Have you ever heard an idiomatic expression in Twi and wondered what it meant?
An idiom can be defined as figurative as it is made up of a group of words which do not make sense literally. In the article we will have a look at 9 idioms and their meanings in Twi.
We don’t expect you to know all of these as more advanced learners and native Twi speakers are most likely to use them in day to day interactions.
1. W’asoɔden
Meaning: You’re stubborn
This literally translates to: your ear is hard
2. N'ano yɛ toro
Meaning: Gossiper
This literally translates to: Your mouth is slippery
3. N'ano yɛ duru
Meaning: Can keep a secret
This literally translates to: He/she has a heavy mouth
4. Pa no ho ntoma
Meaning: To expose someone/thing
This literally translates to: Sew fabric for him/her
5. Mɛte wo to
Meaning: I will expose you
This literally translates to: I will pick your bottom
6. Yadeɛ bi abɛtena ne so
Meaning: He/she is sick
This literally translates to: A sickness has sat on him/her
7. W’ayi me baako ahyɛ me nsa
Meaning: Unwillingly alone
This literally translates to: He/she has put one in my hand
8. M’ani awu
Meaning: I’m embarrassed
This literally translates to: My eyes are dead
9. Ma wo nan yɛ ntiantia
Meaning: To go somewhere regularly/ always available
This literally translates to: Make your legs short
Did you recognise any of these idioms? Or do you know any that we didn’t include in this blog post? Then let us know, we’d be delighted to hear from you!
If you’d like to know how to say these idioms correctly simply follow us on Instagram as we have a dedicated post about it.