afei
Now, Next: Afei
Afei moves things forward: now, next, then. Afei, yɛnkɔ (Now, let us go).
How It Works
1. Now, as the next step
Use afei when one stage is over and the next begins. It usually comes first in its clause, often followed by a comma.
- Afei, yɛnkɔ. (Now, let us go.)
- Yɛadidi; afei yɛrekɔ da. (We have eaten; now we are going to bed.)
2. Then, in a sequence
In stories and instructions, afei links one step to the next: Ɔtɔɔ paanoo, afei ɔkɔɔ fie (She bought bread, then she went home); Hohoro wo nsa, afei bra bɛdidi (Wash your hands, then come and eat). The simple na also links steps; afei makes the move to the next step stronger.
3. Afei or seesei?
Seesei points to the present moment: Seesei merekɔ (I am going now, at this moment). Afei points to what follows: Afei mete aseɛ (Now I understand, after what you said). If you can say next or now that..., afei fits.
4. Afei nso: and also
Afei nso adds one more point, like besides or also: Afei nso, ɛboɔ yɛ den (And besides, it is expensive). For the more formal moreover, see bio nso.
Examples (6)
- Afei, yɛnkɔ.
Now, let us go.
Yɛnkɔ is the optative (let us go). Afei says it is time for the next step.
- Yɛadidi; afei yɛrekɔ da.
We have eaten; now we are going to bed.
The first clause closes one stage; afei opens the next.
- Ɔtɔɔ paanoo, afei ɔkɔɔ fie.
She bought bread, and then she went home.
Both verbs are past. Afei orders the two events.
- Hohoro wo nsa, afei bra bɛdidi.
Wash your hands, then come and eat.
In instructions, afei introduces the next step.
- Afei mete aseɛ.
Now I understand.
Now, after an explanation. Seesei would stress this exact moment instead.
- Afei nso, ɛboɔ yɛ den.
And besides, it is expensive.
Word by Word: now also, price is hard
Afei nso adds another point to what was said.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Afei orders events.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice afei in Bubblegum
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