المعنى
To hold back or control one's actions/words.
خلفية ثقافية
In the Amhara and Tigray regions, 'Chewanet' (civility) is defined by how well a person can control their impulses. A person who shouts is seen as 'balage' (rude/unrefined). The concept of 'Tsom' (fasting) is not just about food but also about 'fasting' from anger and bad speech, which is the spiritual peak of 'ራስን መቆጠብ'. In the fast-paced life of the capital, 'ራስን መቆጠብ' is often used as a survival tip for dealing with bureaucracy or difficult service providers. Known for their hard work and thriftiness, the Gurage people apply 'mekoteb' to both money and social behavior, valuing a reserved and calculating nature.
Use it as a Reflexive
Always remember to add the possessive suffix to 'Ras'. It's never just 'Ras mekoteb' in a sentence; it's 'Rase-n', 'Rasi-hin', etc.
Don't over-save
If you use this phrase too much, people might think you are too passive. Use it specifically for avoiding negative impulses.
المعنى
To hold back or control one's actions/words.
Use it as a Reflexive
Always remember to add the possessive suffix to 'Ras'. It's never just 'Ras mekoteb' in a sentence; it's 'Rase-n', 'Rasi-hin', etc.
Don't over-save
If you use this phrase too much, people might think you are too passive. Use it specifically for avoiding negative impulses.
The Power of Silence
In Ethiopia, being 'Qutib' (the adjective form) is a high compliment for a young woman or man, implying they are well-mannered and modest.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ራስ' and 'መቆጠብ'.
በጣም ተናድጄ ነበር ነገር ግን ______ ______።
Since the sentence starts with 'ተናድጄ' (I was angry), the object must be 'ራሴን' (myself) and the verb 'ቆጠብኩ' (I restrained).
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a professional meeting?
A colleague is being rude. What do you do?
Restraining oneself is the professional and culturally appropriate response.
Complete the dialogue.
አበበ፡ 'ለምን ዝም አልከው?' ካሳ፡ '_________________።'
Kassa is explaining his own action, so 'I chose to restrain myself' is the correct response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are on a diet and someone offers you cake.
Refraining from eating cake is a form of self-restraint (ራስን መቆጠብ).
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Mekoteb: Money vs. Self
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينበጣም ተናድጄ ነበር ነገር ግን ______ ______።
Since the sentence starts with 'ተናድጄ' (I was angry), the object must be 'ራሴን' (myself) and the verb 'ቆጠብኩ' (I restrained).
A colleague is being rude. What do you do?
Restraining oneself is the professional and culturally appropriate response.
አበበ፡ 'ለምን ዝም አልከው?' ካሳ፡ '_________________።'
Kassa is explaining his own action, so 'I chose to restrain myself' is the correct response.
Situation: You are on a diet and someone offers you cake.
Refraining from eating cake is a form of self-restraint (ራስን መቆጠብ).
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةGenerally, yes. It is seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. However, in cases of injustice, some might argue that one should speak up rather than 'save' themselves.
Yes! You can say 'ከምግብ ራሴን እቆጥባለሁ' (I am restraining myself from food).
'Mekoteb' is to restrain/save, while 'Metew' is to quit or leave. 'Mekoteb' implies you still have the feeling but are controlling it.
You would say 'ራሴን መቆጠብ አልቻልኩም' (Rasen mekoteb alchalkum).
Yes, Amharic Bible translations frequently use 'ራስን መቆጠብ' or 'አንደበትን መግታት' to translate 'self-control' or 'temperance'.
Yes, parents often tell their children 'ራስህን ቆጥብ' when they are being too rowdy.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Not exactly, but a shy person is often described as 'ቁጥብ' (Qutib), which is the adjective form.
No, for saving time you use 'ጊዜን መጠቀም' (using time well) or 'ጊዜን አለማባከን' (not wasting time).
The opposite would be 'ራስን አለመግዛት' (lack of self-mastery) or 'መቅበጥበጥ' (being restless/impulsive).
عبارات ذات صلة
አንደበትን መግታት
specialized formTo bridle the tongue.
ራስን መግዛት
similarSelf-mastery/Self-rule.
ትዕግስት
builds onPatience.
ዝምታ ወርቅ ነው
similarSilence is gold.
