How to Say “Rest in Peace” in Twi

By Hugh Roger • Updated October 2, 2026

da yie

The phrase to say rest in peace in Twi is da yie.

da yie is used as a blessing or an expression of hope.

Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, da yie means sleep well.

Did you know?

The phrase da yie is also the standard way to say 'goodnight' to someone who is actually going to sleep.
In Twi culture, many people prefer to say nante yie (walk well) instead of da yie, viewing death as a journey to a new place rather than a state of sleeping.
In traditional Akan funeral rites, the focus is on the transition to the land of the ancestors, making the 'sleep' in da yie a bridge between two worlds.

Examples in context

Agya no da yie.
May the father rest in peace.

Example conversation

Kwame and Adwoa are visiting a funeral.

Kwame

Yen nyame mma no da yie.
May our God grant him rest in peace.
Adwoa

Amen, ɛnyɛ ampa.
Amen, it is true.
Kwame

Ɔno na ɔda yie seesei.
He is the one resting in peace now.
Adwoa

Yen nyinaa bɛda yie da koro.
We will all rest in peace one day.

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About The Author

Hugh Roger

Akwaaba! My name is Hugh. I've found a unique passion in studying Twi, the beautiful and rich language of Ghana. When I am not immersed in the world of linguistics, you'll probably find me exploring Ghanaian culture, marveling at the intricate patterns of Kente cloth or experimenting with the delicious flavors of banku and okro stew. My other interests include hiking and bird watching, as inspired by the unique biodiversity of Ghana. Wo ho te sɛn? I hope it's as great as mine because of our shared interest in Twi. Yɛbɛhyia bio! ("We'll meet again!")

Hugh RogerHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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