እሺ
ʾəši
The English phrase "ok" can be translated into Amharic as እሺ (ʾəši).
እሺ is used as an interjection to express acknowledgement or acceptance. In the context of computing, it is also used to represent the command to activate an "OK" button.
Meaning: acknowledgement or acceptance (intj)
Which one should you use?
While እሺ expresses acceptance or agreement, the word በቃ is used when you want to say "ok" in the sense of "enough" or "that's it" to end a situation or an action.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ʾəši
Did you know?
- In Ethiopian culture, the word እሺ is often repeated several times in a row during a conversation to show that the listener is actively and intently following the speaker.
- When እሺ is used as a question, it functions as a way to seek confirmation or a 'deal', similar to saying 'Is it a deal?' in English.
- While እሺ is a standard way to say 'ok', if you say it with a falling tone in certain contexts, it can sound dismissive or impatient, similar to a sigh in English.
Examples in context
- እሺ፣ ነገ እንገናኝ።eshi, nege en-ge-na-ny.Okay, let's meet tomorrow.
- እሺ፣ አልረሳም።eshi, al-re-sam.Okay, I won't forget.
Example conversation
Nati and Elsabet are making plans for a coffee meeting.
- ናቲ Natiኤልሳቤጥ፣ ነገ በጠዋት እንገናኝ?Elsabet, nege be-t'wat en-ge-na-ny?Elsabet, can we meet tomorrow morning?
- ኤልሳቤጥ Elsabethእሺ፣ እሺ።eshi, eshi.Okay, okay.
- ናቲ Natiበሰዓቱ ትመጫለሽ?be-se-atu ti-me-che-lesh?Will you come on time?
- ኤልሳቤጥ Elsabethእሺ፣ እመጣለሁ።eshi, e-me-ta-le-hu.Okay, I will come.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ok” translations and entries እሺ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
