Signification
Used for apologizing or getting someone's attention.
Contexte culturel
In Addis Ababa, 'Yiqirta' is said very quickly and often repeatedly (Yiqirta, yiqirta!) when pushing through a crowd to get off a bus. In traditional disputes, the act of asking for 'Yiqirta' is a formal process involving elders. Once 'Yiqirta' is accepted, the matter is considered legally and socially closed. The concept of forgiveness is central to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Many people use 'Yiqirta' not just as a social tool but as a reflection of their faith.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Yiqirta' for an apology, slightly bowing your head or placing your right hand on your chest makes it feel much more sincere.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you say 'Yiqirta' for every tiny thing with close friends, they might think you are being too formal or distant.
Signification
Used for apologizing or getting someone's attention.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Yiqirta' for an apology, slightly bowing your head or placing your right hand on your chest makes it feel much more sincere.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you say 'Yiqirta' for every tiny thing with close friends, they might think you are being too formal or distant.
The 'Excuse Me' Tone
Use a rising intonation if you are using it to ask a question (Excuse me?), and a falling intonation for an apology (I'm sorry).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'Excuse me, where is the water?'
_______፣ ውሃ የት ነው?
Yiqirta is used to politely start a question.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You stepped on someone's foot.
Yiqirta is the standard apology for physical accidents.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ይቅርታ፣ ሰዓት ስንት ነው? B: _________ (It is 4 o'clock).
The person is asking for the time after getting your attention.
Which is the most formal way to apologize for a mistake?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'eteyiqalehu' (I ask) makes it a formal, complete sentence.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say ይቅርታ
Accidents
- • Stepping on a foot
- • Spilling a drink
- • Bumping into someone
Politeness
- • Asking the time
- • Asking for directions
- • Interrupting a talk
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______፣ ውሃ የት ነው?
Yiqirta is used to politely start a question.
You stepped on someone's foot.
Yiqirta is the standard apology for physical accidents.
A: ይቅርታ፣ ሰዓት ስንት ነው? B: _________ (It is 4 o'clock).
The person is asking for the time after getting your attention.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'eteyiqalehu' (I ask) makes it a formal, complete sentence.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but it's more common to say 'አቤት?' (Abet?) or 'ምን አልክ?' (Min alk? - What did you say?).
It is neutral. It works for both your boss and your younger brother.
Add 'በጣም' (betam) before it: 'በጣም ይቅርታ' (Betam yiqirta).
The most common response is 'ችግር የለውም' (Chigir yelem) meaning 'No problem' or 'ምንም አይደለም' (Minim aydelem) meaning 'It's nothing'.
Expressions liées
አዝናለሁ
similarI am sorry / I am sad
ምንም አይደለም
contrastIt is nothing / You're welcome
ይቅር
builds onLet it be / Leave it
