ከመይ ወዒልኩም
Kemey we'ilkum
ከመይ ወዒልኩም (Kemey we'ilkum) is the Tigrinya way to say good afternoon.
ከመይ ወዒልኩም is a greeting used specifically during the afternoon. While this phrase is time-specific, you can also use the word ሰላም to say hi or hello at any time of the day, including the afternoon.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
Kemey we'ilkum
Did you know?
- The phrase ከመይ ወዒልኩም literally asks how you have spent your day since waking up, rather than simply wishing someone a 'good' afternoon.
- The phrase ከመይ ወዒልኩም contains a plural verb form even if you are addressing only one person, as a sign of deep respect or to acknowledge the person's family and social standing.
- In many Tigrinya-speaking communities, it is customary to follow a greeting with inquiries about one's health or family, rather than just leaving it at 'good afternoon'.
Examples in context
- ከመይ ወዒልኩም?kemey we'ilkum?Good afternoon.
- ከመይ ወዒልኩም፣ ኩላት ጽቡቕ ዲኹም?kemey we'ilkum, kulat tsibuq dikhum?Good afternoon, are you all well?
Example conversation
Two acquaintances meet on the street in the afternoon.
- መዓር Me'arሰላም ሳሚኤል፣ ከመይ ወዒልኩም?Selam Samuel, kemey weilkum?Hello Samuel, good afternoon!
- ሳሚኤል Samuelሰላም መዓር፣ ደሓኒያ እየ።Selam Mehar, dahaniya iye.Hello Mehar, I am fine.
- መዓር Me'arጽቡቕ እዩ ዝሰምዓዮ።Tsubuq eyu zisem ayo.It is good to hear that.
- ሳሚኤል Samuelየናኺውን ከመይ እዩ?Yenakiyun kemey eyu?How is yours?
