Meaning
Complimenting the flavor of food.
Cultural Background
Praising food is not just polite; it's a way to honor the 'Inat' (mother) figure of the household. Silence during a meal can be misinterpreted as dislike. If you say the food is delicious, the host may perform 'Gursha' (feeding you a morsel). This is a sign of high respect and friendship. Even if you are only served snacks like popcorn or 'kolo', the phrase is used to show appreciation for the effort of the ceremony. During fasting seasons, vegan food (Beyaynetu) is served. Complimenting these dishes is especially appreciated as they require careful spice balancing without meat.
Add a Blessing
Pair 'Betam yitafetal' with 'Ejish yibarek' (to a woman) to sound like a local expert.
Don't be silent
In Ethiopia, eating in silence can signal that you don't like the food. Speak up!
Meaning
Complimenting the flavor of food.
Add a Blessing
Pair 'Betam yitafetal' with 'Ejish yibarek' (to a woman) to sound like a local expert.
Don't be silent
In Ethiopia, eating in silence can signal that you don't like the food. Speak up!
The First Bite
Say it after the very first bite to immediately put your host at ease.
Use for Drinks
You can use this for juice, coffee, or tea, not just solid food.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'The coffee is very delicious.'
ቡናው ______ ይጣፍጣል።
'በጣም' is the intensifier for 'very'.
Which sentence is the most natural compliment for a spicy stew?
Choose one:
'ይጣፍጣል' is the standard verb for deliciousness in savory foods.
Complete the dialogue.
Host: ምግቡ እንዴት ነው? Guest: ___________!
The host is asking 'How is the food?', so a compliment is the best response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just finished a great meal at a friend's house.
This includes the compliment and the traditional blessing for the cook.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Yitafetal'
Savory
- • Doro Wat
- • Kitfo
- • Injera
Sweet
- • Cake
- • Honey
- • Fruit
Drinks
- • Coffee
- • Tea
- • Juice
Practice Bank
4 exercisesቡናው ______ ይጣፍጣል።
'በጣም' is the intensifier for 'very'.
Choose one:
'ይጣፍጣል' is the standard verb for deliciousness in savory foods.
Host: ምግቡ እንዴት ነው? Guest: ___________!
The host is asking 'How is the food?', so a compliment is the best response.
You just finished a great meal at a friend's house.
This includes the compliment and the traditional blessing for the cook.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! Even if it's burning your mouth, if it's good, say 'Betam yitafetal'.
Absolutely. It's a great way to be a polite customer.
It's still a compliment, but 'Betam' (very) makes it sound more sincere.
Literally yes, but contextually it means 'it is delicious'.
The phrase 'በጣም ይጣፍጣል' stays the same, but the blessing changes to 'እጅህ ይባረክ' (Ejih yibarek).
No, for smell use 'ጥሩ መዓዛ አለው' (It has a good aroma).
Yes, 'ይመቻል' (yimechal) is used by younger people.
'አይጣፍጥም' (ayitafitim) means 'it is not tasty'.
Yes, it's perfect for describing ripe, tasty fruit.
It's neutral. You can use it with anyone from a friend to a boss.
Because food is a point of pride in Ethiopia, and you are validating their hard work.
No, it sounds strange for plain water.
Related Phrases
እጅሽ ይባረክ
builds onMay your hand be blessed
ጥሩ ነው
similarIt is good
ይጥማል
synonymIt tastes good
ጠገብኩ
similarI am full
ምግብ ይባርክ
similarBless the food
