cut Audio dialogues

Dialogue at the hairdresser’s in Fon

In Benin, hair salons are social hubs. Haircuts, braids, dreadlocks: here is a typical dialogue for telling the hairdresser what you want in fɔ̀ngbè.

schedule 4 min
signal_cellular_alt Intermediate
1
Request

Saying what you want

Kwabɔ, un ba na sɛ̀n dá
Hello, I want a haircut
DaHair
Sɛ̀nTo cut
Dá-tanBraids
Coupe sɛkpɔ́nShort cut
Coupe ɖaxóLong cut
2
Details

Specifying the style

AliPart (on the scalp)
Sɛ̀n bǐCut it all
Ðó kpɛ́ɖéLeave a little
Couleur ceMy dyed hair
Hwì kɔ̀You see (explaining to me)

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3
Price

Paying and thanking

Nabí wɛ ?How much?
Afɔkànwé1000 F
É nyɔ́That’s good
Un dó kúThank you
tips_and_updates

Tip

In Benin, in neighborhood salons, expect 500-2,000 F CFA for a men’s cut, and 3,000-15,000 F for women’s braids depending on complexity. Speaking Fon makes negotiating easier.

Neighborhood salon in Fon

With sɛ̀n dá (cut hair) and nabí wɛ (how much), you can handle your hairdresser appointment. Social bonus: salons are places for chatting in Fon.

A fɔn ganji à ?
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