Signification
Boundaries are necessary with bad neighbors.
Contexte culturel
In rural areas, fences are often made of 'Koshim' (thorny bushes). These are not just for neighbors but to keep out hyenas and leopards. The proverb carries this sense of survival. With the rise of apartment living (condominiums), the 'at'ir' has become metaphorical. People use 'curtains' or 'locked doors' to represent the fence in a crowded city. The proverb is frequently used as a caption when someone blocks a 'troll' or a toxic follower. It is the ultimate 'mic drop' for digital boundaries. Ethiopian business deals often rely on 'trust,' but elders will use this proverb to advise young entrepreneurs to get everything in writing (the legal fence).
Use 'Indilu'
Always add 'Indilu' (as they say) after the proverb to sound like a native speaker.
Don't be too literal
If you use this in an apartment with no yard, people know you mean 'privacy,' not a wooden fence.
Signification
Boundaries are necessary with bad neighbors.
Use 'Indilu'
Always add 'Indilu' (as they say) after the proverb to sound like a native speaker.
Don't be too literal
If you use this in an apartment with no yard, people know you mean 'privacy,' not a wooden fence.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
ከመጥፎ ጎረቤት ጥሩ ____ ይሻላል።
'At'ir' (fence) is the key metaphor in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Someone is asking too many personal questions at work.
This proverb is about setting boundaries with difficult or intrusive people.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ለምንድነው ምስጢርሽን ለማንም የማትነግሪው? B: ታውቂያለሽ... ___________።
The phrase 'indilu new' (as they say) is the standard way to introduce a proverb in conversation.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesከመጥፎ ጎረቤት ጥሩ ____ ይሻላል።
'At'ir' (fence) is the key metaphor in this proverb.
Someone is asking too many personal questions at work.
This proverb is about setting boundaries with difficult or intrusive people.
A: ለምንድነው ምስጢርሽን ለማንም የማትነግሪው? B: ታውቂያለሽ... ___________።
The phrase 'indilu new' (as they say) is the standard way to introduce a proverb in conversation.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt can be if said directly to a neighbor. It is best used as general advice or to explain your own need for privacy to a friend.
Yes, if a family member is intrusive, you can use it metaphorically to justify your boundaries.
Passwords, privacy settings, not answering the phone, or simply not sharing personal information.
Expressions liées
ርቀት ለፍቅር
similarDistance for love.
የቅርብ ጎረቤት ከሩቅ ዘመድ ይሻላል
contrastA close neighbor is better than a distant relative.
አጥር ያጠረው ጎረቤት አይጣላም
builds onA neighbor who fences his land doesn't fight.
