ሓዉቦ
hawubo
The Tigrinya word for uncle is ሓዉቦ (hawubo).
ሓዉቦ is used to refer to a person who is the brother, or brother-in-law, of one's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
hawubo
Did you know?
- While ሓዉቦ refers to the uncle, Tigrinya has separate, specific words to distinguish between an uncle who is the father's brother and one who is the mother's brother.
- In traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian social structures, an uncle called ሓዉቦ often holds significant authority and decision-making power regarding a niece or nephew's marriage.
- In Tigrinya culture, respect for an ሓዉቦ is so profound that one might use specific honorifics or even avoid using their actual name when addressing them directly.
Example conversation
Ma'ar is introducing her family member to Samuel.
- መዓር Me'arእዚ ሓዉቦ እዩ።Ezi hawubo eyu.This is my uncle.
- ሳሚኤል Samuelሰላም ሎድኪ ሓዉቦ።Selam lodki hawubo.Hello to you, uncle.
- መዓር Me'arንሱ ካብ ርቀት መጺኡ።Nisu kab riqet mitsi'u.He came from far away.
- ሳሚኤል Samuelብደስታ ርእዮትኩም ኣለኹ።Bidesta r'iyotkum aleku.I am glad to see you both.
