馃嚦馃嚞 Hausa phrases

How to Say "Hello" in Hausa

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Sannu
"Hello" in Hausa 路 say it like sahn-noo

The most natural way to say "Hello" in Hausa is Sannu. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Sannu da zuwa
Used to greet someone who has just arrived
Barka da safiya
Used to say good morning

When to use it

Use 'Sannu' when greeting someone in a casual setting. It is appropriate for both friends and acquaintances. You can also use it when answering the phone or when meeting someone for the first time.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Hello" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Hausa

HausaEnglish
Sannu, yaya kake?Hello, how are you?
Sannu da zuwa, mun yi farin ciki da ganinka.Hello and welcome, we are happy to see you.
Common mistake
Some learners might confuse 'Sannu' with 'Barka', which is used for congratulations or well wishes.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Sannu, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Hausa with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Sannu' used in formal situations?

Yes, 'Sannu' can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Learn Hausa by speaking it

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