afɔdzi
The English word 'toilet' is translated into Ewe as afɔdzi.
afɔdzi refers to a fixture used for urination and defecation.
Meaning: fixture used for urination and defecation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word afɔdzi is a compound of afɔ, meaning latrine or toilet and dzi, meaning water, so it literally translates to 'water toilet'.
Did you know?
- In many Ewe-speaking communities, referring directly to the word afɔdzi in front of guests might be considered blunt or even impolite. It is often more culturally appropriate to use indirect euphemisms or gestures to indicate one's need to use the facilities.
- Because Ewe is a tonal language, changing the pitch on the syllables of afɔdzi can change the meaning or the emphasis, which is crucial for being understood.
- The word afɔdzi belongs to a family of Gbe languages, which means the way Ewe speakers describe sanitation shares deep linguistic roots with several other ethnic groups across West Africa.
Example conversation
Mawuena and Kofi are visiting a new house.
- MawuenaKofi, afɔdzi la le kodia?Kofi, where is the toilet?
- KofiEle eya megbe, Mawuena.It is behind there, Mawuena.
- MawuenaAfɔdzi la dzi dzro?Is the toilet clean?
- KofiƐɛ, wotuku afɔdzi la vɔvɔ.Yes, they cleaned the toilet thoroughly.
