nuabarima panyin
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Twi as nuabarima panyin.
This phrase is used to refer to a brother who is older than the speaker or another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nuabarima (brother/sibling) and panyin (elder/old/big).
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify "the" big brother, you add the definite article no at the end of the phrase to form nuabarima panyin no.
Did you know?
- In Twi culture, addressing a nuabarima panyin by their first name can be seen as disrespectful. It is common to use their title or a respectful term to acknowledge their seniority in the family.
- The term panyin is also used to describe the 'head' or 'leader' of a group, such as a village chief.
- Twi is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying nuabarima panyin can change the meaning of the words if not pronounced correctly.
Examples in context
- Ɛyɛ me nuabarima panyin.He is my big brother.
Example conversation
Ama is asking Kofi about his family.
- KofiKofi, wowo nuabarima panyin bi?Kofi, do you have a big brother?
- AmaAane, me nuabarima panyin bi wɔ Kumase.Yes, my big brother is in Kumasi.
- KofiƆyɛ obi a ɔka Twi yie?Does he speak Twi well?
- AmaAane, ɔka no yie paa.Yes, he speaks it very well.
