Here you can find the translation of the Ethiopian official Language Amharic which are most important words and expressions to help you communicate with the local communities during your trip in Ethiopia.
Please learn the national and official language of Ethiopia that is spoken every where in the country.
Everything starts with saying…..

  • Hello. (formal) = Tena yistilign.
  • Hello. (informal) = Selam.
  • How are you? (respectful to elder) = Dehina newot?
  • How are you (informal, to a man) = Endemin–neh?
  • How are you (informal, to a woman) = Endemin-nesh?
  • Fine, Thank you. = Dehna negn.
  • What is your name? (to a man) = Simeh man naw?
  • What is your name? (to a woman) = Simish man naw?
  • My name is ……… = Sime …….. ( …….. )
  • Pleased to meet you. = siletewaweqin dess bilognal .
  • Please. = Ebakih. (to a man)
  • Please. = Ebakish. (to a woman)
  • Thank you (very much) = (Betam) ahmesugenalew.
  • You’re welcome. = Minem Aydelem. (meaning ‘no problem’ )
  • Yes = (awo)
  • No = (aye; aydelem)
  • OK = (ishi)
  • Excuse me (getting attention) = Yiqirta.
  • Excuse me. Do you have a minute? = Yiqirta, anda gazay
  • Excuse me. (begging pardon) = Yiqirta.
  • I’m sorry. = Yiqirta.
  • I don’t understand. = Algebinem.
  • Goodbye. = Dehna hun. (to a man)
  • Goodbye = Dehna hugni. (to a woman)
  • Goodbye (informal) = Ciao. (Taken from Italian)
  • I can’t speak name of language. = Amarinya alchillim.
  • Do you speak English? = Englizegna tichilaleh? (to a man)
  • Do you speak English? = Englizegna tichiyalesh? (to a woman)
  • Is there someone here who speaks English? = Englizegna michel sew aleh/alew?
  • Help! = ‘erdata! ( erdu’y )
  • I’m sick. = AhMOINyal. tam’malhu
  • Good morning. = Dehna aderk (to a young man): Dehna aderu (Elderly man/ more formal)
  • Good morning. = Dehna adersh (to a woman):Dehna aderu (Elderly woman/ more formal)
  • Good morning. = Dehna aderachu ( more than one person)
  • Good evening. = ( melkam meshe’t ( for one and more than one persons )
  • Good night. = Dehna dur.(to a man)
  • Good night. = Dehna duree (to a woman)
  • Good night (to sleep)
  • I don’t understand. = Algebagnem.
  • Where is the toilet? = Shintabet yet new?
  • How much is it? = sent no?
  • I am just looking. = iyayo no.
  • That is expensive. = widd no?
  • Is there a good restaurant nearby? = izzee akababi tiru migib bet alleu?