Signification
To be indecisive or conflicted.
Contexte culturel
In the Amhara and Tigray regions, the 'heart' is often invoked in daily greetings and blessings, emphasizing its role as the center of a person's character. Younger generations use 'ልቤ ተከፈለ' when discussing the 'diaspora vs. local' life choice, a common theme in modern Ethiopian society. Religious teachings often emphasize 'andinet' (unity) of the heart, making the 'divided heart' a state that one should seek to resolve through prayer. Azmari singers often use this idiom in 'wax and gold' (Sem ena Werq) poetry to hide political indecision behind a romantic metaphor.
Use it for empathy
When a friend is struggling to decide, say 'ልብህ ተከፈለ?' to show you understand their internal struggle.
Avoid literalism
Don't use this if you are talking about a physical object being split; use 'መሰንጠቅ' (mesenteq) for that.
Signification
To be indecisive or conflicted.
Use it for empathy
When a friend is struggling to decide, say 'ልብህ ተከፈለ?' to show you understand their internal struggle.
Avoid literalism
Don't use this if you are talking about a physical object being split; use 'መሰንጠቅ' (mesenteq) for that.
The 'Te-' Prefix
Remember that 'te-' makes the verb passive. Without it, you are the one doing the dividing, which sounds like you are a surgeon!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
በሁለቱ ስራዎች መካከል ልቤ ______ (was divided).
The passive past form 'ተከፈለ' is the standard way to complete this idiom.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'ልብ መከፈል'?
Which of these people would say 'ልቤ ተከፈለ'?
The idiom is used for indecision between two significant options.
Match the Amharic phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
The possessive suffixes -é, -u, -wa, and -achin change the subject.
Complete the dialogue.
አበበ፡ 'የትኛውን መኪና ትገዛለህ?' ካሳ፡ 'አላውቅም፤ በሁለቱ መካከል ______።'
'ልቤ ተከፈለ' expresses the indecision mentioned in 'አላውቅም' (I don't know).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesበሁለቱ ስራዎች መካከል ልቤ ______ (was divided).
The passive past form 'ተከፈለ' is the standard way to complete this idiom.
Which of these people would say 'ልቤ ተከፈለ'?
The idiom is used for indecision between two significant options.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The possessive suffixes -é, -u, -wa, and -achin change the subject.
አበበ፡ 'የትኛውን መኪና ትገዛለህ?' ካሳ፡ 'አላውቅም፤ በሁለቱ መካከል ______።'
'ልቤ ተከፈለ' expresses the indecision mentioned in 'አላውቅም' (I don't know).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, but it most naturally implies a 'split' into two. For many choices, 'መወላወል' (wavering) is more common.
The opposite is 'ልበ ሙሉ' (confident/decided) or 'መቁረጥ' (to cut/decide).
Not necessarily. It just means you are weighing options. However, it usually implies a bit of stress.
Say 'ልቤ ተከፈለ' (Libé tekefele).
Yes! It's very common when looking at a menu.
Similar concepts are used in the Amharic Bible to describe 'double-minded' people.
'Mewelawel' is the act of hesitating; 'Lib mekefel' is the feeling of being torn.
That means 'I divided my heart.' It's poetic but not the standard idiom.
Extremely common. Almost every Amharic love song uses it.
Expressions liées
ሁለት ልብ
similarTwo hearts / double-minded
ልብ መሰበር
builds onHeartbreak
ልብ መጥፋት
contrastTo lose one's heart / to be discouraged
ልበ ሙሉ
contrastFull-hearted / Confident
መወላወል
synonymTo waver
