yaya kake?
The English phrase "how are you?" is yaya kake? in Hausa.
This is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word yaya literally means "how".
Which one should you use?
Use yaya kake? when addressing one person, but use yaya kuke? when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form yaya kake? is used specifically when addressing a male subject.
When do people say it?
The most common response to yaya kake? is Lafiya, which literally means "health" or "wellness".
Did you know?
- If you are speaking to an elder or a person of high status, you should use the plural form yaya kuke? even if they are alone, to show respect.
- The response Lafiya is often paired with Alhamdulillah, an Arabic phrase meaning 'praise be to God'. This reflects the historical and religious influence of Islam on the Hausa language.
- While yaya kake? is a direct translation of 'how are you?', Hausa speakers frequently use the word Sannu as a general greeting. Sannu is often used to acknowledge someone's effort or to express sympathy before asking about their health.
Examples in context
- Lafiya lau. Na gode, yaya dai?I'm fine, thank you. How are you?
- Lafiya. Kana lafiya?I'm fine. How are you?
- Yaya kake?How are you?
- Ina kwana, yaya kake?Good morning, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- AbdullahiSannu Aminatu, yaya kake?Hello Aminatu, how are you?
- AminatuLafiya lau, Abdullahi.I am very well, Abdullahi.
- AbdullahiMasha Allah, ina farin ciki.Wonderful, I am happy.
- AminatuNa gode kwarai.Thank you very much.
