Meaning
Good things speak for themselves.
Cultural Background
Washing the face is a sign of respect and readiness. In rural areas, guests are always offered water to wash their faces upon arrival. Ritual purity is central. Washing before prayer or entering a church is mandatory, making the 'washed face' a symbol of spiritual readiness. In Addis Ababa's business world, this proverb is used to discourage 'over-selling' and to promote a culture of results-oriented work. Azmaris (traditional singers) often use this proverb in 'Wax and Gold' lyrics to praise a patron's obvious generosity.
Use it for humility
If someone praises you, using this proverb makes you sound wise and humble rather than arrogant.
Don't use it literally
Never use this to tell someone not to use a towel after washing their face!
Meaning
Good things speak for themselves.
Use it for humility
If someone praises you, using this proverb makes you sound wise and humble rather than arrogant.
Don't use it literally
Never use this to tell someone not to use a towel after washing their face!
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
የታጠበ ፊት _______።
The standard form of the proverb is 'አይታበስም' (aytabesim), which is the negative imperfective.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'የታጠበ ፊት አይታበስም'?
A student gets 100% on a test and their teacher says...
The proverb is used when success is self-evident.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'ስራሽ በጣም ያምራል!' B: 'አመሰግናለሁ፤ _______ እንደሚባለው ነው።'
This is the most appropriate proverb for accepting a compliment on good work.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesየታጠበ ፊት _______።
The standard form of the proverb is 'አይታበስም' (aytabesim), which is the negative imperfective.
A student gets 100% on a test and their teacher says...
The proverb is used when success is self-evident.
A: 'ስራሽ በጣም ያምራል!' B: 'አመሰግናለሁ፤ _______ እንደሚባለው ነው።'
This is the most appropriate proverb for accepting a compliment on good work.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it's very common on social media and in modern music lyrics.
Only sarcastically, to imply that someone is trying to hide a very obvious failure.
It literally means 'face,' but metaphorically it means 'reputation' or 'the current state of things.'
Related Phrases
ስራ ለራሱ ይናገራል
synonymWork speaks for itself.
እውነት እና ንጋት እያደረ ይገለጣል
similarTruth and dawn are revealed over time.
ውሃ ቢወቅጡት እምቦጭ
contrastCrushing water results in nothing.
