Significado
Admitting a mistake is better than continuing.
Contexto cultural
In rural areas, this proverb is often used by elders to settle disputes where one party is clearly wrong but afraid to admit it due to pride. Modern entrepreneurs use this to describe 'pivoting' in the tech or trade sectors, showing the proverb's adaptability to 21st-century life. The concept of 'Nis-ha' (repentance) mirrors this proverb; admitting one's 'lostness' is the only way to save one's spiritual life. In the diaspora, it's used to caution against trying too hard to assimilate in ways that lose one's original culture—better to admit the struggle than lose the identity.
Use it to de-escalate
If you are in an argument, saying this proverb shows you are the 'bigger person' and wise.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it as 'tefahu' (I) even if you are talking about a group; it's a fixed formula.
Significado
Admitting a mistake is better than continuing.
Use it to de-escalate
If you are in an argument, saying this proverb shows you are the 'bigger person' and wise.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it as 'tefahu' (I) even if you are talking about a group; it's a fixed formula.
The 'Yilunta' Antidote
Use this to explain why you are quitting something without feeling ashamed.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
ከጠፋው _______ ይሻላል።
The standard proverb uses the first-person singular 'ጠፋሁ' (I am lost).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A person realizes they are investing in a scam and decides to stop immediately.
This is a classic 'cut your losses' scenario where the proverb applies perfectly.
Choose the best response using the proverb.
A: 'We have been driving for 2 hours and haven't seen the city. Should we keep going?' B: '_______'
Response A uses the proverb to suggest turning back after realizing they are lost.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosከጠፋው _______ ይሻላል።
The standard proverb uses the first-person singular 'ጠፋሁ' (I am lost).
A person realizes they are investing in a scam and decides to stop immediately.
This is a classic 'cut your losses' scenario where the proverb applies perfectly.
A: 'We have been driving for 2 hours and haven't seen the city. Should we keep going?' B: '_______'
Response A uses the proverb to suggest turning back after realizing they are lost.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasLiterally yes, but it's almost always used figuratively for mistakes and decisions.
It is neutral to formal. It's very respectful to use with elders.
It means 'it is better' or 'it is preferable.'
Sometimes people just say 'ከጠፋው ጠፋሁ' and leave the 'yishalal' implied.
Yes, it's a very common way to say 'we should stop before we hate each other.'
Frases relacionadas
የማይመስል መንገድ ከመሄድ መመለስ ይሻላል
similarBetter to return than to walk a path that doesn't look right.
ስህተትን ማመን ብልህነት ነው
synonymAdmitting a mistake is wisdom.
ቆርጦ መቀጠል
builds onTo cut and continue.
እምቢ ካለ ሰው ዝሆን ይሻላል
contrastAn elephant is better than a stubborn person.
