yɛbɛhyia akyiri
The English phrase "see you later" is expressed in Twi as yɛbɛhyia akyiri.
This phrase is used as a standard way to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again at an unspecified time in the future.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "we will meet later." The word yɛ means "we", bɛ is the future tense marker, hyia means "meet" and akyiri means "later" or "afterwards".
Did you know?
- Twi has a distinct way of talking about time where akyiri can refer to both a point in time and a physical position behind someone.
- The Twi language is a tonal language, meaning the pitch you use when saying hyia can change the meaning of the word entirely.
- In formal settings, speakers may replace yɛbɛhyia akyiri with phrases that specifically wish the other person 'safe journey' or 'God's protection' rather than just a meeting.
Example conversation
Kwame and Akua are finishing their lunch together.
- KwameMe rekɔ seesei, Akua.I am going now, Akua.
- AkuaKyerɛ me kwan a, Kwame.Show me the way, Kwame.
- Kwameyɛbɛhyia akyiri.See you later.
- AkuaYewu, yɛbɛhyia.Yes, we will meet.
