medical_services Audio dialogues
At the doctor’s in Fon
Describing your symptoms in fɔ̀ngbè can save a consultation in Benin, especially at rural health centers. Here is a typical dialogue and the essential vocabulary.
schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt Intermediate
1
Symptoms
Describing how you feel
Un ɖò azɔ̌n
I am sick
TaHead (headache)
HɔnBelly
HùnyánFever
Kpɔ́Cough
Wù mɛMy body hurts
2
Questions
The doctor’s questions
Etɛ wɛ ɖò we ?What’s wrong with you?
Hwetɛ̀nu wɛ?Since when?
Etɛ́ a ɖù ?What did you eat?
A ɖó allergies à ?Do you have allergies?
A ɖè vɔ ?Are you having bowel movements?
3
Prescription
Medicines and advice
Ami / atínkɛ́nMedicine
Wɛ̀ atɔ́ɔ́n ɖò azǎn3 times a day
Ɖò 5 azǎnFor 5 days
Nù sìn dóDrink plenty of water
Ðɔ̀ ǎGet some rest
In practice
In Benin, in rural areas, traditional healers (amasinnɔ́) often speak only Fon. Knowing these terms can make all the difference when explaining someone’s pain.
Health and Fon together
With these 20 words, you can describe pain, follow a diagnosis and understand a prescription. Vital in rural Benin.
A fɔn ganji à ?
« Did you wake up well? » — lesson 1, free
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Go further
- Getting started in Fon: the 4-step method — tones, first words, resources
- 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