ቆንጆ
qonjo
The English word handsome is translated into Amharic as ቆንጆ (qonjo).
The term ቆንጆ is a versatile word used to express that something or someone is beautiful, handsome, pretty or nice. While it can specifically describe an attractive man, it is a general term for beauty that can also be applied to women, objects or even the weather.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ቆንጆ is the common way to express that a man is handsome, you may encounter the word ግርማዊ to describe a person who possesses a more majestic, stately or imposing handsomeness.
How do you pronounce it?
qonjo
Did you know?
- While ቆንጆ describes beauty, the word ግርማዊ is traditionally reserved for royalty and high-ranking officials to denote a 'majestic' presence.
- The word ቆንጆ is so common in Ethiopian culture that it is frequently used as a nickname or a term of endearment for children regardless of their gender.
- Beyond physical looks, ቆንጆ can be used to describe a 'beautiful' gesture or a 'nice' act of kindness.
Examples in context
- እሱ በጣም ቆንጆ ነው።esu betam qonjo new.He is very handsome.
- ቆንጆ ወንድ ነው።qonjo wond new.He is a handsome man.
- ልጁ ቆንጆ ነው።lju qonjo new.The boy is handsome.
Example conversation
Sara and Nati are looking at a photo of a celebrity.
- ናቲ Natiይህ ሰው ቆንጆ ነው።yih sew qonjo new.This man is handsome.
- ሳራ Saraአዎ፣ ናቲ፣ በጣም ቆንጆ ነው።awo, Nati, betam qonjo new.Yes, Nati, he is very handsome.
- ናቲ Natiአለማችን ላይ ብዙ ቆንጆ ወንዶች አሉ::alemachin lay bizu qonjo wondoch alu.There are many handsome men in our world.
- ሳራ Saraትክክል ነህ።tikikil neh.You are right.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ቆንጆ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
