A Foreigngee’s Guide to Amharic

Amharic is a Semitic language derived from the ancient language Ge’ez. Unlike other African countries that were colonized, Ethiopia doesn’t nationally recognize a western language such as English, French, German, or Portuguese. This can intimidate foreigners (foreigngees) because communication isn’t as seamless as other places on the continent. That all being said, a few words can go a long way and no one should ever underestimate the globally recognized language of making an effort and smiling through the pain.

Here are a few words that I used most often during my five weeks in Ethiopia and few of my favorite expressions that I’m most definitely bringing home with me.

*Disclaimer: All words are spelled phonetically to my best ability. 

Getting around:

Ishee: 

Ishee is a magic word. If you know one word in Amharic, this is it. It more or less means okay and similar to the English okay, ishee is used to express understanding or agreement. It can also be used as a sort of greeting when entering or leaving a room. Unlike okay, I’ve never heard a single word used so often in any country I’ve traveled to – I’ve even heard people communicate back and forth with the word ishee alone. 

Selam:

Hello/greetings - Literally translates to ‘peace’ in Arabic. 

Ciao:

Goodbye. This - and the delicious macchiatos - are the only evident influence of Italian culture that was left after Italy’s very brief occupation of Ethiopia. Ciao is often followed by ishee.  

Ameseghinalehu:

Thank you. Ethiopians will even admit that this is one of the toughest words to say in Amharic. When breaking it down I pronounce it as ah-mess-seg-ah-nah-le-who. Don’t be intimidated out of using this one – even a broken ‘thank you’ is better than none. Just say it fast and no one will know the difference!

Aw:

Yes.

Eye:

No.

Buna:

Coffee.

Wuha:

Water.

Words & expressions I’m bringing home in my suitcase:

En-day: 

This word was first introduced to me on the chaotic roads of Addis. It means 'what!?', ‘are you serious!?’, ‘Are you kidding me!?’, 'What the...’. The more emphasis you stress on the day, the more frustrated or confused you are. In fact, sometimes it sounds like people drop the en and just say, DAYYY or n’DAY. It can also be used in a joking matter followed up with a laugh or funny face. 

Gobez:

Clever, good job, or nicely done - I use gobez when teaching Ethiopian children English words.

Konjo:

This can mean both physically beautiful and something beautifully done. 

Izosh: 

This word is a little harder to translate because there’s none like it in any other languages I know. Izosh is often used in times of sympathy and compassion. Sort of like, ‘stay strong’, but deeper and more empowering. Locals have explained it as ‘you’re so courageous’, ‘you’re so fearless’, ‘your bravery will get you through this time’. 

Beka:

'I’m done', 'finished', 'that's enough'. Said with an explosive k.  

Bes mam:

This is an expression that I find is very similar to ‘oh my gosh’. Resembling, ‘oh my gosh’, bes mam is a more polite and sensitive version to ‘oh my God’, using ‘gosh’ to avoid saying God’s name in vein. Bes mam is an adaptation of the Christian blessing, ‘Be seme Ab’ translating to ‘In the name of the Father’.

 Chigger yellem:

No problem. This comes in handy when inevitable miscommunications happen.

Kes bekes:

‘Bit by bit'. This comes from an Ethiopian proverb that translates to ‘slowly, slowly the egg starts to walk’. When someone asks if I’m learning Amharic I answer, kes bekes.

In many cases Amhara Ethiopian’s know more English than you’ll know Amharic, but the impression you make and the success of the conversation or exchange will be a lot more positive with minimal effort on your end. Plus, I find that learning some of local language reveals a lot about the culture. Over the past five weeks I’ve deeply enjoyed asking locals what certain words that I keep hearing mean and shamelessly asking them again (and again) to repeat it slowly. Kes bekes