Significado
Responding to a query.
Contexto cultural
In religious debates or 'Tsewa' (spiritual gatherings), giving an answer is often done through parables or biblical citations rather than direct 'yes/no' responses. Young people often use 'mels' to refer to 'getting back' at someone or having the last word in an argument. Directly answering 'no' to a guest's request is considered rude. People often 'give an answer' that is vague or promising to do it 'tomorrow' to save face. Students are encouraged to 'mels mestet' only when they are 100% sure. Being wrong in public is traditionally avoided, leading to a culture of careful responding.
Use 'Eshi' first
Before giving a long answer, say 'Eshi' (Okay) to show you understood the question.
Gender matters
Remember to change 'Sit' (masc) to 'Sitchi' (fem) when asking for an answer.
Significado
Responding to a query.
Use 'Eshi' first
Before giving a long answer, say 'Eshi' (Okay) to show you understood the question.
Gender matters
Remember to change 'Sit' (masc) to 'Sitchi' (fem) when asking for an answer.
The 'Le' rule
Always put 'le' (to) before the question or person you are answering.
Polite plural
Use 'Situ' (plural give) when talking to elders to be respectful.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'to give' (past tense, masculine).
አበበ ለጥያቄው መልስ ____።
Abebe is masculine singular, so 'sette' (he gave) is the correct past tense form.
Which sentence means 'Give me an answer' (to a female friend)?
Select the correct imperative:
'Sit-ign' is for masculine, 'Sitchi-gn' is for feminine.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ለምን ዝም አልክ? B: ____
A asks 'Why are you silent?' B replies 'I am giving an answer (now).'
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a formal meeting and want to respond.
'Milash' is more formal and appropriate for a meeting.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Mels vs. Milash
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosአበበ ለጥያቄው መልስ ____።
Abebe is masculine singular, so 'sette' (he gave) is the correct past tense form.
Select the correct imperative:
'Sit-ign' is for masculine, 'Sitchi-gn' is for feminine.
A: ለምን ዝም አልክ? B: ____
A asks 'Why are you silent?' B replies 'I am giving an answer (now).'
You are in a formal meeting and want to respond.
'Milash' is more formal and appropriate for a meeting.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, for answering the phone, we usually say 'ማንሳት' (mansat - to pick up) or just say 'ሄሎ' (Hello).
Yes, 'mels' is the noun for 'return' or 'answer'.
You can say 'ምንም አስተያየት የለኝም' (Minim asteyayet yelgnim).
In Ethiopia, it can be seen as a sign of disagreement or lack of interest.
'Mels' is common/daily; 'Milash' is formal/official.
መልስ እንሰጣለን (Mels in-sett-allan).
No, use 'መክፈት' (mekfet - to open) or 'መሄድ' (mehed - to go to the door).
መልስ የለኝም (Mels yelgnim).
Yes, 'መልስ አምጣ' (Mels amta) is used casually.
Yes, it is very common in emails: 'ለኢሜይልዎ መልስ እሰጣለሁ'.
In some contexts, like 'መመለስ' (to go back), yes.
Yes, it is a crisp, clear 't' sound.
Frases relacionadas
ምላሽ መስጠት
specialized formTo provide a formal response
መመለስ
synonymTo answer/return
አቤት ማለት
similarTo respond to one's name
መልስ መከልከል
contrastTo refuse to answer
መልስ ማግኘት
builds onTo get an answer
