Language/Hausa/Vocabulary/Asking-for-Directions
| ◀️ Conjunctions — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Accommodation ▶️ |
Asking for directions is an essential skill for travelers. This lesson will teach you basic Hausa phrases and vocabulary related to asking for and giving directions in a range of settings.
Key Vocabulary
Here are the most important words you need to know when asking for directions in Hausa:
| Hausa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ina so dacewa | EE-nah saw dah-jay-wah | I need directions |
| Daga nan | dah-gah nah-n | From here |
| Gaba daya | gah-bah dah-yah | One block away |
| Karamar hukumar | kah-rah-mar who-koo-mar | Town square |
| Tare da… | tah-ray dah... | Next to... |
| A kan... | ah kahn... | Inside of... |
| Juwa... | joo-wah... | Behind... |
| Fuskantar... | foo-skan-tar... | In front of... |
| Wurin... | woo-reen... | Between... |
Phrases for Asking for Directions
Once you've mastered the key vocabulary words, try out these phrases to ask for directions in Hausa:
- Ina so dacewa. (I need directions.)
- Kada ku dinga bani halarci. (Can you help me?)
- Allah ya kara ci gaba daya. (Please wait a moment.)
- Ba mu sani ba. (We don't know.)
- Mu sani kawai wurin... (We only know the way between...)
Phrases for Giving Directions
If someone asks you for directions in Hausa, here are some phrases you might use to help them:
- Daga nan, ka zauna hankali har kusan 100 matsa ƴamma. (From here, walk straight for approximately 100 meters.)
- Sakonnin 'yan wasa ne su kaunata sosai. (The bus stop is very crowded.)
- Gaba daya, kura ta hankali zuwa karamar hukumar. (One block away, turn right to get to the town square.)
- Tare da shi, shugaban kasa office ya ke sakamakon. (Next to it, there is the President's office.)
- A kan itace tsangaya, don Allah. (Inside of it is a school for Islamic studies, please.)
- Juwa banki da ke tutaki, don Allah. (Behind the bank that is painted blue, please.)
- Fuskantar gwamnati, don Allah. (In front of the government building, please.)
- Wurin kudura, kar ka murza kwari goma. (Between the statue, turn left for a few meters.)
Cultural Insights
Hausa culture is rich in history and traditions. When asking for directions, locals may refer to cultural landmarks that may seem unexpected to outsiders. For example, you may hear directions based on the location of a particular mosque, palace, or community center. You may also be asked to follow a certain color scheme or pattern on a building, or landmark related to a well-known Hausa legend, to reach your destination.
When asking for directions or interacting with locals, it's important to be respectful and patient. Greetings are highly valued in Hausa culture, so make sure to start and end any interaction with a warm greeting. Showing interest in Hausa culture, history, and traditions is highly appreciated and can make your experience in the country more enjoyable.
Practice Exercise
1. Translate the following phrases from English to Hausa:
- "Excuse me, do you know the way to the market?"
- "I am new in town, can you help me find my way?"
- "Is it far from here?"
2. Write down directions in Hausa to the nearest hospital from a student hostel that is 500 meters away.
3. Imagine you are lost and in a big city in Hausa land. Describe your surroundings and ask a passerby how to get to the nearest bank.
Conclusion
By mastering the phrases and vocabulary in this lesson, you will be able to navigate through any Hausa town or city with greater ease. Understanding key cultural insights can also help you to better connect with local people and enjoy your time in Hausa land. In the next lesson of this course, we will build on the language skills you have acquired so far, and continue expanding your vocabulary and knowledge of Hausa culture.
Other Lessons
- How to say Good Bye?
- Colors
- Food
- Languages
- Accommodation
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Verbs in Hausa
- Time
- Adverbs in Hausa
- Geography
Sources
| ◀️ Conjunctions — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Accommodation ▶️ |