እንኳን ደስ አለህ
enkwan des aleh
Congratulations in Amharic is እንኳን ደስ አለህ (enkwan des aleh).
This phrase is used to express approbation.
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'How happy you have become' or 'May you be happy'. The word እንኳን (enkwan) acts as an adverbial particle used in expressions of joy or relief.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. Use እንኳን ደስ አለህ when addressing a male, እንኳን ደስ አለሽ when addressing a female and እንኳን ደስ አላችሁ when addressing more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
enkwan des aleh
Did you know?
- In Ethiopia, እንኳን ደስ አለህ is used not just for achievements, but also as a standard greeting during religious holidays like Easter or Christmas.
- While እንኳን ደስ አለህ is for celebrations, Ethiopians often respond to congratulations by saying እግዚአብሔር ይመስገን, which means 'Thank God'. This shifts the credit from the person's achievement to divine grace.
- In Amharic culture, responding to this phrase is not a simple 'thank you' but often involves expressing a wish for the same joy to be shared or returned.
Examples in context
- እንኳን ደስ አለህ።enkuan des aleh.Congratulations.
- አዲስ ስራ ስለጀመርክ እንኳን ደስ አለህ።addis sira silejemerk enkuan des aleh.Congratulations on starting a new job.
Example conversation
Helen is congratulating Nati on his graduation.
- ሄለን Helenእንኳን ደስ አለህ ናቲ!enkuan des aleh Nati!Congratulations, Nati!
- ናቲ Natiአመሰግናለሁ ሄለን።ameseginallehu Helen.Thank you, Helen.
- ሄለን Helenበጣም ደስ ብሎኛል።betam des bilognal.I am very happy for you.
- ናቲ Natiእኔም በጣም ደስ ብሎኛል።enem betam des bilognal.I am very happy too.
