nɖɔ zã
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Ewe as nɖɔ zã.
nɖɔ zã is used as a farewell phrase when you are parting from someone at night or when someone is about to go to sleep.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, nɖɔ zã means "sleep night".
Did you know?
- In some Ewe-speaking communities, a person might respond to nɖɔ zã by wishing for the other person to 'wake up in peace', effectively turning the farewell into a prayer for safe passage through the night.
- In Ewe culture, saying nɖɔ zã to someone who is already sleeping would be considered quite odd, as the phrase is a social transaction between two waking people.
- Because nɖɔ zã is used when parting, saying it while staying in the same room might signal to others that you are physically ready to sleep and are withdrawing from the conversation.
Examples in context
- Nɖɔ zã.Good night.
- Mẽ nɖɔ zã na wò.I wish you a good night.
- Nɖɔ zã, ɖo ɖi.Good night, sleep well.
Example conversation
Kwame and Kafui are going to bed.
- KwameNɖɔ zã, Kafui.Good night, Kafui.
- KafuiNɖɔ zã, Kwame.Good night, Kwame.
- KwameMíya dzi etrã.We will wake up tomorrow.
- KafuiÉnyenya, nɖɔ zã.I know, good night.
