በጃኻ
bejakha
The English phrase "please" is translated into Tigrinya as በጃኻ (bejakha).
This interjection is used to make polite requests.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from a root meaning "by your grace" or "by your favor".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on whom you are addressing. Use በጃኻ when addressing a single male. Use በጃኺ when addressing a female. Use በጃኹም when addressing more than one person or when using the polite plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
bejakha
Did you know?
- The plural form በጃኹም is used not only for groups but also as a 'T-V distinction' to show respect to a single elder or superior, similar to 'vous' in French.
- In many Tigrinya-speaking households, adding a polite request can be accompanied by a specific slight bow of the head to reinforce the respect implied by በጃኻ.
- While በጃኻ is the literal translation for 'please', Tigrinya speakers often express politeness through verb conjugation and tone rather than using a specific word for 'please' in every sentence.
Examples in context
- በጃኻ ሓደ ውርጭ ጽሕፍካለይ።bejaḥa ḥade wirchi ṣihfikaley.Please write one line for me.
Example conversation
Dawit asks Ritsa for help with a heavy bag.
- ዳዊት Dawitበጃኻ፡ እዚ ጽምብል ርድእኒ።Bejakha, ezi tsimbil rid'eni.Please, help me with this bag.
- ርእሳ Re'esaእየ፡ ኣነ ክሕዝልካ እየ።Iye, ane kikhizilka iye.Yes, I will hold it for you.
- ዳዊት Dawitየኣመስግነኪ ርእሳ።Ye'amesigineki Ritsa.Thank you, Ritsa.
- ርእሳ Re'esaብዘበለ ክንክን።Bizbele kinkin.You are very welcome.
