Slang

1. No vex.

   Don't be upset.

   Usage

   After a joke, or as a light apology

   Grammar Note

   no + verb forms a negative command.

2. Oya, make we go.

   Come on, let's go.

   Usage

   Urging people to get moving

   Grammar Note

   Make we + verb expresses a suggestion. oya is a call to action.

3. Na wa o!

   Wow, what a thing!

   Usage

   An exclamation of surprise or frustration

   Grammar Note

   na wa is an interjection of surprise or frustration.

4. Kai!

   Wow!

   Usage

   An exclamation of surprise or admiration

   Grammar Note

   kai is an interjection of strong emotion.

5. Chai!

   Oh dear!

   Usage

   An exclamation of dismay or surprise

   Grammar Note

   chai is an interjection of strong emotion.

6. Make we yarn small.

   Let's have a little chat.

   Usage

   Inviting someone to chat

   Grammar Note

   Make we + verb expresses a suggestion.

7. Abeg, take am easy.

   Please, take it easy.

   Usage

   Calming someone down

   Grammar Note

   Commands start with the bare verb, with no subject. (composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; the whole sentence itself is not attested)

8. I dey catch cruise wit you.

   I am just joking with you.

   Usage

   Letting someone know you are joking

   Grammar Note

   catch cruise is a fixed expression meaning 'have fun, joke around'.

9. Chop knuckle!

   Fist bump!

   Usage

   A friendly greeting or a way to celebrate

   Grammar Note

   chop knuckle is a fixed expression for a fist bump.

10. Shey you dey hear wetin I dey tok?

    Are you listening to what I am saying?

    Usage

    Checking that someone is listening; informal

    Grammar Note

    shey at the start makes a yes/no question.

11. Dis soup hot, abi?

    This soup is hot, right?

    Usage

    Seeking confirmation or agreement

    Grammar Note

    abi at the end of a sentence asks for confirmation.

12. Wetin dey?

    What's up?

    Usage

    A casual greeting to a friend

    Grammar Note

    Wetin dey? literally 'what is going on?' is used as a greeting.

13. Gbam!

    Exactly!

    Usage

    An exclamation of agreement or completion

    Grammar Note

    gbam is an interjection of agreement or finality.

Browse all TravelPhrases languages