Signification
Stating that one is unwell.
Contexte culturel
Sickness is often met with the suggestion to visit 'Tsebel' (Holy Water). It's common to hear 'ታምሜአለሁ' followed by 'ጸበል ሂድ' (Go to holy water). In the city, people are more likely to use 'አሞኛል' (Amognal) for minor things like a headache and 'ታምሜአለሁ' for something that keeps them in bed. Community is everything. If you say 'ታምሜአለሁ', neighbors may come over without asking to help with chores or cooking. The phrase is a staple in soul music (Tizita) to describe the 'sickness' of being away from a loved one or one's country.
The Response
Always expect 'Egziabeher yimarih' after saying this. Just say 'Amen' in return.
Don't Overuse
In Ethiopia, saying you are sick is taken very seriously. Don't use it as a casual excuse if you're just bored.
Signification
Stating that one is unwell.
The Response
Always expect 'Egziabeher yimarih' after saying this. Just say 'Amen' in return.
Don't Overuse
In Ethiopia, saying you are sick is taken very seriously. Don't use it as a casual excuse if you're just bored.
Add 'ትንሽ' (Tinish)
Saying 'ትንሽ ታምሜአለሁ' (I'm a little sick) makes it sound less alarming to friends.
Privacy
You don't have to explain *what* is wrong. 'ታምሜአለሁ' is enough of an explanation in most social settings.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I am sick.'
ዛሬ በጣም ________።
The '-allahu' ending is for 'I'.
How would you tell a doctor that you are sick?
Which phrase is most appropriate?
'ታምሜአለሁ' means sick, 'ደክሞኛል' means tired, and 'ርቦኛል' means hungry.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ምን ሆንክ? B: ________።
When asked 'What happened?', 'I am sick' is a logical answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are calling your boss to say you can't work.
You use 'I am sick' to justify an absence.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'ታምሜአለሁ'
Medical
- • Doctor
- • Pharmacy
- • Clinic
Social
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Work
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesዛሬ በጣም ________።
The '-allahu' ending is for 'I'.
Which phrase is most appropriate?
'ታምሜአለሁ' means sick, 'ደክሞኛል' means tired, and 'ርቦኛል' means hungry.
A: ምን ሆንክ? B: ________።
When asked 'What happened?', 'I am sick' is a logical answer.
You are calling your boss to say you can't work.
You use 'I am sick' to justify an absence.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's appropriate for both your boss and your best friend.
Yes, but it usually implies physical illness. For mental health, people often say 'ተጨንቄአለሁ' (I am worried/stressed).
'ታምሜአለሁ' is 'I am sick' (state), 'አሞኛል' is 'It pains me' (sensation).
Use 'ታምሜ ነበር' (Tammime neber).
No, the '-allahu' ending already means 'I'. Adding 'Ine' is optional for emphasis.
Say 'እግዚአብሔር ይማርህ' (Egziabeher yimarih) to a man or 'እግዚአብሔር ይማርሽ' (Egziabeher yimarish) to a woman.
Technically yes, but people usually say 'ራስ ምታት' (headache) or 'ቃር' (heartburn/hangover feel).
Very often! Especially in songs about heartbreak.
አልታመምኩም (Altamemkum).
In texting, some just write 'ታምሜአለሁ' or use the 🤒 emoji.
Expressions liées
አሞኛል
synonymIt pains me / I'm sick
ጤና የለኝም
similarI don't have health
ደክሞኛል
contrastI am tired
ራሴን አሞኛል
specialized formMy head hurts
እግዚአብሔር ይማርህ
builds onMay God heal you
