kɔla
The Twi word for colour is kɔla.
kɔla is used to refer to the property of an object that allows it to be distinguished by light, such as red, blue or green.
Did you know?
- To name a specific shade, it is often more natural to name a fruit, such as 'orange' or 'banana', than to use a formal colour name.
- The word kɔla is actually a loanword from the English word 'color'. It was adopted into Twi during the colonial era to describe the concept of color in a modern sense.
- When discussing skin tone, Twi speakers frequently use terms that describe 'brightness' or 'darkness' instead of the general word kɔla.
Examples in context
- W'adaka no kɔla yɛ dɛ.The colour of your drum is beautiful.
- Kɔla no yɛ fɛ paa.The colour is very pretty.
Example conversation
Yaw and Ama are choosing paint for a room.
- YawAma, kɔla bɔn na yɛbɛdi?Ama, which colour should we use?
- AmaMepɛ kɔla a ɛyɛ fitaa.I want a colour that is white.
- YawKɔla no bɛma odaa no hyɛThat colour will make the room bright.
- AmaAane, ɛno na mɛpɛ.Yes, that is what I want.
