wowɔ he?
The English phrase "where are you?" is translated into Twi as wowɔ he?
This phrase is used as a question to ask for a person's current physical location.
Did you know?
- In Ghana, answering wowɔ he? often involves naming a prominent landmark or neighborhood rather than a street address because many roads are not formally named.
- The word he in wowɔ he? is a tonal chameleon. Depending on the pitch you use, the word can shift from meaning 'where' to meaning 'person' or 'man'.
- When using wowɔ he? in a formal setting, you must swap the 'wo' for a respectful pronoun. Using the standard form with an elder is considered quite rude.
Example conversation
Kwame is calling Afia on the phone to find her.
- KwameAfia, wowɔ he?Afia, where are you?
- AfiaMewɔ fie.I am at home.
- KwameMereso mma wo seesei.I am coming to you now.
- AfiaKɔn mma me.Come quickly for me.