Nsɛm
The English phrase "words" is translated into Twi as Nsɛm.
While Nsɛm refers to linguistic words, it is also used more broadly to refer to matters, topics, news or issues.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of Nsɛm is sɛm, which means "word", "matter" or "story".
Did you know?
- In Twi, the word nsɛm can be used to describe a physical quarrel or a dispute. If someone says there are nsɛm between two people, they are referring to a conflict rather than a conversation.
- A common Twi expression involves 'holding' nsɛm in one's heart, meaning to keep a secret or harbor a grievance without speaking it aloud.
- The word nsɛm is central to the Akan tradition of oral storytelling, where the 'words' are viewed as a living record of history and ancestral wisdom.
Examples in context
- Wo din de sɛn?What is your name?
- Nsɛm dɔɔso.There are many words.
- Nsɛm no yɛ dɛ.The words are sweet.
Example conversation
Kwame and Afia are studying a new language together.
- KwameAfia, wo tumi kyerɛ me nsɛm foforo?Afia, can you teach me some new words?
- AfiaAane, Kwame, yɛbɛsua nnɛ.Yes, Kwame, we will learn today.
- KwameƐyɛ mmerɛ a mɛsua nsɛm a ɛyɛ mmerɛ.It is time for me to learn simple words.
- AfiaYɛbɛyɛ saa, ma yɛnhyɛ ase.We will do that, let's begin.
