wɔfa
The Twi word for uncle is wɔfa.
wɔfa is a noun used to refer to the brother of someone's parent, or a brother-in-law.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Did you know?
- The matrilineal importance of the wɔfa is so strong that in some traditional settings, the mother's brother has more legal claim to family land than the father.
- Calling someone wɔfa can be a sign of respect to an older man even if no blood relation exists.
- In traditional Twi kinship, a wɔfa may be responsible for paying a nephew's school fees or providing legal guidance.
Examples in context
- Wofa, wo te ase?Uncle, are you okay?
- Wɔfa no yɛ ɔdwumafoɔ.That uncle is a worker.
Example conversation
Akua is introducing her relative to Kwame.
- AkuaKwame, hwɛ me wɔfa yi.Kwame, look at my uncle here.
- KwameAkye, wɔfa. Wo ho te sɛn?Good morning, uncle. How are you?
- AkuaƆyɛ, Kwame. Wo nso wo ho te sɛn?I am fine, Kwame. And how are you?
- KwameMe ho yɛ, me pa wo nka.I am fine, thank you.
