Kabiye (also spelled Kabiyé) is the second national language of Togo, after French. Spoken by approximately 1.2 million people (Ethnologue) mainly in the Kara region (northern part of the country), Kabiye carries a particular prestige as the native language of the former Togolese presidential family.

Belonging to the Niger-Congo family (Gur or Voltaic group), Kabiye is a tonal language with rich grammar. A few well-pronounced greetings will make all the difference during a visit to Togo or when meeting the Kabiye diaspora.

Discover our African language resources and our Kabiye language page to go further.

Core Greetings in Kabiye

Hello: Alafia

The main greeting in Kabiye is Alafia (pronounced a-la-fia). This word, common to several West African languages (also found in Yoruba, Fon, etc.), means "peace," "well-being," "health."

Response: Alafia , simply return the same greeting, or say Alafia, yɔɔ (alafia, yo) for "peace, yes / of course."

Morning Greeting

Ɛyaɣa ŋkɛ ŋkɛ (è-ya-gha nkè nkè) , "Good morning" (literally "the freshness of morning")

Response: Yɔɔ, alafia (yo, alafia) , "Yes, peace"

How Are You?

Ɛyɔɔ nɩ ? (è-yo ni) , "How are you?" / "Are you well?"

Response: Maayɔɔ (ma-yo) , "I'm fine"

For more enthusiasm: Maayɔɔ sɔsɔ (ma-yo so-so) , "Very well"

Pronunciation Guide

Kabiye is a two-tone language (high and low). Key points:

  • é or high tone: rising voice
  • è or low tone: falling voice
  • ŋ sounds like "ng" (as in "parking")
  • ɣ is a guttural fricative, close to a rolled "r"
  • ɩ is a slightly open "i"
Word Pronunciation Meaning
Alafia a-la-FIA Peace / Hello
Ɛyɔɔ nɩ ? è-YO ni How are you?
Maayɔɔ ma-YO I'm fine
Yɔɔ yo Yes / OK
Ŋmɩŋmɩ ngmi-ngmi Thank you

Respect Formulas

Greeting Elders

In Kabiye society, traditionally organized around age classes, respect for elders is a cardinal value. To greet an elder:

  • Bow slightly
  • Hold their hand with both hands
  • Use Alafia, tɔsɔ (alafia, to-so) , "Hello, elder" as a mark of respect

Titles

  • Tɔsɔ: grandfather / elder (respectful title for an older man)
  • Naɣa: grandmother / elder (respectful title for an older woman)
  • Kɔlɔŋ: friend, companion (for a peer)

Welcome: Ɛwʋ yɔɔ

To welcome a visitor: Ɛwʋ yɔɔ (è-vu yo) , "Welcome" (literally "you arrived in peace").

Quick Reference

Expression Pronunciation Translation Context
Alafia a-la-fia Peace / Hello Universal
Ɛyɔɔ nɩ ? è-yo ni How are you? General
Maayɔɔ ma-yo I'm fine Response
Ɛyaɣa ŋkɛ ŋkɛ è-ya-gha nkè nkè Good morning Morning
Ɛwʋ yɔɔ è-vu yo Welcome Receiving guests
Ŋmɩŋmɩ ngmi-ngmi Thank you Gratitude

Discover West African languages on Targumi

Sources and References

Further Reading