Twi: everyday phrases

Maakye

Good morning

Short for Me ma wo akye. Reply: Yaa ...

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Me ma wo akye

Good morning (full form)

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Maaha

Good afternoon

Short for Me ma wo aha.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Me ma wo aha

Good afternoon (full form)

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Maadwo

Good evening

Short for Me ma wo adwo.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Me ma wo adwo

Good evening (full form)

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Da yie

Good night

Literally 'sleep well'.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yaa

Reply to any greeting

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yaa agya

Reply to an older man

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yaa ɛna

Reply to an older woman

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yaa anua

Reply to someone your own age

Also Yaa nua.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Awuraa, maakye

Good morning, madam

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Introductory Lesson on Greetings in Akan Twi

Owura, maaha

Good afternoon, sir

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Introductory Lesson on Greetings in Akan Twi

Onua, maadwo

Good evening, friend

Onua is a sibling, cousin or peer.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Introductory Lesson on Greetings in Akan Twi

Nana, maakye

Good morning, Nana

Nana is the title for a chief or a grandparent.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Being Polite in Akan Twi

Wo ho te sɛn?

How are you?

Literally 'how does your body feel?'. Asking after someone's health is expected, not just saying hello.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Introducing Yourself and Meeting Others in Akan Twi

Me ho yɛ

I'm fine

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Introducing Yourself and Meeting Others in Akan Twi

Akwaaba

Welcome

You will hear this everywhere in Ghana.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yɛbɛhyia bio

We shall meet again

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Akyire yi yɛbɛhyia

See you later

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛte sɛn?

How is it going?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɛyɛ

It's fine

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nante yie

Go well, safe journey

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wo ho yɛ?

Are you well?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me nso me ho yɛ

I'm fine too

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mepaakyɛw, wo ho te sɛn?

Please, how are you? (polite)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Being Polite in Akan Twi

Medaase

Thank you

The spoken form of Meda wo ase.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Meda wo ase

Thank you (written form)

Literally 'I lie down under you'.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Medaase paa

Thank you very much

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mepaakyɛw

Please

The spoken form of Mepa wo kyɛw.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepa wo kyɛw

Please (written form)

Explained as 'I take off my hat to you'.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Being Polite in Akan Twi

Kafra

Sorry, excuse me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɛnyɛ hwee

It's nothing, you're welcome

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wo din de sɛn?

What is your name?

Literally 'your name is what?'.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Me din de Kofi

My name is Kofi

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yɛfrɛ wo sɛn?

What do they call you?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yɛfrɛ me Ama

I am called Ama

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Wofiri he?

Where do you come from?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mefiri Amerika

I come from America

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mete Kumase

I live in Kumasi

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Meyɛ tikyani

I am a teacher

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Yɛnfrɛ me obroni

Please don't call me obroni

Obroni means foreigner; children often call it out to visitors.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mente aseɛ

I don't understand

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mennim

I don't know

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mente Twi papa

I don't speak Twi well

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mete Twi kakra

I speak a little Twi

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Wote Brɔfo?

Do you speak English?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepaakyɛw, wobɛtumi aka no bio?

Please, can you say it again?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepaakyɛw, wobɛtumi aka no brɛoo?

Please, can you speak more slowly?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Sɛn na yɛka ... wɔ Twi mu?

How do you say ... in Twi?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Aane

Yes

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Daabi

No

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛyɛ nokorɛ?

Is it true?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛdeɛn nie?

What is this?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mempɛ

I don't like it

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mabrɛ

I'm tired

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepɛ sɛ medware

I want to bathe

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepɛ sɛ mesi me nneɛma

I want to wash my clothes

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Bra ha

Come here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Twɛn me

Wait for me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Worekɔ he?

Where are you going?

Said quickly as wookɔ he?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Merekɔ Nkran

I'm going to Accra

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mɛsan aba

I will come back

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Gyina ha

Stop here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mayera

I'm lost

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wobɛtumi akyerɛ me baabi a ... no wɔ?

Can you show me where the ... is?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Fa nifa

Turn right

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Fa benkum

Turn left

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Kɔ w'anim tee

Go straight ahead

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛwɔ akyiri?

Is it far?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɛbɛn

It's near

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɛyɛ sɛn?

How much is it?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛyɛ ahe?

How much is it?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Wowɔ paano?

Do you have bread?

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ne boɔ yɛ den

It's expensive

Literally 'its price is hard'.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepaakyɛw, te so

Please reduce the price

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepaakyɛw, to so

Please add a little extra

Asking the seller for a small free addition, a 'dash'.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepaakyɛw, ma me nsesa

Please give me my change

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Menni sika de ma wo

I don't have money to give you

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛkɔm de me

I'm hungry

Literally 'hunger holds me'.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Nsukɔm de me

I'm thirsty

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Merehwehwɛ aduane

I'm looking for food

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Mepaakyɛw, mfa nkyene pii ngu mu

Please don't put a lot of salt in it

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Menni aduane de ma wo

I don't have food to give you

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Aduane no yɛ dɛ

The food is delicious

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mepɛ nsuo

I'd like water

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mamee

I'm full

Source: common usage, needs native check

anɔpa aduane

breakfast

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

awia aduane

lunch

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

anwummerɛ aduane

dinner

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

baako

one

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

mmienu

two

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

mmiɛnsa

three

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

ɛnan

four

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

enum

five

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

nsia

six

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

nson

seven

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

nwɔtwe

eight

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

nkron

nine

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

edu

ten

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

dubaako

eleven

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

dumienu

twelve

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

aduonu

twenty

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

ɔha

one hundred

Source: common usage, needs native check

apem

one thousand

Source: common usage, needs native check

Dɔnhwere baako

One hour

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Nnɔnhwere mmienu

Two hours

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

anɔpa

morning

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

awia

afternoon

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

anwummerɛ

evening

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

anadwo

night

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ɛnnɛ

Today

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɔkyena

Tomorrow

Source: common usage, needs native check

Seesei

Now

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɛnnora

Yesterday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Dwoada

Monday

Akan children are named for the day they were born, e.g. Kwadwo and Adwoa for Monday.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Benada

Tuesday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wukuada

Wednesday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yawoada

Thursday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Fiada

Friday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Memeneda

Saturday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kwasiada

Sunday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yei ne me maame

This is my mother

Source: common usage, needs native check

Yei ne me papa

This is my father

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me yere

My wife

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me kunu

My husband

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wowɔ mma?

Do you have children?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me nua

My brother or sister

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me dɔ wo

I love you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wo ho yɛ fɛ

You are beautiful

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me fe wo

I miss you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ɛsɛ sɛ mesua adeɛ

I need to study

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Ayekoo

Well done (to someone working)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Meyɛ adwuma wɔ ayaresabea

I work at a hospital

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me yare

I'm ill

Source: common usage, needs native check

Me ti pae me

I have a headache

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mepɛ dɔkota

I need a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ayaresabea wɔ he?

Where is the hospital?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mepaakyɛw, boa me

Please help me

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Krɔmfoɔ!

Thief!

Also awi.

Source: Peace Corps Ghana, Introduction to the Akan Twi Language

Frɛ polisini

Call the police

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gyae me!

Leave me alone!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Due

Sorry, my condolences

Said in sympathy for a loss or a misfortune.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Due ne awerɛhoɔ

Sorry for your sorrow

Source: common usage, needs native check

Onyame nhyira wo

God bless you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nyame adom

By God's grace

Source: common usage, needs native check

Afehyia pa

Happy New Year, season's greetings

Reply: Afe nkɔ mmɛto yɛn, 'may the year come round to meet us again'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Afe nkɔ mmɛto yɛn

May next year find us again (reply)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Awoda pa

Happy birthday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mo!

Well done! Congratulations!

Source: common usage, needs native check