ሰላምታ
selamta
The Amharic word for "greetings" is ሰላምታ (selamta).
ሰላምታ is a noun meaning a greeting.
Meaning: formal way of saying "hello" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ሰላምታ (selamta) is derived from the root word ሰላም (selam), which means 'peace'.
Which one should you use?
While ሰላምታ is the noun for 'a greeting', the word ሰላም (selam) is more commonly used as a direct, informal way to say 'hello' or 'peace'.
How do you pronounce it?
selamta
Did you know?
- The root word ሰላም (selam) shares a common Semitic ancestor with the Hebrew word 'shalom', meaning they belong to the same linguistic family.
- While ሰላምታ is the formal noun for 'greetings', in Ethiopia, the actual act of greeting often involves a physical touch, such as a light handshake or a traditional shoulder bump, rather than just the spoken word.
- When exchanging a formal ሰላምታ, it is common for the respondent to answer that their peace comes from God rather than their own effort.
Example conversation
Abel and Sara meet at a formal office gathering.
- አቤል Abelሳራ፣ ሰላምታዬ ይድረሽ።Sara, selamtaye yidresh.Sara, my greetings to you.
- ሳራ Saraአመሰግናለሁ አቤል፣ ሰላም ነህ?Ameseginalehu Abel, selam neh?Thank you Abel, are you well?
- አቤል Abelአዎ፣ በጣም ደህና ነኝ።Awo, betam dehna negn.Yes, I am very well.
- ሳራ Saraይህ ሰላምታ በጣም ደስ ይላል።Yih selamta betam des yilal.This greeting is very pleasant.
