metan wo
The English phrase "I hate you" is translated into Twi as metan wo. Wiktionary also lists mekyiri wo.
Meaning: expression of intense dislike (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Twi |
|---|
| metan wo |
| mekyiri wo |
This phrase is used as an expression of intense dislike.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase metan wo is composed of me (I), tan (hate) and wo (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase metan wo, the verb tan (to hate) is used in its base form to express a present state of feeling.
Did you know?
- In Twi, saying metan wo is extremely heavy and can permanently damage a relationship. It is much more socially explosive than the English 'I hate you', which is often used casually or jokingly between friends.
- Expressing intense hate in Twi is often viewed as a failure of suban, which is the Akan concept of good character and emotional maturity.
- Because Twi is a tonal language, the way you pitch the syllable tan can change the entire meaning of the sentence. A slight shift in pitch could change a declaration of hate into a different verb entirely.
Examples in context
- Metan wo paa.I hate you very much.
- Nanso metan wo.But I hate you.
- Sɛnea wo yɛ no, metan wo.Because of how you are, I hate you.
Example conversation
Ama and Kwesi are arguing over a broken vase.
- AmaWo na wopra goo no! Metan wo!You are the one who broke the vase! I hate you!
- KwesiAmpa, nanso anka m'ani nni ho.True, but I didn't mean to.
- AmaMmu!No!
- KwesiAma, plame.Ama, I'm sorry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I hate you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
