Talking About the Weather in Twi: Everyday Phrases for Sun, Rain, Heat, and More
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Ever stepped outside in Ghana and felt the sun hit you like it has a personal grudge? Or watched the rain come down so hard it turns streets into rivers? Talking about the weather is a quick way to connect in Twi whether you're greeting someone, complaining about the heat, or just making small talk. In this post, you'll learn common expressions for sun, rain, heat, cold, wind, and more, plus how to ask "How's the weather today?" like a local. By the end, you'll sound natural chatting about ewiem (weather) in Twi.
Why Weather Talk Matters in Twi Culture
In Ghana, weather shapes daily life—dry harmattan dust, heavy rainy season floods, or that intense equatorial sun.
People chat about it everywhere: markets, tro-tros, family gatherings.
It's polite small talk, often tied to how you feel or what you're doing.
Twi speakers use present continuous forms like "re-" (is/are -ing) for ongoing weather.
This keeps conversations lively and real.
Basic Question: How's the Weather Today?
Start conversations with this classic.
Ɛte sɛn ɛnnɛ? (How is it today? / How's the weather today?)
Or more specifically: Ewiem te sɛn ɛnnɛ? (How is the weather today?)
Response examples: Ɛyɛ fɛ. (It's nice/beautiful.) Ɛyɛ hyew. (It's hot.)
Talking About the Sun and Sunny Days
The sun (awia or owia) dominates dry season talk.
Awia repue. (The sun is rising.) Awia rebɔ. (The sun is shining.) Awia rehyew / Awia ano yɛ hye. (The sun is hot / shining intensely.) Awia rehye me. (The sun is beating/burning me.)
Use these when it's bright and clear.
Rain and Rainy Weather Expressions
Rain (ɔsuo or nsuo) hits hard in the wet season.
Ɔsuo retɔ. (It's raining / Rain is falling.)
Ɔsuo reba. (Rain is coming.)
Ɔsuo abo me. (The rain has beaten me / got me wet.)
Ɔsuo no ate. (The rain has stopped.)
During storms: Ahum retu. (It's stormy.)
Heat, Hot Days, and Feeling the Burn
Heat (ahuhuro) is common year-round.
Ɛyɛ hyew / Ahuhuro de me. (It's hot / I'm feeling hot.)
Awɔ de me. (I'm feeling cold.) Yes, even in tropical Ghana during harmattan.
Mframa rebɔ. (The wind is blowing / It's windy.)
Mununkum asi. (It's cloudy.)
These describe personal comfort too.
Cold, Wind, and Other Conditions
Ghana is tropical, so true cold is rare, but harmattan season (December to February) brings dry, dusty winds from the Sahara that make mornings and evenings feel chilly.
Awɔ de me. (I'm feeling cold.) Ɛyɛ awɔ. (It's cold.)
People layer up with jackets, scarves, or even wool hats. Yes, in West Africa!
Wind (mframa) picks up often, especially before rain or during harmattan.
Mframa rebɔ. (The wind is blowing / It's windy.) Mframa no yɛ den. (The wind is strong.)
Palm trees whipping around is a classic sign.
Cloudy days (mununkum) often signal rain coming.
Mununkum asi. (It's cloudy.) Ɛhɔ yɛ mununkum. (It's overcast/dark clouds.)
These phrases help describe the full range of Ghana's weather moods.
Harmattan haze reduces visibility and dries out skin; many say Harmattan de me ho. (Harmattan is affecting my body/skin feels dry.)
Use these to complain or joke: "Awɔ no de me, na me nso me ho yɛ hyew!" (I'm cold, but I'm still sweating!); classic Ghanaian weather humor.
Simple Weather Conversations
Put it together in real talk.
Person A: Ɛte sɛn ɛnnɛ? (How's the weather today?)
Person B: Ɛyɛ hyew paa! Awia rehye me. (It's very hot! The sun is burning me.)
Or: Ɛnnɛ ɔsuo retɔ yie. (Today it's raining well/heavily.)
Practice these; they build confidence fast.
FAQs About Weather in Twi
How do you say "It's raining" in Twi?
Say Ɔsuo retɔ or Nsuo retɔ. Both mean "Rain is falling" or "It's raining."
What does "Ɛte sɛn ɛnnɛ?" mean exactly?
It means "How is it today?" but in context, it's often "How's the weather today?" Add ewiem for clarity: Ewiem te sɛn ɛnnɛ?
How do you complain about the heat in Twi?
Use Ahuhuro de me! (I'm hot!) or Awia rehye me! (The sun is beating me!)—very common in Ghana.
Is there a word for "sunny" in Twi?
Yes, Awia rebɔ (The sun is shining) or Ɔsram kɔkɔɔ for clear sunny skies.
Does Twi have words for snow or ice?
Rarely used since Ghana is tropical: Asukyerɛma (snow), Awɔ (cold). People might say Asukyerɛma ntɔ wɔ Ghana (Snow doesn't fall in Ghana).
Why do Twi weather phrases use "re-" a lot?
The "re-" prefix shows ongoing action (present continuous). Weather changes, so it's "is raining," "is shining," etc.
Conclusion
Weather talk in Twi is simple, practical, and opens doors to real conversations. Next time you're in Ghana or chatting with a Twi speaker, drop Ɛte sɛn ɛnnɛ? and describe the day. It shows respect for the language and culture. These phrases stick because they're used every day.
Want to level up your Twi with more everyday topics? NKENNE offers clear lessons, audio practice, and community support to make learning feel natural. Jump in! Start with our beginner weather module or join the group today. Medaase for reading! Your Twi journey just got a bit brighter (or rainier).