sannu
/sàn.nú/
The Hausa word for hello is sannu.
sannu is a general greeting used to say hello. While it is a common way to acknowledge someone, it is less formal than specific time-of-day greetings like Ina kwana (Good morning).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
While sannu is a general greeting, you might use more specific phrases depending on the time of day or the level of formality required.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form sannunku is used when greeting more than one person or when you wish to show respect to a single person.
How do you pronounce it?
/sàn.nú/
Did you know?
- Beyond a greeting, sannu is used as a way to express sympathy or console someone who has experienced a misfortune, similar to saying 'sorry' in English.
- The term sannu can be used to express 'well done' or to acknowledge someone's hard work during a task.
- In many Hausa communities, a verbal 'sannu' is often accompanied by a subtle handshake or a slight bow to show respect to elders.
Examples in context
- Sannu. Kai Jackie Scott ne?Hello. Are you Jackie Scott?This sentence shows how to use sannu to initiate a conversation and ask a question.Tatoeba #10812030 by ecorralest101, translation #54606 by CN
- Sannunku, ko nan ne sashin ma'aikata?Hello, is this the personnel department?This sentence demonstrates the use of the plural/polite form sannunku when addressing a group or a specific department.Tatoeba #10807403 by ecorralest101, translation #30974 by CK
- Sannu, yaro. Na yarda kana warke mai kyau.Hello, son. I trust you're healing well.This sentence shows sannu being used in a friendly greeting toward a person.Tatoeba #10855339 by ecorralest101, translation #2904254 by Ooneykcall
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aminatu sees Musa on the street.
- AminatuSannu, Musa.Hello, Musa.
- MusaSannu, Aminatu. Ina kwana?Hello, Aminatu. How is your morning?
- AminatuLafiya lau.Very well.
- MusaMadalla.That is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries sannu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
