Basic Words

1. Ee

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic yes. Often enough on its own to keep a transaction moving

2. A'a

   No

   Usage

   The basic no. Pair it with a head shake to make refusal unmistakable

3. Don Allah

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request, including when you order by pointing at something

   Grammar Note

   Literally "for God's sake", but it is the everyday word for "please" regardless of religion.

4. Na gode

   Thank you

   Usage

   For anything you receive or any help you get. The single most-used word of a trip

5. Gafara dai

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger's or staff member's attention, or to squeeze past someone

6. Yi haƙuri

   Sorry

   Usage

   An actual apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake, not for getting attention

7. Ba komai

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both "no harm done" when someone apologises and a soft "no thanks" to an offer

8. Ban gane ba

   I don't understand

   Usage

   When you did not follow what was said. It usually prompts the other person to rephrase

9. Na gane

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms the explanation landed. Clearer than just nodding

10. Na gama

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals a meal, payment or procedure is complete — also used to have plates cleared

11. Don Allah a jira

    Please wait

    Usage

    To ask someone to hold on while you dig out luggage or paperwork

    Grammar Note

    The "a" in "a jira" is the impersonal polite imperative — the safe form with strangers.

12. Jira kaɗan

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A lighter, shorter hold-on for a brief pause at a till or before a photo

13. Babba ɗaya

    One adult, please

    Usage

    For ticket desks and entrances where adult and child prices differ

14. Ban yi ajiyar wuri ba

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Na yi ajiyar wuri

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it on arrival, then give your name to speed things up

16. Don Allah a taimaka mini

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or an emergency. It is fine to say this loudly

17. Don Allah a sake faɗa

    Once more, please

    Usage

    When you missed what was said — handy for prices and room numbers

18. Don Allah a yi magana a hankali

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem. Works well combined with "once more"

19. Ina jin Hausa kaɗan

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Sets expectations early so the other person switches to simpler wording

20. Kuna jin Turanci?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when communication stalls. Usually works at hotels and airports

    Grammar Note

    Using the plural "kuna" even to one person adds respect; "ka" (m) and "ki" (f) are familiar.

21. Wannan

    This

    Usage

    For the thing in front of you; use it with a pointing finger

22. Wancan

    That one over there

    Usage

    For something further away

23. Nan

    Here

    Usage

    For the spot you are in, including where to be dropped off

24. Can

    Over there

    Usage

    For a place further away

25. Ni

    I, me

    Usage

    For indicating that you mean yourself

26. Kai

    You (to a male)

    Usage

    You addressed to a male; say Ke to a female

27. Tare

    Together

    Usage

    For showing that you are with someone

28. Ya isa

    That's enough

    Usage

    For stopping someone from adding more

29. Mutum ɗaya

    One person

    Usage

    For stating headcount; Hausa numerals follow the noun

30. Mutane biyu

    Two people

    Usage

    For stating headcount; mutane is the plural of mutum

31. Mutane uku

    Three people

    Usage

    For stating headcount

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