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 |