Electronics

1. Waya

   Phone

   Usage

   Originally "wire" — the everyday word for a phone

2. Wayar hannu

   Mobile phone

   Usage

   Literally "hand phone" — clearer at a repair stall

3. Kwamfuta

   Computer

   Usage

   From English "computer" — the word at an internet cafe

4. Laptop

   Usage

   An English loanword, understood as is

5. Cajar

   Charger

   Usage

   Show this to borrow one at your hotel

6. Igiyar caja

   Charging cable

   Usage

   Literally "charging cord" — show the connector shape

7. Powerbank

   Power bank

   Usage

   Essential where outages are daily — sold in markets

8. Batir

   Battery

   Usage

   Covers dry cells and built-in batteries

9. Soket

   Power socket

   Usage

   Nigeria runs 230 V on UK-style type G sockets with three rectangular pins

10. Wuta

    Electricity / power

    Usage

    Originally "fire" — "babu wuta" means the power is out, and you will hear it constantly

11. Janareta

    Generator

    Usage

    Outages are frequent, so hotels and shops run their own — worth checking before you book

12. Tocila

    Flashlight / torch

    Usage

    From English "torch" — essential during outages

13. Fanka

    Fan

    Usage

    More common than air conditioning at cheap hotels

14. Na'urar sanyaya iska

    Air conditioner

    Usage

    Literally "air-cooling device" — English "AC" also works. The dry season tops 40 °C

15. Firji

    Refrigerator

    Usage

    Show this if you need to keep medicine cold

16. Talabijin

    Television

    Usage

    For checking what a room comes with

17. Rediyo

    Radio

    Usage

    Hausa-language radio is still a major source of news

18. Rimot

    Remote control

    Usage

    From English "remote" — for when you cannot find it

19. Injin wanki

    Washing machine

    Usage

    Literally "washing machine" — hand-washing is more usual at hotels

20. Kyamara

    Camera

    Usage

    Always ask before photographing people or public buildings

21. Belun kunne

    Earphones

    Usage

    The everyday term, understood in markets

22. Katin SIM

    SIM card

    Usage

    You need your passport to buy and register one

23. Intanet

    Internet

    Usage

    Also used when talking about mobile data

24. Kalmar sirri

    Password

    Usage

    Literally "secret word" — for asking the Wi-Fi password

Browse all TravelPhrases languages