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Asking for directions in Fon in Benin

Lost in Cotonou or at Dantokpa market? Knowing how to ask for directions in fɔ̀ngbè can save you hours of wandering. Here is the essential vocabulary.

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner +
1
Order

Asking the question

Fítɛ́ … ɖè ?Where is … ?
Nɛ̌ un na gbɔn yì … ?How do I get to … ?
Sɛkpɔ́ à ?Is it close?
Lìn ɖò à ?Is it far?
Nabí afɔ ?How long on foot?
2
Directions

Left, right, straight ahead

AmyɔLeft
ÐisíRight
JɛjɛStraight ahead
LěHere
FinɛOver there
Zɛ́ amyɔTurn left
Zɛ́ ɖisíTurn right
Yì jɛjɛGo straight ahead

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

3
Landmarks

Places and city landmarks

AxiMarket
ToxoTown / center
AliRoad / street
XwéHome
Hótɛ́liHotel
Lanhɔ̀nHospital / clinic
BànkiBank
EgblimɛxwèSchool
location_on

Zémidjan drivers know everything

Motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) are your best guides in Cotonou: they know every neighborhood by heart and often speak Fon as much as French. Ask a zém for directions and you’ll almost always find the right way.

Finding your way

A few words for directions and places, plus a smile, are enough to get around anywhere in Benin. Here the Fon language is a social GPS: it opens doors the map doesn’t show.

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
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