Yɛda Onyame ase
The Twi phrase for "thank God" is Yɛda Onyame ase.
Yɛda Onyame ase is used as a formal expression of religious gratitude and as a common exclamation of relief when a difficult situation has been resolved.
Meaning: exclamation of gratitude or relief (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Yɛ (we), da (thank/give thanks), Onyame (God) and ase (base/foot/bottom), literally meaning "We give thanks at God's feet".
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase from "we thank God" to "I thank God", change the prefix Yɛ- to Me-, resulting in Meda Onyame ase.
Did you know?
- In some Ghanaian social contexts, responding to a tragedy with Yɛda Onyame ase is not seen as dismissive but as a way to acknowledge that a situation could have been even worse.
- The word Onyame is derived from a root meaning 'the one who is high' or 'the one above'. This reflects a traditional Akan cosmological view of the divine residing in the sky.
- Even if you are alone, you might still use the plural Yɛda Onyame ase to include your community or family in the shared relief of the moment.
Examples in context
- Yɛda Onyame ase.Thank God.
- Yɛda Onyame ase sɛ yɛahyira.Thank God that we are blessed.
- Nnyɛ adwen, Yɛda Onyame ase.Don't worry, thank God.
Example conversation
Adwoa and Kwame are talking about a lost phone that was found.
- AdwoaKofi ahu me fon no!Kofi has found my phone!
- KwameYɛda Onyame ase, Adwoa.Thank God, Adwoa.
- AdwoaMe mmoa nyinaa abu.All my help has worked.
- KwameƐyɛ anigye kɛse.It is a great joy.
