እወ
iwe
The English word "yes" is translated to Tigrinya as እወ (iwe).
እወ is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
How do you pronounce it?
iwe
Did you know?
- While እወ means 'yes', Tigrinya speakers often answer questions by repeating the verb used in the question rather than using a single particle.
- If you are agreeing with a statement that is negative, such as 'You haven't eaten?', you cannot simply use እወ to mean 'yes, I haven't', as this can create confusion in Tigrinya logic.
- Tigrinya is a Semitic language, making እወ a distant relative of the 'yes' equivalents in languages like Arabic and Amharic.
Example conversation
Samuel asks Haymanot if she is ready to go.
- ሃይማኖት Haymanotሳሚኤል፡ ንምብላይ ዝግጁ ኢኺ፧Samuel: nimbilay zigju ikhi?Samuel, are you ready to go?
- ሳሚኤል Samuelእወ፡ ዝግጁ እየ።Ewe, zigju iye.Yes, I am ready.
- ሃይማኖት Haymanotንቑልፊኺ ሒዝኪ፧Nikulfikhi hizkhi?Did you take your key?
- ሳሚኤል Samuelእወ፡ ኣብ ኪሴ ኣሎ።Ewe, ab kise alo.Yes, it is in my pocket.
