nyinaa
The English phrase 'all' is translated into Twi as nyinaa.
The word nyinaa is used to refer to every individual of a given class. For example, the phrase Onipa nyinaa means 'everyone' or 'all people'. To emphasize totality, nyinaa is often placed after the noun or the verb it is modifying.
Meaning: every individual of the given class (det)
How does it change in a sentence?
nyinaa is an invariant adverbial form used to mean 'all' or 'completely' and does not change based on the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- While nyinaa means 'all', Twi speakers often use the word baabiara to express the idea of 'everywhere' instead of combining nyinaa with a word for 'place'.
- If you want to say 'all of them' specifically regarding people, Twi speakers might use biara instead of nyinaa depending on the context of 'each one'.
- In rapid speech, the heavy nasal sound of nyinaa can sometimes blend into the preceding noun, making the 'all' sound like a suffix.
Example conversation
Yaw and Ama are discussing the preparations for a small party.
- YawAma, aduane nyinaa ɛyɛ.Ama, all the food is good.
- AmaYɛɛ hɔ yie, Yaw.We prepared it well, Yaw.
- YawNnipa nyinaa bɛba?Will all the people come?
- AmaAane, wɔn nyinaa bɛba.Yes, they all will come.
