woyɛ dɛn?
The English phrase "what are you doing?" is translated into Twi as woyɛ dɛn?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone about their current activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of wo (you), yɛ (do/are doing) and dɛn (what).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase woyɛ dɛn? is often written as three separate words: wo yɛ dɛn?
Did you know?
- In many Akan cultures, asking someone woyɛ dɛn? can be perceived as intrusive or suspicious if not accompanied by a friendly greeting first, as jumping straight to the question may imply you are policing their behavior.
- Because Twi is a tonal language, changing the pitch on yɛ can subtly shift the meaning of the verb from 'doing' to other related actions.
- In many Twi-speaking contexts, asking woyɛ dɛn? can function as a casual greeting rather than a literal request for a list of current tasks.
Example conversation
Kwesi walks into the room and sees Adwoa working.
- KwesiAdwoa, woyɛ dɛn?Adwoa, what are you doing?
- AdwoaMeresua Twi.I am studying Twi.
- KwesiƐyɛ dɛn?How is it?
- AdwoaƐyɛ dɛdɛ.It is sweet.
