Signification
Literally 'to give a hand', meaning to give up.
Contexte culturel
Surrender was historically viewed with mixed emotions. While fighting to the death was idealized, 'giving one's hand' was a recognized way to end bloodshed between fellow Ethiopians during the 'Zemene Mesafint' (Era of Princes). The concept of 'surrendering to God's will' (ለእግዚአብሔር ፈቃድ እጅ መስጠት) is a central spiritual theme, often discussed in sermons as a form of holy humility. Azmari singers often use 'እጅ መስጠት' as a double entendre (Wax and Gold). It can mean surrendering to a lover or surrendering to the beauty of a song. In traditional 'Shimagelle' (elder) mediation, a person who admits they were wrong is said to have 'given their hand' to the truth, which is seen as an honorable way to end a feud.
Use with Possessives
It sounds much more natural if you say 'እጄን ሰጠሁ' (I gave my hand) rather than just 'እጅ ሰጠሁ'.
Not for Helping
Never use this to offer help to a friend. They will be very confused!
Signification
Literally 'to give a hand', meaning to give up.
Use with Possessives
It sounds much more natural if you say 'እጄን ሰጠሁ' (I gave my hand) rather than just 'እጅ ሰጠሁ'.
Not for Helping
Never use this to offer help to a friend. They will be very confused!
The 'Feet' Variation
If you want to sound like a native, use 'እጅና እግሬን ሰጠሁ' when you are totally overwhelmed by a task.
Humility
In an argument, saying 'እጄን ሰጥቻለሁ' can be a polite way to end the conflict without losing face.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'እጅ መስጠት' in the past tense (He surrendered).
ሌባው ለፖሊስ ____።
'ሌባው' (The thief) is masculine singular, so we use 'እጁን ሰጠ'.
Which sentence means 'Don't give up!'?
Choose the correct translation:
'አትስጥ' is the negative imperative (Don't give).
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'ለፍቅሯ እጄን ሰጠሁ።'
This is a common romantic use of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'ይህ ስራ በጣም ከባድ ነው።' B: 'አይዞህ! ____።'
'አይዞህ' (Cheer up/Be strong) is always followed by encouragement like 'Don't give up.'
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Give a Hand vs. እጅ መስጠት
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesሌባው ለፖሊስ ____።
'ሌባው' (The thief) is masculine singular, so we use 'እጁን ሰጠ'.
Choose the correct translation:
'አትስጥ' is the negative imperative (Don't give).
Sentence: 'ለፍቅሯ እጄን ሰጠሁ።'
This is a common romantic use of the idiom.
A: 'ይህ ስራ በጣም ከባድ ነው።' B: 'አይዞህ! ____።'
'አይዞህ' (Cheer up/Be strong) is always followed by encouragement like 'Don't give up.'
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on the context. In war, it can be seen as a defeat. In an argument or learning, it's just a neutral way to say you've stopped trying.
Not really. For quitting a job, use 'ስራ መልቀቅ' (Sira Melkek). 'እጅ መስጠት' is more about giving up on a specific struggle.
You say 'እጅ ሰጠች' (Eje Settech).
No. For handing over an object, just use 'መስጠት' (to give) or 'ማስረከብ' (to hand over/deliver).
Yes, it appears in various contexts of submission and surrender in Amharic biblical translations.
The opposite is 'መታገል' (to struggle/fight) or 'መቀጠል' (to continue).
Yes, if you are conceding a point in a negotiation, it is perfectly appropriate.
Young people might say 'ተበላሁ' (I am eaten/I lost), but 'እጅ ሰጠሁ' is still very common.
Yes! 'ለሙዚቃው እጄን ሰጠሁ' is a very beautiful, poetic sentence.
Yes, Amharic 't' sounds are quite crisp. Make sure to pronounce both 't' sounds in 'Mestet'.
Expressions liées
ተስፋ መቁረጥ
similarTo lose hope / to give up hope
መሸነፍ
synonymTo be defeated
ተንበረከከ
similarTo kneel down
እጅና እግር መስጠት
builds onTo surrender completely (hands and feet)
ለሽንፈት እጅ መስጠት
specialized formTo surrender to defeat
