Bargaining at the Market: Twi Phrases You Need to Slash Prices Like a Pro
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
If you've never bargained in a Ghanaian market, you're missing out on a full-blown theatrical performance. It's not just commerce—it's cultural choreography. A little smile, a confident strut, and a few Twi phrases can turn you from “oburoni” to “market master.”
In this blog, we’ll arm you with essential Twi expressions so you can navigate the hustle and haggle like a local. Whether you’re buying yams or a new pair of sandals, you’ll walk away with both a deal and a story.
🌳 Entering the Market with Swagger
First impressions matter. Greet the sellers warmly:
Maakye! – Good morning!
Maaha! – Good afternoon!
Maadwo! – Good evening!
Follow that with:
Wo ho te sɛɛ? – How are you?
Me ho yɛ. Na wo nso ɛ? – I’m fine. And you?
Pro Tip: Greet before you grab. The seller is more likely to reduce the price if you respect the ritual of small talk.
🌕 The Main Event: Bargaining Phrases
Now we’re talking! Or rather—negotiating. Here are some must-know lines:
Eyi bo sɛɛ sɛɛ dodo! – This is too expensive!
Twa so kakra. – Reduce it a bit.
Fa sika no to so. – Take this amount instead.
Mɛma wo [amount] na gye. – I’ll give you [amount], take it.
Minni sika dodo. – I don’t have a lot of money.
Mepɛ dodo, nti twa so. – I like it a lot, so reduce it.
Wo de me di agorɛ anaa? – Are you playing with me?
Translation Tip: Say it with a playful tone. Twi bargaining often has a sprinkle of humor and sass. It’s like stand-up comedy with produce.
📅 Sealing the Deal
Once the price feels right, wrap it up:
Yɛɛ deal! – It’s a deal!
Medɔ wo ase. – Thank you.
Mɛba bio. – I’ll come again.
Or, if things don’t work out:
Mepaakyɛw, menya sika no. – Sorry, I don’t have enough money.
Menpene so. – I don’t agree.
Walk away dramatically. That’s half the fun.
🍳 Market Vocabulary You’ll Hear A Lot
Boɔ – Price
Sika – Money
Twa so – Reduce
Agorɛ – Play/joke
Adea – Item/thing
Dodo – Too much
Combine and conquer! E.g., "Adea yi bo dodo!" – This item is too pricey!
Bonus: Insider Tips from Auntie Mansa
“If you speak small Twi, they reduce the price small. If you speak big Twi, they reduce the price big!” – Auntie Mansa, NKENNE Community Member
So flex that Twi! Sellers love it when you try.
Final Thoughts: Twi + Tactics = Market Mastery
Bargaining is an art. But in Ghana, it’s also a relationship. With these Twi phrases in your pocket, you’ll not only score better deals—you’ll earn nods of approval from seasoned aunties and uncles.
Next time you’re in the market, go in with your chest out and your Twi sharp.
You no longer just buy in Ghana. You belong in Ghana.
Want to practice before your next market mission? Learn these phrases and more on the NKENNE app. Download now and speak Twi like a native.
👋 Yɛɛhyia bio!