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Fruits and vegetables in Fon
Beninese markets are full of tropical fruits and local vegetables. Knowing their names in fɔ̀ngbè makes shopping easier and enriches your food vocabulary.
schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner
1
Fruits
The fruits of Benin
MángòMango
Akɔ̀tɔ́Orange
AtinkpáBanana
AvocatAvocado (French word)
SɔnPineapple
AdǎnPapaya
HwèvíWatermelon (lit. “water”)
Sítɔ́Lemon
2
Vegetables
Common vegetables
Téklɛ̀Tomato
Kɔ̀núnOnion
AɖǐnChili pepper
AtàLeafy green (spinach)
GbómaEggplant
Kpɛ̀wúOkra
LìnliSweet potato
TèYam
3
At the market
Buying and specifying
Mángò atɔ̀n3 mangoes
Téklɛ̀ kg ɖokpó1 kg of tomatoes
Vívɛ́ tawùnVery sweet
Vívɛ́ ǎNot sweet
Mɛ́ɛ́Ripe
Mángò mɛ́ɛ́ ɖò à ?
Do you have ripe mangoes?
Key dishes
In Benin, tè (yam) is used to make pounded yam — the national dish. The téklɛ̀ (tomato), kɔ̀nún (onion) andaɖǐn (chili pepper) form the base of all Beninese sauces.
The market in Fon
With these 16 names of fruits and vegetables, you can shop at Dantokpa market like a local. Always ask whether it’s vívɛ́ (sweet) or mɛ́ɛ́ (ripe) before buying.
à ≠ ǎ
One tone, and everything changes
Parlons Fongbe Academy
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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