Signification
Literally 'bring out the eye'.
Contexte culturel
In Amhara and Tigray cultures, lowering the eyes is a sign of 'Chewa' (noble/well-bred) behavior. 'Ayn Awta' is the direct opposite of this ideal. In the capital, 'Ayn Awta' is becoming slightly more nuanced, sometimes used to describe the 'hustle' needed to survive in a big city. In the US or Europe, parents often worry their children are becoming 'Ayn Awta' because they adopt Western directness. Used frequently in 'clapback' videos to describe people who leave rude comments.
Careful with Elders
Never use this phrase toward someone older than you; it's a major sign of disrespect.
Sarcastic Use
You can use it sarcastically with close friends when they do something slightly cheeky.
Signification
Literally 'bring out the eye'.
Careful with Elders
Never use this phrase toward someone older than you; it's a major sign of disrespect.
Sarcastic Use
You can use it sarcastically with close friends when they do something slightly cheeky.
The Yilunta Factor
If someone calls you this, they are basically saying you have no 'Yilunta' (social conscience).
Gender Neutral
Even though 'Awta' is masculine, you can use the whole phrase for anyone.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to describe someone who lies to your face without blinking.
ጓደኛዬ እየዋሸኝ እንደሆነ አውቃለሁ፤ ግን እሱ ____ ነው።
'ዓይን አውጣ' is used for someone who lies shamelessly.
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
እነዚያ ልጆች በጣም ዓይን ____ ናቸው።
The plural of 'ዓይን አውጣ' is 'ዓይን አውጣዎች'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone asks for your lunch for free.
Asking for something unreasonable without shame is 'Ayn Awtanet'.
What would a person say to a line-cutter?
ሰውየው፡ (ተራውን ጥሶ ገባ)። አንተ፡ 'እንዴት ያለህ ____ ነህ!'
Calling a line-cutter 'Ayn Awta' is the standard informal reaction.
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Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesጓደኛዬ እየዋሸኝ እንደሆነ አውቃለሁ፤ ግን እሱ ____ ነው።
'ዓይን አውጣ' is used for someone who lies shamelessly.
እነዚያ ልጆች በጣም ዓይን ____ ናቸው።
The plural of 'ዓይን አውጣ' is 'ዓይን አውጣዎች'.
Someone asks for your lunch for free.
Asking for something unreasonable without shame is 'Ayn Awtanet'.
ሰውየው፡ (ተራውን ጥሶ ገባ)። አንተ፡ 'እንዴት ያለህ ____ ነህ!'
Calling a line-cutter 'Ayn Awta' is the standard informal reaction.
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Questions fréquentes
10 questions90% of the time, yes. However, among very close friends, it can be a playful way to call someone 'cheeky' or 'bold.'
Yes, if you are being self-deprecating. E.g., 'እኔ ዓይን አውጣ ነኝ' (I am shameless/bold).
The opposite is 'ዓይን አፋር' (Ayn-Afer), meaning shy or modest.
You add '-ነት' to the end: 'ዓይን አውጣነት' (Ayn-Awtanet).
Rarely. In a professional setting, it would be seen as very unprofessional to use this idiom.
Not directly, but both use 'Ayn' (eye) as a metaphor for power and social influence.
Yes, parents often use it to describe a child who is being talkative or 'too bold' with guests.
It's more of a traditional idiom that is very common in casual speech, but not 'street slang' per se.
'ባለጌ' means generally rude. 'ዓይን አውጣ' specifically means being bold in a way that ignores shame.
It's an ejective 't'. Put your tongue behind your teeth, build up air, and release it sharply.
Expressions liées
አይነ ደረቅ
synonymDry-eyed; shameless.
ዓይን አፋር
contrastShy; modest.
ፊት አውጭ
similarOne who shows their face; forward.
ባለጌ
builds onRude/Unmannerly.
