Nigerian Pidgin English, with its unique blend of languages and cultures, is rich in sayings that capture the essence of everyday life, wisdom, and humor. These sayings offer insights into the Nigerian way of life, making them perfect for adding flavor to your conversations or simply enjoying the beauty of the language. Here are some popular Nigerian Pidgin sayings and their meanings.
Popular Nigerian Pidgin Sayings and Their Meanings
- “No be today yansh dey for back.”
- Translation: “It’s not today that the buttocks have been at the back.”
- Meaning: Some things are just the way they have always been.
- “Monkey no fine, but him mama like am.”
- Translation: “The monkey is not beautiful, but its mother loves it.”
- Meaning: Everyone is loved by someone, regardless of their flaws.
- “If fish dey talk, e no go die for hook.”
- Translation: “If fish could talk, it wouldn’t get caught by a hook.”
- Meaning: Being able to express oneself can prevent many problems.
- “Body no be firewood.”
- Translation: “The body is not firewood.”
- Meaning: Humans need rest and cannot keep going endlessly without breaks.
- “Wetin bird chop, na im e go take fly.”
- Translation: “What a bird eats is what it uses to fly.”
- Meaning: You can only work with what you have or have consumed.
Wise Nigerian Pidgin Sayings
- “No condition be permanent.”
- Translation: “No condition is permanent.”
- Meaning: Situations change, and nothing lasts forever.
- “Wetin you sow, na im you go reap.”
- Translation: “What you sow is what you will reap.”
- Meaning: Your actions will determine your outcomes.
- “Better soup na money cook am.”
- Translation: “Good soup is made with money.”
- Meaning: Quality results require investment and resources.
- “A good name beta pass silver and gold.”
- Translation: “A good name is better than silver and gold.”
- Meaning: Reputation is more valuable than material wealth.
- “Na small small monkey dey chop banana.”
- Translation: “It’s little by little that the monkey eats the banana.”
- Meaning: Success comes gradually, step by step.
Humorous Nigerian Pidgin Sayings
- “Who no go, no go know.”
- Translation: “He who does not go, will not know.”
- Meaning: Experience is the best teacher.
- “If life give you lemons, make you make lemonade.”
- Translation: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
- Meaning: Turn challenges into opportunities.
- “You no fit carry elephant for head dey chase cricket.”
- Translation: “You can’t carry an elephant on your head and chase a cricket.”
- Meaning: Focus on the important things and avoid distractions.
- “No be who first call police dey win case.”
- Translation: “It’s not who calls the police first that wins the case.”
- Meaning: Patience and persistence pay off in the end.
- “You fit count your teeth with your tongue?”
- Translation: “Can you count your teeth with your tongue?”
- Meaning: Some tasks are more challenging than they appear.
Reflective Nigerian Pidgin Sayings
- “Time no dey wait for anybody.”
- Translation: “Time waits for no one.”
- Meaning: Make the most of your time and seize opportunities.
- “When one door close, another one go open.”
- Translation: “When one door closes, another one will open.”
- Meaning: New opportunities will arise when you face setbacks.
- “Pikin wey say him mama no go sleep, him self no go sleep.”
- Translation: “A child who says his mother will not sleep, will not sleep either.”
- Meaning: Your actions affect others and yourself.
- “Wetin no kill you go make you stronger.”
- Translation: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
- Meaning: Overcoming challenges makes you more resilient.
- “Shine your eye well well.”
- Translation: “Open your eyes well.”
- Meaning: Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
How to Use These Sayings
These sayings can be used to add color to your conversations, provide advice, or share a bit of Nigerian wisdom. They are perfect for speeches, social media posts, or daily reflections. Incorporating these sayings into your dialogue can make your communication more engaging and relatable.
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