Language/Twi/Vocabulary/Express-Surprise
Hi Twi learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to express surprise in Twi. Surprises are common in life, and it's always good to know how to react in such situations. So, let's get started!
Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Animals & Leisure Time Vocabulary.
Basic Expressions[edit | edit source]
Let's start with some basic expressions. These are simple phrases that you can use to express surprise:
| Twi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Wo ho te sɛn? | wɔ ho tɛ sɛn | What are you saying? |
| Ɛyɛ me Maame ?! | ɛyɛ me mama? | Is that really my mother?! |
| Wobɛkyerɛ mu ? | Wobɛkyerɛmu? | You're kidding me, right? |
| Meserɛ wo di sɛ ɛbɛyɛ dɛn? | meserɛ wo di sɛ ɛbɛyɛ dɛn? | What did you say that it was going to be? |
| Afei de3! | afei deɛ! | Oh, really! |
| Meto bi! | mɛto bɛi! | I can't believe it! |
Use these expressions when you want to express surprise about something that has happened or something that someone has said.
For example, imagine that your friend tells you that they have won the lottery. You could reply with "Meto bi!" to show your surprise and disbelief.
Conversational Example[edit | edit source]
Here is an example of how to use these expressions in a conversation:
- Person 1: Wo ho te sɛn? (What are you saying?)
- Person 2: Mepɛ wo sɛ wopɛ nsa frɛ me. (I'm telling you what happened to me.)
- Person 1: Wobɛkyerɛ mu? (You're kidding me, right?)
- Person 2: Me ne obiara akogyaa sɛ obiara ho asem. (I and everyone else were shocked by what we heard.)
In this conversation, Person 1 uses the expression "Wo ho te sɛn?" to show their surprise at what Person 2 is saying. Person 2 then responds with the expression "Wobɛkyerɛ mu?" to emphasize that what they are saying is true and not a joke.
Cultural Notes[edit | edit source]
In Twi culture, expressions of surprise can be used in various situations. For example, if you are visiting someone's home and they present you with a lavish meal, you can use the expression "Ɛyɛ me Maame?!" to show your surprise at the amount of food.
It's important to remember that in Twi culture, being surprised is not seen as a negative thing. Rather, expressing surprise is often seen as a way to show admiration or appreciation for something that has happened or been said. So, don't be afraid to show your surprise when you need to!
More Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
To expand your vocabulary and express surprise more fully, you can learn additional words and phrases related to this topic. Visit our Twi Vocabulary page for more Twi words and phrases!
Practice Activity[edit | edit source]
Try using some of the expressions that we've learned here in real life situations! See how people react and learn how to use these expressions naturally.
Sources[edit | edit source]
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Feelings and Emotions
- Food
- Akan Calendar
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Education
- Drinks
- How to say Good Bye?
- Colors
- Clothes
- Greetings