When I started learning twi, I found it very difficult to find clear vocab lists and pronunciation tips on the internet; therefore, now that I have progressed a little further in the language, I thought I’d write a guide to help others.
This guide has been written with thanks to Alex Boakye Antwi and Joseph Edward Addae.
Twi: A Beginners Guide
These are 40 phrases that I have found incredibly useful during my time in Ghana. If you are able to translate and speak all of these phrases and words, then you have officially passed the first stage of the course!
| Twi | Pronunciation Advice | English |
| Ete sen? | Etty sen? | How are you? |
| Ey3 paa | Ay ye paa. | I am fine. |
| Wo ho te sen? | Wo ho te sen? | How are you? |
| Me ho y3 | Me hoy ye. | I am well. |
| Nyame adom | Nya may adom. | By the grace of God (they say this a lot!) |
| Na wonso 33? | Na won sua? | And what about you? |
| Wo din de sen? | Wo din dee sen? | What is your name? |
| Me din de Cat | Me din dee Cat. | My name is Cat. |
| Wofi (ri) he? | Wo fri he? | Where do you come from? |
| Mefi (ri) England | Mefri England. | I come from England. |
| Akwaaba | As written | Welcome |
| Medaase | Me daa say! | Thank you! |
| Da yie | Da yeeay! | Good night! |
| Nante yie | Nan tee yee aay! | Safe journey! |
| Mem a wo akye | Maa chi! | Good morning! |
| Mem a wo aha | Maa haa! | Good afternoon! |
| Mem a wo adwo | Maa jo! | Good evening! |
| Mani agye | Manee adjay. | I am happy. |
| Wani agye? | Wanee adjay? | Are you happy? |
| Me sua twi kakra kakra | Me sueah twi kakra kakra. | I am learning twi little by little. |
| Wote Twi paa | Wo tay twi paa! | You speak twi very well. |
| Mereko laibri | Me re ko libree. | I am going to the library. |
| Okyena | Otchina | Tomorrow (can be used as “see you tomorrow!” |
| Y3behyia bio | Ye bishia beo! | We’ll meet again! |
| Aden? | Aden? | Why? |
| M’ani gye ho | Mani je ho. | I’m interested in it/ I like it. |
| Mani nnye ho | Mani ny ho. | I’m not interested in it/ I don’t like it. |
| Me didi | Me deedee | I am eating. |
| Me nom | Me nom | I am drinking. |
| M’adamfo | Me dam foe | Friend |
| Nsuo | Un sue oh | Water |
| Kwadu | Kwadu | Banana |
| Paanoo | Paanoo | Bread |
| Bra | Brah | Come |
| Ko | Ko | Go |
| Y3nko | Yanko | Let’s go! |
| Tw3n me | Charn me | Wait for me! |
| Daabi | Darbee | No |
| Aane | Ahnay | Yes |
| Eebia | Eee bee ah | Maybe |
Basic pronouncation points:
3 – e (as with French accent)
o – o (sharp o)
e – eee
ky – ch
gy – j
hy – sh
dw – j (slightly different sound, see video when uploaded)
Here are ‘Prof’ Edward and ‘Thunderboy’ Alex, from Abofour in the Ashanti region, helping out with the pronunciation! (I will ask Alex to smile in the next version.. he was happy really!!)
Beginners (Improvers) to soon follow!!
Hi, My name is Elaine Joseph. I met some teachers who worked with you this year, 2019. One of the teachers, Dawn, who I connected with asked me if I had heard of or know of your organisation. I am sorry to say I have not. I was in Ghana from 16-26th October 2019. I was given some land by the chief, Togbe Konda 1V. The first building the community asked for was a library, the LEKLEBI AGBESIA Community is the Volta region. My mobile is: 07504241606/landline:020 8286 8736. We are a small organisation but would like to see this through. Thank you for your kind reply. Elaine
Wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to give this brief, but necessary introduction to this beautiful language.
Medaase!
Medaase. …Beautiful language indeed.I’m learning slowly but surely.