my_location Travel to Benin

Asking for directions in Fon

Getting lost in Benin happens quickly in big cities like Cotonou or Porto-Novo. Knowing how to ask for directions in Fon makes it easier to find your way and puts locals at ease.

schedule 4 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner
1
Asking the question

Asking politely

Agoo, fítɛ́ wɛ … ɖò ?
Excuse me, where is … ?

The word agoo at the start shows politeness (“sorry, excuse me”). Then you add the place you are looking for:

Fítɛ́ wɛ axì ɖò ?Where is the market?
Fítɛ́ wɛ banque ɖò ?Where is the bank?
Fítɛ́ wɛ xɔ̀ngɔ́n ɖò ?Where is the pharmacy?
2
Directions

Understanding the answer

Yì jlijlɛ́Go straight ahead
Huzú ɖisíTurn right
Huzú amyɔ́Turn left
Sɛkpɔ́ dínIt’s very close
Lín dínIt’s very far
Ðò tómɛ́It’s at the street corner

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

3
Distance

Asking about distance

Lín à ?Is it far?
Afɔ̀ nabí ?How many minutes on foot?
Zémidjan wǒ10 minutes by zémidjan
Nukɔntɔ́ ɖò aliThe first on the left
directions

Tip

In Benin, people often point the way, or even walk with you for a few meters. Accept with a heartfelt Un dó kú tawùn . Offering a small bill for the favor is not expected but always appreciated.

Finding your way in Fon

With Agoo, fítɛ́ wɛ … ɖò ? and the 3 basic directions (jlijlɛ́, ɖisí, amyɔ́), you will never be lost in Benin.

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.

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