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YOUR FIRST WORDS አማርኛ

Most common Amharic words and phrases for absolute beginners

Start a conversation, say thank you, and ask for a little help. These everyday words and phrases give you a small, useful place to begin. You can follow the Latin-letter guides before you learn to read Amharic script.

Tap a speaker to hear the Amharic. Tap it again to stop, or choose another phrase.

How to read the pronunciation guides

Each entry shows Amharic, a Latin-letter pronunciation guide, and its English meaning. Listen to the audio and try repeating it. The written guides are approximate: a, i, o, u sound roughly like ah, ee, oh, oo; e is like the first part of “say,” without the final y-glide. ä is a short neutral vowel, and ə a short central i-like vowel.

sh and ch sound as in English; ñ sounds like ny in “canyon”; j sounds like the j in “jam.” Hold doubled consonants a little longer. q and t’ represent ejective consonants, made with a crisp release of air.

A note on politeness: phrases marked “respectful” can address a person of any gender. Informal forms often change depending on whom you are speaking to. Start with the respectful forms here.

Start with these seven

A greeting, a simple answer, and a little politeness go a long way.

Greetings & replies

Say hello, ask how someone is, and end a conversation.

Introduce yourself

Replace the dots with your name or the place you are from.

When you need a little help

Keep the conversation going, even when you are just starting.

Food, drinks & finding your way

Recognize a few everyday words and ask simple questions.

Your first ten numbers

Count from one to ten, then try counting a few objects around you.

PUT A FEW WORDS TOGETHER

Your first little conversation

Read each line aloud, then swap roles. Once this feels familiar, try adding your name.

  1. You

    ሰላም! ደህና ነዎት?

    sälam! dähna näwot?

    Hello! How are you?

  2. Your partner

    ደህና ነኝ። አመሰግናለሁ።

    dähna näññ. amäsäggənallähu.

    I’m fine. Thank you.

Language references

This practical starter selection draws on the following learning references. Latin-letter spellings have been made consistent with the other Amharic guides on this site.