Useful Phrases

1. Ni ne na ƙirƙiri wannan app

   Ni ne na ƙir-ƙi-ri wan-nan app

   I made this app

   Usage

   Introduce the app in Hausa

   Grammar Note

   Hausa is a Chadic language with SVO order. Tones distinguish meaning

2. Wannan app kyauta ne

   Wan-nan app kyau-ta ne

   This app is free

   Usage

   Explain the app is free

   Grammar Note

   "Kyauta" means both "gift" and "free of charge" in Hausa

3. Gwada zazzage shi

   Gwa-da zaz-za-ge shi

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   Hausa imperatives use the verb stem directly. "Gwada" means "to try/test"

4. Ni ɗan Japan ne

   Ni ɗan Japan ne

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Introduce your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "Ɗan" (son of) expresses origin. Women say "Ni 'yar Japan ce"

5. Ni matafiyi ne

   Ni ma-ta-fi-yi ne

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Identify yourself as a traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Matafiyi" derives from "tafi" (to go) — one who goes/travels

6. Ina tafiya ni kaɗai

   I-na ta-fi-ya ni ka-ɗai

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Tell others you are traveling solo

   Grammar Note

   "Kaɗai" is a Hausa adverb meaning "alone/only"

7. Wannan karon farko ne nake nan

   Wan-nan ka-ron far-ko ne na-ke nan

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Express that this is your first visit

   Grammar Note

   "Karo" (time/occasion) + "farko" (first) = "karon farko" (first time)

8. Zan iya ɗaukar hoto?

   Zan i-ya ɗau-kar ho-to?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Ask for permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Iya" is the Hausa modal verb expressing ability/permission

9. Za mu ɗauki hoto tare?

   Za mu ɗau-ki ho-to ta-re?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Tare" is the Hausa adverb meaning "together"

10. Don Allah, duba QR code

    Don Al-lah, du-ba QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Ask someone to scan the QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Don Allah" = "for the sake of Allah" — the Hausa "please", reflecting Islamic culture

11. Kar ka yaudare ni

    Kar ka yau-da-re ni

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Used to protest being cheated or overcharged

    Grammar Note

    "Kar ka" is the Hausa prohibitive. "Yaudare" means to cheat/deceive

12. Kar ka raina ni

    Kar ka rai-na ni

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone underestimates or disrespects you

    Grammar Note

    "Raina" is a verb meaning to look down on or underestimate. "Kar ka" is the prohibitive

Browse all TravelPhrases languages