Mawu nayra wò
Mawu nayra wò is the Ewe way to say god bless you.
This phrase is used as an interjection when someone has sneezed.
Meaning: said to somebody who has sneezed (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Mawu (God), nayra (bless) and wò (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word wò is the singular second-person pronoun used when addressing one person.
Did you know?
- The word nayra is derived from a root that relates to 'adding' or 'increasing', implying that a blessing is an increase in one's well-being.
- The word Mawu comes from a root meaning 'the one who creates' or 'the one who gives life'.
- The use of a divine name like Mawu in daily social interactions like sneezing highlights how closely the spiritual and secular worlds are integrated in Ewe life.
Examples in context
- Elder: Mawu subɔ wo
You (in response): Miawoe(Thank you) - Mawu nayra wò.God bless you.
- Achi! Mawu nayra wò.Bless you! God bless you.
Example conversation
Kofi sneezes while talking to Mawuena.
- MawuenaMawu nayra wò, Kofi.God bless you, Kofi.
- KofiAkpe, Mawuena.Thanks, Mawuena.
- MawuenaEnye nyenye ge?Is it a cold?
- KofiNane, mele nyenyo o.No, I am not sick.
