Meaning
Asking for silence.
Cultural Background
During prayer services, 'Tsetteta' (silence) is strictly enforced. If children make noise, elders will use a sharp 'Hish!' or 'Zim bel!' rather than the full phrase 'Ch'ach'ata ak'um'. In the noisy 'Minibus Taxis', there is a social hierarchy. The driver has the right to play loud music, but passengers can collectively ask to 'stop the noise' if it's overwhelming. The coffee ceremony is a time for 'Ch'ach'ata' (socializing). It is one of the few places where loud talking is encouraged, and asking someone to 'stop the noise' here might be seen as being a 'party pooper'. In rural areas, noise travels far. A loud 'Ch'ach'ata' at night is often discouraged to avoid attracting wild animals or disturbing the peace of the village.
Use the plural
When in doubt, use 'Ak'umu' (plural). It is safer and more polite than the singular 'Ak'um'.
Avoid with elders
Never tell an elder 'Ch'ach'ata ak'um'. It sounds like you are scolding them.
Meaning
Asking for silence.
Use the plural
When in doubt, use 'Ak'umu' (plural). It is safer and more polite than the singular 'Ak'um'.
Avoid with elders
Never tell an elder 'Ch'ach'ata ak'um'. It sounds like you are scolding them.
Onomatopoeia
Emphasize the 'ch' sounds to sound more native; it mimics the sound of the noise you are trying to stop.
Silence is Gold
Remember that in Ethiopia, being the one to stop the noise often implies you are taking a leadership role.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct imperative form for a group of people.
ልጆች፣ እባካችሁ ጫጫታ _______!
'Ak'umu' is the plural imperative form.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask for silence in a library?
በቤተ መጻሕፍት ውስጥ ምን ይባላል?
Adding 'ebakachihu' (please) and using the plural/polite form is best.
Match the Amharic phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are distinct levels of asking for quiet.
Complete the dialogue between a teacher and a student.
መምህር፡ 'ክፍሉ ውስጥ በጣም ጫጫታ አለ።' ተማሪ፡ 'ይቅርታ መምህር፣ አሁን _______።'
'Enak'omallän' means 'We will stop'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesልጆች፣ እባካችሁ ጫጫታ _______!
'Ak'umu' is the plural imperative form.
በቤተ መጻሕፍት ውስጥ ምን ይባላል?
Adding 'ebakachihu' (please) and using the plural/polite form is best.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are distinct levels of asking for quiet.
መምህር፡ 'ክፍሉ ውስጥ በጣም ጫጫታ አለ።' ተማሪ፡ 'ይቅርታ መምህር፣ አሁን _______።'
'Enak'omallän' means 'We will stop'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is neutral. However, the imperative 'አቁም' (Ak'um) can be blunt if said harshly.
Yes, but 'ድምፅ ቀንስ' (Lower the volume) is more common for electronics.
'Dimts' is any sound. 'Ch'ach'ata' is specifically annoying or chaotic noise.
You say 'ጫጫታ አቁሚ' (Ch'ach'ata ak'umi).
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for animal noise.
Yes, 'ፋታ ስጠን' (Fata s'it'en) is a common way to tell someone to stop talking.
Not exactly. 'Zim bel' is 'Shut up'. 'Ch'ach'ata ak'um' is 'Stop the noise'.
Use 'አቆመ' (He stopped) or 'አቆሙ' (They stopped).
Yes, chairpersons use it to settle a room.
'ጸጥታ' (Tsetteta) or 'ዝምታ' (Zimita).
Related Phrases
ዝምታ ማስፈን
similarTo establish silence
ጩኸት መቀነስ
similarTo reduce the shouting
ረብሻ ማቆም
builds onTo stop a riot/disturbance
ዝም በል
contrastShut up
