Signification
Asking about an object further away.
Contexte culturel
In markets, pointing at items and asking 'Ya mndn naw?' is the standard way to begin a transaction. It shows interest and invites the seller to explain the quality of the item. Ethiopians often point with their chin or lips. If you see someone tilt their head and say 'Ya mndn naw?', they are pointing with their face. Asking about a dish ('Ya mndn naw?') is seen as a compliment to the cook's skill and variety. When asking about religious artifacts or icons in a church, use a respectful tone. The phrase remains the same, but the delivery should be softer.
The 'Naw' Rule
Always remember to put 'naw' at the end. Amharic is a verb-final language.
People vs. Objects
Never use 'Mndn' for people. Use 'Man' (Who) instead.
Signification
Asking about an object further away.
The 'Naw' Rule
Always remember to put 'naw' at the end. Amharic is a verb-final language.
People vs. Objects
Never use 'Mndn' for people. Use 'Man' (Who) instead.
The Chin Point
To look like a pro, point with your chin while asking the question.
Market Manners
Asking 'Ya mndn naw?' is the best way to start a friendly chat with a vendor.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to ask 'What is that?'
ያ ______ ነው?
'Mndn' is the correct word for 'what' in this context.
Which phrase should you use to ask about a mountain in the distance?
Asking about a distant mountain:
'Ya' is used for distant objects like mountains.
Match the Amharic word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: ያ ምንድን ነው? B: ___________
The answer should identify the object (That is a tree).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesያ ______ ነው?
'Mndn' is the correct word for 'what' in this context.
Asking about a distant mountain:
'Ya' is used for distant objects like mountains.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the phrase.
A: ያ ምንድን ነው? B: ___________
The answer should identify the object (That is a tree).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you are already looking at the object with someone, you can drop the 'Ya'.
Pointing with a finger can be rude; use your chin or a head tilt.
Use 'Ineziya mndn nachaw?'
If you mean 'Who is she?', say 'Yach man nat?'. If you mean 'What is that (feminine object)?', say 'Yach mndn nat?'.
It is neutral. It's used in both formal and informal speech.
Yes, 'Ya mndn naw?' is perfect for asking about a distant noise.
'Mndn' is specifically for 'What is it?'. 'Mn' is a general 'what' used in many other contexts.
You can say 'ያ ምን ይባላል?' (Ya mn yibalal?).
Yes, use a rising intonation at the end, just like in English.
Yes, very often in traditional and modern pop songs to express wonder.
Expressions liées
ይህ ምንድን ነው?
contrastWhat is this?
ያ ማን ነው?
similarWho is that?
ያ ምንድነው?
synonymWhat's that?
ምን አልክ?
builds onWhat did you say?
ያ የት ነው?
similarWhere is that?
