Signification
It is better to be silent than regret speech.
Contexte culturel
In Amhara culture, 'Zimita' (silence) is not seen as a lack of intelligence but as a sign of deep thought. A person who listens more than they speak is often given more respect in community meetings. The church teaches that the tongue is a small part of the body but can cause great fire. Monks often practice 'Armimo' (vow of silence) based on the same logic as this proverb. In Addis Ababa, this proverb is used to navigate political or social sensitivities. It's a way to stay 'neutral' in a polarized environment. In Ethiopian business, jumping straight to the point is often seen as rude. Silence and 'dej metsnat' are used to build rapport and observe the other party's character first.
Use it to show respect
When talking to an elder, using this proverb shows you are well-raised and respectful of their wisdom.
Don't over-use it
If you use it every time someone asks you a question, you might seem like you are hiding something.
Signification
It is better to be silent than regret speech.
Use it to show respect
When talking to an elder, using this proverb shows you are well-raised and respectful of their wisdom.
Don't over-use it
If you use it every time someone asks you a question, you might seem like you are hiding something.
The 'Wait' Rule
In Amharic conversation, a 1-2 second pause before answering is a physical way to practice 'dej metsnat.'
Wax and Gold
Remember that silence is the 'Wax' that protects the 'Gold' of your true thoughts.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
ከመናገር ______ መፅናት ይሻላል።
The correct word is 'ደጅ' (Dej), which means door or threshold.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'ከመናገር ደጅ መፅናት'?
A friend is being insulted and wants to insult back. What do you advise?
The proverb advises silence to avoid further conflict.
Match the Amharic word to its English meaning.
Words: 1. መናገር, 2. ደጅ, 3. መፅናት
መናገር (To speak), ደጅ (Door), መፅናት (To endure).
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
አለሙ፡ 'ምንም አልተናገርክም እኮ!' በቀለ፡ 'አዎ፣ _________________።'
Bekele is explaining why he remained silent.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Speaking vs. Silence
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesከመናገር ______ መፅናት ይሻላል።
The correct word is 'ደጅ' (Dej), which means door or threshold.
A friend is being insulted and wants to insult back. What do you advise?
The proverb advises silence to avoid further conflict.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
መናገር (To speak), ደጅ (Door), መፅናት (To endure).
አለሙ፡ 'ምንም አልተናገርክም እኮ!' በቀለ፡ 'አዎ፣ _________________።'
Bekele is explaining why he remained silent.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, shyness is 'Yilignita' or 'Aret.' 'Dej metsnat' is a conscious, wise choice to be silent.
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. It's better when giving advice to a friend who is angry.
It's an infinitive. To say 'I am silent,' you'd say 'ደጅ እየጸናሁ ነው' (Dej eyetsenahu new).
Usually, no. Silence is often seen as more polite than interrupting or speaking too much.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'መለፍለፍ' (Meleflef - chattering) is the behavior it warns against.
Literally yes, but it also means 'outside' or 'the space in front of a house.'
Yes, it's very appropriate for a formal email where you are explaining why you took time to respond.
Yes, many Amharic singers like Teddy Afro use proverbial language to convey deep messages.
Because staying silent when you want to speak requires strength and endurance.
Yes, Oromiffa and Tigrinya have very similar proverbs about the value of silence.
Expressions liées
ዝምታ ወርቅ ነው
synonymSilence is gold.
አንደበትን መግታት
similarTo bridle the tongue.
ቃል ይወጋል
builds onA word can pierce/stab.
መናገር ብር ነው
contrastSpeaking is silver.
ሆድ ይፍጀው
similarLet the stomach digest it.
