Everyday Expressions

This unit covers everyday greeting expressions organized by time of day and topic. The word mate (“how”) is the key to all of these — learn it and you can greet anyone at any time.

Time-of-Day Greetings

Zarma	English
Mate ni kani?	How did you sleep? (morning)
Mate ni wete?	How’s the morning? (10:30–11:30)
Mate ni foy?	How’s the day going? (11:00–5:30)
Mate ni wicira?	How’s the late afternoon?
Mate ni hire?	How’s the evening?

General Greetings

Zarma	English
Mate ni go?	How are you?
Mate gaham?	How’s the body/health?
Mate fu?	How’s the homestead?
Mate windo?	How’s the concession?
Mate kwara?	How’s the place?
Mate goyo?	How’s work?
Mate harakey?	How are affairs?
Mate n’dunya gorey?	How’s life in the world?

Cultural Notes

Mate means “How” and is the foundation of Zarma greetings. There are three essential time-of-day greetings to remember: kani (morning), foy (afternoon), and hire (evening). The appropriate response to all “Mate…?” questions is “Bani samay” (health is good).