obroni
In Twi, the English phrase "white man" is expressed as obroni.
The term obroni is used broadly to refer to any person of Western or non-African descent, not strictly those with white skin.
What does it mean word for word?
The word obroni is a contraction of 'obron' (foreigner/white person) and 'ni' (person).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Ashanti region, some individuals might use the term Onyankyerɛfo to refer to a white man.
Did you know?
- The term obroni is so broad that it is often used to describe anything that is foreign or Western in nature, such as obroni aduane for Western food.
- In some Ghanaian communities, a person of African descent who has lived abroad for a long time may be jokingly called obroni because of their changed accent or mannerisms.
- The term obroni is frequently used in Ghanaian highlife music and popular songs to signify a world of luxury, travel and modernity.
Examples in context
- Obroni no bɛba.The white man will come.
- Obroni bi na ɛwɔ aduane.A white man has food.
- Obroni no yɛ ɔkyerɛkyerɛfo.The white man is a teacher.
Example conversation
Kwame and Adwoa are talking about a new neighbor.
- KwameHwɛ, obroni foforo bi aba yɛn kuro.Look, a new white man has come to our town.
- AdwoaƆno na ɔrehyia wo?Is he the one meeting you?
- KwameAane, obroni no pɛ sɛ ɔhu kuro no.Yes, the white man wants to see the town.
- AdwoaƐyɛThat is fine.
