Greetings

Ẹ káàárọ̀

literally “you (respectful) greet the morning”

• informalKáàárọ̀

The Ẹ- prefix shows respect, and is used for elders, strangers, or more than one person. To a friend or a child: Káàárọ̀.

Ụtụtụ ọma

literally “morning good”

Literally 'good morning'. Ndeewo works at any time of day if you are unsure.

Ina kwana

literally “how (was) the sleeping”

• also usedBarka da safe

Hausa morning greetings ask how you slept. The usual reply is Lafiya lau — in good health.

Ẹ káàsán

literally “you (respectful) greet the afternoon”

• informalKáàsán

Ehihie ọma

literally “afternoon good”

Ina wuni

literally “how (is) the day”

• also usedBarka da rana

Asks how your day has gone. Reply: Lafiya lau.

Ẹ kú alẹ́

literally “you (respectful) greet the evening”

• informalKú alẹ́

Mgbede ọma

literally “evening good”

Barka da yamma

literally “blessings with the evening”

Báwo ni

literally “how is it”

Yorùbá has no single all-purpose 'hello' — greetings are tied to the time of day or the situation. Báwo ni is the closest general opener, and is informal.

Ndeewo

• casualKedu

Respectful and usable at any hour. Kedu is the more casual equivalent.

Sannu

• to several peopleSannu ku

The general-purpose greeting. To more than one person: Sannu ku.

Ẹ káàbọ̀

literally “you (respectful) greet the returning”

Said to someone arriving. The reply is often a simple thank you.

Nnọọ

Barka da zuwa

literally “blessings with the coming”

Ẹ kú iṣẹ́

literally “you (respectful) greet the work”

Yorùbá has greetings for specific situations that English simply does not have — for someone working, someone sitting, someone who has travelled. Using the right one is noticed.

Jisie ike

literally “hold strength firmly”

Said to encourage someone at work. Reply: Ọ dị mma.

Sannu da aiki

literally “greetings with work”