The first thing you will ever need to say
Ẹ káàárọ̀
literally “you (respectful) greet the morning”
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”
Hausa morning greetings ask how you slept. The usual reply is Lafiya lau — in good health.
Ẹ káàsán
literally “you (respectful) greet the afternoon”
Ehihie ọma
literally “afternoon good”
Ina wuni
literally “how (is) the day”
Asks how your day has gone. Reply: Lafiya lau.
Ẹ kú alẹ́
literally “you (respectful) greet the evening”
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
Respectful and usable at any hour. Kedu is the more casual equivalent.
Sannu
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”
1 phrase here wants a speaker's eye first
These phrases were drafted for NaijaTongues and are still awaiting native-speaker review. Wording, tone marks and register vary by region, and anything marked as wanting review is where a speaker would help most. If something reads wrong to you as a speaker, suggest the correct form on any phrase — or tell us.