Language/Twi/Grammar/Adverbs-of-Time,-Manner,-and-Place

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Twi → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Twi Adjectives and Adverbs → Adverbs of Time, Manner, and Place

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore adverbs of time, manner, and place in Twi. Adverbs are words that modify or give more information about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in a sentence. Adverbs of time tell us when an action occurs, adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed, and adverbs of place indicate where an action occurs. Understanding how to properly use adverbs in Twi will help you to communicate more clearly and effectively in everyday conversations.

Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Present Tense & Adjectives.

Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time tell us when an action occurs. In Twi, adverbs of time can be formed in several ways. Some adverbs of time are created by adding a suffix to a noun, while others are formed by adding a specific word or phrase to the verb in a sentence.

a) Using the suffix '-daa' Adding the suffix '-daa' to a noun forms an adverb of time that means "since". For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Adwuma-daa	/aˈdʒu.mə daa/	since work

The adverb 'adwuma-daa' tells us when an action (work) started, indicating that it has been ongoing since that specific time.

b) Using the adverb 'sɛn' The adverb 'sɛn' means "when" and is commonly used to form adverbs of time. To use this adverb, simply add it to the beginning of a sentence or clause. For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Sɛn mekɔɔ baanu?	/sɛn me.kɔ.ɔ baː.nu/	When did you arrive yesterday?

In this example, the adverb 'sɛn' is used with the verb 'mekɔɔ' (arrive) to ask when the action occurred.

c) Using the adverb 'nnipa' The adverb 'nnipa', which means "people", can also be used to form adverbs of time. When used this way, it means "once upon a time" or "in the past". For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Nnipa yɛ den?	/n̪n̪i.pa je deɴ/	When was it? (Lit. People, which time?)

Here, the adverb 'nnipa' is used to ask about a past event.

d) Using the adverb 'anaasɛ' The adverb 'anaasɛ', which means "nowadays" or "these days", is used when referring to actions that occur in the present time. For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Anaasɛ merɛ so ni?	/a.naː.sɛ me.ɾɛ so ni/	When do I eat nowadays?

In this sentence, the adverb 'anaasɛ' modifies the verb 'merɛ' (eat) to indicate that the action occurs in present times.

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. In Twi, adverbs of manner can be formed in several ways. Some adverbs of manner are created by adding a suffix to an adjective, while others are formed by adding a specific word or phrase to the verb in a sentence.

a) Using the suffix '-m' Adding the suffix '-m' to an adjective forms an adverb of manner. For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Ɛwɔ-m	/ɛ.wɔm/	Excellently

In this example, the adjective 'ɛwɔ' (excellent) becomes the adverb 'ɛwɔ-m' (excellently) when the suffix '-m' is added.

b) Using the adverb 'bɛfi' The adverb 'bɛfi', which means "slowly" or "gently", can be added to a verb to indicate how an action should be performed. For instance:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Tɔ bɛfi	/tɔ bɛ.fi/	Handle it gently

In this sentence, the adverb 'bɛfi' is used with the verb 'tɔ' (handle) to indicate that the handling should be done slowly or gently.

c) Using the adverb 'maame' The adverb 'maame', which means "neatly" or "cleanly", can be used to describe how an action is performed. For instance:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Su maame	/su maː.me/	Sweep neatly

Here, the adverb 'maame' is used to describe how sweeping should be done.

d) Using the adverb 'hyɛbrɛ' The adverb 'hyɛbrɛ', which means "urgently" or "quickly", modifies a verb to indicate that an action should be performed with speed or urgency. For instance:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Mmaa hyɛbrɛ abrabɔ	/mmaa hyɛ.bɾɛ a.bɾa.bɔ/	Women sell quickly

In this example, the adverb 'hyɛbrɛ' modifies the verb 'abrabɔ' (sell) to indicate that the women should sell quickly or with urgency.

Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of place indicate where an action occurs. In Twi, adverbs of place are formed in several ways. Some adverbs of place are created by adding a suffix to a noun, while others are formed by adding a specific word or phrase to the verb in a sentence.

a) Using the suffix '-foɔ' Adding the suffix '-foɔ' to a noun forms an adverb of place that means "at" or "in a specific place". For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Koraa-foɔ	/ko.ɾaa foɔ/	At market

Here, the adverb 'koraa-foɔ' indicates that the action takes place at the market.

b) Using the adverb 'nso' The adverb 'nso', which means "also", can be added to a verb to indicate that an action is performed in addition to another action. For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Menka kye nso banka	/men.ka kje ɛn.so bã.ka/	I go to the bank too

In this sentence, the adverb 'nso' is used with the verb 'menka' (go) to indicate that going to the bank is done in addition to another action.

c) Using the adverb 'na' The adverb 'na', which means "there" or "that place", is used to indicate where an action is performed. For example:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Hwehwɛ-na	/hwe.hwe na/	Look there

In this sentence, the adverb 'na' is used to indicate where the action of looking should be directed.

d) Using the adverb 'wɔ' The adverb 'wɔ', which means "here", is used to indicate where an action is occurring. For instance:

Twi	Pronunciation	English
Wɔ teteɛ bu	/wɔ teteɛ bu/	Cut it here

In this example, the adverb 'wɔ' indicates that the action of cutting should occur at a specific location.

Practice Exercises

Now let's practice using adverbs of time, manner, and place in Twi. Below are some exercises to help you familiarize yourself with these adverbs and incorporate them into your speech.

1. Form adverbs of manner by adding the suffix '-m' to the following adjectives:

Dwom
Adi
Hyira

2. Use the adverb 'sɛn' to ask when the following actions occurred:

Prɛko
Yaakɔ
Kyere

3. Form adverbs of time by adding the suffix '-daa' to the following nouns:

Pa
Suma
Nobi

4. Use the ad

Table of Contents - Twi Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Introduction to Twi Pronouns

Basic Greetings and Expressions

Twi Sentence Structure

Numbers and Counting

Twi Verbs and Tenses

Family and Relationships

Twi Naming System

Food and Dining

Twi Adjectives and Adverbs

Descriptive Adjectives
Adverbs of Time, Manner, and Place

Travel and Transportation

Twi Proverbs and Sayings

Weather and Seasons

Twi Prepositions and Conjunctions

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

Twi Music and Dance

Videos

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