Meaning
Command to a male to eat.
Cultural Background
In Ethiopia, it is common to insist that a guest eats, even if they say they are full. Saying 'Bila' once is often not enough; you might need to say it three or four times. A 'Gursha' is an act of feeding someone else with your hands. When you offer a Gursha to a man, you say 'Bila' as you place the food in his mouth. During Orthodox fasting periods, people do not eat animal products. Before saying 'Bila,' ensure the food matches the guest's fasting status. While 'Bila' is for food, during the coffee ceremony, you will hear 'ጠጣ' (Teta - drink) for the coffee and 'ብላ' for the popcorn (fendisha) served with it.
The 'Inji' Rule
Add 'inji' (ብላ እንጂ) to sound more like a native host. It makes the command sound like a warm invitation.
Gender Matters
Using 'Bila' for a woman can be seen as a sign that you don't know the language well, or worse, it can sound mocking.
Meaning
Command to a male to eat.
The 'Inji' Rule
Add 'inji' (ብላ እንጂ) to sound more like a native host. It makes the command sound like a warm invitation.
Gender Matters
Using 'Bila' for a woman can be seen as a sign that you don't know the language well, or worse, it can sound mocking.
Repetition is Key
Don't be afraid to say 'Bila' three times in a row. It shows you really want the person to enjoy the food.
Watch the Elders
Always wait for an elder to say 'Bilu' or start eating before you say 'Bila' to anyone else at the table.
Test Yourself
You are talking to your younger brother. Which word do you use to tell him to eat?
______, ወንድሜ።
Since you are talking to a male (brother) informally, 'Bila' is the correct form.
Complete the sentence to tell your male friend to eat quickly.
ቶሎ ______!
'Tolo' means quickly, and 'Bila' is the command for a male friend.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Who do you say 'ብላ' to?
'Bila' is masculine singular and informal.
Finish the dialogue.
Host: ምግብ ቀርቧል። Guest: እሺ። Host: እባክህ ______።
The host is offering food (migib), so 'Bila' (eat) is the logical command.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who to say 'Bila' to
Yes (Bila)
- • Male friend
- • Younger brother
- • Son
- • Male pet
No (Use Biyi/Bilu)
- • Mother
- • Boss
- • Grandfather
- • Female friend
Practice Bank
4 exercises______, ወንድሜ።
Since you are talking to a male (brother) informally, 'Bila' is the correct form.
ቶሎ ______!
'Tolo' means quickly, and 'Bila' is the command for a male friend.
Who do you say 'ብላ' to?
'Bila' is masculine singular and informal.
Host: ምግብ ቀርቧል። Guest: እሺ። Host: እባክህ ______።
The host is offering food (migib), so 'Bila' (eat) is the logical command.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude if used with peers or younger people. In fact, NOT saying it when you have food can be seen as rude.
Use 'Biyi' (ብዪ).
Use 'ይብሉ' (Yiblu) or 'ይመገቡ' (Yimegebu - more formal).
No, for water or any drink, use 'ጠጣ' (Teta).
In slang, it can mean 'win' or 'take a bribe', but 99% of the time it means 'eat'.
Say 'አትብላ' (Atibla).
It is 'Bila'. 'Be-la' means 'He ate'.
Yes, you can use 'Bila' for a male dog.
It's a cultural sign of hospitality and making sure the guest isn't just being shy.
The plural is 'ብሉ' (Bilu).
Related Phrases
ብዪ
similarEat! (to a female)
ብሉ
similarEat! (plural/formal)
ጠጣ
similarDrink!
ቁርስ
builds onBreakfast
ጥገብ
contrastBe full!
እንብላ
specialized formLet's eat
