nante yie
The English phrase 'bye' is translated into Twi as nante yie.
Nante yie is used as a way to say goodbye when someone is departing a location or starting a journey.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nante yie literally means 'walk well'.
Which one should you use?
While nante yie is used for general departures, you should use da yie (which means 'sleep well') specifically when someone is going to sleep or when it is nighttime.
Did you know?
- While nante yie refers to 'walking', it is used regardless of whether the person is departing by car, bus or plane.
- In some Ghanaian cultures, it is considered more polite to avoid a quick 'bye' and instead use phrases like nante yie to show genuine concern for the traveler's safety.
- The structure of nante yie reflects a common Twi pattern where wishing someone well is phrased as an instruction to perform an action 'well' or 'correctly'.
Example conversation
Kwesi is leaving Ama's house after a visit.
- KwesiMe kɔ, Ama.I am going, Ama.
- AmaNante yie, Kwesi.Bye, Kwesi.
- KwesiYɛbɛhyia bio.We will meet again.
- AmaYɛbɛhyia bio, nante yie.We will meet again, bye.
