ƐfiePhrase Guide
Common Twi Phrases
Essential Akan words and expressions for everyday conversations. Each phrase includes the Twi text, English translation, and pronunciation guidance.
Greetings (Nkyia)
Greetings are the foundation of Akan social interaction. In Akan culture, it is important to greet everyone you meet, especially elders.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Maakye | Good morning |
| Maaha | Good afternoon |
| Maadwo | Good evening |
| Wo ho te sen? | How are you? |
| Me ho ye | I am fine |
| Ete sen? | How is it? (casual) |
| Eye | It is well |
| Nante yie | Walk well (goodbye to someone leaving) |
| Da yie | Sleep well (goodnight) |
Polite Expressions
Politeness and respect are central to Akan communication. These phrases will help you navigate social situations gracefully.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Medaase | Thank you |
| Medaase paa | Thank you very much |
| Mepa wo kyew | Please / Excuse me |
| Kosea | Sorry / Pardon me |
| Yoo | OK / Alright |
| Aane | Yes |
| Daabi | No |
Introductions
Introducing yourself in Twi is a wonderful way to show respect and build connections, especially when meeting family or community members.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Me din de... | My name is... |
| Wo din de sen? | What is your name? |
| Me firi... | I am from... |
| Wo firi he? | Where are you from? |
| Mede me ho begye wo | Nice to meet you (lit. "I use myself to receive you") |
Family (Abusua)
Family is central to Akan culture. The concept of "abusua" extends beyond the nuclear family to include the broader clan and community.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Agya / Papa | Father |
| Ena / Maame | Mother |
| Onua | Sibling |
| Nana | Grandparent / Elder |
| Abusua | Family / Clan |
| Me yere | My wife |
| Me kunu | My husband |
| Me ba | My child |
Numbers (Nkonta)
Twi numbers are essential for shopping at markets, discussing prices, and everyday counting. The numbering system is base-ten.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Baako | One (1) |
| Mmienu | Two (2) |
| Mmiensa | Three (3) |
| Anan | Four (4) |
| Anum | Five (5) |
| Nsia | Six (6) |
| Nson | Seven (7) |
| Nwotwe | Eight (8) |
| Nkron | Nine (9) |
| Du | Ten (10) |
| Aduonu | Twenty (20) |
| Aduasa | Thirty (30) |
| Oha | Hundred (100) |
Food and Drink
Ghanaian cuisine is a vibrant part of the culture. These phrases will help you navigate meals, markets, and food conversations.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Me pe aduan | I want food |
| Nsuo | Water |
| Me kom de me | I am hungry (lit. "hunger catches me") |
| Me sukomo de me | I am thirsty |
| Fufu | Fufu (pounded cassava and plantain, Ghana's national dish) |
| Jollof | Jollof rice |
| Kelewele | Fried plantain |
| Waakye | Rice and beans dish |
Directions and Travel
Whether navigating Accra, Kumasi, or a local neighborhood, these direction phrases are essential for getting around in Ghana.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Me ko... | I am going to... |
| Ewo he? | Where is it? |
| Bra | Come |
| Ko | Go |
| Gyina | Stop |
| Nifa | Right |
| Benkum | Left |
| Teasefo | Straight ahead |
Useful Everyday Phrases
These phrases come up constantly in daily conversation and are worth memorizing early in your Twi learning journey.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Me te Twi kakra | I speak a little Twi |
| Me nte Twi | I don't understand Twi |
| Ka no bio | Say it again |
| Yebehyia bio | We will meet again (see you later) |
| Onyame nhyira wo | God bless you |
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