Top ten Hausa Words You’ll Hear in Nigerian Pidgin


If you’ve ever spent time in Nigeria, especially with the area boys you’ve probably noticed how languages overlap, especially when it comes to Nigerian Pidgin. Hausa, one of the major languages in the country, has made its mark in Pidgin, and many words from Hausa are now part of everyday conversations. In this post, we will explore the meaning of Banza in pidgin.



Top ten Hausa words and English meaning that blend with Nigerian pidgin English 

Here’s a quick list of Hausa words that people commonly use in Pidgin and what they mean.

1. Abi

This is one of the easiest words you’ll hear almost everywhere in Nigeria. It’s used to confirm something, like Isn’t it?
Example: You dey go market tomorrow, abi?

2. Banza

The word banza is used when something is worthless or meaningless. It’s a strong word, so use it carefully!
Example: No waste time for that banza talk abeg.

3. Wahala

Wahala simply means trouble or problem, and you’ll hear it in so many contexts.
Example: I no want wahala this night o!

4. Gaskiya

Gaskiya is about honesty and truth. When someone says na gaskiya, they mean they’re speaking the truth.
Example: “Gaskiya, that food sweet die.

5. Yanfu yanfu 

This word yanfu yanfu is used to describe something in abundance. If there’s plenty of something, it’s yanfu.
Example: Tomato dey yanfu for market today.


6. Kariya

Kariya means lie or falsehood. It’s the opposite of “gaskiya.”
Example: “No talk kariya, we see you for there!”

7. Tanda

Tanda is a word for stove or a cooking spot, usually used in casual conversations.
Example: Light the tanda make we cook beans sharp sharp.

8. Shinkafa

This is the Hausa word for rice, and it’s one of the most common words people use.
Example: I don buy shinkafa, but where pepper dey?

9. Mai

Mai literally means oil or fat in Hausa, but it’s also used to describe people who sell things. For example, “mai shayi” means tea seller.
Example: I go meet mai shayi for junction, I need hot tea.

10. Mutum

Mutum simply means person or human being. It’s often used to