Kisumu, the third biggest city in Kenya is mostly inhabited by the Luo community.
Many visitors in the city feel a little bit odd when residents talk to them in Luo yet they cannot understand a single word.
It is important to know common Luo terms mostly used in the city so that visitors can be able to communicate with the residents when they need particular services.
Here are simple Luo words you should be familiar with when visiting Kisumu City.
1.Oyaore
This is one of the common terms used in the City. When someone tells you "oyaore" don't be surprised he or she simply means "how are you." It's a greeting mostly used in the morning by the elderly people.
2.Ber/Ber ainya
When someone tells you "oyaore (how are you)" you respond with "ber" meaning am good or "ber ainya" meaning am very good.
3.Chalnade
It's an informal way of saying "how are you" commonly used by the youths. When someone tells you "chalnade" you should respond back with "chalnade"
4.Omera
"Omera" simply means you. When someone tells you "omera" he/she simply means "hey you."
5.Kanye/Inkanye
"Kanye" means where. "Inkanye" means where you at. When a tout tells you "Kanye" he is simply asking where are you going.
6.Wadhi
"Wadhi" simply means let's go. It's a common phrase especially when you board matatus in the Lake side city. After boarding a matatu you will hear the tout telling the driver " wadhi." He is simply signalling the driver to move forward.
7.Ang'o
"Ang'o" means pardon me. When you haven't heard what someone has said you can say "ang'o" as a way of telling him/her come up again.
8.Pesa di
There are a lot of businesses thriving in Kisumu City, when asking for the price of a commodity in Luo you say "pesa di"
9. Maduong
"Maduong" means big or huge.
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