Signification
Expressing that one does not want something.
Contexte culturel
Refusing food is often seen as a polite formality. You must refuse at least twice before the host believes you are actually full. In the city, 'Alfelgum' is used more directly with service providers (taxis, shoe shiners) than in rural areas. In meetings, instead of 'Alfelgum', professionals use 'Yih yihonal blo amnim' (I don't believe this will happen) to decline a proposal. The phrase is used in memes to show stubbornness or a lack of interest in drama (e.g., 'Drama alfelgum').
The 'No' Sandwich
Always remember the Al...m sandwich. If you forget the 'm', people will wait for you to finish your sentence!
Don't be too blunt
With friends, 'Alfelgum' is fine. With your boss or a stranger's parents, always add 'Ameseginallehu'.
Signification
Expressing that one does not want something.
The 'No' Sandwich
Always remember the Al...m sandwich. If you forget the 'm', people will wait for you to finish your sentence!
Don't be too blunt
With friends, 'Alfelgum' is fine. With your boss or a stranger's parents, always add 'Ameseginallehu'.
Body Language
A slight shake of the head and a hand on the chest makes your 'Alfelgum' much more natural and polite.
The Rule of Three
Expect to say 'Alfelgum' three times. It's not that they aren't listening; they are being hospitable!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't want water.'
ውሃ _______።
'ውሃ አልፈልግም' (Wuha alfelgum) is the correct way to say 'I don't want water.'
Which of these is the most polite way to decline food from an elder?
ምግብ ሲቀርብልህ ምን ትላለህ?
'Beqagn, ameseginallehu' (I'm full, thank you) is much softer and more respectful than a direct 'Alfelgum'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ሻይ ትፈልጋለህ? B: አይ፣ _______።
Since the question is 'Do you want tea?', the negative answer is 'No, I don't want [it].'
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a taxi and the driver offers to take you to a shop you don't like.
You use 'Alfelgum' to decline the offer to go to the shop.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Things you can 'Alfelgum'
Food
- • Injera
- • Buna
- • Shay
Services
- • Taxi
- • Shoe shine
- • Guide
Actions
- • Mehed (Go)
- • Meblat (Eat)
- • Metenyat (Sleep)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesውሃ _______።
'ውሃ አልፈልግም' (Wuha alfelgum) is the correct way to say 'I don't want water.'
ምግብ ሲቀርብልህ ምን ትላለህ?
'Beqagn, ameseginallehu' (I'm full, thank you) is much softer and more respectful than a direct 'Alfelgum'.
A: ሻይ ትፈልጋለህ? B: አይ፣ _______።
Since the question is 'Do you want tea?', the negative answer is 'No, I don't want [it].'
You are in a taxi and the driver offers to take you to a shop you don't like.
You use 'Alfelgum' to decline the offer to go to the shop.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it is very direct. In many social situations, it's better to use 'Yiqirbin' (I'll pass).
Just say 'Alfelgum'. The 'it' is implied in the verb form.
'Alfelgum' means 'I don't want it now,' while 'Alwedim' means 'I don't like it' in general.
Yes, 'Erdata alfelgum' is the standard way to decline help.
Change it to 'Anfelgum' (አንፈልግም).
In very casual slang, people might just say 'Alfelg' but it's grammatically incomplete.
It's a cultural sign of respect. They want to make sure you aren't just being shy.
Use 'Alfelegkum' (አልፈለግኩም).
Say 'Mewiyat alfelgum' or 'Mena'ger alfelgum'.
Yes, it's commonly used to show lack of interest in a proposal.
Expressions liées
እፈልጋለሁ
contrastI want
ይቅርብኝ
similarI'll pass / Let it be
በቃኝ
specialized formIt's enough for me
አልሻም
synonymI don't desire
አልፈልግ
builds onDon't want (Jussive)
