Hausa, a Chadic language, is one of the largest languages in Africa, spoken as a first language by the Hausa people in Niger and northern Nigeria and as a second language by millions more in West Africa and beyond. It’s known for its rich oral and written literature. Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential conversational phrases and questions in Hausa for various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Sannu” / “Salama”
• Good morning – “Ina kwana” (to one person) / “Kun kwana” (to a group)
• Good afternoon – “Ina wuni” (to one person) / “Kun wuni” (to a group)
• Good evening – “Ina yini”
• Goodbye – “Sai anjima” (See you later) / “Sai watarana” (See you another day)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Sunana [name].”
• This is [name]. – “Wannan ita ce [name].” / “Wannan shi ne [name].”
• I am from [country]. – “Ni dan [country] ne.”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Ina zaune a [city/place].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Ina [place] yake?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Ta yaya zan je [place]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Shin wannan hanyar [place] ce?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Za ka iya nuna mini a taswira?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Yi hakuri, ban gane ba.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Za ka iya maimaitawa, don Allah?”
• I mean… – “Abin da nake nufi shi ne…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Me [word] ke nufi?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Zan ganka/ganki daga baya.”
• Take care – “Ka kula/kula da kanki.”
• Have a good day – “Allah ya albarkace ranar ka/ki.”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Ina son in ajiye daki.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Zan iya ganin menu, don Allah?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Ni mai cin ganyayyaki ne.”
• The bill, please. – “Don Allah, ina son lissafin kudi.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Nawa ne farashin wannan?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Kuna da wannan a wata girman?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Kawai ina kallo ne, na gode.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Zan iya biya da kati?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Kina kyau.” / “Kana kyau.”
• I miss you. – “Ina kewar ka/ki.”
• I love you. – “Ina son ka/ki.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Za ka/ki so mu fita tare?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Taimako!”
• Call the police! – “Kira ‘yan sanda!”
• I need a doctor. – “Ina bukatar likita.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Ina asibitin da yake kusa?”

These phrases offer a foundation for basic communication in Hausa. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Hausa media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Hausa.