Signification
It is always better to seek knowledge.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is often associated with the 'Kolo Temari' (traditional students) who value spiritual and linguistic knowledge above all else. In cities like Addis Ababa, this phrase is used to promote 'growth mindset' in tech hubs and startups. Elders use this to encourage children to attend school instead of just helping with cattle, seeing it as a way to escape poverty. Used by parents in the US or Europe to encourage their children to maintain their heritage and learn the Amharic language.
Use it as a shield
If you feel embarrassed about your Amharic level, say this phrase first. It shows you value the language and are humble.
Don't over-negate
Be careful with the 'al-' in 'Kälemawök'. If you add another negation, the sentence becomes confusing.
Signification
It is always better to seek knowledge.
Use it as a shield
If you feel embarrassed about your Amharic level, say this phrase first. It shows you value the language and are humble.
Don't over-negate
Be careful with the 'al-' in 'Kälemawök'. If you add another negation, the sentence becomes confusing.
The 'Yishalal' trick
You can use 'yishalal' for anything! 'Coffee is better than tea' = 'ከሻይ ቡና ይሻላል' (Kä-shay buna yishalal).
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
ካለማወቅ ______ ይሻላል።
'መማር' (memar) means 'to learn,' which is the core of this proverb.
What is the best situation to use this phrase?
A friend is afraid to ask a question in class. What do you say?
This is the standard way to encourage someone to ask and learn.
Match the Amharic word to its English meaning.
Match the components of the proverb.
These are the literal translations of the three parts of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: አማርኛ መማር ከባድ ነው። (Learning Amharic is hard.) B: አዎ፣ ግን _________________።
This completes the thought by providing motivation despite the difficulty.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ignorance vs. Learning
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesካለማወቅ ______ ይሻላል።
'መማር' (memar) means 'to learn,' which is the core of this proverb.
A friend is afraid to ask a question in class. What do you say?
This is the standard way to encourage someone to ask and learn.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the literal translations of the three parts of the phrase.
A: አማርኛ መማር ከባድ ነው። (Learning Amharic is hard.) B: አዎ፣ ግን _________________።
This completes the thought by providing motivation despite the difficulty.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's a friendly way to encourage someone. It sounds wise rather than stiff.
Yes, 'memar' (learning) applies to any skill, not just academic knowledge.
It means 'it is better' or 'it is preferable.' It comes from the root 'shale'.
You can just say 'መማር ይሻላል' (Learning is better), but the full proverb is more impactful.
You would say 'መማር ይሻለኛል' (Memar yishaläññal).
It depends. If they are trying to learn something, it's supportive. If you say it because they don't know something, it could be rude.
There isn't a direct 'proverb' opposite, but 'አለማወቅ ሰላም ነው' (Ignorance is peace/bliss) is a rare counter-sentiment.
Yes, it's very appropriate for a professional but warm email about training or development.
'Kä-' is the preposition for 'than' in comparisons.
It has roots in religious education, but today it is entirely secular and used by everyone.
Expressions liées
እውቀት ብርሃን ነው
similarKnowledge is light.
ካለማወቅ መጠየቅ ይሻላል
specialized formAsking is better than not knowing.
መማር ለህይወት
builds onLearning for life.
ድንቁርና ጨለማ ነው
contrastIgnorance is darkness.
