mɛni hewɔ
The English phrase "why" is translated into Ga as mɛni hewɔ.
mɛni hewɔ is an interrogative adverb used to ask for the reason.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Did you know?
- Because Ga is a tonal language, the meaning of the components in mɛni hewɔ can shift based on how you pitch your voice.
- In Ga, the word mɛni is a versatile linguistic 'Swiss Army knife' that can mean 'what', 'why', or 'which' depending on the particle it is paired with.
- When answering a question that starts with mɛni hewɔ, the respondent often begins with hewɔ. This creates a linguistic mirror where the question and answer use the same structural anchor.
Examples in context
- Mɛni hewɔ ni oyaaa nitsumɔ ŋmɛnɛ lɛ?Why aren't you going to work today?This sentence shows how to use mɛni hewɔ to ask about the reason someone is not going to work.Tatoeba #8001930 by lorenzocabrini, translation #8001942 by lorenzocabrini
- Mɛni hewɔ oɖe lɛ?Why did you go?
Example conversation
Naa sees Nii looking tired.
- NaaNii, mɛni hewɔ ni ohiɛ gbee?Nii, why do you look tired?
- NiiMishia nitsumɔ pii ekenyi.I worked a lot today.
- NaaOyaaa nyo kɛ mɛni hewɔ?Why didn't you sleep?
- NiiMienyɛ nitsumɔ lɛ kɛ nyo.I didn't sleep because of the work.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
