ɔhemmaa
The Twi word for queen, a female monarch, is ɔhemmaa.
ɔhemmaa is the word for a queen. In Ghana it is also the title of the queen mother, the female ruler who serves alongside a chief.
Meaning: female monarch (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
ɔhemmaa is a compound of ɔhene, king and -maa, a feminine suffix.
Which one should you use?
Use ɔhene for a male monarch and ɔhemmaa for a female one.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The word is also often written Ohemmaa, with a plain o in place of the open o letter, but ɔhemmaa is the standard spelling.
Did you know?
- In Akan culture, the ɔhemmaa is often the only person with the legal authority to nominate a new ɔhene, making her the ultimate kingmaker.
- The title ɔhemmaa carries a spiritual dimension, as the queen mother is often the primary protector of the community's sacred ancestral relics.
- While ɔhemmaa translates to 'queen', it is most commonly used to describe the 'queen mother', a role that exists independently of whether the 'king' is married.
Example conversation
Kwesi and Afia are visiting a royal palace.
- KwesiAfia, yɛbɛhu ɔhemmaa no anaa?Afia, will we see the queen?
- AfiaAane, ɔhemmaa no wobeba koraa.Yes, the queen will definitely come.
- KwesiƐyɛ anigye sɛ yɛbɛhu no.It is a joy that we will see her.
- AfiaYɛnkɔ hɔ ntɛm.Let's go there quickly.
