hwee nni mu
hwee nni mu is the Twi way to say no problem.
This phrase is used as a response to an apology to indicate that the mistake or situation is not a cause for concern.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hwee (nothing/anything), nni (is not/does not exist) and mu (in/inside). Literally, it translates to 'nothing is in it' or 'there is nothing in it' (referring to a situation or matter).
Did you know?
- Although it means 'no problem' in the context of an apology, using this exact phrase to answer a 'thank you' can sound unnatural to a native speaker.
- Using hwee nni mu as a response to an apology functions as a way to immediately restore social harmony by devaluing the weight of the mistake.
- The structure of hwee nni mu mirrors other Twi idioms that use 'inside' (mu) to describe emotional states or the essence of a problem.
Examples in context
- Hwee nni mu.It is no problem.
Example conversation
Kwesi accidentally bumps into Afia while walking.
- KwesiPaapa, mepɛ sɛ meka sorry.Sorry, I want to say sorry.
- AfiaHwee nni mu, Kwesi.No problem, Kwesi.
- KwesiMeda wo ase paa.Thank you very much.
- AfiaƐyɛ, kɔtue.It's okay, go ahead.
