ɔhene
The Twi word for king is ɔhene.
The term ɔhene is used to refer to both a king and a traditional chief.
Meaning: a male of a royal family who is the supreme ruler of his nation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 'ɔ-' (the noun prefix for humans) and 'hene' (chief or ruler).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Ashanti Region, the term Ohene is predominantly used to refer to a king.
Did you know?
- The election of an ɔhene often involves a matrilineal system. This means the successor is chosen from the king's sister's children rather than his own children.
- In traditional Twi culture, an ɔhene does not rule by absolute decree but is advised by a council of elders. If a king ignores this council or violates traditional oaths, he can be 'destooled' or removed from power.
- The physical throne of an ɔhene is often referred to as a 'stool'. In Twi culture, the stool is not just a seat but is believed to house the soul of the ancestors and the spirit of the nation.
Examples in context
- Ɔhene no yɛ kɛse.The king is great.
- Yɛhia ɔhene no.We are greeting the king.
- Ɔhene no wɔ ɔdan kɛse mu.The king is in a big palace.
Example conversation
Akua and Kofi are visiting a traditional palace.
- AkuaYen bɛhu ɔhene no anaa?Will we see the king?
- KofiAane, ɔhene no wɔ hɔ.Yes, the king is there.
- AkuaƆhene no yɛ obi a ɔyɛ no adwuma yie.The king is someone who does his work well.
- KofiƐyɛ nokware, ɔhene no yɛ obi a ɔdɔ nnipa.That is true, the king is someone who loves people.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “king” translations and entries ɔhene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
