Significado
Acknowledging someone.
Contexto cultural
Greetings often involve three to four kisses on the cheeks between close friends of the same gender. Men may also perform the 'shoulder bump'. In Gurage culture, greetings are exceptionally long and detailed, sometimes lasting five minutes as every family member's health is checked. When greeting a priest, it is customary to bow and kiss the cross he holds. The phrase used is 'Abet' or 'Egziabeher Yimesgen'. Younger generations use 'Selam' or 'Tadiyas' and a simple handshake. The 'shoulder bump' is very popular among young men.
The 'Health' Rule
When giving a greeting, always ask at least one question about health ('Tenayistillign' or 'Indet neh?').
Don't be too fast
A quick 'Hi' while walking past can be seen as rude. Slow down or stop for a second.
Significado
Acknowledging someone.
The 'Health' Rule
When giving a greeting, always ask at least one question about health ('Tenayistillign' or 'Indet neh?').
Don't be too fast
A quick 'Hi' while walking past can be seen as rude. Slow down or stop for a second.
The Right Hand
Always give a greeting (handshake) with your right hand. Using the left hand is a major taboo.
Eye Contact
Maintain soft eye contact while giving greetings to show sincerity.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'መስጠት' (to give) in the past tense.
ትላንት ለጓደኛዬ ሰላምታ ________። (I gave a greeting to my friend yesterday.)
The subject is 'I', so the past tense of 'Mestet' is 'Settehu'.
Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'He greeted me'?
እሱ እኔን...
'Settegn' means 'he gave me'. 'Madreg' (doing) and 'Mewsed' (taking) are incorrect.
Match the greeting style to the person.
If you are meeting an elderly priest, you should:
In Ethiopian culture, elders and clergy receive the most formal 'Selamta'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ሰላምታዬ ይድረስህ። B: ________
When someone says 'May my greeting reach you', the standard response is 'It has reached me (Deresegn), thank you'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Types of Selamta
Formal
- • Bowing
- • Two-handed handshake
- • Priest's cross
Informal
- • Shoulder bump
- • Cheek kisses
- • Wave
Digital
- • Telegram sticker
- • Selam text
- • Voice note
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosትላንት ለጓደኛዬ ሰላምታ ________። (I gave a greeting to my friend yesterday.)
The subject is 'I', so the past tense of 'Mestet' is 'Settehu'.
እሱ እኔን...
'Settegn' means 'he gave me'. 'Madreg' (doing) and 'Mewsed' (taking) are incorrect.
If you are meeting an elderly priest, you should:
In Ethiopian culture, elders and clergy receive the most formal 'Selamta'.
A: ሰላምታዬ ይድረስህ። B: ________
When someone says 'May my greeting reach you', the standard response is 'It has reached me (Deresegn), thank you'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, 'Selam' is the most common informal way to perform 'Selamta mestet'.
'Selam' is peace; 'Selamta' is the greeting itself. You give a 'Selamta'.
No, handshakes are fine for acquaintances. Kisses are for close friends and family.
You can say 'ሰላምታዬ ይድረሳችሁ' (May my greeting reach you) as you walk by.
No, never. Use 'Dehna hun' for goodbye.
You can say 'እንደምን አደራችሁ' (plural) to the whole room.
It's part of the 'Selamta' ritual to show you care about the person's life.
The phrase is neutral, but the action can be formal or informal.
Yes, you can start with 'Selamta' as a formal opening.
Usually 'Egzihabher Yimesgen' (Praise God).
Frases relacionadas
ሰላምታ መለዋወጥ
similarTo exchange greetings
ሰላምታ ማቅረብ
specialized formTo present a greeting
ሰላምታ መላክ
builds onTo send greetings
ሰላምታ መንፈግ
contrastTo deny a greeting
ጤና ይስጥልኝ
specialized formMay health be given to you
