celebration How to say

Saying « happy new year » in Fon

On January 1 in Benin, people exchange wishes in fɔ̀ngbè. The traditional phrase Xwè yɔyɔ́ ní nyɔ́ wishes for a blessed new year. Here are all the variants.

schedule 4 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner
1
Standard

Xwè yɔyɔ́ ní nyɔ́

Xwè yɔyɔ́ ní nyɔ́
Happy new year (lit. may the new year be good)
XwèYear
YɔyɔNew
Ní nyɔ́May it be good
2
Wishes

Adding more wishes

Mawu ní kpà weMay God bless you
Lan nyɔ́Good health
Akwɛ́ gbɛ̀Wealth / prosperity
Hùn-gǎnFreedom / peace
Vǐ lɛ̀ ní gbɛ̀May the children live (long life)
Xwè yɔyɔ́ kpó alɔdo
Happy new year and good memories

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

3
Reply

How to respond

Mǐ tɔ́n nú weYou too
Mawu ní kpà mǐ bǐMay God bless us all
Hwì ɖesú !Same to you!
tips_and_updates

Tradition

In Benin, on January 1, children go around the family homes to say Xwè yɔyɔ́ ní nyɔ́ to their elders. A small banknote is traditionally given in return.

A universal phrase

Xwè yɔyɔ́ ní nyɔ́ — learn these 3 words before January 1. They open every door in Benin during the season of wishes.

à ≠ ǎ
One tone, and everything changes
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