ጽቡቕ ኣለኹ
ts'buq aleku
ጽቡቕ ኣለኹ (ts'buq aleku) is how you say "I am good" in Tigrinya.
A response used to say that one is doing well when asked about their well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective ጽቡቕ (good) and the first-person singular verb form ኣለኹ (I am).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ኣለኹ (I am) is the first-person singular form of the verb ኣሎ (to be/to exist) used to indicate a state of being.
How do you pronounce it?
ts'buq aleku
Did you know?
- While ጽቡቕ ኣለኹ means 'I am good', the response is frequently preceded by ተመስገን (thanks be to God), reflecting the deep integration of faith in daily speech.
- The word ጽቡቕ is used not only for 'good' or 'well' but also as the primary word for 'beautiful' or 'pretty'.
- When responding to 'How are you?', the rhythm of ጽቡቕ ኣለኹ is often accompanied by a specific polite nod to show respect to the speaker.
Examples in context
- ጽቡቕ ኣለኹ።tsibuq aleku.I am good.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- ሰላም Selamከመይ ኣለኻ ሳሚኤል?kemey alekha Samuel?How are you, Samuel?
- ሳሚኤል Samuelጽቡቕ ኣለኹ፣ ንዓኺስ?tsibuq alekhu, n'akhis?I am good, and you?
- ሰላም Selamኣነ እውን ጽቡቕ ኣለኹ።ane iwin tsibuq alekhu.I am also good.
- ሳሚኤል Samuelብጣዕሚ ጽቡቕ እዩ።bitami tsibuq eyu.That is very good.
