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Important Words for Communication

There is no space here for a definitive glossary; Ethiopia has 83 languages and more than 200 dialects! Fortunately, Amharic or Amarigna is widely spoken throughout the country.

Tenastilign = Hello/how are you? Chiao! = Good bye
Sintino? = How much is it? Widdino = It’s expensive
Efellegalow = I want Alfelegum = I don’t want
Tiru new = It’s good Tiru aydellem = It’s not good
Simeh man new? = (Masc) What’s your name? Simesh man new? = (Fem) What’s your name?
Leselassa = Soft drink Amboha = Mineral water
Birra = Beer Wuha = Water
Ow (as in how) = Yes Ishi = OK
Aydellem = No Shintibait = Toilet
Buna = Coffee Shai = Tea
Injera = Sour dough pancake Wot = Sauce or stew
Tela = Local beer Tej = Honey wine
Yekirta = Excuse me Amesegenalo = Thank you
Na! = Come Hid! = Go
Chiger yellem = No problem Beka = Enough
Bewhala = Afterwards/later Qonjo = Beautiful

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