Signification
Asking a woman for her name.
Contexte culturel
Many people have a 'baptismal name' (Ye-Kirstinna Sim) used in church and a secular name used in daily life. In the capital, it's common to use English names or nicknames. Don't be surprised if someone answers 'Mimi' or 'Betty'. Names are often tied to the day of the week or a specific event during birth (e.g., 'Abeba' if flowers were blooming). It is considered slightly blunt to ask for a name immediately. Usually, you should exchange 'Selamta' (greetings) first.
Use 'Manew'
To sound more like a native, contract the last two words: 'Simesh manew?'
Gender Matters
Always check the gender before speaking. Using the wrong suffix is the #1 giveaway of a beginner.
Signification
Asking a woman for her name.
Use 'Manew'
To sound more like a native, contract the last two words: 'Simesh manew?'
Gender Matters
Always check the gender before speaking. Using the wrong suffix is the #1 giveaway of a beginner.
The 'Who' Logic
Remember you are asking 'Who' the name is, not 'What'. This helps you remember to use 'Man' instead of 'Min'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to ask a girl her name.
You meet a girl named Hanna. What do you say?
The suffix '-esh' is for females, and 'man' is the correct word for 'who/what' regarding names.
Fill in the missing suffix.
ስም__ ማን ነው? (to a woman)
The suffix '-ሽ' (-esh) indicates 'your' for a feminine subject.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ሰላም! ስምሽ ማን ነው? B: ___________
The correct response to 'What is your name?' is 'My name is [Name].'
Match the phrase to the person.
Which phrase would you use for an elderly woman?
'Simo' is the respectful/formal form used for elders.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou meet a girl named Hanna. What do you say?
The suffix '-esh' is for females, and 'man' is the correct word for 'who/what' regarding names.
ስም__ ማን ነው? (to a woman)
The suffix '-ሽ' (-esh) indicates 'your' for a feminine subject.
A: ሰላም! ስምሽ ማን ነው? B: ___________
The correct response to 'What is your name?' is 'My name is [Name].'
Which phrase would you use for an elderly woman?
'Simo' is the respectful/formal form used for elders.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, for a group you should use the plural 'ስማችሁ ማን ነው?' (Simachihu man new?).
Yes, but it's better to say 'Selam' (Hello) or 'Yikirta' (Excuse me) first.
'Simeshen' is the accusative form, often used in the longer phrase 'Simeshen man libel?'. It's slightly more formal.
In Amharic, it's usually clear, but if you are unsure (e.g., on the phone), use the neutral/formal 'Simo man new?'.
Expressions liées
ስምህ ማን ነው?
similarWhat is your name? (to a man)
ስሞ ማን ነው?
specialized formWhat is your name? (formal/respectful)
ማን ልበልሽ?
synonymWho should I say you are?
መተዋወቅ እንችላለን?
builds onCan we get to know each other?
