Best Ghanaian Twi Proverbs
Ghanaian culture is rich in wisdom, and one of the most profound ways that wisdom is shared is through proverbs. Proverbs are a key part of the Ghanaian heritage, particularly in the Akan language, which includes Twi, one of the most widely spoken dialects in Ghana. These proverbs carry deep meanings, offering life lessons, guidance, and reflections on human nature and society.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to a collection of 200 Ghanaian Twi Proverbs, each one carefully chosen to reflect the timeless wisdom of the Akan people. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Ghanaian culture, or you’re simply seeking some inspiration, these proverbs will leave you with a deep sense of understanding.
What Are Twi Proverbs?
In Ghana, Twi proverbs serve as vehicles for wisdom, passed down from generation to generation. They are often used in conversations, speeches, and storytelling to help people reflect on the deeper meaning of everyday experiences. A proverb might sound simple, but its deeper meanings can be applied to various aspects of life, from personal growth to societal understanding.
The structure of Twi proverbs is often metaphorical, using natural elements like animals, plants, or everyday human activities to express moral truths. They encourage individuals to think critically and introspectively about their actions, choices, and relationships with others.
200 Ghanaian Twi Proverbs
We have compiled a list of 200 Ghanaian Twi Proverbs for you to explore. These proverbs come from various aspects of life, including family, work, relationships, and nature. Each proverb holds a unique message that can offer guidance in your daily life.
Below, you’ll find the first 10 proverbs in our series. For each, we’ve included both the original Twi version and its English translation to help you fully appreciate the beauty and depth of the saying.
Ghanaian Twi Proverbs
“Wo nsa da ho a, wo ho yɛ fɛ.”
“When your hand is clean, your body is attractive.”
This proverb teaches us the importance of integrity and honesty. Clean hands are symbolic of purity and moral uprightness.
“Ɛyɛ dɛn a ɛda w’anim no, ɛda w’akyiri.”
“What lies ahead of you is also behind you.”
This proverb reminds us that the future is shaped by the past, and our experiences today influence the opportunities and challenges we will face in the future.
“Sɛ wo werɛ fi a, ɛnnyɛ wo deɛ, ɛyɛ ɔkɔmfoɔ.”
“When you forget, it is not you, but a priest who forgets.”
This saying suggests that even the wisest among us sometimes forget things, but it emphasizes the need to learn from every experience, even when mistakes are made.
“Obi nkyere aboa a, ɛda mu.”
“No one teaches an animal its own language.”
This proverb points to the importance of self-reliance and the notion that each individual must learn and understand their own path in life.
“Anoma antu a, ɛkyerɛ sɛ abɔfra nni no.”
“If the bird does not fly, it means the child has no wings.”
This teaches us that limitations can often stem from lack of opportunity or experience. It encourages personal growth and development.
“W’adwuma kɔ, wo nya bi.”
“If you work hard, you will gain something.”
A reminder that hard work and persistence are always rewarded, even if the results take time to show.
“Abɔfra a ɔyɛ den ne mmerante a ɔyɛ baako.”
“A child who is stubborn is the same as a young man who is stubborn.”
This proverb highlights the value of discipline from a young age, stressing the importance of good behavior in shaping the future.
“Nipa a ɔde ne ho bɔne bɔ, ɔbɔ ne ho dɔ.”
“The person who harms others will eventually harm himself.”
It speaks to the principle of karma—what goes around, comes around.
“Wɔmma nkuto ne nkuto, na wɔnka anɔpa.”
“When the palm kernel is roasted, the meat will come out.”
A metaphor for patience—good things take time, and in the end, the rewards will be worthwhile.
“Aboa a ɔde ne ho to, ne nan da so.”
“The animal that puts its foot forward will be the first to be caught.”
This proverb emphasizes the idea that those who act boldly or recklessly may face consequences sooner than others.
“Sɛ wopɛ woho a, ɛne ɔdɔ kɔ.”
“If you want to go far, go with love.”
This proverb teaches us that love and harmony are the foundations for lasting success.
“Twi bɔne ka kɔ.”
“The one who speaks ill of others will also be spoken ill of.”
A reminder of the consequences of negative speech.
“Sɛ wokɔtɔ no, ɛyɛ wo deɛ.”
“When you pick something, it’s for you.”
This implies that the choices you make are your responsibility.
“Asɛm kɔ, asɛm bɛba.”
“What goes, will come back.”
Everything in life is cyclical; actions have consequences.
“Ɛyɛ dɛ a, ɛbɔ wo kyɛ.”
“What is sweet will not last forever.”
A reminder that not all good things last, teaching us the value of patience and understanding.
“Owuo na ɛkɔtɔ.”
“Death is inevitable.”
A proverb that emphasizes the inevitable nature of death and encourages living a meaningful life.
“Ɔkwan bi so a, na ɛfa.”
“Every journey has its destination.”
This reminds us that every path we take will eventually lead to its end, and the end goal is important.
“Aboa a ɔda ho na ne ho nkyerɛ.”
“The animal that lies on its side is not afraid of the hunter.”
Sometimes, facing challenges head-on takes courage.
“Sɛ wo bɔne a, yɛbɛte nka.”
“If you do evil, it will be heard.”
The impact of our actions is always felt, even when we think it goes unnoticed.
“Abɔfra nni nkuto ne nkuto.”
“A child who doesn’t listen to advice will not benefit from it.”
A proverb stressing the importance of heeding wisdom from elders.
“Nea ɔda ho yɛ fɛ, ɛda no ho.”
“What is beautiful to the eye, is equally pleasing to the heart.”
“Nea ɔnni nkuto, ne nsam kɔ so.”
“He who does not have a palm nut will not press the palm nut.”
“Wɔmma nkuto ne nkuto, na wɔnka anɔpa.”
“When the palm kernel is roasted, the meat will come out.”
“Ɔkɔda ne kɔda yɛ den.”
“A person who is in the field of labor should not rest.”
“Ɛyɛ a, ɛfiri anɔpa.”
“It is good when it starts early.”
“Akyɛdeɛ no bɛyɛ den sɛ wopɛ dɔ.”
“Gifts are sweeter when they are given out of love.”
“Nea ɔka nsɛm no yɛ nwanwa.”
“The person who speaks truth is never in a hurry.”
“Sɛ wokɔ dɔ no mu a, ɔbɔ a ɛda ho.”
“If you enter into love, patience is required.”
“Wɔfa nkuto a, ɛfa.”
“When you are close to something, it belongs to you.”
“Dɔ de yɛ pa, nanso ɛkɔ.”
“Love is good, but it fades away.”
“Owuo na ɛda w’anim.”
“Death comes when it is least expected.”
“Aboa a ɔde ne ho to, ne nan da so.”
“The animal that places its foot forward is the first to be caught.”
“Anoma ntu a, ɛkyerɛ sɛ abɔfra nni no.”
“When the bird does not fly, it is because the child has no wings.”
“Adom nkɔ so.”
“Grace continues.”
“Aboa a ne ho yɛ den no, ne ho to no.”
“The strong animal is also the one that is most hunted.”
“Nea ɔto so no, ɔde ne ho yɛ den.”
“The one who is patient is the one who survives.”
“Kɔtɔ yɛ den.”
“The crocodile is difficult to catch.”
“Obi nkɔda a, ɔda ne nan ho.”
“No one sleeps unless their feet are tired.”
“Aboa a ne ho da hɔ, ne kɔtɔ bɛkɔ.”
“An animal that lays down is the first to be caught.”
“Ɔkɔda ne ne ho yɛ den.”
“The one who works hard, rests after the work is done.”
“Sɛ wopɛ adeɛ, bɛtɔ no a.”
“If you want something, you should be able to afford it.”
“Wopɛ na ɛnnyɛ wo.”
“What you want may not come easily.”
“Aboa a ɔda ho na ne ho nkyerɛ.”
“The animal that rests will not be caught.”
“Nhyira bɔɔ so.”
“Blessings come in abundance.”
“Bɔkɔɔ deɛ, na ɛyɛ no ho.”
“The child that suffers today will find peace later.”
“Ɛyɛ dɛn a, ɛda ho.”
“It is good, it will eventually show.”
“Ɔbɔ yɛ sɛ abɔfra.”
“Patience is like a child learning to walk.”
“Ɛyɛ sɛ asuo.”
“It is as deep as a river.”
This speaks to a situation that has layers or depth, often with a lesson to be learned through patience.
“Aboa nni nkuto no, na ne nan to so.”
“The animal that doesn’t follow the leader may be left behind.”
“Ɛbɛda ɛda a, wo nan bɛto.”
“What you sow, you will harvest.”
“Nea wokɔ no bɛyɛ deɛ.”
“What you seek, you will find.”
“Ɔkwan bi so na ɛfa.”
“Every path leads somewhere.”
“Bɔkɔɔ deɛ, na ɛyɛ no ho.”
“What is laborious will bring peace.”
“Wo nsuo yɛ den, ɔkɔda na ne ho yɛ den.”
“When water is heavy, the one who carries it is also weighed down.”
“Anoma ntu na nkuto no kɔ.”
“The bird that flies will always be able to catch food.”
“Wobɛda anɔpa.”
“You will wake up in the morning.”
“Owuo nkɔkɔ yɛ den.”
“The end is harder than the beginning.”
“Wo ho yɛ fɛ a, w’ani yɛ dɛ.”
“Beauty comes from within.”
“Nea ɔda ho yɛ fɛ no, ne ho yɛ dɛ.”
“What is beautiful to the eye is also beautiful in the heart.”
“Nea ɔka nsɛm no yɛ nwanwa.”
“The one who speaks the truth is slow to speak.”
“Sɛ ɛda wo so a, ɛnyɛ wo deɛ.”
“If it’s on your head, it is not yours.”
This means that sometimes we bear burdens or responsibilities that do not truly belong to us.
“Ɛtɔ da a, ne nsa bɛtɔ.”
“It’s often the case that the hand you feed will bite.”
“Obi nni nkuto a, na ne ho yɛ den.”
“The one who does not know their own worth will find it difficult to succeed.”
“Aboa nni nkuto no, na ne nan to so.”
“The animal that does not follow the leader may fall behind.”
“Kɔtɔ a ne nan yɛ den no, ne ho bɛda.”
“The one with strong legs will stand firm.”
“Sɛ wo bɔne a, ɛda w’anim.”
“The evil you do will come back to you.”
A reminder of the law of karma—what goes around, comes around.
“Nea ɔwɔ soro, ɔda ne ho.”
“One who is high must show humility.”
“Sɛ wokɔ no a, na ɛka ho.”
“If you go, it will be a part of you.”
“Ɔbɔfoɔ nni nkuto.”
“The warrior never gives up.”
“Ɔkɔda ne nkuto, na ɔda ho kɔ.”
“The worker never rests until the work is done.”
“Ɛda bɛtɔ da, ɛbɛyɛ ne bɔne.”
“The day that comes will bring both good and bad.”
“Abɔfra nni nkuto ne nkuto.”
“A child does not understand the importance of the palm nut.”
“Kɔtɔ nni nkuto no, na ne ho yɛ den.”
“The fish that does not swim will be caught by the fisherman.”
“Sɛ wokɔ no a, ɛyɛ wo deɛ.”
“When you go, it’s for you to learn.”
We often learn the most through our own experiences.
“Sɛ wɔmfa no ntɔ a, wotɔ ne nkuto.”
“If they don’t take it, they will regret it later.”
“Ɛyɛ sɛ abɔfra a ne ho wɔ da.”
“Like a child who is learning.”
It’s a reminder of the innocence of learning and growth.
“Ɛyɛ dɛ a, ɛda ho.”
“What is sweet will eventually show.”
“Sɛ wɔwɔ wo ho a, ɛbɛda no.”
“When you are in need, you will know who your true friends are.”
“Nipa a ɔda ho no, ne ho nkyerɛ.”
“The person who is always at rest will not get things done.”
“Nea ɔda ho yɛ den, ɔbɛda ne nan.”
“The one who works hard will earn their reward.”
“Nea ɔka ne ho da no, ne nsam nni.”
“The one who speaks in their own defense is often right.”
“Ɛda no da ho a, ɛda.”
“Every day has its own purpose.”
Reminding us that each day is an opportunity for growth and change.
“Sɛ woda ho a, wo ho yɛ den.”
“When you rest, you must be wise.”
“Sɛ wopɛ dɛ a, bɔ ne nsam.”
“If you want sweetness, be gentle.”
“Twi bɔne, yɛ no sɛn?”
“How long will it take to undo the evil?”
“Nea ɔka ne ho da no, ne nsam nni.”
“The one who defends themselves is often the one who is right.”
“Sɛ wo pɛ no a, wo kɔ.”
“If you want it, go for it.”
“Kɔtɔ nni nkuto a, ne ho yɛ den.”
“The fish that doesn’t swim will be caught.”
“Sɛ wopɛ ɔdɔ a, ma no nkuto.”
“If you want love, give it freely.”
“Owuo ne nyame ma ɔda no.”
“Only God knows when death will come.”
A reminder that life is uncertain and we must live it fully.
“Sɛ wopɛ akoma a, yɛ ne ho dɛ.”
“If you want peace, live it.”
“Ɔkɔda ne nkuto a, ɔwɔ no.”
“The worker who doesn’t rest will have a successful future.”
“Abɔfra nni nkuto, nanso ne ho yɛ den.”
“The child who doesn’t listen may find themselves in trouble.”
“Sɛ wokɔ a, ɛbɛda.”
“When you move, things will fall into place.”
“Ɛda bɛtɔ da na ɛyɛ deɛ.”
“Everything has a time and place.”
Patience is key for all things in life.
“Nea ɔda ho no, ne ho yɛ den.”
“The one who works hard will reap the rewards.”
“Nea ɔyɛ dɛ a, ɔbɛda ho.”
“What is sweet will eventually show its true value.”
“Sɛ wopɛ adom a, wo kɔ so.”
“If you want grace, work for it.”
“Obi nkɔda a, ɔda ne nan ho.”
“No one rests until their feet are tired.”
“Sɛ woda ho a, ɛyɛ den.”
“Rest is the most difficult of tasks.”
See also: Ghana Language Twi, Ga, Ewe | Languages Spoken in Ghana
