Signification
Noting the absence of sweetener.
Contexte culturel
In a traditional ceremony, coffee is served in three rounds (Abol, Tona, Baraka). Sugar is usually added by the host. Declining sugar is perfectly fine, but doing so with a smile and a 'thank you' (Ameseginalehu) is important. With rising rates of diabetes, 'sikwar yelewum' has become a health-conscious catchphrase among the middle class. During Orthodox Christian fasting periods, people are very careful about ingredients. While sugar is allowed, 'sikwar yelewum' is often part of a broader conversation about pure, simple foods. In some parts of Gurage or Oromia, coffee might be served with salt. If you want neither, you might have to specify 'Sikwarim chewum yelewum' (No sugar and no salt).
Politeness counts
Always add 'እባክህ' (ibakih - to a man) or 'እባክሽ' (ibakish - to a woman) after the phrase.
The 'Default' is Sweet
In Ethiopia, if you don't say anything, your tea/coffee will likely come with 2-3 spoons of sugar.
Signification
Noting the absence of sweetener.
Politeness counts
Always add 'እባክህ' (ibakih - to a man) or 'እባክሽ' (ibakish - to a woman) after the phrase.
The 'Default' is Sweet
In Ethiopia, if you don't say anything, your tea/coffee will likely come with 2-3 spoons of sugar.
Check the bowl
If you see a sugar bowl on the table, you don't need to say this; just add it yourself. Use the phrase when the waiter adds it for you.
Health talk
If someone asks why you want no sugar, you can just say 'ለጤናዬ' (letenaye - for my health).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'Tea, no sugar please' to a man.
ሻይ ____ እባክህ።
'Sikwar yelewum' is the correct way to say 'no sugar' in this context.
Which sentence means 'The juice has no sugar'?
Select the correct Amharic sentence:
The definite article '-u' on 'chimaki' and the verb 'yelewum' make this correct.
Match the Amharic phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the most common variations of sugar-related requests.
Complete the dialogue.
Waiter: ቡናው ስኳር ይኑረው? (Should the coffee have sugar?) You: አይ፣ ____።
'Sikwar yelewum yihun' means 'Let it be without sugar'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sugar Preferences
No Sugar
- • ስኳር የለውም
- • ያለ ስኳር
Little Sugar
- • ትንሽ ስኳር
- • ስኳር ቀንሰው
Lots of Sugar
- • ብዙ ስኳር
- • በጣም ጣፋጭ
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesሻይ ____ እባክህ።
'Sikwar yelewum' is the correct way to say 'no sugar' in this context.
Select the correct Amharic sentence:
The definite article '-u' on 'chimaki' and the verb 'yelewum' make this correct.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most common variations of sugar-related requests.
Waiter: ቡናው ስኳር ይኑረው? (Should the coffee have sugar?) You: አይ፣ ____።
'Sikwar yelewum yihun' means 'Let it be without sugar'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is unusual. Just be polite and appreciative of the coffee itself.
The phrase 'ስኳር የለውም' (Sikwar yelewum) refers to the drink (masculine), so it doesn't change based on the person you are talking to.
Say 'በማር' (bemar - with honey) instead of 'sikwar yelewum'.
Yes, you can ask 'ስኳር የለውም ኮካ አለ?' (Is there no-sugar Coke?)
Yes, in this context it implies the total absence of the ingredient.
Yes, white, brown, or raw sugar are all called 'Sikwar'.
Say 'ስኳር አልወድም' (Sikwar alwedim).
It would be 'ስኳር አለው' (Sikwar alew - it has sugar).
Yes, often in songs about coffee or modern health-conscious lifestyle lyrics.
Yes, e.g., 'ወተት የለውም' (Wotet yelewum - no milk).
Expressions liées
ጨው የለውም
similarIt has no salt
ስኳር ቀንሰው
specialized formReduce the sugar
ጣፋጭ አይደለም
similarIt is not sweet
ያለ ስኳር
synonymWithout sugar
