ቁም
qum
The English phrase "stop" is translated into Amharic as ቁም (qum).
ቁም is used to tell someone to stop moving or to stand still.
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ቁም means to stop moving or to stand still, አቁም is used to mean stopping an action, a machine or a process.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form ቁም changes depending on who you are addressing. Use ቁሙ when addressing more than one person or when using a polite register. Use ቁሚ when addressing a single female.
How do you pronounce it?
qum
Did you know?
- Amharic uses the concept of 'standing' (the root of ቁም) to describe a person who is 'firm' or 'steadfast' in their convictions.
- Using the polite form ቁሙ is not just for groups, but is essential when speaking to elders or strangers to avoid sounding aggressive or disrespectful.
- In many Ethiopian contexts, a physical gesture such as a raised hand often accompanies the verbal command ቁም to reinforce the suddenness of the stop.
Examples in context
- እባክህ እዚህ ቁም.ebakih ezih kum.Please stop here.
- አሁን ቁም!ahun kum!Stop now!
- ነገር በጣም ከተባባሰ ቁም.neger betam ketebabase kum.Stop if things get too bad.
Example conversation
Nati is walking too fast and Bethelhem wants him to wait.
- ናቲ Natiቶሎ እንሂድ!Tolo enhid!Let's go quickly!
- ቤተልሔም Betelhemናቲ፣ እባክህ ቁም!Nati, ebakih qum!Nati, please stop!
- ናቲ Natiለምን አቆምኩ?Lemin akomku?Why should I stop?
- ቤተልሔም Betelhemጫማዬ ተበላሸ።Chamaye tebelashe.My shoe is broken.
