How to say happy birthday in Twi
Awoda pa
Say it like this: ah-WO-dah PAH
To say happy birthday in Twi, you say "Awoda pa". Twi is spoken by millions of people in Ghana, and is the most widely used local language there. Here is how to say it, a few more friendly wishes, and what people sing at parties.
"Awoda" means birthday. It comes from "wo" (to give birth) and "da" (day), so it is the day you were born. "Pa" means good. Together it means "good birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Twi
- Awoda pa o!Say it like this: ah-WO-dah PAH ohThe "o" at the end adds warmth and cheer. Great for friends and family.
- Me ma wo awoda paSay it like this: meh MAH woh ah-WO-dah PAHMeans "I wish you a happy birthday". A little fuller, nice in a card or a message.
- Awoda pa, me nuaSay it like this: ah-WO-dah PAH, meh NOO-ahMeans "happy birthday, my sibling". Ghanaians often use "me nua" for close friends too.
- Nyame nhyira woSay it like this: NYAH-meh n-SHEE-rah wohMeans "God bless you". Very common to add after a birthday wish.
- Nkwa tentenSay it like this: n-KWAH ten-TENMeans "long life". A kind wish, especially for an older person.
The Happy Birthday song in Twi
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
In Ghana, people mostly sing the English Happy Birthday song, as English is the official language. Many then shout "Awoda pa!" at the end, and church groups may add a hymn or a prayer.
Birthday customs
- In Ghana, Akan people (who speak Twi) traditionally have a day name, based on the day of the week they were born. For example, a boy born on a Saturday may be called Kwame, and a girl born on a Friday may be called Afua.
- In Ghana, a dish called "oto" (mashed yam with palm oil, often served with boiled eggs) is a traditional food for birthdays and other special days. It comes from the Ga people and is now eaten by Akan families too.
- In Ghana, birthdays often include thanks and prayers, and many people go to church on or near their birthday.
A quick tip
Twi is mostly spoken, and spellings can vary a little online. "Awoda pa" is the clearest and most widely understood way to write it. When you say it, put a light stress on "WO" and finish with a short, bright "PAH".
Questions people ask
Is "Afehyia pa" the same as "Awoda pa"?
Not quite. "Afehyia pa" is best known as a greeting for Christmas and the New Year. For a birthday, "Awoda pa" is the clearest choice.
Do Ghanaians understand English birthday wishes?
Yes. English is the official language of Ghana, so "Happy birthday" is understood everywhere. Saying "Awoda pa" just makes it more personal.
What do you say back?
Say "Medaase" (meh-DAH-see), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Twi
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Twi: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.