III. GLOSSARY

Amharigna

This was the official national language, and is still the de facto national language until a decision is made by the new national assembly about what the new national language will be.

Oromiffa

This is the language of the Oromo, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. The Oromo live in central and southern Ethiopia

Tigrigna

This is the language of the Tigray and Eritrea, and is related to Amharigna - both are Semitic languages, related to Hebrew and Arabic.
Tenastilign   How are you? Akkam Jirtuu   How are you? Kamelekhum?  How are you?
Dehnahunu   Good bye Negaa-ti  Good bye Dehankunu  Good bye
Dehnaderu  Good night Negaan-bulii  Good night Dehan hider  Good night
Sintinew?   How much is it? Mayqa?   How much is it? Kindey?   How much is it?
Ayasfeligegnim   I don’t want it Hin barbaadu   I don’t want it Aydelin  I don’t want it
Leslassa   Soft drink Laslaafaa   Soft drink Leslassa   Soft drink
Amboha   Mineral water Bishaan   Ambo Mineral water Mai gaz   Mineral water
Birra   Beer Biraa   Beer Birra   Beer
Wiha   Water Bishaan   Water Mai   Water
Ow   (as in how) Yes Heye   Yes Oowe   Yes
Ishi   OK Tole   OK Harrai   OK
Aydellem   No Miti   No Aykonnen   No
Sigarra   Cigarette Sijaraa   Cigarette Shigarra   Cigarette
Shintibait   Toilet Mana Fincaani   Toilet Shintibait   Toilet
Buna   Coffee Buna   Coffee Bun   Coffee
Shai   Tea Shaayi   Tea Shahi   Tea
Injera   Sour dough pancake Biddeena   Sour dough pancake Injera   Sour dough pancake
Wot   Sauce or stew Ittoo   Sauce or stew Tsebhi   Sauce or stew
Tela   Local beer Farsoo   Local beer Suwa  Local beer
Tej   Honey wine Daadhi   Honey wine Mes   Honey wine
Yekirta   Excuse me Dhiifama   Excuse me Yekirta   Excuse me
Amesegenalehu   Thank you Galatomi   Thank you Yekin yelley   Thank you
Na   Come Kootu   Come Na’a   Come
Hid   Go Deemi   Go Kid   Go
Chiger yellem   No problem Rakoon Ingiruu   No problem Tsegem yellen   No problem

 

 

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