Zarma (or Djerma, Zerma) is the second national language of Niger, after Hausa. Spoken by approximately 2.5 to 3 million people (Ethnologue), mainly in the west of the country along the Niger River , from Niamey to the Malian border , Zarma belongs to the Nilo-Saharan family (Songhay group). Its close relative, Songhai, is spoken all the way to Mali and Benin.

Niamey, the capital of Niger, is largely Zarma-speaking. Markets, riverside gatherings, wedding ceremonies , everything resonates in Zarma. Learning to greet in Zarma is to immerse yourself in Sahelian Africa with the respect this culture deserves.

Discover our West African language resources and our Zarma language page to continue your exploration.

Fofo , The Universal Greeting

Fofo (pronounced fofo) is the key word of all Zarma greetings. It means "hello," "hi," "good evening" , it's a universal greeting that adapts to all contexts.

Pronunciation

  • Fo-fo: two equal syllables, closed "o", neutral tone
  • Can be extended for more warmth: Fooofo

Responses

  • Fofo (fofo) = "Hello too" (mirror response, very natural)
  • Ay fo (ay fo) = "Yes, fine" (acknowledgment)
  • Baani samay (ba-ni sa-may) = "Thank you for the greeting"

Mate ni go , How Are You?

Mate ni go ? (pronounced maté ni go) = "How are you?" (literally "how are you?")

This is the most natural question following the initial fofo.

Responses:

  • Ni go baani (ni go ba-ni) = "I'm fine, healthy"
  • Baani (ba-ni) = "Well, in good health" (short response)
  • Baani kulu (ba-ni kou-lou) = "Very well" (all is well)

Greetings by Time of Day

Morning: Hinne fofo

Hinne fofo (hiné fofo) = "Good morning"

  • Hinne = "morning"

Response: Ay hinne fofo = "Good morning to you too"

Evening: Hinya fofo

Hinya fofo (hi-nya fofo) = "Good evening"

  • Hinya = "evening, night"

Welcoming Expressions

When someone arrives or returns home:

Ni daŋ koyo (ni dang koyo) = "You arrived well"

Response: Ay daŋ baani (ay dang baani) = "I arrived well, thank you"

Gratitude and Blessings

  • Baani samay (ba-ni sa-may) = "Thank you"
  • Irkoy ny baasa (ir-koy ny ba-sa) = "May God reward you"

Quick Reference

Expression Pronunciation Translation
Fofo fofo Hello / Hi
Mate ni go ? maté ni go How are you?
Baani ba-ni Well / Healthy
Baani kulu ba-ni kou-lou Very well
Hinne fofo hiné fofo Good morning
Hinya fofo hi-nya fofo Good evening
Baani samay ba-ni sa-may Thank you

With these few words, you can immediately connect with any Zarma speaker , whether in Niamey, Dosso, or in the Nigerien diaspora in Europe.

Discover Sahelian languages on Targumi

Sources and References

Further Reading