Bedeutung
Asking a female for forgiveness or apologizing.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Forgiveness is a central religious tenet. During the fasting season of Lent (Abiy Tsom), it is common for people to proactively ask for 'Yiqirta' from everyone they know to start the fast with a clean heart. In the fast-paced capital, 'Yiqirta' is often shortened or replaced by the English 'Sorry' among the youth, but the full Amharic phrase remains the standard for genuine apologies. Apologies often involve more formal gestures. A younger person might bow deeply or even touch the knees of an elder woman while saying 'Yiqirታ ያድርጉልኝ' to show deep respect. In the diaspora (USA, Europe), the phrase is a vital link to cultural identity. Parents often insist on children using the gendered forms correctly to maintain the 'Amharic spirit' of politeness.
The 'I' Rule
Always remember that feminine commands in Amharic almost always end in an 'i' sound. Adirgi, Beyi, Gbi.
Watch the Tone
If you say it too fast or with a flat tone, it can sound like a demand rather than an apology. Soften your voice.
Bedeutung
Asking a female for forgiveness or apologizing.
The 'I' Rule
Always remember that feminine commands in Amharic almost always end in an 'i' sound. Adirgi, Beyi, Gbi.
Watch the Tone
If you say it too fast or with a flat tone, it can sound like a demand rather than an apology. Soften your voice.
Body Language
A small nod or placing your hand on your chest while saying this adds a layer of traditional Ethiopian sincerity.
Shortening
If you are in a rush, just 'Yiqirta' is 100% acceptable for minor things.
Teste dich selbst
You are talking to your sister. Which phrase is correct?
I am sorry, sister.
Since a sister is female and the relationship is informal/neutral, the feminine singular 'adirgi' is correct.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form for a woman.
ይቅርታ _______ (adirgi-lign).
The '-i' in 'adirgi' indicates the feminine singular imperative.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. Female friend, 2. Male friend, 3. Group of people
Adirgilign (Fem), Adirgalign (Masc), Adirgulign (Plural).
What would you say if you were late to meet a female colleague?
Colleague: 'ረፈድክ እኮ!' (You're late!) You: '_______'
This translates to 'Forgive me for being late,' which is the appropriate response.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Gender in Apologies
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenI am sorry, sister.
Since a sister is female and the relationship is informal/neutral, the feminine singular 'adirgi' is correct.
ይቅርታ _______ (adirgi-lign).
The '-i' in 'adirgi' indicates the feminine singular imperative.
1. Female friend, 2. Male friend, 3. Group of people
Adirgilign (Fem), Adirgalign (Masc), Adirgulign (Plural).
Colleague: 'ረፈድክ እኮ!' (You're late!) You: '_______'
This translates to 'Forgive me for being late,' which is the appropriate response.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, for a man you must say 'Yiqirta adirgalign.'
In cities, yes, but 'Yiqirta' is much more respectful and preferred by older generations.
If you are shouting to a crowd or a hidden person, use the plural 'Adirgulign.'
Add 'Betam' at the beginning: 'Betam yiqirta adirgilign.'
While it has religious roots, it is used by everyone regardless of faith in secular contexts.
'Yiqirta' is a social apology; 'Mihret' is divine mercy or a legal pardon.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for a professional but friendly email to a female colleague.
It is a suffix meaning 'for me.' It makes the action of the verb benefit the speaker.
Youth often say 'Sori' or just 'Yiqir.'
You can say 'Ishi' (Okay), 'Minim aydelem' (It's nothing), or 'Yiqir beryalehu' (I have forgiven).
Verwandte Redewendungen
ይቅርታ
synonymSorry / Excuse me
ይቅር በዪኝ
similarSay 'forgive' to me
አዝናለሁ
similarI am sorry / I am sad
ይቅርታ ያድርጉልኝ
specialized formPlease forgive me (formal/plural)
ምህረት
builds onMercy / Grace
