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 |