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25 animals in Fon
Knowing animal names in fɔ̀ngbè enriches conversation, especially in rural areas. Here are 25 animal names: domestic, wild, birds and aquatic creatures of Benin.
schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner
1
Domestic
10 animals of the family compound
AvŭnDog
AwóCat
NyibuOx
Gbɔ̌Sheep / goat
HànChicken
Aklɔ̀sìRooster
Sɔ́Horse
HwànPig
Adɔ̌Duck
Klɛ́klɛ̀Guinea fowl
2
Wild
10 animals of the bush
AjakatáMonkey
AdyàkùnAntelope
HùnLion
Kpɔ́Leopard / panther
Ajɔ̀Crocodile
DànSnake
AdàmàElephant
KpànHippopotamus
Acɛ́Rabbit
Lɛ́Tortoise
3
Aquatic + winged
Birds and fish
WǐnFish
Hwlɛ́nPigeon
Sukpɛ̀Owl
SàɖàEagle
Wǒwlɔ́Bird (generic)
Avŭn ce nyɔ́
My dog is nice
Tip
Many Fon proverbs use animals as metaphors. Knowing their names = understanding popular wisdom (e.g. “Avŭn má xò xwé tɔ̀n ǎ” = a dog doesn’t bite its own house).
25 words for nature
These 25 animals in Fon = the basis of rural vocabulary. Together with proverbs, they open the door to traditional Beninese wisdom.
à ≠ ǎ
One tone, and everything changes
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Go further
- Fon vocabulary: 102 essential words — by theme, checked against the course
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test