group Proverbs

Fon proverbs about friendship

Friendship (xɔ́ntɔ́n) is sacred among the Fon. Here are 10 Beninese proverbs about the value, the pitfalls and the depth of friendship, in fɔ̀ngbè with their meaning.

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
1
Strength

Friendship and unity

Alɔ̀ ɖokpó má sixu kpé wé ǎ
One hand alone cannot clap
MeaningFriendship multiplies strength
Yi mì kpó nɔ̀ kpóGo with your mother and her child — close ones
Xɔ́ntɔ́nFriend / friendship
Mì kpóTogether
2
Test

The truth of friendship

Hwenu axwé wǎIt is in hard times that you know your friend
Xɔ́ntɔ́n nyǎnyǎ ɖíìA bad friend = a poison
Mɛ́ má ɖè ǎThe one who doesn’t show up in hard times
Xɔ́ntɔ́n nugbóTrue friend
Hwenu axwé wǎ
Hardship reveals the sincere friend

Understand this culture in its own language: Parlons Fongbe Academy — 79 video lessons with a native speaker.Discover

3
Value

The importance of friendship

Xɔ́ntɔ́n vɛ́ hú akwɛ́Friendship is worth more than money
Xɔ́ntɔ́n nyɔ́ hú vǐA friend is worth a brother
Xɔ́ntɔ́n nukúnThe friend’s eye (vigilance)
Mɔ̀ xɔ́ntɔ́n nyɔ́Finding a good friend = a treasure
tips_and_updates

Fon wisdom

In Benin, it is said that a man without a faithful friend (xɔ́ntɔ́n nugbó) is poorer than a beggar. Wealth is also measured in relationships.

The wisdom of friendship

These 10 Fon proverbs about xɔ́ntɔ́n remind us that friendship is cultivated, tested and cherished — everywhere in West Africa.

Danxomɛ
Language before translation
Parlons Fongbe Academy
The full course

Fon culture is understood in the Fon language.

Proverbs, Vodun, the history of Danxomɛ: all of it is said first in Fon. 79 video lessons with a native speaker, from the first greeting to conversation — so you can listen to this culture without having it translated for you.

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