Signification
People who are bitter enemies.
Contexte culturel
The 'Nacha' grass is a real physical threat to farmers. This idiom shows how rural life influences the language. In cities like Addis Ababa, the idiom is used heavily in football culture to describe the rivalry between St. George and Coffee fans. Authors use this phrase to describe the 'Wax and Gold' of human relationships—the painful reality hidden behind social interactions. Calling someone 'አይንና ናጫ' in their presence is considered very rude. It is usually said about others (third person).
Use with 'ናቸው'
Always remember to use the plural verb 'ናቸው' because an enmity always involves two parties.
Too strong for friends
Don't use this for a small argument between friends; it implies they will never speak again.
Signification
People who are bitter enemies.
Use with 'ናቸው'
Always remember to use the plural verb 'ናቸው' because an enmity always involves two parties.
Too strong for friends
Don't use this for a small argument between friends; it implies they will never speak again.
Regional variation
If you are in a city, 'Ayn-inna Nacha' is perfect. In very rural areas, 'Ayn-inna Afer' might be more common.
The 'Nacha' plant
Knowing that 'Nacha' is a sharp grass will help you remember why the idiom means 'enemies'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
እነሱ አይንና ____ ናቸው።
The standard idiom is 'አይንና ናጫ'. While 'አፈር' is a variation, 'ናጫ' is the most common form.
Which sentence correctly describes two people who hate each other?
Select the correct sentence:
The subject 'እነሱ' (they) requires the plural verb 'ናቸው' (are).
Match the situation to the idiom.
Two neighbors haven't spoken for 10 years after a fight over a fence.
A long-term feud is the perfect context for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ሳራና ማርታ ለምን አብረው አይሰሩም? B: ምክንያቱም እነሱ ____ ናቸው።
The context of not being able to work together implies they are enemies.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Enmity Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesእነሱ አይንና ____ ናቸው።
The standard idiom is 'አይንና ናጫ'. While 'አፈር' is a variation, 'ናጫ' is the most common form.
Select the correct sentence:
The subject 'እነሱ' (they) requires the plural verb 'ናቸው' (are).
Two neighbors haven't spoken for 10 years after a fight over a fence.
A long-term feud is the perfect context for this idiom.
A: ሳራና ማርታ ለምን አብረው አይሰሩም? B: ምክንያቱም እነሱ ____ ናቸው።
The context of not being able to work together implies they are enemies.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is a type of sharp, irritating grass found in Ethiopia.
Yes, you can say 'ዘይትና ውሃ አይንና ናጫ ናቸው'.
It is mostly informal and used in daily conversation.
Because the eye is very sensitive, and having an irritant in it is extremely painful.
Only if you are saying 'I am an enemy to [someone]', but it's rare. Usually, it's 'We are' (ነን).
The opposite would be 'እንደ አንድ ልብ መካሪ' (thinking with one heart).
It's an ejective 'ch', like a sharp 'ch' sound with a pop of air.
Yes, many Amharic songs about heartbreak or betrayal use it.
Yes, it's very common for rival teams.
Using the singular verb 'ነው' instead of the plural 'ናቸው'.
Yes, it's a very common synonym meaning 'Eye and Soil'.
No, it's too informal and emotional for a professional setting.
Expressions liées
አይንና አፈር
synonymEye and soil
አይስማሙም
similarThey don't agree
ጠላት
similarEnemy
እንደ መርፌ
builds onLike a needle
አይናቸውን ማየት አይፈልጉም
similarThey don't want to see each other's eyes
