughly 3 to 5 pm.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Barka da yamma

Good evening

Said from late afternoon into the evening.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mu kwana lafiya

Good night

Literally 'may we sleep in health'.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sai da safe

Good night, see you in the morning

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka tashi lafiya?

Did you wake up well? (to a man)

A morning question; to a woman say Kin tashi lafiya?

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Kana lafiya?

Are you well? (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Kina lafiya?

Are you well? (to a woman)

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ya kake?

How are you? (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ya kike?

How are you? (to a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina gajiya?

How is your tiredness?

Asked of anyone who has been working or travelling.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ba gajiya

No tiredness (reply)

Also Babu gajiya.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ina gida?

How is your home?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Gida lafiya lau

Everyone at home is well (reply)

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ina iyali?

How is your family?

Ina can be swapped for Yaya: Yaya iyali?

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ina yara?

How are the children?

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ina aiki?

How is work?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Aiki da godiya

Work is fine, thank God (reply)

Literally 'work with gratitude'.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sannu da zuwa

Welcome

Literally 'greetings on your coming'.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka da zuwa

Welcome

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sannu da aiki

Well done (to someone working)

Reply: Yauwa, sannu.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Yauwa

Okay, good (reply)

The usual answer to Sannu greetings.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Assalamu alaikum

Peace be upon you

Arabic greeting used by Muslims, often when arriving at a house.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Wa alaikumus salam

And upon you be peace (reply)

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sai an jima

See you later

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sai gobe

See you tomorrow

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sai wata rana

See you another day

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sai ka dawo

Until you come back (to a man)

To a woman: Sai kin dawo.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

A gaida gida

Greet your family for me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Na gode

Thank you

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Na gode ƙwarai

Thank you very much

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mun gode

We thank you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ba komai

You're welcome, it's nothing

Also Babu komai.

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Don Allah

Please

Literally 'for God's sake'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gafara dai

Excuse me

To pass someone, or called at a door before entering a compound.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka yi haƙuri

I'm sorry / please be patient (to a man)

To a woman: Ki yi haƙuri.

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Ba laifi

No problem, it's alright

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya saka da alheri

May God repay you with good

A warm, deep thank you.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Madalla

Excellent, thank you

Shows approval or thanks.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yauwa! Ya yi kyau!

Great! That's good!

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Sunana Musa

My name is Musa

Swap in your own name.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Mene ne sunanka?

What is your name? (to a man)

To a woman: Mene ne sunanki? In Niger: Mi sunanka?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Daga ina kake?

Where are you from? (to a man)

To a woman: Daga ina kike?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Daga Amurka nake

I am from America

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ni ɗan Najeriya ne

I am Nigerian (man)

A woman says Ni ʼyar Najeriya ce.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni malamin makaranta ne

I am a teacher (man)

A woman says Ni malamar makaranta ce.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ni likita ne

I am a doctor (man)

A woman says Ni likita ce.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Kai fa?

And you? (to a man)

To a woman: Ke fa?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Na ji daɗin haɗuwa da kai

Pleased to meet you (to a man)

To a woman: ... da ke.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina jin Hausa kaɗan kaɗan

I understand a little Hausa

Literally 'I hear Hausa small small'.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ban gane ba

I don't understand

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ban sani ba

I don't know

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Faɗi sannu sannu

Speak slowly

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Kana jin Turanci?

Do you understand English? (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yaya ake cewa ... da Hausa?

How do you say ... in Hausa?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina zaune a Kano

I live in Kano

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ee

Yes

Source: common usage, needs native check

Aʼa

No

Source: common usage, needs native check

To

Okay

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Me kake so?

What do you want? (to a man)

In Niger: Mi kake so?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Muna son ruwa

We want water

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Mene ne wannan?

What is this?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Zo nan

Come here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jira ni

Wait for me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kada ka damu

Don't worry (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Komai zai yi kyau

Everything will be okay

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Na gaji

I'm tired

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina farin ciki

I am happy

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Me ke damunka?

What is bothering you? (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Kana bukatar taimako?

Do you need help? (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Zan taimake ka

I will help you (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Ina tashar mota?

Where is the motor park?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Muna so mu tafi kasuwa

We want to go to the market

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ina kake so ka tafi?

Where do you want to go? (to a man)

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Nawa ne zuwa Kano?

How much is it to Kano?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yaushe mota za ta tashi?

When will the vehicle leave?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mu tafi

Let's go

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina banɗaki?

Where is the toilet?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Na ɓata hanya

I am lost

Literally 'I have lost the road'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina kasuwa?

Where is the market?

Ina means both 'where' and 'how is' in greetings.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ka juya hagu

Turn left

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka juya dama

Turn right

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka bi kai tsaye

Go straight ahead

Source: common usage, needs native check

Akwai nisa?

Is it far?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ba shi da nisa

It isn't far

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yana kusa da masallaci

It is near the mosque

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka nuna mini hanya

Show me the way

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nawa ne?

How much is it?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Nawa nawa ne?

How much is each?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ya yi tsada

It's too expensive

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka rage mini

Lower the price for me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina son wannan

I want this one

Source: common usage, needs native check

Akwai burodi?

Is there any bread?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Babu

There is none

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina bukatar kuɗi

I need money

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Abincin ya yi daɗi

The food is delicious

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mu ci abinci

Let's eat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Bismillah

Please, come and eat

Said to invite someone to share a meal.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina son shinkafa da miya

I would like rice and stew

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina jin yunwa

I am hungry

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina jin ƙishirwa

I am thirsty

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ba na cin nama

I don't eat meat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kada ka sa barkono da yawa

Don't add too much pepper

Source: common usage, needs native check

Na ƙoshi

I'm full

Source: common usage, needs native check

ɗaya

one

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

biyu

two

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

uku

three

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

huɗu

four

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

biyar

five

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

shida

six

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

bakwai

seven

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

takwas

eight

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

tara

nine

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

goma

ten

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

goma sha ɗaya

eleven

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

ashirin

twenty

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

ɗari

one hundred

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

dubu

one thousand

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ƙarfe nawa ne?

What time is it?

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Telling Time in Hausa

Ƙarfe huɗu ne

It is four o'clock

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Telling Time in Hausa

Ƙarfe shida da rabi ne

It is half past six

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Telling Time in Hausa

Ƙarfe uku da minti goma ne

It is ten past three

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Telling Time in Hausa

Yaushe?

When?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Yau

Today

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Gobe

Tomorrow

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Jiya

Yesterday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Jibi

The day after tomorrow

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Yanzu

Now

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wace rana ce yau?

What day is it today?

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Yau Litinin ce

Today is Monday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Litinin

Monday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Talata

Tuesday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Laraba

Wednesday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Alhamis

Thursday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Jumaʼa

Friday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Asabar

Saturday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Lahadi

Sunday

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Janairu

January

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Afrilu

April

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Disamba

December

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

damina

rainy season

Source: common usage, needs native check

rani

hot dry season

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wannan mahaifina ne

This is my father

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wannan mahaifiyata ce

This is my mother

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wannan matata ce

This is my wife

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wannan mijina ne

This is my husband

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina da yara uku

I have three children

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kana da aure?

Are you married? (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina mata?

How is your wife?

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ina miji?

How is your husband?

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ina sonka

I love you (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina sonki

I love you (to a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kin yi kyau

You look beautiful (to a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina kewarki

I miss you (to a woman)

To a man: Ina kewarka.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Za ki aure ni?

Will you marry me? (to a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wane aiki kake yi?

What work do you do? (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina aiki a asibiti

I work at a hospital

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni ɗalibi ne

I am a student (man)

A woman says Ni ɗaliba ce.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina so in yi karatu

I want to study

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Ina makaranta?

How is school?

Source: UW-Madison, Resources for Self-Instructional Learners of LCTLs: Hausa Greetings

Ka yi ƙoƙari

Make an effort, stay strong (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Kana iya yi

You can do it (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Ba na jin daɗi

I don't feel well

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kaina yana ciwo

My head hurts

Source: common usage, needs native check

Cikina yana ciwo

My stomach hurts

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina da zazzaɓi

I have a fever

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina bukatar likita

I need a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina asibiti?

Where is the hospital?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sannu, ya jiki?

Sorry, how are you feeling?

Literally 'how is the body?', said to someone who is ill.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya ba ka lafiya

Get well soon (to a man)

Literally 'may God give you health'. To a woman: ... ya ba ki lafiya.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya sawwaƙa

May God make it easy for you

Said to someone who is ill or in difficulty.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Taimako!

Help!

Source: common usage, needs native check

A taimaka mini!

Somebody help me!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɓarawo!

Thief!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kira ʼyan sanda

Call the police

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kira likita

Call a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gobara!

Fire!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ka bar ni!

Leave me alone! (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya jiƙansa

May God have mercy on him

For a woman: Allah ya jiƙanta.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya gafarta masa

May God forgive him

For a woman: ... gafarta mata.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya ba ku haƙuri

May God give you patience

Said to the bereaved family.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Allah ya kyauta makwanci

May God make his resting place good

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina tare da kai

I am with you (to a man)

To a woman: Ina tare da ke.

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Ba kai kaɗai ba ne

You are not alone (to a man)

Source: UW-Madison, LCTL Resources: Hausa Language Lesson, Friendship, Support & Comfort

Barka da Sallah

Happy Eid

Said at both Eid festivals.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka da shan ruwa

Greetings at breaking the fast

Used during Ramadan.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka da sabuwar shekara

Happy New Year

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka da Kirsimeti

Merry Christmas

Source: common usage, needs native check

Barka da haihuwa

Congratulations on the birth

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka da aure

Congratulations on the marriage

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Barka!

Congratulations! / Bless you!

Said after a birth, a wedding, recovery from illness, a lucky escape, or a sneeze.

Source: Peace Corps/Niger, An Introduction to the Hausa Language

Allah ya raya

May God let the child grow

Said to new parents.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Murnar zagayowar ranar haihuwa

Happy birthday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ina taya ka murna

I congratulate you (to a man)

To a woman: Ina taya ki murna.

Source: common usage, needs native check