አዎ
awo
The English word "yes" is አዎ (awo) in Amharic.
አዎ is the standard particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance. While አዎ is the standard way to say "yes", in many spoken contexts, Amharic speakers may simply repeat the verb used in the question to indicate agreement.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
How do you pronounce it?
awo
Did you know?
- Amharic has a distinct way of saying 'yes' when answering a negative question, which can confuse English speakers who are used to 'no' meaning 'no' regardless of the question.
- To express a very emphatic 'yes', speakers may use the word እውነት which literally translates to 'truth'.
- In Ethiopian Orthodox Christian-majority areas, a person might replace a simple 'yes' with a nod accompanied by a specific slight tilt of the head to show respectful agreement.
Examples in context
- አዎ፣ እረዳለሁ።Awo, eredalehu.Yes, I understand.
- አዎ፣ በትክክል ነው።Awo, betikkil new.Yes, that is correct.
- አዎ፣ መሄድ እፈልጋለሁ።Awo, mehed efeligalew.Yes, I want to go.
Example conversation
Sara and Nati are deciding whether to go for a walk.
- ሳራ Saraናቲ፣ አብረን እንሂድ?Nati, abren enhid?Nati, shall we go together?
- ናቲ Natiአዎ፣ በጣም ደስ ይለኛል።Awo, betam des yilignal.Yes, I would love to.
- ሳራ Saraአሁን መሄድ እንችላለን?Ahun mehed inchilalen?Can we go now?
- ናቲ Natiአዎ፣ እንችላለን።Awo, inchilalen.Yes, we can.
