Slang

1. Ẹ pẹ̀lẹ́

   Sorry / well done

   Usage

   The all-purpose word of sympathy — said to anyone who stumbles, is working hard, or is having a bad time, whether or not it was your fault

2. Ẹ kú iṣẹ́

   Well done at your work

   Usage

   A greeting for someone at work — shop staff, artisans, drivers. Fine with someone senior too

3. Kò sí wàhálà

   No problem

   Usage

   Literally "there is no trouble" — a reply to thanks or an apology, safe with anyone

4. Ó yá

   All right, let us go

   Usage

   A call to get moving — for friends your age; with an elder "ẹ jẹ́ ká lọ" is politer

5. Àbí?

   Right?

   Usage

   A tag question asking for agreement — safe with anyone, though it sounds casual

6. Háà!

   Wow! / what!

   Usage

   An exclamation of surprise or exasperation — for friends, and keep it soft or it sounds like blame

7. Ọmọ!

   Wow! / oh my!

   Usage

   Literally "child" — Nigerian youth slang turned it into an exclamation of amazement. Friends your age only

8. Jàre

   Please / indeed

   Usage

   A sentence-final particle that softens a request or presses agreement — friendly, but a shade too casual for an elder

9. Ẹ̀gbọ́n

   Elder (respectful address)

   Usage

   A warm way to address someone older, related or not — not used for peers or juniors

10. Mo gbọ́

    I hear you

    Usage

    Literally "I have heard" — an acknowledgement that you took it in. Safe with anyone

11. Ṣé dáadáa ni?

    Is everything all right?

    Usage

    Said to someone who seems off — safe with anyone

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