handshake Expressions

Polite expressions in Fon

Kɛnklɛn (“please”) is just the beginning. Politeness in fɔ̀ngbè rests on a whole system of expressions that mark respect, age and social hierarchy.

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner +
1
Order

Phrases for asking politely

KɛnklɛnPlease
A sigan…Could you… (please)
Un kánbiɔ́ weI beg you / I’m asking you
AgooExcuse me (for bothering you)
Mi wa d’alɔ miHelp me
2
Thanking

The nuances of thank you

KwabɔWelcome — said by the host to someone arriving
Un dó kú nú weThank you (formal)
E na cɛ nu weMay [God] bless you
Mi dó kúThank you (to several people)
Un yí wǎn nú nu wà ɔI am grateful for what you did

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

3
Apologizing

Making an apology

Bo na sáSorry (for a mistake)
Un dó alɔ nú weI bow before you
Un ɖɔ tɛnmɛI made a mistake
E nyɔ́ ǎThat wasn’t right (of me)
elderly

Respect for elders

Fon politeness is built aroundage. People readily add dada (elder) or nɔvi (brother/sister, to soften things) depending on who they are talking to. Speaking to an elder as you would to a peer is frowned upon.

Politeness is a whole system

In fɔ̀ngbè, speaking well isn’t enough — you have to speak in the right register. Polite expressions are the gateway to social respect and the best master key for a traveler.

à ≠ ǎ
One tone, and everything changes
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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.

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