Beginner Nigerian Pidgin Phrases

Basic Nigerian Pidgin Phrases

• How bodi? / How you dey? / How far?: Common greetings meaning "How are you doing?" or simply "Hi".
• Wetin?: Translates to "What?", often used to ask for clarification.
• I no no / I no sabi: Phrases meaning "I don't know" and "I don't understand," respectively, reflecting limited knowledge or understanding.
• I dey fine: A response indicating "I'm fine".
• Wetin dey happen?: Meaning "What's happening?", used to inquire about ongoing events.

Expressions of Trouble and Reactions

• wahala: Translates to "trouble/problems".
• Why you dey give me wahala?: Asking, "Why are you giving me so many problems?".
• Comot! / Comot for road: Means "Get out of here!" and "Make way".
• Dem send you?: A rhetorical question implying annoyance, translating to "Have you been sent to torment me?".

Requests and Offers

• Gi mi: A straightforward way to say "Give it to me".
• I wan chop / Come chop: Phrases meaning "I want to eat" and "Come and eat".
• abeg: Means "please", a polite request term.

Emotional Responses

• vex: Translates to "upset".
• Make you no vex me!: Means "Don't upset me!".
• That man be wayo: Suggests "That man is a fraud" indicating deceit.

Cultural References

• butta my bread: Refers to "answered prayers".
• God don butta my bread: Means "God has answered my prayers", indicating divine favor.

Asserting Authority and Instructions

• I go land you slap: A warning that translates to "I will slap you".
• Listen well well: An instruction to "Pay attention".
• hear word: Means "obey instruction".

Conversations and Rhetorical Questions

• Abi? / Na so?: Rhetorical questions meaning "Isn't it?" and "Is that so?" to seek agreement.
• Wetin make I do? / Wetin make am sick?: Phrases meaning "What should I do?" and "What made you sick?".
• Ehen?: A phrase meaning "So what?" that can express curiosity or indifference.

Descriptive Terms

• sontin: Translates to "something".
• Wetin dey do you: Indicates that "There is something wrong with you".
• e no get home training: Suggests someone "wasn't raised right", reflecting poor upbringing or manners.

General Vocabulary

• dey, don, go, make, na, wey: Basic verbs in Pidgin representing "is", "has", "will", "should I", "it is", and "who", respectively.
• You sabi now: Meaning "You know how it is", used when someone has a shared experience or understanding.

These phrases and expressions reflect the casual and conversational nature of Nigerian Pidgin, showcasing cultural nuances and common vernacular in everyday interactions.