Signification
Stating that one is very busy.
Contexte culturel
In many Ethiopian offices, saying 'ስራ ይበዛል' is a way to signal that you are a dedicated employee. It is often said with a smile to show that you are happy to be productive. When visiting someone's home, if the host says 'ስራ ይበዛል,' they might be apologizing for not giving you enough attention because they are busy hosting. During 'Fasika' (Easter) or 'Meskel,' the workload for women in the kitchen increases significantly. 'ስራ ይበዛል' is the common refrain during these times. In rural areas, this phrase is tied to the harvest. In urban areas like Addis, it's tied to traffic and office deadlines.
The 'Yiqirta' Buffer
Always start with 'Yiqirta' (Sorry) if you are using this phrase to decline an invitation. It makes you sound much more polite.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Sira yibezal' every single time someone calls, they might think you are avoiding them specifically.
Signification
Stating that one is very busy.
The 'Yiqirta' Buffer
Always start with 'Yiqirta' (Sorry) if you are using this phrase to decline an invitation. It makes you sound much more polite.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Sira yibezal' every single time someone calls, they might think you are avoiding them specifically.
Add 'Be-tam'
Add 'Be-tam' (Very) before 'yibezal' to emphasize that you are truly swamped: 'Sira be-tam yibezal.'
Body Language
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head or a shrug of the shoulders often accompanies the phrase to show sincerity.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to be plenty'.
ዛሬ በጣም ስራ ______።
'ስራ' is singular masculine, so 'ይበዛል' is the correct form.
Which phrase is the most polite way to decline an invitation because you are busy?
ጓደኛህ 'ቡና እንጠጣ' ቢልህ ምን ትላለህ?
Adding 'Yiqirta' (Sorry) and 'Sira yibezal' is the standard polite refusal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ለምን ስልኩን አላነሳህም? B: ይቅርታ፣ ስራ ______።
'Bezabign' (was too much on me) explains why you couldn't pick up the phone in the past.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'ስራ ተደራርቦብኛል' to the correct context.
'Tederarbobignyal' implies tasks are piled on top of each other.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Busy vs. Working
When to use 'Sira yibezal'
Office
- • Deadlines
- • Meetings
- • Reports
Home
- • Cleaning
- • Cooking
- • Guests
School
- • Exams
- • Homework
- • Projects
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesዛሬ በጣም ስራ ______።
'ስራ' is singular masculine, so 'ይበዛል' is the correct form.
ጓደኛህ 'ቡና እንጠጣ' ቢልህ ምን ትላለህ?
Adding 'Yiqirta' (Sorry) and 'Sira yibezal' is the standard polite refusal.
A: ለምን ስልኩን አላነሳህም? B: ይቅርታ፣ ስራ ______።
'Bezabign' (was too much on me) explains why you couldn't pick up the phone in the past.
Match 'ስራ ተደራርቦብኛል' to the correct context.
'Tederarbobignyal' implies tasks are piled on top of each other.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes! 'Sira' covers all types of tasks, including homework and studying.
Use the past tense: 'Sira beza' or 'Sira bezabign'.
'Sira yibezal' is traditional Amharic; 'Busy negn' is modern slang/informal Addis speech.
No, as long as you use a respectful tone and perhaps explain why.
Absolutely. Housework is also 'Sira'.
'Sira ayibezam' (Work is not plenty) or 'Sira yelem' (There is no work).
In texting, people sometimes just write 'ስራ በዛብኝ'.
Yes, you can say 'እዚህ ቤት ስራ ይበዛል' (Work is plenty in this house/place).
Not necessarily. It just implies you have a lot to do.
Ask 'ስራ ይበዛል?' (Is work plenty?)
No, for a busy street you would say 'መንገዱ ተጨናንቋል' (The road is crowded).
Expressions liées
ስራ ላይ ነኝ
similarI am at work / I am working.
ስራ ፈት
contrastUnemployed / Idle.
ስራ አጥ
contrastJobless.
ስራ ወዳድ
builds onWorkaholic / Work-lover.
ስራ በዛብኝ
specialized formWork is too much for me.
