Meaning
A sound or voice that is nice to hear.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Zema' (sacred chant) is central. A 'Debtera' (lay priest) with a 'ደስ የሚል ድምፅ' is highly respected, as their voice is the vehicle for prayer. Azmaris (traditional musicians) are judged primarily on their voice and their ability to improvise lyrics. A 'pleasant voice' allows them to deliver sharp social critiques more palatably. In the era of 'Ethiopian Idol' style shows, judges frequently use this phrase to evaluate contestants, often focusing on 'timbre' (qelat). During the 'Buna' ceremony, the sound of the beans being roasted and the mortar and pestle (Mukecha) is often described as a 'pleasant sound' that signals hospitality.
Complimenting Elders
When complimenting an elder's voice, use the polite form: 'ደስ የሚል ድምፅ አለዎት' (Alewot) instead of 'Aleh/Alesh'.
Avoid for News
Don't use this for 'good news.' Use 'ደስ የሚል ወሬ' (Des yemil wore) instead.
Meaning
A sound or voice that is nice to hear.
Complimenting Elders
When complimenting an elder's voice, use the polite form: 'ደስ የሚል ድምፅ አለዎት' (Alewot) instead of 'Aleh/Alesh'.
Avoid for News
Don't use this for 'good news.' Use 'ደስ የሚል ወሬ' (Des yemil wore) instead.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
እሷ በጣም ____ ____ አላት።
Since 'እሷ' (she) is singular, we use the singular adjective and noun.
Which sentence is the most natural compliment for a singer?
ዘፋኙን ለማድነቅ የትኛው ይሻላል?
'Tiliq' means big and 'Yichohal' means shouts. 'Des yemil' is the correct idiomatic compliment.
Match the Amharic phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these vocal descriptions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: የወፎቹን ጩኸት ሰማህ? B: አዎ፣ በጣም ____ ____ ____።
Birdsong is typically described as a 'pleasant sound.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'ደስ የሚል ድምፅ'
Music
- • Singers
- • Instruments
- • Concerts
Nature
- • Birds
- • Rivers
- • Rain
Practice Bank
4 exercisesእሷ በጣም ____ ____ አላት።
Since 'እሷ' (she) is singular, we use the singular adjective and noun.
ዘፋኙን ለማድነቅ የትኛው ይሻላል?
'Tiliq' means big and 'Yichohal' means shouts. 'Des yemil' is the correct idiomatic compliment.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these vocal descriptions.
A: የወፎቹን ጩኸት ሰማህ? B: አዎ፣ በጣም ____ ____ ____።
Birdsong is typically described as a 'pleasant sound.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsOnly if you are a car enthusiast and the engine sounds 'musical' to you. Otherwise, it sounds strange.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. Just change the verb to 'አለው' (alew) for him.
The most common opposite is 'የማይሰማ ድምፅ' (inaudible) or 'የሚረብሽ ድምፅ' (disturbing sound).
Related Phrases
ጣፋጭ ድምፅ
similarSweet voice
ድምፀ መልካም
formalOne with a good voice
ጩኸት
contrastNoise/Scream
ዜማ
builds onMelody/Chant
