tɔgã
/tɔ́.ɡã́/
The English phrase 'uncle' is translated into Ewe as tɔgã, tɔɖe or wɔfa.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ewe | IPA |
|---|---|
| tɔgã | /tɔ́.ɡã́/ |
| tɔɖe | /tɔ́.ɖè/ |
| wɔfa | /ɰɔ̀.fà/ |
The term refers to the brother (or brother-in-law) of someone's parent. Beyond biological kinship, tɔgã serves as an honorific used to address an elderly or respected man or a person of high status, even if there is no blood relation.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔ́.ɡã́/
Did you know?
- In traditional Ewe society, the maternal uncle wɔfa often holds a specific legal and disciplinary role in a child's upbringing that differs from the father's role.
- The term tɔgã literally translates to 'big owner' or 'great head' of the family, emphasizing the hierarchy of age and authority over biological relationship.
- The word wɔfa specifically identifies a maternal uncle, highlighting a linguistic distinction between maternal and paternal lineages.
Example sentences for Ewe are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Akosua introduces her relative to Koffi.
- AkosuaKoffi, xɔ nye tɔgãa.Koffi, meet my uncle.
- KoffiẼ, mee nanu kpo tɔgãa.Yes, I am greeting the uncle.
- AkosuaEyae nye nye tɔgã tɔ.He is my uncle.
- KoffiEnye nu vã.It is a pleasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries tɔgã, tɔɖe, wɔfa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
