Essential Twi Phrases for Medical Emergencies
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Medical emergencies can be stressful, especially when language barriers exist. If you’re in Ghana or interacting with Twi speakers, knowing a few critical phrases could make all the difference. This guide covers essential Twi phrases to help you navigate medical situations confidently and compassionately.
Key Vocabulary
Hospital – Ayaresabea
Doctor – Dɔkotani
Nurse – Nɛɛseni
Medicine – Aduro
Ambulance – Ambulance a wɔde fa nnipa
Pain – Yeaw
Emergency – Asɛm a ɛsɛ ntɛm
Getting Help in an Emergency
Help me! – Boa me!
Call a doctor! – Frɛ oduruyɛfo bi!
Call an ambulance! – Frɛ ambulance bi!
There’s an emergency. – Ɛyɛ asɛm a ɛsɛ ntɛm.
I’m in pain. – Me ho yɛ me yaw.
Describing Symptoms
I feel sick. – Mete nka sɛ meyare.
I have a headache. – Me ti yɛ me yaw.
I have a stomachache. – Me yafunu yɛ me yaw.
I am dizzy. – me ho ayɛ me yaw.
I can’t breathe well. – Mintumi nhome yiye.
I have a fever. – Mewɔ atiridiinini.
I am vomiting. – Merefefe.
Asking for Help
Can you take me to the hospital? – Wobɛtumi de me kɔ ayaresabea?
Where is the nearest clinic? – Ayaresabea a ɛbɛn ha wɔ he?
Do you have painkillers? – Wɔn wɔ aduro a ɛyɛ yaw?
Can someone help me translate? – Obi bɛtumi aboa me kasa mu?
Responding to Questions
Where does it hurt? – Ɛhe na ɛyɛ yaw?
It hurts here. – Ɛyɛ yaw wɔ ha.
What’s wrong with you? – Dɛn na ɛhaw wo?
I don’t know. – Mennim.
Are you allergic to anything? – So wo ho nyɛ wo hyew wɔ biribiara ho?
Yes, I am allergic to… – Yiw, me ho nnya yɛ...
No, I’m not allergic to anything. – Dabi, biribiara nka me ho.
Talking About Medicines
What medicine is this? – Aduro yi din de sɛn?
How many times should I take this? – Mpɛn ahe na ɛsɛ sɛ menom eyi?
Will it cause side effects? – So ɛde ɔhaw ahorow bɛba?
For Accidents or Injuries
I’ve been in an accident. – M’akɔ akwanhyia mu.
I’m bleeding. – Mogya retu me.
I think I’ve broken a bone. – Misusuw sɛ m’abubu dompe bi.
Useful Phrases for a Caregiver or Bystander
Is there a nurse or doctor here? – So ɔyarehwɛfo anaa oduruyɛfo bi wɔ ha?
Let’s keep the person calm. – Momma yɛmma onipa no dwo.
Let’s take them to the hospital. – Momma yɛmfa wɔn nkɔ ayaresabea.
Do you know their family? – Wunim wɔn abusua?
Pro Tip: Practice Before You Need It
Emergencies aren’t the time to learn from scratch. Spend time practicing these phrases with a Twi tutor or app like NKENNE to build confidence in your pronunciation.
FAQs
1. Do hospitals in Ghana have English-speaking staff?
Yes, most hospitals have English-speaking staff, but knowing Twi can help communicate with locals or family members.
2. What should I carry for medical emergencies in Ghana?
Carry a small first-aid kit, your medical records, and a card with essential phrases in Twi.
3. Can I find Twi interpreters in hospitals?
Many larger hospitals in Ghana have staff who speak Twi, but smaller clinics may not.
4. How do I describe allergies in Twi?
Use the phrase: Me ho nnya yɛ biribi a ɛyɛ no yɛ me ya (I am allergic to something).
5. Are ambulance services widely available in Ghana?
Ambulance services exist but may not be as quick or widespread as in some countries. Knowing the local emergency number is crucial.
6. How do I ensure I understand medicine instructions in Twi?
Ask directly: Mɛfa aduro yi mpɛn ahe da mu? (How many times should I take this daily?)
7. Are these phrases enough for a medical emergency?
While helpful, it’s always best to learn more Twi or have a local friend assist in emergencies. Apps like NKENNE offer real-life practice scenarios for better preparation.
Final Words
Learning essential Twi phrases for emergencies ensures you’re ready to handle unexpected situations. From describing symptoms to asking for help, a few words can go a long way in ensuring effective communication and quick assistance.
P.S. A little effort in learning Twi could mean the difference between calm and chaos in an emergency. Start practicing today—boa wo ho! (Help yourself!).