Welcome to our guide on how to say “hi” in Amharic! Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and is widely spoken by Ethiopians and Ethiopian diaspora around the world. Mastering simple greetings like “hi” is a great way to connect with native Amharic speakers and show respect for their culture. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “hi” in Amharic, providing you with various tips and examples along the way. Let’s get started!
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Formal Greetings in Amharic:
When it comes to formal greetings, it’s important to use the appropriate Amharic phrases to show respect and politeness. Here are a few ways to say “hi” formally:
1. Selam:
Selam is a widely used word for “hi” or “hello” in Amharic. It is considered a respectful and formal way to greet someone. You can use it in various situations, whether meeting someone for the first time or addressing someone in a professional setting. For example:
Example: Selam, endet neh? (Hello, how are you?)
2. Selam new?
Adding “new?” meaning “how are you?” to the end of “selam” can be a great way to extend your greeting and show genuine interest in the other person’s well-being. Here’s an example:
Example: Selam new? Na’am, eshi endet neh? (Hi, how are you? Good, and how about you?)
Informal Greetings in Amharic:
Informal greetings are commonly used among friends, family, or people in casual settings. They reflect a more relaxed and friendly tone. Here are a few informal ways to say “hi” in Amharic:
1. Selamawit:
Selamawit is a variation of “selam” that carries a more informal tone. It is often used among friends or close acquaintances. Here’s an example:
Example: Selamawit, abet neh? (Hi, sister/brother, how are you?)
2. Dehina new?
Using “dehina new?” meaning “what’s up?” along with “selam” is another way to greet someone informally. It’s similar to saying “hi, what’s up?” in English. For example:
Example: Selam, dehina new? Eshi endet neh? (Hi, what’s up? How are you?)
Tips for Greeting in Amharic:
1. Use the Appropriate Prefix:
Depending on your relationship with the person you are greeting, you may need to use different Amharic prefixes. For example:
- Abet: Older brother
- Abeet: Older sister
- Demeke: Friend
2. Consider the Time of Day:
In Amharic culture, people often greet each other differently based on the time of day. Here are a few examples:
- Dehna neh: Good morning
- Dewe neh: Good afternoon
- Debtera neh: Good evening
Common Expressions:
Learning a few additional Amharic expressions will further enrich your ability to greet and engage with native speakers. Here are two commonly used phrases:
1. Amesegënallo:
Amesegënallo means “thank you” in Amharic. Using it after a greeting adds a polite and appreciative touch to your conversation. For example:
Example: Selam, amesegënallo (Hello, thank you)
2. Tadiyass:
Tadiyass means “goodbye” in Amharic. It’s customary to exchange this word before parting ways. For example:
Example: Selam, tadiyass (Hi, goodbye)
Remember, practice makes perfect! Take some time to internalize these greetings and practice them with native Amharic speakers whenever you can. The effort you put into learning the basics of a language like Amharic will undoubtedly be appreciated and warmly received, fostering meaningful connections with the Ethiopian community. Happy greeting!
