Meaning
Sometimes it is better to stay quiet.
Cultural Background
Silence is a form of fasting. During certain holy days, some practitioners observe 'Zimita' as a way to cleanse the soul from gossip and worldly noise. The concept of 'Wax and Gold' (Sem-enna-Werq) makes silence a tool for intelligence. If you don't speak, people assume you have a 'golden' meaning hidden inside. In Addis Ababa, this proverb is often used ironically when someone is clearly hiding something or being 'shady' (mote-fash). In Ethiopian business culture, the person who speaks the least in a negotiation is often perceived as the one with the most power or the one who is making the final decision.
Don't be too quiet
While silence is gold, in a greeting (Selamta), you MUST speak. Being silent during a greeting is very rude.
Use it to end arguments
If you are tired of arguing, just say 'ዝምታ ወርቅ ነው' and walk away. It's the ultimate 'classy' exit.
Meaning
Sometimes it is better to stay quiet.
Don't be too quiet
While silence is gold, in a greeting (Selamta), you MUST speak. Being silent during a greeting is very rude.
Use it to end arguments
If you are tired of arguing, just say 'ዝምታ ወርቅ ነው' and walk away. It's the ultimate 'classy' exit.
The 'Q' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'q' in 'Werq' correctly. If you say 'Werk' with a soft 'k', people will understand, but it won't sound authentic.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
ዝምታ _____ ነው
The proverb is 'ዝምታ ወርቅ ነው' (Silence is gold).
When is it most appropriate to use this phrase?
A friend is shouting at you in public. You decide not to shout back. What do you say to yourself?
This proverb is used to justify staying quiet during a conflict.
Match the Amharic words to their English meanings.
Match the components of the phrase.
ዝምታ = Silence, ወርቅ = Gold, ነው = Is.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ለምን ዝም አልክ? (Why are you silent?) B: ___________።
'ስለሆነ' means 'because it is.' The full sentence means 'Because silence is gold.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesዝምታ _____ ነው
The proverb is 'ዝምታ ወርቅ ነው' (Silence is gold).
A friend is shouting at you in public. You decide not to shout back. What do you say to yourself?
This proverb is used to justify staying quiet during a conflict.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
ዝምታ = Silence, ወርቅ = Gold, ነው = Is.
A: ለምን ዝም አልክ? (Why are you silent?) B: ___________።
'ስለሆነ' means 'because it is.' The full sentence means 'Because silence is gold.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but often in a more sarcastic or modern context, like when ignoring a text message.
Yes, it is very appropriate if you want to show you are being thoughtful and not impulsive.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'መናገር ለውጥ ያመጣል' (Speaking brings change) is a common modern sentiment.
No, but 'Zim-al' (He stayed quiet) is sometimes used in stories as a character name.
Related Phrases
መናገር ብር ነው
contrastSpeaking is silver.
ዝምታ ለበጎ ነው
similarSilence is for the best.
አፍህን ዝጋ
contrastShut your mouth.
ጭምትነት
builds onReservedness/Quietness.
