Useful Phrases
Ethiopia has been called a rich cultural mosaic due to its eighty different languages and dialects and as many, if not more, cultural variations.
In the north and centre of the country different semitic langugages, namely Tigre, Tiginrya, Guraginya and the official language national language, Amharic, are spoken. The ancient forebear of these languages, Ge'ez, today only really survives in church liturgy and literature.
To the east and other parts of the south are the Oromos, the Afars and the Somalis, who are Cushitic-speaking peoples, while the associated Sidama languages are spoken to the south-east. To the west and south-west are the Nilotic peoples, each with its own distinctive language and culture.
Elsewhere around the country there are a number of smaller communities who cultures, languages and traditions are related to different facets of Ethiopia's long history.
Here you will find some phrases and terms you might find useful while travelling around Ethiopia.Amharic
"Amharigna" - the official national language of Ethiopia
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Tenastalign Dehnahunu Dehnaderu Sintinew? Ayasfeligegnim Leslassa Amboha Birra Wiha Ow Ishi Aydellem Sigarra Shintibait Buna Shai Injera Wot Tela Tej Yekirta Amesegenalehu Na Hid Chiger yellem |
How are you? Good bye Good night How much is it? I don't want it Soft drink Mineral water Beer Water (as in 'how') Yes OK No Cigarette Toilet Coffee Tea Sour dough pancake Sauce or stew Local beer Honey wine Excuse me Thank you Come Go No problem |
Oromo
"Oromifaa" - the language of the Oromo who live in central and southern Ethiopia and form the largest ethnic group in the country.
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Akkam Jirtuu Negaa-ti Nagaan-bulii Meeqa Hin barbaadu Lalaffaa Bishaan Ambo Biraa Bishaan Heye Tole Miti Sijaraa Mana Fincaani Buna Shaayi Biddeena Ittoo Farsoo Daadhi Dhiifama Galatoomi Kootu Deemi Rakoon Ingiruu |
How are you? Good bye Good night How much is it? I don't want it Soft drink Mineral water Beer Water (as in 'how') Yes OK No Cigarette Toilet Coffee Tea Sour dough pancake Sauce or stew Local beer Honey wine Excuse me Thank you Come Go No problem |
Tiginrya
"Tigrigna" - the language of Tigray and Eritrea who live in northern Ethiopia, and is related to Amharigna.
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Kamey alekum? Dehan kunu Dehan hideru Kindey? Aydelin Leslassa Mai gaz Birra Mai Oowe Harrai Aykonnen Shigarra Shinti beit Bun Shahi Injera Tsebhi Sewa Meis Yekireta Yekenyelley Na'a Kid Tsegem yellen |
How are you? Good bye Good night How much is it? I don't want it Soft drink Mineral water Beer Water Yes OK No Cigarette Toilet Coffee Tea Sour dough pancake Sauce or stew Local beer Honey wine Excuse me Thank you Come Go No problem |