Say What?

There are certain phrases that pop-up daily in conversation in Ghana. Most of the meanings are clear to any outside English speaker, but they certainly are not common lingo in America. We have been trying to compile the ones that are used most often. I hope the uses are clear.

“Mepa kyεw…” ----- (May-pah-cho) It means “please” in Twi. Ghanaians (at least in this area) rarely start a sentence without this word in front, or if speaking English, simply “Please…”

“All the best” ----- Used in place of “good luck” or “best wishes;” it has been especially useful of late since we are in the middle of exams

“Small small” ----- Often used to explain the extent of English people speak/understand, it simply means “a little,” “a little at a time,” or “slowly”

“You’re invited” ----- Perhaps the phrase most loved by Americans here, it is used to offer someone some of your food. Ghanaian culture is huge on sharing food and every good Ghanaian will invite you to join them or share with them even if it is inconvenient or impractical, or if they secretly hope you do not want any

“Have you taken…” ----- While we are on the subject of food, Ghanaians use this phrase to ask if you have ever eaten a particular food

“Do you take…” ----- Similarly, this phrase asks if you regularly eat a particular food or if you even like it

“Are you going to write a paper?” ----- “Are you going to take an exam (a final)?”

“Go and come” ----- This means exactly what it says. Ghanaians use this phrase a lot when they want you to do something with them but you are on your way somewhere else first

“He’s my brother” ----- This could actually mean the person he is referring to is in fact his brother (although if he is, they probably have different mothers, multiple wives is not at all uncommon and divorce isn’t quite as unheard of here as they would like), but the word in the local language for brother and cousin are the same so the person could be his cousin instead of his brother… or just a really good friend, or maybe just an acquaintance, a colleague, who knows really. No matter the relationship, this a term of endearment.

“You get me?” ----- Basically, “Do you understand?” or “Are you following?”

“Yaayee” ----- This is the response you give to a greeting you receive when returning from the field or farm

“Don’t keep long” ----- “Similar to ‘Go and come,’ basically means return soon, please”

“Zero-tillage” ----- For you agronomists out there, I just found it interesting that they use this term instead of “no-till”

“Can you imagine?” ----- It means exactly what it says, but Ghanaians use this phrase constantly as a statement of disbelief, frustration with a situation, or excitement about something that happened or what someone said.

“Eh, Challe” ----- This almost sounds like “Hey, Charlie!” when spoken. Challe is like a nickname or another word for friend. Someone likened it to “dude” in America, which is almost accurate, although it is probably closer to homey.

“Is that ok?” ----- Like “You get me?” this phrase basically means, “Do you understand?” or “Are you with me?”

“Does it pain you?” ----- “Does it hurt?”

“Please, I’m coming.” ----- It means “I’m coming,” “Wait here,” “One minute,” “I haven’t forgotten you,” “I will be right back,” etc.

“What are you reading?” ----- Unless you are actually reading something when asked this, the person is asking for what you are studying, what curriculum—what is your major.