Barka da yamma
Barka da yamma is the Hausa way to say good afternoon.
Barka da yamma is used as a greeting from the afternoon until the onset of night.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of barka (blessing/congratulations), da (with) and yamma (afternoon/evening).
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with Barka da yamma, a common response is to say Barka dai.
Did you know?
- While Barka da yamma is a greeting, the root word barka is also used independently to congratulate someone on an achievement, similar to saying 'congratulations'.
- The phrase Barka da yamma is often accompanied by a handshake, and in traditional settings, the younger person may slightly bow or use both hands to show respect.
- The word barka is used for almost every time-based greeting in Hausa, including 'good morning' and 'good night'. It transforms a simple greeting into a wish for blessings.
Examples in context
- Barka da yamma, aboki.Good afternoon, friend.
- Barka da yamma ga kowa.Good afternoon to everyone.
- Barka da yamma, malama.Good afternoon, madam.
Example conversation
Aisha and Umar meet on the street in the afternoon.
- AishaBarka da yamma, Umar.Good afternoon, Umar.
- UmarBarka da yamma, Aisha.Good afternoon, Aisha.
- AishaYaya kake?How are you?
- UmarIna nan lafiya.I am doing well.
