diversity_3 By topic

Family in Fon: Hɛnnu

Hɛnnu = family in fɔ̀ngbè. In Benin, the family is extended: uncles, aunts and cousins count as much as direct parents. Here is all the vocabulary.

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner
1
Core

Father, mother, children

Tɔ́Father
Nɔ̀Mother
VǐChild
AsìWife
AsuHusband
Vǐ súnnuSon
Vǐ nyɔnuDaughter
2
Generations

Grandparents and descendants

Tɔ́gbóGrandfather / ancestor
MamaGrandmother
Vǐ-vǐGrandchild
MɛxóElder
Tɔ́gbó mǐtɔ̀n
Our ancestors

These words spoken by a native speaker: Parlons Fongbe Academy — 79 video lessons with a native speaker.Discover

3
Extended family

Uncles, aunts, cousins

Tɔ́viPaternal uncle
Nɔ̀víBrother / sister
Daxɔ-tɔ́Father’s older brother
Daxɔ-nɔ̀Mother’s older sister
Vǐ-súnnu nɔ̀ ceCousin (my aunt’s son)
psychology

Extended family

In Benin, people often call a cousin nɔ̀vi (brother/sister) rather than cousin. The extended family (hɛnnu ɖaxó) is central: 50+ people may come to a wedding.

Hɛnnu, the social pillar

Knowing these 12 words helps you understand introductions and relationships in a Beninese family. Hɛnnu is broader than in Western countries.

à ≠ ǎ
One tone, and everything changes
Parlons Fongbe Academy
The full course

Reading these words isn’t enough. You have to hear them.

In Fon, the pitch of your voice changes the meaning: à asks a question, ǎ says no. The Academy explains 818 forms, one by one, carried by a native voice — never a word without its meaning.

79 video lessons Native speaker from Cotonou Lifetime access, one payment
Access the course

Site offer · 80 000 instead of50,000 FCFA

One free trial lesson when you sign up.

Go further