ɔkyena
The Twi word for 'tomorrow' is ɔkyena.
ɔkyena is an adverb used to refer to the day after the present day.
Meaning: on the day after the present day (adv)
Did you know?
- Because ɔkyena refers to the next day, it is frequently paired with the phrase Nyame nna yɛn mma to hope God allows them to reach that day.
- While English uses 'tomorrow' to denote a specific date, in Twi social interaction, the word can function as a way to politely defer a commitment. It acts as a 'soft' temporal marker that avoids the bluntness of a hard deadline.
- The rhythm of the word ɔkyena is dictated by the tonal nature of Twi, where the pitch of the syllables can change the nuance of the word. This means the 'sound' of tomorrow carries more than just its literal meaning.
Examples in context
- Mabɛba ɔkyena.I will come tomorrow.
Example conversation
Ama and Kwame are planning a visit.
- AmaKwame, wobɛba me fie ɔkyena?Kwame, will you come to my house tomorrow?
- KwameAane, mɛba ɔkyena.Yes, I will come tomorrow.
- AmaYɛbɛnom nsuo ɔkyena.We will drink water tomorrow.
- KwameƐyɛ paa, Ama.That is very good, Ama.
