Slang

1. አሪፍ

   arif

   Cool / nice

   Usage

   The most common colloquial compliment — safe with anyone of any age

2. ጎበዝ

   gobez

   Well done / clever

   Usage

   Praise for someone's effort — fine for children and adults, and not rude to an elder

3. ጉድ ነው

   gud new

   That is something else

   Usage

   Surprise at something good or bad — for friends, not for serious moments

4. እንዴ

   inde

   Really?!

   Usage

   A surprised interjection — for friends and peers, not for someone senior

5. ውይ

   wey

   Oh no / oh my

   Usage

   A reaction to trouble or surprise — safe with anyone, close to talking to yourself

6. ቻው

   chaw

   Bye

   Usage

   From Italian "ciao" — for friends and shop staff. With an elder use "dehna hun"

7. እሺ

   eshi

   OK

   Usage

   The most-used acknowledgement — safe with anyone, and repeatable throughout a conversation

8. ችግር የለም

   chigir yelem

   No problem

   Usage

   A reply to thanks or an apology — universally safe

9. ተወው

   tewew

   Let it go

   Usage

   Friends only — it sounds dismissive to shop staff or anyone senior

10. ቀስ በቀስ

    kes bekes

    Little by little

    Usage

    From the proverb "little by little, an egg will walk" — safe with anyone

11. ኧረ

    ire

    Hey, come on

    Usage

    A mild protest or call — for friends, and keep your voice down or it grates

12. ቆይ

    koy

    Hold on

    Usage

    To pause a conversation — with someone senior "tinish yikoyu" is politer

13. ሰላም ነው

    selam new

    It is all good

    Usage

    Literally "it is peace" — a reply meaning all is well, safe with anyone

14. በቃ

    beka

    That is enough

    Usage

    Also the polite way to stop being served more food — soften your tone and it works with anyone

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