Understanding Twi Question Words: Who, What, Where
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
If you've ever been in a conversation where someone suddenly starts speaking Twi, and all you can do is nod and smile, it's time to level up! Mastering question words in Twi is like unlocking a secret code—once you get it, everything makes sense. Today, we’ll break down three essential question words: Who? What? Where?
1. "Who?" in Twi – Hwan?
Whenever you need to ask about a person, the Twi word for "who" is Hwan?
| English | Twi | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Who is that? | Hwan na ɔno? | Hwan nah oh-no? |
| Who are you? | Hwan na wo yɛ? | Hwan nah woh yeh? |
| Who took my book? | Hwan na ɔfaa me nwoma? | Hwan nah oh-fah meh nwo-mah? |
💡 Tip: If someone asks Hwan na wo yɛ?, resist the urge to reply, Me yɛ Superman. Unless, of course, you are.
2. "What?" in Twi – Dɛn?
When you need to ask about something, use Dɛn?
| English | Twi | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| What is this? | Dɛn nie? | Den nee-eh? |
| What do you want? | Dɛn na wopɛ? | Den nah woh-peh? |
| What happened? | Dɛn na ɛkɔso? | Den nah eh-ko-so? |
💡 Tip: Dɛn na ɛkɔso? is the Twi version of “What’s up?” But if someone actually starts explaining their problems, you might regret asking!
3. "Where?" in Twi – Ɛhe?
When you’re looking for something or someone, use Ɛhe?
| English | Twi | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it? | Ɛhe na ɛwɔ? | Eh-heh nah eh-waw? |
| Where are you? | Ɛhe na wo wɔ? | Eh-heh nah woh waw? |
| Where is the market? | Ɛhe na dɔnkɔmɔ wɔ? | Eh-heh nah don-koh-moh waw? |
💡 Tip: If you're lost, confidently asking Ɛhe na trotro wɔ? (Where is the bus stop?) might make you look like a local—until they answer at lightning speed.
4. Quick Twi Q&A Example
👤 You: Hwan na ɔyɛ w'abusuafo? (Who is your family member?)
👤 Local: Me nua Yaw. (My sibling, Yaw.)
👤 You: Dɛn na wo rekɔtɔ? (What are you buying?)
👤 Local: Me rekɔtɔ nkate. (I’m buying peanuts.)
👤 You: Ɛhe na dɔnkɔmɔ wɔ? (Where is the market?)
👤 Local: Ɛwɔ nifa. (It’s on the right.)
5. FAQs
1. Is Twi grammar difficult?
Not at all! Twi grammar is simpler than English—once you grasp the sentence structure, it flows naturally.
2. Can I use "Ɛhe?" to ask for directions?
Yes! Just say Ɛhe na… plus the place you’re looking for. Example: Ɛhe na bank wɔ? (Where is the bank?)
3. What’s the difference between “Hwan?” and “Dɛn?”
Use Hwan? for people and Dɛn? for things.
4. Are these question words used in other Akan dialects?
Yes! Fante and Asante Twi share many similarities, but pronunciation may differ slightly.
5. Can I use "Ɛhe?" to ask about a missing item?
Absolutely! If your phone disappears, just shout Ɛhe na me fon wɔ? (Where is my phone?) and watch everyone start looking around nervously.
6. How can I practice these question words?
Use them daily! Even if you're just talking to yourself—Hwan na ɔrekɔ supermarket? (Who is going to the supermarket?)—it helps!
7. How do I sound more fluent when asking questions?
Speak confidently, mimic native speakers, and remember: Twi is all about tone!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to ask Who? What? Where? in Twi, you’re one step closer to mastering conversations. Next time someone speaks Twi around you, don’t just nod—ask a question!
P.S. If someone asks you Hwan na wo yɛ?, don’t panic—just say Me din de… and own the moment! 😉
P.P.S. Hwan na wo yɛ? means Who are you? and Me din de… means My name is…