Question Words

1. Me?

   What?

   Usage

   A one-word request for clarification when you did not catch something

2. Ina?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a location. Point at a map or photo while you say it

3. Yaushe?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks for a time or date — useful for departure times

4. Wa?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who someone is or who is in charge

5. Me ya sa?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason. It can sound blunt, so soften it with a smile

6. Yaya?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks how to do something — ticket machines, for instance

7. Nawa?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. Nawa ne kuɗinsa?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard price question. In markets ask them to show the number on a calculator

9. Wanne?

   Which one?

   Usage

   For choosing between options — use it while pointing

10. Menene wannan?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product to ask what it is

11. Ina banɗaki?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions of any trip. Works in shops, stations and hotels

12. Ƙarfe nawa ne?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful when your phone is dead

13. Akwai?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    A short way to ask about stock or availability while pointing at something

14. Zai yiwu?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — card payment, changing money and so on

15. Ana biyan kuɗi?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Checks for an extra fee — luggage storage, Wi-Fi and the like

16. Kyauta ne?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free of charge — water or refills, for example

17. Ya dace?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Bai dace ba?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Kana lafiya?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Ya dace?" which asks permission. Masculine form; for a woman: "Kina lafiya?"

20. Gaskiya ne?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Ka tabbata?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Reconfirms a fact; more formal than "Gaskiya ne?". Masculine form; for a woman: "Kin tabbata?"

22. Daga ina kake?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener. Masculine form; for a woman: "Daga ina kike?"

23. Menene sunanka?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener. Masculine form; for a woman: "Menene sunanki?"

24. Shekarunka nawa?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age, especially a woman's or a stranger's, can be considered impolite. Best reserved for once you know someone or as a mark of respect toward elders

25. Za mu iya ɗaukar hoto tare?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission

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