Signification
To look at something briefly or with interest.
Contexte culturel
Direct staring is often seen as aggressive or 'evil-eyed'. 'አይን መጣል' is a socially acceptable way to acknowledge interest without being rude. In the fashion-conscious parts of Addis, this idiom is used constantly to talk about the latest trends and items seen in 'Boutiques'. A good host is expected to 'throw an eye' on the table at all times to ensure no one is without food, without making the guest feel watched. In traditional dating, 'throwing an eye' is the first step of showing interest before any verbal communication happens.
Use with 'Aderege'
Saying 'አይን ጣል አደረግኩ' sounds more natural than just 'አይን ጣልኩ' for a very quick look.
Don't use for people you don't know
Saying 'አይን ጥዬባታለሁ' about a stranger can sound a bit like catcalling if not said to a close friend.
Signification
To look at something briefly or with interest.
Use with 'Aderege'
Saying 'አይን ጣል አደረግኩ' sounds more natural than just 'አይን ጣልኩ' for a very quick look.
Don't use for people you don't know
Saying 'አይን ጥዬባታለሁ' about a stranger can sound a bit like catcalling if not said to a close friend.
The '-በት' Suffix
Master the suffix '-በት' (on it/him) to sound like a native. 'አይን ጣልኩበት' (I glanced at it).
Market Talk
Use this phrase when bargaining to show you are interested but not desperate.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I glanced at the phone.'
ስልኩ ላይ አይን ______።
The idiom uses the verb 'መጣል' (to throw), which becomes 'ጣልኩ' for 'I threw'.
Which sentence means 'Keep an eye on the child'?
Choose the correct sentence:
This is the standard way to ask someone to watch a child briefly.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a beautiful car you want to buy.
'አይን ጥዬበታለሁ' means you have your eye on it/interest in it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: እቃዬን እዚህ ላስቀምጥ? B: እሺ፣ እኔ ______ አደርግበታለሁ።
'አይን ጣል ማድረግ' is the phrase for keeping a quick watch.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesስልኩ ላይ አይን ______።
The idiom uses the verb 'መጣል' (to throw), which becomes 'ጣልኩ' for 'I threw'.
Choose the correct sentence:
This is the standard way to ask someone to watch a child briefly.
Situation: You see a beautiful car you want to buy.
'አይን ጥዬበታለሁ' means you have your eye on it/interest in it.
A: እቃዬን እዚህ ላስቀምጥ? B: እሺ፣ እኔ ______ አደርግበታለሁ።
'አይን ጣል ማድረግ' is the phrase for keeping a quick watch.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's generally neutral or positive. It's much more polite than 'staring'.
Only if you are skimming it. If you are reading carefully, use 'ማንበብ' (reading).
አይን ጥላብኛለች (Ayin tillabignalech).
'Metal' is more intentional (you threw your gaze); 'Maref' is more accidental (your gaze landed).
It's a bit informal. Better to use 'ትኩረት ማድረግ' (to focus/give attention).
Yes, literally 'eye' + 'to throw/drop'.
Yes, very frequently in romantic Amharic pop songs.
አይን ጣለ (He threw an eye).
No, for movies use 'ማየት' (to see/watch).
Extremely common. You will hear it every day.
Expressions liées
አይን ማረፍ
similarTo have one's eye land on something
አይን ማውጣት
contrastTo be shameless
አይነ ደረቅ
contrastDry-eyed / Shameless
አይን ለአይን
builds onEye to eye
አይን ማጥፋት
contrastTo blind / To avoid looking
