Amharic Phrasebook & Optional Translator
Search 106 fixed English–Amharic phrase rows in Ethiopic script. Romanisation is approximate; optional cloud translation stays off until you opt in.
Search Phrases 0
Searches the fixed local table only. Try English, Ethiopic script or the displayed romanisation.
Local phrase quiz
Choose the Ethiopic-script row that matches the English prompt. The quiz uses only this page’s draft table.
Using this Amharic phrase table
This page is a fixed phrase lookup, not a complete dictionary or a guarantee of a correct translation for every context. It displays Amharic in Ethiopic script and keeps local search, quiz and export activity on this device.
The Ge'ez Script
Amharic uses the Ge'ez fidel (alphabet), a syllabary with 33 base characters, each modified into 7 forms to represent different vowel sounds — yielding over 230 characters. Unlike most scripts, Ge'ez is written left to right. Each character represents a consonant-vowel combination, making it an abugida rather than a true alphabet. The script has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years.
Ethiopian Coffee Culture
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the coffee ceremony (buna) is central to social life. Knowing basic Amharic phrases related to coffee culture — from "buna tetu" (drink coffee) to the elaborate ceremony rituals — shows respect for one of Africa's most important cultural traditions. The ceremony itself involves roasting green beans, grinding, and brewing in a jebena (clay pot).
Unique Calendar and Time
Ethiopia uses its own calendar with 13 months (12 months of 30 days plus a 13th month of 5-6 days). The Ethiopian calendar is roughly 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopian time also differs — the day starts at 6 AM (dawn), so "1 o'clock Ethiopian time" is 7 AM Gregorian. Understanding these differences is essential for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the romanisation limits?
The Latin spelling and stress hints are editorial learning cues, not a standard reversible transliteration. They do not fully encode pronunciation, formality, gemination or every speaker variation. Use the Ethiopic spelling as the phrasebook text and verify important wording with a qualified translator.
Does this phrasebook cover every Amharic word or dialect?
No. It contains 106 fixed starter phrases for common situations. Vocabulary, register, dialect and regional usage vary, so gaps and alternative wording should be expected.
Can I rely on it for legal, medical or official wording?
No. Treat every result as a learning aid. Ask a qualified human translator to review any wording that affects health, safety, legal rights, immigration, money or public communication.
Does the speaker button prove the pronunciation?
No. The button uses a compatible voice already available in your browser or device. Voice availability and quality vary, so audio is an approximation and may be unavailable.