tena ase
tena ase is the Twi way to say sit down.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to assume a sitting position from a standing position.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tena, meaning to stay, dwell or remain and ase, meaning below, under or bottom.
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse tena ase with da ase, which is the phrase used to tell someone to lie down.
How does it change in a sentence?
tena ase is the standard imperative form used when telling someone to sit down.
Did you know?
- In traditional Akan court settings, the act of sitting tena ase on a stool is highly symbolic, as the stool represents the soul and ancestry of the person.
- The word ase means 'bottom' or 'below', but it is also used to describe the 'meaning' or 'explanation' of a proverb, as the true meaning is hidden beneath the surface.
- If you are told to tena ase in a formal gathering, you should avoid crossing your legs in a way that points your sole at an elder, as this is often seen as an insult.
Examples in context
- Ɛnyɛ mɔ, tena ase.It is no problem, sit down.
- Kofi, tena ase na yɛnkasa.Kofi, sit down so we can talk.
- Mepa wo kyɛw, tena ase.Please, sit down.
Example conversation
Adwoa and Kofi are meeting in a living room.
- AdwoaKofi, bra ha mma mɛhu wo.Kofi, come here so I can see you.
- KofiMeaba, Adwoa. ƐyɛI am coming, Adwoa. It is good.
- AdwoaKɔ tena ase wɔ hɔ.Go sit down over there.
- KofiMeye saa seesei.I will do that now.
