Languages Spoken In Ghana With Common Phrases In Akan (Twi)

SEASON 4, EPISODE 16

Ghana is one of the linguistically diverse African countries, having over 80 spoken languages across the country. English language is the official language that is widely used for official purposes when it comes to legal, documentative and administrative functions.

Below are some of the common languages spoken by Ghanaians:

1. Akan (Twi)

2. Ewe

3. Dagbani

4. Dangbe

5. Dagaare

6. Ga

7. Gonja

On today’s episode of Learn Africa, we’ll be looking at some common phrases and their meanings in the Twi language.

Twi is a variety of language belonging to the Akan ethnic group, the most populated ethnic group found in Ghana which accounts for 40% of the country’s total population.

Below are some common phrases you can learn and be familiar with in Twi language.

Welcome – Akwaaba

Wo ho te sεn? – How are you?

Ꜫtesɛn – How is it?

Me ho yε – I am fine

Aane – Yes

No  – Daabi

Ko sɛ/Kafra – Sorry

Woawie? – Are you done?

Da wo ase – Thank you

Medɔ wo – I love you

Me ma wo akye – Good Morning

Me ma wo aha – Good Afternoon

Me ma wo adwo – Good Evening

Da yie – Good Night

Nante yiye – Goodbye

Yɛbɛhyia bio – We shall meet again

Ꜫndɛ – Today

Ɔkyena – Tomorrow

Ꜫnnora – Yesterday

Ꜫkɔm de me – I am hungry

Nsu kɔm de me – I am thirsty

Yɛfrɛ wo sɛn? – What is your name?

Me din de… – My name is…

Wo fire hene? – Where are you from?

Me firi… – I’m from

Wo pɛ dɛn? – What do you want?

Sɛn? – How much?

Aduane – Food

Nsuo – Water

Barima/Mmarima – Man/Men

Ɔbaa/Mmaa – Woman/Women

Abarimaa – Boy

Aberanteɛ – Young man

Abaayewa – Girl

Ababaawa – Young woman

When next you visit or if you are planning to visit Ghana, these phrases would definitely help you if you are experiencing any language barrier.

Written and edited by Ebenezer Oladokun