Meaning
Informal way of saying goodbye.
Cultural Background
In the capital, 'Chaw Chaw' is universal. It signals that you are part of the modern, fast-paced city life. In rural areas, 'Chaw Chaw' is less common. People prefer traditional blessings like 'Egziabeher yistilign' (May God give for me). In religious contexts, secular slang like 'Chaw' is avoided in favor of 'Beselam' (In peace). The word is a living fossil of the 1930s. It's ironic that a word from an occupier became one of the most 'friendly' words in the language.
The 'Eshi' Bridge
Always put 'Eshi' (Okay) before 'Chaw Chaw' to sound 100% more natural. 'Eshi, chaw chaw!'
The Elder Rule
If the person has grey hair, do NOT use this phrase. Use 'Dehna yihunu'.
Meaning
Informal way of saying goodbye.
The 'Eshi' Bridge
Always put 'Eshi' (Okay) before 'Chaw Chaw' to sound 100% more natural. 'Eshi, chaw chaw!'
The Elder Rule
If the person has grey hair, do NOT use this phrase. Use 'Dehna yihunu'.
Reduplication
Ethiopians love repeating words for affection. 'Chaw Chaw' is just one example of this linguistic warmth.
Texting Style
In texts, people often write it as 'Chawww' with many w's to show excitement.
Test Yourself
Match the person with the correct goodbye.
1. Your best friend, 2. A Priest, 3. Your Boss
Use slang for friends, specific religious honorifics for priests, and formal language for bosses.
Complete the casual phone sign-off.
እሺ ነገ እንገናኝ፣ ___ ___!
The phrase is 'ቻው ቻው' (Chaw Chaw).
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'ቻው ቻው'?
When can you NOT say 'ቻው ቻው'?
'Chaw Chaw' is only for goodbyes and only for informal contexts.
Finish the dialogue between two friends.
A: በቃ ልሂድ። B: እሺ ___ ___!
When someone says they are leaving (ልሂድ), the natural response is a goodbye.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Chaw Chaw
Safe
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Classmates
- • Phone calls
Unsafe
- • Priests
- • Grandparents
- • Bosses
- • Teachers
Practice Bank
4 exercises1. Your best friend, 2. A Priest, 3. Your Boss
Use slang for friends, specific religious honorifics for priests, and formal language for bosses.
እሺ ነገ እንገናኝ፣ ___ ___!
The phrase is 'ቻው ቻው' (Chaw Chaw).
When can you NOT say 'ቻው ቻው'?
'Chaw Chaw' is only for goodbyes and only for informal contexts.
A: በቃ ልሂድ። B: እሺ ___ ___!
When someone says they are leaving (ልሂድ), the natural response is a goodbye.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot with friends! But with elders or bosses, yes, it can be seen as disrespectful.
Yes, it's generally acceptable for taxi drivers as it's a casual service interaction.
No. In Amharic, it only means 'Goodbye'. Use 'Selam' for 'Hello'.
It is spelled ቻው (Che-A-Wu).
Yes, 'Bye-bye' is used by English speakers in Addis, but 'Chaw Chaw' is more common.
Repeating it makes it sound warmer and less abrupt than a single 'Chaw'.
No. Use 'ከሰላምታ ጋር' (With greetings) or 'ደህና ሁኑ' for emails.
You should still respond respectfully with 'ደህና ይሁኑ' or 'እሺ ቻው' (if they are very cool/modern).
It's mostly an urban thing. In deep rural areas, people use traditional Amharic or local languages.
No, it's an interjection. It stays the same for one person or a hundred people.
Related Phrases
ደህና ሁን
synonymStay well (Informal)
ሰላም
similarPeace / Hello
ባይ
synonymBye
በሰላም ያገናኘን
contrastMay we meet in peace
ቻውዬ
specialized formMy dear Chaw
