Signification
Stating that something can be done.
Contexte culturel
If you arrive at someone's house during mealtime, they will invite you to eat. Asking 'መብላት ይቻላል?' (Is it possible to eat?) is a humble way to acknowledge the invitation. In Orthodox Tewahedo churches, certain areas are restricted. Always ask 'መግባት ይቻላል?' before entering any inner sanctum. The phrase 'Yichalal!' is the unofficial motto of Ethiopian distance runners, symbolizing the triumph of will over circumstance. Ethiopians value politeness and indirectness. Using 'ይቻላል' to suggest a possibility is often preferred over a blunt 'Yes'.
The Magic Question
If you are ever unsure of what to do in Ethiopia, just point and ask 'Yichalal?'. It's the most polite way to avoid social blunders.
Don't be too scientific
Avoid using 'Yichalal' for things that are obviously possible by the laws of physics but socially weird.
Signification
Stating that something can be done.
The Magic Question
If you are ever unsure of what to do in Ethiopia, just point and ask 'Yichalal?'. It's the most polite way to avoid social blunders.
Don't be too scientific
Avoid using 'Yichalal' for things that are obviously possible by the laws of physics but socially weird.
The Negative is Key
Master 'Aychalam' (Not possible) as quickly as 'Yichalal'. You will hear it often in bureaucracy!
The Haile Effect
Mentioning Haile Gebrselassie when you say 'Yichalal!' will always get a smile from locals.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to ask if you can take a photo.
ፎቶ ማንሳት _______?
When asking for general permission (Is it possible?), 'ይቻላል' is the correct form.
How do you say 'It is not possible'?
Choose the negative form:
'አይቻልም' is the specific negative conjugation of 'ይቻላል'.
Match the question to the situation.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and want to use their Wi-Fi.
Asking 'Is it possible to use Wi-Fi?' is the most polite way to request access.
Complete the dialogue.
A: እዚህ መኪና ማቆም ይቻላል? B: _________፣ እዚህ ክልክል ነው።
Since the second part says 'it is forbidden' (ክልክል ነው), the answer must be 'It is not possible'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
ይቻላል vs እችላለሁ
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesፎቶ ማንሳት _______?
When asking for general permission (Is it possible?), 'ይቻላል' is the correct form.
Choose the negative form:
'አይቻልም' is the specific negative conjugation of 'ይቻላል'.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and want to use their Wi-Fi.
Asking 'Is it possible to use Wi-Fi?' is the most polite way to request access.
A: እዚህ መኪና ማቆም ይቻላል? B: _________፣ እዚህ ክልክል ነው።
Since the second part says 'it is forbidden' (ክልክል ነው), the answer must be 'It is not possible'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! You can say 'በሃምሳ ብር ይቻላል?' (Is it possible for 50 Birr?).
Yes, it is neutral and perfectly acceptable in a professional setting.
'Yichalal' is about possibility/permission, while 'Yihonal' is more about 'it will happen' or 'it's okay'.
You say 'ይቻል ነበር' (Yichal neber).
No, it's actually the most common way to say it. Amharic is a pro-drop language.
Not exactly, but it can imply it. For a clear 'maybe', add 'Minalbat'.
Yes, 'ሽንት ቤት መሄድ ይቻላል?' is a standard way to ask.
It's a motivational chant meaning 'We can do it!'.
Yes, 'ይመቻል' (Yimechal) is the cool, youth-culture version.
It's exactly like the 'ch' in 'cheese'.
No, for that you would ask 'ቃሪያ አለው?' (Does it have chili?).
Yes, many patriotic and motivational songs use it as a chorus.
Expressions liées
አይቻልም
contrastIt is not possible
ይመቻል
similarIt is convenient / cool
ይሆናል
similarIt will be / It's okay
ተፈቅዷል
specialized formIt is permitted
እችላለሁ
builds onI can
