West African Pidgin Dictionary — Nigeria

about

Example: We dey talk about tomorrow plan.

abstract

Example: I don write di abstract for my paper.

Tout

Example: Agbero dey collect money for bus stop.

academic

Example: She dey do akademik work for di university.

bean cakes

Example: Akara dey sweet well well with bread.

among

Example: She dey among plenty people.

analytical

Example: You need analytical skills for dis kind work.

and

Example: I like rice and beans.

Prostitute

Example: She be ashawo, no trust am.

assessment

Example: Di assessment of di students go happen next week.

fermented slaw

Example: Atchara sweet when you chop am with rice.

auntie

Example: Auntie come visit me yesterday.

palm nut soup

Example: Banga soup dey hot for inside pot.

to be

Example: Di house be big.

beach

Example: Di beach too crowded dis weekend.

beauty

Example: E be belle wey dem sabi get.

beautiful

Example: Dis dress be bello.

beneath

Example: Di cat dey hide beneath di bed.

beside

Example: She sit beside me.

between

Example: The school dey between two big houses.

A two-wheeled vehicle that a person rides by pushing on foot pedals.

Example: He dey ride bike go school.

cookie

Example: She dey chop biscuit and drink tea.

bitter green leaf

Example: Bitter leaf soup dey help for wahala body.

business

Example: Di bizin don grow well for di past year.

Roasted plantain

Example: I go buy boli for corner.

bottle

Example: I buy water for my bottle.

brother

Example: Mi broda dey play football.

A cleaning tool with bristles used for sweeping.

Example: I need to buy broom for the house.

brother-in-law

Example: I go visit my brother-in-law for weekend.

brown

Example: Di table be brown.

A large vehicle that carries passengers by road.

Example: We go take bus go di market.

bush/forest

Example: E go find im way through di bush.

but

Example: I go fit come, but I no get money.

car/vehicle

Example: Di car take me go work.

cat

Example: Di cat dey sleep.

A piece of furniture for one person to sit on, typically having a back and four legs.

Example: Di chair for di office don spoil.

child

Example: Di child dey play for ground.

calmness

Example: E dey enjoy di chill for di beach.

fried pastry snack

Example: I carry chin chin go visit my friend.

to eat

Example: Make I chop rice.

Eat quickly

Example: The food is getting cold, so chop chop and finish your meal!

cliff

Example: Di cliff dey high, make sure no fall.

A visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere.

Example: Di cloud dey cover di sky.

coast

Example: We go enjoy di sun for di coast today.

rice cooked with coconut

Example: Coconut rice dey add flavor to the meat.

to collaborate

Example: Make we collaborate on dis assignment.

collective

Example: We dey form collective for family gatherings.

conference

Example: Di conference go bring plenty experts together.

bravery

Example: Im show plenty courage when e try help.

cousin

Example: My cousin go school with me.

a large group of people

Example: Di crowd for market too plenty today.

infatuation

Example: She get crush on dat guy.

A small bowl-shaped container for drinking from, typically having a handle.

Example: I need cup for di tea.

curriculum

Example: Dem dey update di curriculum for di science class.

then

Example: If you finish, den you go come.

to discuss

Example: Make we discuss di new project wey dem bring come.

doctor

Example: Di doctor fit help you well.

fried plantains

Example: You go like this dodo, e fine.

dog

Example: Di dog dey bark loud.

doctor

Example: Di dokta go check am for di hospital.

A one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs.

Example: She wear new dress to di party.

You have not seen anything

Example: E e ti i ri nnken ken, the best is yet to come.

melon seed soup

Example: Egusi soup dey sweet pass.

eight

Example: Na eicth person dey come.

eldest

Example: I be the eldest for my family.

to evaluate

Example: You go need evaulate di impact of di project.

evaluation

Example: Di evaluation of di program go start next month.

to examine

Example: I go examine di report well before I submit am.

expertise

Example: Her expertise for di subject na top-notch.

eye

Example: Mi eye dey pain me.

five

Example: She buy faif orange.

fruit-flavored soda

Example: Fanta no dey last when I dey thirsty.

anger

Example: E get faya for im body.

sensation

Example: E get feeling say tomorrow go better.

five

Example: Mi get fif naira.

good/nice/fine

Example: Your dress dey look fine.

fish

Example: I fit catch fish for river.

flag

Example: Di flag of our country dey wave well for di breeze.

for

Example: I dey work for you.

forest

Example: Di forest dey full of beautiful trees.

four

Example: I get four books for class.

four

Example: I need fɔ chair for the party.

rage

Example: Im get frenzy when im no fit find im phone.

from

Example: I receive gift from my papa.

starchy dough

Example: I fit use fufu chop soup.

to have

Example: I get money for buy food.

to go

Example: I go school every day.

gold

Example: I like di gold chain.

curiosity

Example: Dem no go stop di gossip about am.

green

Example: Di green grass dey grow.

gray

Example: Di sky dey grey.

green

Example: Di grass dey look gri.

guardian

Example: My uncle be my guardian since I small.

hand

Example: Mi hand dey shake.

head

Example: My head dey pain me.

heritage

Example: Our heritage na traditional values.

hot

Example: Di pepper soup dey hot.

innovative

Example: Dem dey come up wit innovative solutions for di problem.

inside

Example: The food dey inside di pot.

internet

Example: I use internet for di research.

hill

Example: Dem dey go play for di isi after school.

island

Example: We go learn about di island in di geography class.

judge

Example: Di jaji don give im verdict.

friendship

Example: Di joint wey dem get no be small.

jollof rice

Example: I go cook jollof for di party.

happiness

Example: Di jolly for di party no fit end.

Carry go

Example: Kari go, no time to waste.

Carry and come

Example: Kárí kọọ̀mù, we dey wait for you.

Carry money

Example: Kari moni, make we go.

cat

Example: Im get one kata.

kin

Example: Dem kin people dey show love always.

kinship

Example: Kinship dey important for our culture.

fermented millet porridge

Example: Koko dey sweet when you add sugar.

madness

Example: E don dey kolo since last week.

computer

Example: Mi kompiyuta don spoil, I need new one.

contract

Example: Dem sign di kontrakt for di new project.

fried groundnut snack

Example: I like to snack on kuli-kuli while I dey relax.

lake

Example: Di lake dey full with plenty water now.

land

Example: We need to buy land for di new house.

law

Example: Di law say make we no steal.

lawyer

Example: Mi lawyer go represent me for di case.

leg

Example: Im leg don swell.

lineage

Example: My lineage strong in this village.

mother

Example: Mama dey cook rice for kitchen.

matriarch

Example: My mama na matriarch for this family.

medicine

Example: Di medisin wey dem give am help am recover.

mentorship

Example: Mentorship dey help young professionals grow.

cow's milk

Example: I go buy milk for di shop.

money

Example: I no get moni for my pocket.

The monkey is working but the baboon is eating

Example: Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.

emotion

Example: E dey show im mood for im body language.

mountain

Example: Dem go climb di mountain for adventure.

That's how it is

Example: Na so e be, we go try again.

nine

Example: I don read nain books dis month.

nephew

Example: My nephew dey help me for house chores.

anxious

Example: Im dey feel nervous before im interview.

No problem

Example: No wahala, I go handle am.

nurturer

Example: My mama na nurturer; she sabi care for pikin well.

offspring

Example: My offspring gon make me proud one day.

office

Example: Di ofis dey for di second floor.

Boss/authority figure

Example: Oga, I don finish the work.

wild mango seed soup

Example: I like ogbono soup with fufu.

farm/field

Example: Wetin dem dey plant for di oko today?

rainforest

Example: Di oko-iri full with plenty animals and plants.

one

Example: Dis na one mango.

orange

Example: I sabi how to mix oranj paint.

White person

Example: Oyinbo man dey waka for street.

father

Example: Papa go shop for market.

past

Example: I waka past di shop yesterday.

swamp/marsh

Example: Dey gather fish for di pata-pata when rainy season come.

patriarch

Example: My papa be the patriarch wey hold us together.

peculiar

Example: Dem get peculiar way of solving problem.

spicy broth

Example: I go serve you some pepper soup.

child

Example: Di pikin dey play for road.

pink

Example: Na pink flower I buy.

plateau

Example: We go have picnic for di plateau next week.

Cow hide delicacy

Example: Ponmo sweet well well.

presentation

Example: Di presentation on di findings go start by 2pm.

fried dough balls

Example: I no fit resist puff-puff when I see am.

purple

Example: Di wall dey purple.

rain

Example: Di rain dey fall for evening.

red

Example: Di flower na red.

research

Example: Research dey important for any akademik field.

river

Example: Di river full with fish dis time.

to know

Example: You sabi how to cook jollof rice?

sand

Example: Di sand for di beach dey shine like gold.

scholarship

Example: Her scholarship go help her go school.

to sell

Example: I go sell my phone.

seminar

Example: We go hold seminar on leadership dis weekend.

seven

Example: I fit count up to sɛfɛn.

A piece of clothing worn on the upper body, typically with a collar and sleeves.

Example: She wear new shat to di party.

store/shop

Example: We go buy food for di shop.

sick

Example: She dey sick, she no fit come work today.

silver

Example: Dat silva car dey shine well well.

sister

Example: Mi sista sabi sing.

sister-in-law

Example: My sister-in-law dey cook fine jollof rice.

sky

Example: Di skai dey look blue this morning.

A comfortable seat wide enough for several people to sit on.

Example: Di sofa for di living room dey soft.

sadness

Example: She dey carry sorrow for her face.

A utensil with a shallow bowl and a handle, used for eating or serving food.

Example: She use spoon chop di soup.

star

Example: Di star shine bright.

step-daughter

Example: My step-daughter dey learn how to cook.

step-son

Example: I get step-son wey dey follow my wife.

power

Example: Her strength dey guide her through life.

tension

Example: E dey feel plenty stress for work.

The star at the center of the solar system that provides light and heat to Earth.

Example: Di sun dey shine hot today.

spicy meat skewer

Example: Dem dey sell suya for the corner.

sweet

Example: Dis fruit dey sweet.

A piece of furniture with a flat surface and legs, used for eating, writing, or working.

Example: Di table for di dining room don spoil.

technology

Example: Di teknoloji sector dey develop fast for di country.

ten

Example: Dem wan give me ten thousand.

through

Example: We pass through the market.

time

Example: Wetin time we go meet?

three

Example: Dem talk say tiri man wan come.

to

Example: I wan go to my friend house.

A piece of clothing worn from the waist down, covering each leg separately.

Example: He buy new trouza for di wedding.

two

Example: Di tu pikin dem dey play.

tutorial

Example: I go arrange tutorial for di new students.

cassava tuber

Example: Ubi dey nice when you boil am well.

university

Example: Mi pikin wan go univasi for di next year.

valley

Example: Di valley dey green when rainy season come.

energy

Example: Dis area get better vibe.

to walk/travel

Example: I go waka go market.

one

Example: Mi wan go.

affectionate

Example: Her smile dey warm people's heart.

weather

Example: Di weather today dey hot.

without

Example: I no fit do am without help.

two

Example: I get wo laptop for house.

yellow

Example: Di bus na yellow.

yellow

Example: Di yelo sun dey shine.

hibiscus drink

Example: Zobo dey chill for hot weather.

Please check your calendar.

Please, how much is this?

Please, I want to see you.

Please, leave me alone

Please, let's discuss the matter later.

Please, let's hear from everyone.

Please, let's start the meeting.

Please, do not interrupt the speaker.

Please, don't be upset.

Please, send the email to me.

Please, send the report to me.

Please.

Please, I want to check another option.

Congratulations!

A cow that doesn't run, hunger will catch it

The appointment might change.

The plan doesn't balance well.

The presentation will hold at 10 am.

The presentation will start at 10 am.

The quality is not very good.

This meeting is going well so far.

This one is too expensive!

This place is nice, isn’t it?

This proposal doesn't work for us.

This suggestion makes sense, doesn’t it?

It looks like you know it well.

It is hot.

Is there any discount on this?

Is there any update on the project?

There are winds that make a chicken's backside open

Is there anything we are supposed to do today?

It will get better soon.

It will be at 2 pm sharp.

It would be good if we plan it well.

Does it make sense to buy it now?

It’s good if we have a clearer vision.

It is not showing on my screen.

It's not too bad, though.

Can you come around 3 pm?

Can you give me the summary of the meeting?

Go straight, then turn left.

Good morning, how are you?

Help me, please.

How is the family?

How is the quality?

How will the meeting be?

What is the progress on the project?

How is the agenda for today?

How are you, do you know what I need?

How are you?

How much is this?

How are you?

How will you manage that time?

I agree with the terms.

I am coughing.

I'm feeling cold, how about you?

I am looking for a good restaurant.

I am fine.

I am hungry.

I am fine.

I am tired.

I am vomiting.

I support you

I have a fever.

I have a headache.

I have a question for you.

I would appreciate if you could reply to the email quickly.

I will call you back.

I will take it later.

I will check my schedule.

I will check with HR about the issue.

I will be here for you.

I will finish this task by the end of day.

Can I return it if it's not good?

I will include it in the minutes.

I will remind you one day before.

I will send you the email soon.

I will send you the location.

I don't feel well.

I don't agree with that idea.

I don't know.

I don't know what I want to buy.

I don't understand.

I'm not sure that will work.

I'm sorry.

I want to buy this one.

I want to eat.

I want to set it for next week.

If water can carry a canoe, it doesn't mean it can carry a ship

Let me check the size first.

Let me review the document carefully.

Excuse me, let me pass.

Let me add it to the calendar.

Let's eat.

Let's be on time.

Let's discuss the new project proposal.

Let's finalize the decision today.

Let's get straight to the point.

Let's address the issues one at a time.

Let's keep the momentum going.

Let's not waste time, please.

Let's schedule the next meeting.

Let's set the time.

Let's start the meeting right away.

Let's go, please.

Monkey works, baboon eats

My name is [name].

Little by little, heavy load is carried

Is it true?

It's not that I don't have money!

It won't be like that.

Don't forget the date!

Don't forget that we have a deadline for this.

No matter how hot pepper soup is, it can't boil stone

Don't be angry

No problem here.

No problem.

Sorry.

Stop here, please.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Time does not wait for anyone.

We can talk details later.

We can work on this together.

Can we finish by 4 pm, right?

We can buy the supplies on Monday.

We will need more resources for this project.

We need to agree on the budget.

We need to reschedule it.

What is the feedback from the client?

What is your best price?

What is your name?

What is your number?

What is your opinion on this matter?

What concerns fish with raincoat?

What concerns goat with yam?

What's happening on your side?

What's happening?

What is the time schedule?

What are you looking at?

Where are you going?

What do you agree with?

What time is it?

What is your name?

What do you want?

When two elephants fight, the grass suffers

When can we meet?

Who gave the monkey a banana?

You are a blessing to us.

You're a good person.

You are the real MVP.

Are you okay?

You are always on my mind.

You bring joy around you.

You bring joy.

You bring happiness wherever you go.

You bring a good vibe.

Are you following up on the action points?

You inspire me.

Are you losing weight, or what?

You make everything shine.

You make people feel good.

You make sense.

You shine bright.

You shine in this place.

You shine like a star.

You're really trying, no doubt about it.

You have taken the last one!

Have you eaten today?

You have impressed me.

You look amazing today!

Have you submitted the report yet?

You look like a model.

Can you come early, right?

You can encourage others.

Can you come with me to this place?

Can you agree with me?

Can you help me track the progress?

You can make a positive difference.

Can you handle it well?

Can you lower the price?

Can you share your feedback on this?

You can take the lead on this part.

You can really turn things around with your talent.

You've got a lot of brains.

You have good sense.

You've got a nice smile.

You have a kind heart.

You will be okay

You make a lot of sense.

Do you know any good place to buy?

You know how to dance really well.

You know how to make people smile.

You work well.

You shine too.

Your food is amazing.

You have a sweet heart.

Your ideas are great.

Your laughter makes me happy.

Your laughter is sweet.

Your style is impressive.

Your style is really sweet.

Your voice is like an angel's.

Your voice is sweet like honey.