bɔ mpae
To pray in Twi is bɔ mpae.
The phrase bɔ mpae is specifically used for religious prayer directed toward God, rather than a general request or plea.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb bɔ (to strike, hit or play) and the noun mpae (prayer), literally meaning 'to strike/hit prayer'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bɔ in this phrase is in its base form and does not change for person or number. Instead, the subject is indicated by separate pronouns.
Did you know?
- In Twi, the word bɔ is also the standard verb used when a musician 'plays' an instrument, suggesting that prayer is seen as a rhythmic or performative act.
- While bɔ mpae is for God, Twi uses different verbs entirely for making a plea to a human, such as srɛ, which focuses on begging or pleading.
- Twi uses the same verb bɔ for praying as it does for 'striking' a ball in sports. This creates a mental link between the focused effort of an athlete and the intensity of a believer.
Example conversation
Kwame and Afia are preparing for a meal.
- KwameAfia, yɛn bɔ mpae kɔm.Afia, let us pray first.
- AfiaEi, me bɔ mpae seɛn?Oh, how should I pray?
- KwameBɔ mpae fɛfɛɛfɛ mpo.Just pray a nice prayer.
- AfiaKɔsɛ, me bɔ mpae seɛseɛ.Alright, I will pray now.
