Signification
Complimenting food.
Contexte culturel
In the highlands, food is often very spicy (Berbere). Saying 'yit'afit'al' even when your mouth is burning is a sign of being a 'strong' guest who appreciates the flavor. When someone gives you a Gursha (a hand-fed morsel), it is a sign of love. You must say 'yit'afit'al' immediately after swallowing to show the bond is appreciated. During fasting seasons, Ethiopians eat vegan food (Beyaynetu). Complimenting these vegetable dishes with 'yit'afit'al' is important to show that 'fasting food' is just as valued as meat. The coffee ceremony is a 3-round process. You should say 'yit'afit'al' during the first round (Abol) to set a positive tone for the next two.
The 'Hand' Compliment
If you really want to impress, say 'Ejjish yit'afit'al' (to a woman) or 'Ejjih yit'afit'al' (to a man). It's the ultimate compliment.
Don't be silent
In Ethiopian culture, eating in silence can be interpreted as not liking the food. Say 'yit'afit'al' at least once!
Signification
Complimenting food.
The 'Hand' Compliment
If you really want to impress, say 'Ejjish yit'afit'al' (to a woman) or 'Ejjih yit'afit'al' (to a man). It's the ultimate compliment.
Don't be silent
In Ethiopian culture, eating in silence can be interpreted as not liking the food. Say 'yit'afit'al' at least once!
Spiciness
If the food is too spicy, don't say 'it's bad'. Say 'Yit'afit'al, ግን ትንሽ ይለበልባል' (It's tasty, but it burns a little).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'The coffee is delicious'.
ቡናው ___________።
ቡናው (The coffee) + ይጣፍጣል (is delicious).
Which phrase is the best way to compliment a cook's skill?
To a cook, you say:
'Ejjish yit'afit'al' (Your hand is tasty) is the idiomatic way to praise a cook.
Complete the dialogue.
Host: ምግቡ እንዴት ነው? Guest: ___________!
When asked 'How is the food?', the most natural response is 'It is very delicious!'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just finished a great meal and want to say 'It was delicious'.
'T'afet'e' is the past tense form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesቡናው ___________።
ቡናው (The coffee) + ይጣፍጣል (is delicious).
To a cook, you say:
'Ejjish yit'afit'al' (Your hand is tasty) is the idiomatic way to praise a cook.
Host: ምግቡ እንዴት ነው? Guest: ___________!
When asked 'How is the food?', the most natural response is 'It is very delicious!'.
You just finished a great meal and want to say 'It was delicious'.
'T'afet'e' is the past tense form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is very common for coffee, tea, and juice.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and expected.
'Yit'afit'al' is a verb (it is tasty), 't'afach' is an adjective (sweet/tasty).
Say 'ጣፈጠ' (T'afet'e) or 'ይጣፍጥ ነበር' (Yit'afit'al neber).
Yes, 'Ebed n-ew' (It is crazy/insane) is used by youth for amazing food.
Expressions liées
ጣፋጭ
similarSweet / Candy
ምርጥ ነው
synonymIt is excellent
ይመቻል
informalIt's good / It works
ጥፍጥና
builds onSweetness
አልባደም
contrastIt's not bad
