Dzigbenyue nawo
The English phrase "happy birthday" is translated into Ewe as Dzigbenyue nawo.
Dzigbenyue nawo is used to express good wishes to someone on the occasion of their birthday.
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
Did you know?
- In traditional Ewe culture, the 'true' birthday of a person was often linked to the day their name was officially given during a naming ceremony, rather than the day of birth.
- Depending on the region in Togo or Ghana, people may prefer to use a French translation like 'Joyeux anniversaire' instead of Dzigbenyue nawo due to colonial history.
- The Ewe language uses a system of tone that can change the meaning of words entirely, meaning the musical pitch of Dzigbenyue nawo is as important as the letters used to spell it.
Example conversation
Akosua is greeting Kwame on his birthday.
- AkosuaKwame, Dzigbenyue nawo!Kwame, happy birthday!
- KwameAkometo, akpe na wò!Thank you so much!
- AkosuaÈnye agbe gbe nyuie?Are you having a good day?
- KwameẼ, egbe nye ŋkeke nyuie.Yes, today is a good day.
