ቆንጆ
ḳonǧo
The English word "beautiful" is translated to Amharic as ቆንጆ (ḳonǧo).
The term ቆንጆ is used to describe someone or something that is attractive.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word ውብ is a more formal or literary synonym for ቆንጆ that can also mean "splendid".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I am beautiful" in Amharic, you must add the verb "to be" (ነኝ) after the adjective ቆንጆ, resulting in the phrase ቆንጆ ነኝ.
How do you pronounce it?
ḳonǧo
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone and context, calling a behavior ቆንጆ can translate to 'well-done' or 'proper' rather than 'attractive'.
- In certain Ethiopian contexts, calling a person ቆንጆ can be seen as a very bold or flirtatious compliment rather than a polite observation.
- The concept of beauty in Amharic often extends to the idea of 'goodness' or 'excellence', where a 'beautiful' person is also expected to have a 'good' character.
Examples in context
- ቆንጆ ነኝ።I'm beautiful.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of the adjective ቆንጆ with the verb to be.Tatoeba #3868728 by turklehceleri, translation #716120 by papabear
- ቆንጆ አበባ ነው።ḳonjo abeba näw.It is a beautiful flower.
- ቆንጆ ልብስ ገዛች።ḳonjo libs gäzach.She bought beautiful clothes.
Example conversation
Helen and Nati are looking at a painting.
- ሄለን Helenይህ ስዕል ቆንጆ ነው አይደል?yih si'il qonjo nehu aidel?This painting is beautiful, isn't it?
- ናቲ Natiአዎ፣ በጣም ቆንጆ ነው።awo, betam qonjo nehu.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- ሄለን Helenየማን ስራ ነው?yeman sira nehu?Whose work is it?
- ናቲ Natiየጓደኛዬ ስራ ነው።yeguadengaye sira nehu.It is my friend's work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries ቆንጆ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
