Amharic Lessons

Amharic Lessons
From Suliman Galal Suliman

To Elhadi
Introduction
The following lessons were downloaded from Amharic Online at Yahoo Groups. The
original author made all first person statements. The information herein can be obtained
by joining the online group.
Preliminary Lesson
The lessons are loosely based on an excellent book that I myself used, when I first began
to study the language on my own in 1991, and that I still have photo offset copies of.
That book is called Amharic Textbook; and I found it in a large University Library and
photocopied the entire thing, back then.
This is not Lesson One; it is only a Preliminary to Lesson One.
To become fully literate in the Amharic language, of course it is necessary to learn to

read and write the alphabet or "Fidel"... However I will assume the student has other
resources that will allow him to study this, and I employ a standardized transliteration
into English letters for teaching purposes in here. I do recommend that students not
neglect the Fidel. In 1991 it took me two months to memorize the entire Fidel, before I
even started on Lesson One. I started with the first letter, HA, and didn't move on to the
second letter LE until I could write all seven forms of HA from memory, and so forth.
The standardized transliteration scheme I will employ, that you may compare with your
Fidel charts at home, is this: (I will explain pronunciation and give much more
information below this)
Amharic Alphabet or Fidel
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th Ethiopic Letter name
*ha hu hee ha hie hi ho "Hoy"

le lu lee la lie li lo "Lawee"
*ha hu hee ha hie hi ho "Hamer"
me mu mee ma mie mi mo "May"
se su see sa sie si so "Sewt"
re ru ree ra rie ri ro "Ri'is"
se su see sa sie si so "Sat"
she shu shee sha shie shi sho "Shat" or "She"
qe qu qee qa qie qi qo "Qof"
be bu bee ba bie bi bo "Biet"
te tu tee ta tie ti to "Taw"
che chu chee cha chie chi cho "Chaw" or "Che"
*ha hu hee ha hie hi ho "Harm"
ne nu nee na nie ni no "Nehas"
nye nyu nyee nya nyie nyi nyo "Nyehas" or "Nye"
*'a 'u 'ee 'a 'ie 'i 'o "'Alief"
ke ku kee ka kie ki ko "Kaf"
he hu hee ha hie hi ho "Haf" or "He"
*wo wu wee wa wie wi wo "Wawie"
*à ù èe à ìe ì ò "Àyn"
ze zu zee za zie zi zo "Zay"
zhe zhu zhee zha zhie zhi zho "Zhay" or "Zhe"
ye yu yee ya yie yi yo "Yeman"
de du dee da die di do "Dilt"
je ju jee ja jie ji jo "Jilt" or "Je"
ge gu gee ga gie gi go "Gemil"
Te Tu Tee Ta Tie Ti To "T'eyt"
CHe CHu CHee CHa CHie Chi CHo "CH'eyt" or "CH'e"
Pe Pu Pee Pa Pie Pi Po "P'eyt" or "P'e"
tse tsu tsee tsa tsie tsi tso "Tsedey"
tse tsu tsee tsa tsie tsi tso "TsePPe"
fe fu fee fa fie fi fo "Fef"
pe pu pee pa pie pi po "Pee"
Amharic Fidel
The headings "1st" through "7th" refer to the seven forms or orders that each of the letters
is written in, depending on the vowel syllable. Each of these seven forms is described in
greater detail:
FIRST FORM - "GIÌZ"

You will note that in the majority of cases, the vowel is transliterated as "e". But there
are a few exceptions that I have marked with an asterisk. The very first letter starts off
the whole thing with one of these exceptions, so that "Hoy" in the first form is always
pronounced "ha", just as in the fourth form, and not "he"..
The vowel I am indicating by "e" here is most similar to the short e of the word "jest",
and pronouncing it that way will do fine. But it also sort of resembles the short u of the
word "just". Actually, it's kind of halfway in between the e of jest and the u of just. The
best way to describe it is to think of someone who pronounces the English word "just" in
a sort of rustic way, making it sound almost like "jest" (i.e. "jest a minute")... That is the
exact vowel sound of the first form (except for the exceptions!) Linguists will instead
write this sound as an a with two dots over it, but I find this is confusing for non-
linguists, so I use e, since that's what it is closest to.
SECOND FORM - "KAÌB"

This vowel is always pronounced like a long u as in "tune". Fairly simple, no exceptions!
THIRD FORM - "SALES"

This vowel is always pronounced like a long "ee" as in "bee". Of course, linguists will
use i with a bar over it, but I prefer to avoid the diacritical marks.
FOURTH FORM - "RABI`"

This vowel is always pronounced like long "a" in "father".
Fifth form - "Hames"

This vowel is always pronounced the same, and the best way to describe it is to
listen to a Jamaican say "Jamaican" and listen closely to how he or she
pronounces the "ai" in "Jamaican"... kind of drawn out, like Jam-ie-kan... Well,
that -ie- vowel sound is the one that I write as "ie"... but linguists use the letter e
for this one.
Sixth form - "Sades"

This form can either represent a very short vowel, or the absence of a vowel,
i.e. just the consonant by itself. I use "i" to represent the very short vowel,
because it is basically the short i of "hit"... The linguists use the "schwa" or
upside-down e. Sometimes the vowel is so short you can hardly be sure if you
heard it.
Seventh form - "Sabi`"

This vowel is always pronounced pretty close to a long o, as in "close", and that
will do fine if you pronounce it that way. To get it exact, however, it is a little bit
rounder in the beginning, you can almost hear a "w" in it... Again, listen to a
Jamaican say a word like "soldier" pronouncing it "suoja" and that is also the
Ethiopian "o" sound.
I have devised a memory-aid to help remember the vowels of the seven forms.
Repeat the English sentence, "When do we stop makin' dough?" The seven
vowels in that English sentence rhyme (more or less) with "le, lu, lee, la, lie, li, lo"
, etc.
Those are the seven forms. There is also an unofficial "eighth form" for most
letters, that represents the consonant plus "wa"... In other words, hwa, lwa, mwa,
swa, rwa, etc.
Now, on to pronunciation of consonants... There are a few consonant sounds

that are not found in English. But first, the ones that are always the same in
English are h, l, m, s, sh, b, t, ch, n, k, w, z, y, d, j, f, and p. Hopefully these
sounds will be familiar and not give English speakers any difficulty. The letter 'r'
is the same sound, but slightly more trilled; the tongue-tip contacts the palate.
Note, that there are four separate feedel letters for 'h'. These were originally
different sounds in Semitic, but they have all coalesced in Amharic and are not
differentiated; they all sound like English 'h'. Same with the two letters for 's'. In
print, these letters with the same sounds are considered interchangeable, though
there is usually a 'traditional' spelling that favors one sound-alike letter or the
other. For instance, the letter "Sewt" is called the "royal s", because it is used in
the word nigus (king); and it is also the first s in Silassie (Trinity).
Now, on to the other consonants:

q - is hard to describe, unless you know Hebrew or Arabic. It sounds like "k",
only further back in the throat, and with a sharper burst of air.
ny - like in "Kenya", but note, some words can start with NY- or end in -NY,
maybe a little trickier for English speakers. Think of the Spanish word
"Man~ana" with the cedilla over the first n. Some represent this sound with the
letters "gn" but that is the Italian way, and I don't personally see the advantage in
it.
'a and à are pronounced the same in modern Amharic: no consonant at all!
These two letters are interchangeable, and represent the simple vowel sound.
But it is good to be aware that in the not-so-distant past, the sounds were
different; 'A was a glottal stop, and À was the "smoothe breathing" as they call it
in Greek, or the absence of any consonant. Nowadays, you are just as liable to
hear people try to effect a 'glottal stop' with either letter, or not.
zh is the sound in English "pleasure" or "vision" (as most people pronounce it!)
g is always used for hard G of go, never the soft G of gee, where I would use J
instead.
T or T' - is a sound not found in English, it sounds like t, only with the tongue
further down the front teeth, and with a sharper burst of air.
CH is another sound not in English, sounds like ch, only with a sharper burst of
air.
ts is heard in English "gets", but note some words can start with ts-. Note there
are two letters for this same sound, and they too are interchangeable.
P or P' - is a sound not in English, it sounds like p, only with a sharper burst of
air.
A final piece of advice for pronouncing (and speaking) Amharic:
Put the tip of your tongue right at the point on your gum that is nearest to where
your two upper front teeth meet. That is the normal resting place for the tongue
of an Amharic speaker. The tongue does not wander lazily all over the mouth
while speaking, the way some English speakers do, so that may be a habit to try
to break.
That's it, there are no exercises to e-mail me with this preliminary lesson; it's
only a preliminary lesson! In Lesson One, we will start to delve into basic
grammar and vocabulary to form the simplest of sentences.
Lesson 1
Selam,
Here we begin again, Lesson One. (Refer to the Preliminary Lesson for
pronunciation.) I will try to send out lessons every couple days or so at first,
unless there are a lot of questions about a particular lesson. I will also be looking
to make corrections and improvemants to the earlier lessons already in the
archive... I-man have left the old answer keys to the first 7 lessons online, but
answer keys will not be sent this time around, to get corrected answers you have
to submit the exercises... To assist students who can access and wish to refer to
the earlier lessons, new or rewritten material will be marked with two asterisks
thus: **
I am also going to continue Lessons 31-50 at a slower pace for students
following on the advanced level.
Amharic Lesson One
We'll start with the Personal pronouns. (I, you, he, she, we, etc.) There are three
categories of pronouns in Amharic: Singular, plural, and respect.
Singular:
'inie I (I-man)
'ante you (male) (the I)
'anchee you (female) (the I)
'issu he
'isswa she
Plural pronouns:
'innya we (I&I)
'innante you pl. (unu)
'innessu they
Raspect pronouns:
'irswo you (male or female)
'issatchew he, she
The raspect pronouns are used for a person one raspects greatly, like an elder
or person of rank. For example, when speaking about His Majesty, the raspect
pronoun is always used. However, note that when speaking to, or about, JAH or
Kristos, the familiar forms, 'Ante and 'Issu, are always used, because the
"raspect" form is cansidered too distant for them.
Note: The forms 'irsu, 'irswa, 'irso and 'irsatchew are also variants of 'issu,
'isswa, 'irswo, and 'issatchew, raspectively!
THE VERB 'TO BE'
Singular
nenny I am
neh you (male) are
nesh you (fem) are
new he is
netch she is (also, nat)
Plural
nen we are
natchihue you (plur) are
natchew they are
Raspect
newot you are

natchew he or she is
Further notes on pronunciation and spelling:
In English, we are used to the accent or stress coming on one of the vowels in a
word, that we call the 'accented' syllable. But the Amharic ear does not even
listen to hear what vowel the stress falls on, so no attention is paid to this.
Instead, in Amharic, you have certain consonants that are stressed. The
Amharic ear is paying more attention to what consonants are stressed, because
sometimes it can affect meaning of a sentence. This stress is not indicated in the
Amharic alphabet, but I do indicate it, usually by doubling the consonant. For
example, in the pronoun 'issu, he, the s is stressed, meaning you hold the s
sound about twice as long as you would an unstressed s. But the extra s does
not appear in writing. In the case of ch, instead of writing ch twice, I indicate
stress by spelling it tch. So in these forms above, 'issatchew, netch, natchihue
and natchew, the tch represents a stressed ch, and you will not see any letter
corresponding to the t in Amharic writing. Similarly, nny is how I indicate a double
ny.
Also, note the ending of the word natchihue. The e does not appear in feedel
writing, but I use the -hue to indicate that in words ending in -hu, the -u is not fully
pronounced. The correct way to pronounce the final -hu is more like -hw, with
just a slight rounded whisper on the lips. I could also write this as -hw, but I just
think -hue looks better in English orthography.
Now, fahwud with the grammar.
As you can see with the verb TO BE, these words can stand alone without the
pronouns, since the pronoun is overstood. But you can also use them with the
pronoun, for emphasis. The examples in the Textbook use the adjective tilliq,
big, to demonstrate this: (remember to put the verb at the end of the sentence!)
tilliq new = he is big OR 'issu tilliq new

tilliq nat = she is big OR 'isswa tilliq nat
By the way, if you were wondering about the pronoun "it" - there is no special
word, we generally use 'issu (he) to cover "it" as well (though some inanimate
nouns can also sometimes be construed as feminine, and take the pronoun
'isswa). So, the above sentences can also mean "It is big"...
To clarify, the Textbook then gives a chart like this, parsing the entire paradigm
for this simple sentence, with the pronoun, adjective, and verb:
'inie tilliq nenny = I am big

'ante tilliq neh = you (male) are big
'anchee tilliq nesh = you (female) are big
'issu tilliq new = he is big
'isswa tilliq nat = she is big
'innya tilliq nen = we are big
'innante tilliq natchihue = you (pl.) are big
'innessu tilliq natchew = they are big
'irswo tilliq newot = you (raspect) are big
'irsatchew tilliq natchew = he or she (raspect) is big
INDEFINITE ARTICLE
In English, the Indefinite article means the words "a" or "an"... Amharic can use
the word 'and (literally, the number 'one') for this, but often it is unnecessary.
Example: T'iru temaree = a good student, without having to say 'andi Tiru
temaree. The 'and would only be used for emphasis, since this also could mean
'one good student.'
ADJECTIVE
With few exceptions, an adjective comes right before the noun, as in English.
Examples: Tiru sew = a good man; qonjo siet = a beautiful woman.
QUESTIONS
Usually expressed simply by raised tone of voice. Word order is not changed.
Example: T'iru new. = he is good. T'iru new? = is he good?
** The normal position for the question word man "who?" is right before the
verb, for instance 'Anchee man nesh? "Who are you?" and not Man 'anchee
nesh?.
VOCABULARY for AMHARIC LESSON ONE (The LANGUAGE OF THE KING)
lij = child
lijagered = girl
hakeem = doctor
man = who?
siet = woman
sew = man, person, human
qonjo = pretty, beautiful, handsome
beTam = very
temaree = student
'astemaree = teacher
'awo = yes
'Igzier yisTillinny = thank you! (lit. May JAH give for me, i.e. health to you)
T'iru = good
EXERCISES
(send answers to rasfeqade@... if you want them checked - no attachments
please)
A. Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb TO BE:
Example: 'Inie temaree _____. Answer: 'Inie temaree nenny.
1. 'Ante 'astemaree ____. 2. 'Anchee lijagered _____. 3. 'Issu hakeem ____.

4. 'Isswa qonjo _____. 5. 'Inie sew _____. 6. 'Ante temaree ____. 7. 'Isswa
siet ____. 8. 'Irswo hakeem ____. 9. 'Issatchew 'astemaree ____. 10. 'Issu lidj
____. 11. 'Anchee qonjo ____. 12. 'Irswo temaree ____.
B. Fill in the blank with the correct personal pronoun.

Example: ____ sew nenny. Answer: 'Inie sew nenny.
1. ____ Tiru temaree nenny. 2. ____ qonjo nesh. 3. ____ hakeem neh. 4.
____ man nat? 5. ____ Tiru natchew. 6. ____ temaree new. 7. ____ hakeem
newot. 8. ____ 'astemaree nenny. 9. ____ sew neh. 10. ____ temaree newot.
C. Translate into Amharic.
1. I am a student. 2. Who are you? (female singular) 3. You are a good girl. 4. I
am very good. 5. You (male) are a teacher. 6. He is a child. 7. You (raspect)
are a doctor. 8. She is a woman. 9. She (raspect) is beautiful. 10. Who are
you? (male) 11. Yes, she is pretty. 12. He (raspect) is a good person. 13. He is
a very good doctor. 14. Who are you? (raspect) 15. She is a pretty girl.
D. Translate into English
1. 'Ante temaree neh? 'Awo, 'inie temaree nenny.

2. 'Ante Tiru temaree neh? 'Awo, 'inie Tiru temaree nenny.
3. 'Issu 'astemaree new? 'Awo, 'issu 'astemaree new.
4. 'Issu T'ru 'astemaree new? 'Awo, 'issu Tiru 'astemaree new.
5. 'Ante hakeem neh? 'Awo, 'inie hakeem nenny.
6. 'Anchee Tiru temaree nesh? 'Awo, 'inie Tiru temaree nenny.
7. 'Irswo beTam Tiru temaree newot? 'Awo, 'inie beTam Tiru temaree nenny.
8. 'Issu hakeem new? 'Awo, 'issu hakeem new.
9. 'Anchee qonjo siet nesh? 'Awo, 'inie qonjo siet nenny.
10. 'Issu temaree new? 'Awo, 'issu temaree new.
11. 'Isswa T'iru hakeem nat? 'Awo, 'isswa Tiru hakeem nat.
12. 'Isswa qonjo siet nat? 'Awo, 'isswa qonjo siet nat.
13. 'Inie Tiru nenny? 'Awo, 'ante Tiru neh.
Lesson 2
PLURAL
The simple way of forming the plural of nouns in Amharic, is to add -OTCH to
the end of the word. As in:
biet = house bietotch = houses

siet = woman sietotch = women
hakeem = doctor hakeemotch = doctors
sew = person sewotch = persons
In cases where the singular noun ends in a vowel, that vowel can be dropped
so that the -OTCH can be added to the last consonant in the word. As in:
temaree = student temarotch = students

wissha = dog wisshotch = dogs
beqlo = mule beqlotch = mules
However, in such cases, it is also equally acceptable to keep the final vowel,
and put a slight -w- between that vowel and the -OTCH. Like this:
wissha = dog wisshawotch = dogs

kebero = drum keberowotch = drums
geberie = farmer geberiewotch = farmers
temaree = student temareewotch = students
[** Note: Some words also have irregular plurals derived from Gi'iz, alongside
the regular plural ending in -otch. Example: metsahift, books, as well as
mets'hafotch... In general, it is always safe for a beginner to form the plural of
any noun simply by adding -otch.]
USAGE OF THE PLURAL
It is not always necessary to use the plural form, in order to express the plural
"cancept." The noun can also be left in the singular form, even when the
cantext is obviously meaning more than one. In other words, use of the -otch
ending is "optional" since the noun can still be obviously "plural" without it. So,
"two students" can be rendered by hulett temaree, and "many students" can be
bizu temaree (but also, could still say bizu temarotch, with the plural marker.)
Again, "We are doctors" could be rendered either by 'innya hakeemotch nen, or
by 'innya hakeem nen... since the -otch is optional.
If there is an adjective modifying a plural noun, the adjective is usually left

alone, but it is possible to put the -otch on the adjective too, for effect. So, "good
students" is normally T'iru temarotch, but certainly not cansidered wrong to say
T'iruwotch temarotch. Again, "These students are good" is 'innezzeeh temarotch
T'iru natchew, but also can say 'innezzeeh temarotch T'iruwotch natchew, if one
wished.
THE SUFFIX -SS IN QUESTIONS
In Amharic, there is a special suffix -ss that can come after a word to indicate
"How about ___?" "What about ___?" "and___?" in a question. It is not used to
start out with, but can be used in any question after starting out. Examples:
Dehna neh? 'Igzee'abihier yimmesgen, dehna nenny; 'antess?

"Are you alright?" "JAH be praised, I am alright; how about you?"
'Inie temaree nenny; 'antess?

"I am a student; and you? (or, how about you?)"
'Issatchew 'astemaree natchew; 'irswoss?

"He is a teacher; and you? (or, how about you?)"
THE SUFFIX -MM
The suffix -mm can come after a word, to indicate "also". Example:
'Inie temaree nenny; 'antess? 'Iniemm temaree nenny.

"I am a student; how about you?" "I too am a student."
VOCABULARY FOR LESSON 2
mindin = what?
mets'haf = book
sint = how much? how many?
tilliq = big, large, important
tinnish = small, little
'irsas = pencil
'innezzeeh = these
womber = chair
yih = this
TerePPieza = table (etymology is from Greek!)
'and = one
hulett = two
sost = three
'aratt = four
'ammist = five
EXERCISES
[please send answers to rasfeqade@... for those who want them checked!]
A. Use the plural form of the noun in parentheses.
Example: 'Innya ('astemaree) nen. Answer: 'Innya 'astemarotch nen.
1. 'Innessu (temaree) natchew. 2. 'Innante ('astemaree) natchihue. 3. 'Innya

(hakeem) nen. 4. 'Innante (lijagered) natchihue. 5. 'Innessu beTam T'iru (lij)
natchew. 6. 'Innessu ('astemaree) natchew. 7. 'Innya T'iru (temaree) nen. 8.
'Innante qonjo (lijagered) natchihue. 9. 'Innante T'iru (sew) natchihue. 10.
'Innezzeeh T'iru (mets'haf) natchew. 11. 'Innezzeeh (T'erePPieza) natchew. 12.
'Innante T'iru (hakeem) natchihue.
B. Change the entire sentence from singular form to plural.
Example: 'Inie hakeem nenny. Answer: 'Innya hakeemotch nen.
1. 'Ante temaree neh. 2. 'Issu hakeem new. 3. 'Inie 'astemaree nenny. 4.

'Anchee siet nesh. 5. 'Isswa lijagered nat. 6. 'Ante lij neh. 7. 'Issu sew new.
8. 'Inie hakeem nenny. 9. 'Irswo 'astemaree newot. 10. 'Issatchew temaree
natchew.
C. Replace the number in each sentance with one number higher.
Example: 'Innezzeeh 'aratt womberotch natchew. Answer: 'Innezzeeh 'ammist

womberotch natchew.
1. Yih 'and 'irsas new. 2. 'Innezzeeh 'aratt hakeemotch natchew. 3. 'Innezzeeh

hulett TerePPiezotch natchew. 4. 'Innezzeeh sost mets'hafotch natchew. 5.
Yih 'and 'astemaree new. 6. 'Innezzeeh hulett 'astemarotch natchew. 7.
'Innezzeeh 'aratt sewotch natchew. 8. 'Innezzeeh sost sietotch natchew.
D. Translate into Amharic.
1. These are chairs. 2. You are doctors. 3. We are good teachers. 4. We are
two students. 5. These are pretty books. 6. These are good tables. 7. You are
pretty women. 8. We are men. 9. They are two good doctors. 10. These are
tables. 11. These are pretty pencils. 12. This is a chair. 13. We are two
doctors. 14. This is a small chair. 15. These are pretty tables. 16. You are
important doctors. 17. These are teachers. 18. You are pupils. 19. We are
very good doctors. 20. You are four good girls.
E. Read and translate.
1. Yih mindin new? Yih womber new.

2. Yih tilliq mets'haf new? 'Awo, yih tilliq mets'haf new.
3. 'Innezzeeh mindin natchew? 'Innezzeeh womberotch natchew.
4. Yih 'irsas tinnish new? 'Awo, yih 'irsas tinnish new.
5. 'Innezzeeh 'aratt TerePPiezotch natchew? 'Awo, innezzeeh 'aratt
TerePPiezotch natchew.
6. 'Innante mindin natchihue? 'Innya temarotch nen.
7. 'Innante lijotch natchihue? 'Awo, 'innya lijotch nen.
8. Yih 'irsas tilliq new? 'Awo, yih 'irsas tilliq new.
9. 'Innezzeeh T'iru mets'hafotch natchew? 'Awo, 'innezzeeh T'iru mets'hafotch
natchew.
10. 'Innezzeeh mets'hafotch tilliq natchew? 'Awo, inezzeeh mets'hafotch tilliq
natchew.
11. 'Innessu mindin natchew? 'Innessu lijotch natchew.
12. Yih mindin new? Yih 'irsas new.
13. 'Innante mindin natchihue? 'Innya 'astemarotch nen.
14. 'Innessu mindin natchew? 'Innessu hakeemotch natchew.
15. 'Innante T'iru temarotch natchihue? 'Awo, 'innya beTam T'iru temarotch nen.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
In the word mets'haf (book), I only use the apostrophe ' to show that the s goes
with the t (the letter ts) and *not* with the h (not the letter sha)... Phonetically, it
sounds like "Mets Hoff"...
The word given for "this" , yih... often sounds more like yihi... with a short
vowel at the end... The feminine forms are yich, yichee and yihich...
Lesson 3
DEFINITE ARTICLE
In English, the "Definite Article" means the word "the". In Amharic, the same
thing is expressed with a suffix (attached to the end of the word.)
The normal suffix for a singular noun is -u, if the word ends in a consonant.
Examples:
biet = house bietu = the house

feres = horse feresu = the horse
lij = child, boy liju = the boy
But, this -u suffix becomes -w if the word ends with a vowel. Examples:
temaree = student temareew = the student.

berie = ox beriew = the ox
kebero = drum keberow = the drum
gieta = lord, master gietaw = the lord
This -u or -w suffix is considered masculine (male) in gender. For nouns being

treated as feminine, however, the simple marker of the definite article is the suffix
-wa. Example:
gered = maid geredwa = the maid
[Note: this example is from an old Textbook that teaches the proper Language of
the King. However it should be stated that after the Communist Revolution,
some words like gered began to be considered derogatory. In present-day
Ethiopia, there are still maids just like always, only now they are referred to as
seratennya, lit. "worker."]
The suffix -wa for nouns treated as feminine is the same after a vowel:
doro = hen dorowa = the hen

The other feminine article suffixes, that mean the same as -wa, are -eetu and -
eetwa after a consonant, and -yitu and -yitwa after a vowel. They can be used
pretty much interchangeably with -wa:
geredwa, geredeetu, geredeetwa } = "the maid"

dorowa, doroyitu, doroyitwa } = "the hen"
As mantioned in Lesson 2, the plural marker for all nouns is -otch. The suffix -u
is added to this for the definite article on ALL plural nouns, male or female.
Examples:
nigusotch = kings nigusotchu = the kings

nigistotch = queens nigistotchu = the queens.
These four nouns, sew "man, person, human", siet "woman", 'abbat "father",
and 'innat "mother" are different, in that there is another marker that comes
before the definite article; -iyyie- (m) or -iyyo- (f)...
The form sewiyyie without the article means "a specific man" and the article is
added to this to make sewiyyiew, "the man." The form "sietiyyo" means "a
specific woman" and the article is added to this to make sietiyyowa "the woman".
And the forms 'abbatiyyiew and 'innatiyyowa mean "the father" and "the mother"
raspectively.
USE OF THE DEFINITE ARTICLE
For an adjective preceding a noun, the article marker suffix comes on the
adjective. Thus, "the big house" = tilliqu biet; "the good woman" = dehnawa siet.
Same with numbers: "the five rooms" = 'ammistu kiflotch.
POSITIONAL RELATIONS
These would be called "prepositions" in English, but the Textbook avoids the
term "preposition" because in Amharic, these relations are sometimes expressed
by either a preposition or a postposition, or both. Moreover, in verbs that
indicate movement toward "to" a place, or verbs that indicate being "in" or "at" a
place, the positional relation elemant is not required at all. For instance,
"The students are in school" can be rendered as temarotchu temaree biet 'allu
(with no positional elemant) but also as temarotchu 'itemaree biet 'allu (with the
prefix 'i- , "in")...
temarotchu temaree biet hiedu "the students went to school"; (no positional
elemant) but also temarotchu wode temaree biet hiedu (with the positional word
wode, "toward, to")...
[There will be more examples of the various positional elemants, in fahwud
lessons. This is enough to chew on for now!]
THE WORD "OR" IN A QUESTION
The English word "or" in a question can be expressed by woyiss "or", but also
without woyiss. In this fashion:
"Is the book old or new?" = mets'hafu 'arogie new woyiss 'addees? Also,
mets'hafu 'arogie new 'addees?
"Is the book expensive or cheap?" = mets'hafu widdi new woyiss rikkash? Also,
mets'hafu widdi new rikkash?
THE WORD 'AND"
When the suffix -nna (pronounced -inna after a consonant) is put on the end of
any word, it is translated as "and"...
mets'hafinna 'irsas = "a book and a pencil"

'ancheenna 'irsu = "you (f) and he"
hakeemunna 'astemareew = "the doctor and the teacher"
Another way of translating "and" is the suffix -mm you learned in the previous
lesson, but note, in that case the -mm must come after the secand word, not the
first. The same examples would be:
mets'haf 'irsasimm = "a book and a pencil"

'anchee 'irsumm = "you and he"
hakeemu 'astemareewimm = "the doctor and the teacher".
VOCABULARY FOR LESSON THREE:
biet = house
temaree biet = school (also, timhirt biet)
hospeetal = hospital (also, hakeem biet)
kifil = room, classroom
sikwar = sugar
bunna = coffee
wiha = Water (also, woha)
qemees = dress
'addees = new
libs = garmant, article of clothing, clothes
seàt = watch, clock
yet = where?
'izzeeh = here
-inna = and
Lemma - a common male personal name (used in lessons as an example)
Laqetch - a girl's name
siddist = 6
sebatt = 7
simmint = 8
zeTenny = 9
'assir = 10
EXERCISES
Notes: I still have all my photocopies of all 50 Lessons from "Amharic Textbook"
- pretty amazing, since I made the copies some 12 years ago! It seems that the
only page I am missing from the intire book, unfortunately, is the one page that
has exercises A and B from Lesson 3 on it... So, I have made up my own
Exercises A and B this time.
Every 5th lesson in the book is a review lesson, so no new material will be
added in Lessons 5, 10, 15 etc. - just exercises to cansolidate and 'bone up on'
the previous knowledge!
If you are sendin in answers, you don't have to send in the 'fill in the blank /
substitution' type exercises; you can just send the answers to only the two
'translate' exercises (D & E) directly to me at rasfeqade@...! JAH BLESS
A: Put the definite article in each sentence.

Example: Qonjo seàt sint new? Answer: Qonjow seàt sint new?
1. Hakeem 'ihospeetal new. 2. Bunna Tiru new. 3. Sietiyyo 'izzeeh nat. 4.

'Astemaree man natchew? 5. Hulett temareewotch yet natchew? 6. Libs
'addees new. 7. Lijagered Tiru netch. 8. Sikwar Tiru new. 9. Bietotch tilliq
natchew? 10. Qemees sint new?
B. i) Change each question to include the word woyiss.

Example: 'Irsasu tilliq new tinnish? Answ. 'Irsasu tilliq new woyiss tinnish?
1. Yih bunna new wiha? 2. 'Innezzeeh temarotch natchew 'astemarotch? 3.

Mets'hafotchu 'aratt new 'ammist? 4. Temareew 'itemaree biet new 'ibiet? 5.
Laqetch siet nat lijagered?
ii) Restate these phrases correctly, with -inna instead of -imm

Example: 'Inie 'antemm temarotch nen Answ. 'Inienna 'ante temarotch nen.
6. Lemma Laqetchimm temarotch natchew. 7. Hakeemu 'astemareewimm tilliq

sewotch natchew. 8. 'Astemaree temarotchimm 'izzeeh natchew? 9. 'Issu
'antemm lijotch natchihue. 10. Sikwaru Bunnawimm Tiru natchew.
C: Substitute one pronoun, for the subjects in each sentence.
Example: Lemmanna 'ante hakeemotch natchihue. Answer: 'Innante
hakeemotch natchihue.
1. Lemmanna 'inie temarotch nen. 2. 'Antenna 'issu hakeemotch natchihue. 3.

Laqetch temaree nat. 4. Lemma T'iru temaree new. 5. Lemmanna Laqetch
temarotch natchew. 6. Laqetchinna 'anchee qonjo lijageredotch natchihue. 7.
Lemmanna 'inie hakeemotch nen. 8. 'Issunna Laqetch hospeetal natchew. 9.
Laqetch hospeetal nat. 10. Lemma tilliq sew new.
1. This is the school. 2. The dress is new. 3. The classroom is new. 4. It is

sugar. 5. How much is a watch? 6. The water is good. 7. The new watch is
good. 8. The new dress is pretty. 9. The new house is big. 10. The pretty
woman is a teacher. 11. The sugar is good. 12. These are the teachers. 13.
The coffee is very good. 14. These are nine books. 15. The hospital is big.
1. Libsu yet new? Libsu 'izzeeh new.

2. Hospeetalotchu 'addees natchew? 'Awo; hospeetalotchu 'addees natchew.
3. Bunnaw T'iru new? 'Awo, bunnaw Tiru new.
4. Hospeetalu yet new? Hospeetalu 'izzeeh new.
5. 'Addeesu biet yet new? 'Addeesu biet 'izzeeh new.
6. 'Addeesu libs Tiru new? 'Awo, 'addeesu libs Tiru new.
7. Temaree bietu yet new? Temaree bietu 'izzeeh new.
8. Temaree bietu 'addees new? 'Awo, temaree bietu 'addees new.
9. 'Innezzeeh 'ammistu kiflotch natchew? 'Awo, 'innezzeeh 'ammistu kiflotch
natchew.
10. Wihaw yet new? Wihaw 'izzeeh new.
11. Siddistu temarotch yet natchew? Siddistu temarotch 'itemaree biet natchew.
12. 'Addeesotchu bietotch sint natchew? 'Addesotchu bietotch 'assir natchew.
13. Sikwaru yet new? Sikwaru 'izzeeh new.
14. Mets'hafotchu sint natchew? Mets'hafotchu simmint natchew.
15. Tilliqu seàt qonjo new? 'Awo, tilliqu seàt qonjo new.
Lesson 4
THE VERB OF PRESENCE
So far, we have only learned to canjugate one verb - the simple form of "to be"
('inie nenny, 'ante neh, 'anchee nesh, etc.) Now it's time to learn another verb.
Most verbs do follow certain patterns, so we won't have to have a separate

lesson for every single verb. But, before we learn any of these patterns, we first
need to learn the verb of presence. The verb of presence can also be translated
as "to be", as in "he is", but more specifically, it means "he is present" or "he is
there", or even "there is..."
The different forms of verbs indicating "I, we, they", etc. are expressed by
adding suffixes to the root base: in this case, the root is 'all-. We will follow the
order seen in this chart here when teachin these suffixes, starting with "he ...",
because in most Amharic dictionaries, verbs are listed under the form of "he ..." -
that is always the simplest form.
Verb of Presence:
'alle "he is, he is present, he is there"

'alletch "she is there", etc.
'alleh "you (m) are there"
'allesh "you (f) are there"
'allehue "I am there, I am present"
'allu "they are there"
'allatchihue "you (pl) are there"
'allen "we are there / present"
'allu "you (rasp.) are there"
'allu "he / she (rasp.) is there"
Note that the form is the same ('allu), for "they" and for the polite forms.
Here are some sentences as examples with the verb 'alle:
'Itemaree biet 'andi mets'haf 'alle. There is a book in the school.
Lijeetu 'igebeya 'alletch. The girl is at the market.
'Igebeya lijotch 'allu. There are childran at the market.
Begebeya bizu sew 'alle. There are many persons in the market.
(Note that while bizu sew has a plural meaning, it is singular in form, and so
takes a singular verb to agree)
More examples of 'alle (verb of presence) meaning "there is...":
Mets'haf 'alle. There is a book.

Mets'hafotch 'allu. There are books.
Wiha 'alle. There is Water.
Womber 'ikifil 'alle. There is a chair in the classroom.
Womberotch 'ikifil 'allu. There are chairs in the classroom.
In many cases, the verbs 'alle and new are interchangeable, meanin we can use
either one and it means much the same thing:
"The chair is in the classroom." Womberu 'ikifil 'alle, <OR> Womberu 'ikifil new.
"The chairs are here." Womberotchu 'izzeeh 'allu, <OR> Womberotchu 'izzeeh
natchew.
Note, these sentences have the structure "X is in such-and-such a place", so we

can use either the simple verb to be (new), or the verb of presence ('alle).
In greetins formulas, we can also use either verb:
"How are you (pl)?" 'Indemin 'allatchihue? <OR> 'Indemin natchihue?

"I am fine" Dehna 'allehue <OR> Dehna nenny.
In all other cases, where the meaning is not "There is", the simple verb to be is
used (not 'alle):
"He is good" T'iru new.

"The boy is good" Liju Tiru new.
"The boy is a student" Liju temaree new.
"He is a student" 'Issu temaree new.
** Reminder about Amharic word order

In the sentence Yih 'irsas tinnish new , the adjective is not directly modifying the
noun; it is cansidered part of the predicate (a predicate adjective)... In other
words, it means "This pencil is small." But to say "This is a small pencil" then you
would put the adjective in front of the noun, that is, "Yih tinnish 'irsas new."
In other words, when the adjective directly modifies the noun, it comes right
before it, just as in English... the main exceptions, when the adjective follows
the noun it modifies, are the adjectives hullu (all) - and qiddus (hola), in certain
phrases like Mets'haf Qiddus (Hola Bible) and Menfes Qiddus (Hola Spirit)
VOCABULARY FOR LESSON FOUR
le- = to, for

min = what?
qurs = breakfast
bizu = much, many, a lot.
nege = tomorrow
'indemin = how?
zarie = today
dehna = fine, well
gebeya = market
Days of the Week:
Sennyo = Monday
Maksennyo = Tuesday
Rob = Wednesday
Hamus = Thursday
Àrb = Friday
Qidamie = Saturday
'Ihud = Sunday
EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of 'alle.
Example: Wiha ____. Answer: Wiha 'alle.
1. Temarotchu yet ____? 2. Bizu sew 'igebeya ____? 3. Womberu 'ibiet ____.
4. 'Innya 'izzeeh ____. 5. Lequrs bunna ____? 6. 'Anchee 'indemin ____? 7.
'Ibiet bunnanna sikwar ____. 8. Lijwa 'ihospeetal ____. 9. 'Issatchew 'ikifil ____.
10. 'Ikifil 'assir womberotchinna 'ammist TerePPiezotch ____. 11. 'Irswo
'indemin ____? 12. Zarie 'igebeya sinti sew ____? Bizu sew ____. 13. 'Innante
'ikifil ____. 14. 'Ibiet bizu qonjo lijageredotch ____. 15. 'Inie 'izzeeh ____. 16.
Sietotchu yet ____? 17. 'Addeesu 'astemareenna temarotchu 'itilliqu kifil ____.
18. 'Innante 'indemin ____? 19. 'Ibiet man ____? 20. 'Issatchew 'ibiet ____?
B. Replace the form of the verb 'alle with the right form of the verb new.
Example: Sikwaru 'izzeeh 'alle. Answ. Sikwaru 'izzeeh new.
1. Bunnaw yet 'alle? 2. Womberu 'ibiet 'alle. 3. Temareewotchu 'ikifil 'allu. 4.

'Innya 'izzeeh 'allen. 5. Sietiyyowa 'ibiet 'alletch. 6. 'Anchee 'indemin 'allesh?
7. 'Issatchew 'itemaree biet 'allu. 8. 'Inie 'izzeeh 'allehue. 9. 'Ante 'indemin
'alleh? 10. 'Irswo 'ikifil 'allu?
1. There is coffee for breakfast. 2. Today there are many persons here for
breakfast. 3. How are you? (pl) 4. What is there for breakfast? 5. How many
chairs and tables are in the house? 6. How many students are in the new
school? 7. The new table is in the classroom. 8. Here is the new dress. 9.
There is coffee for today and for tomorrow. 10. There is school Monday. 11.
There are many doctors in the hospitals. 12. How are you? (rasp.) 13. There
is a market on Thursday and Saturday. 14. Two people are in the house. 15.
The seven chairs and the two tables are here. 16. There are many students in
school today. 17. There are many people at the market. 18. How are you? (m)
I am fine.
D. Read and translate.
1. Bunna 'alle? 'Awo, bunna 'alle.

2. 'Izzeeh Tiru bunna 'alle? 'Awo, 'izzeeh Tiru bunna 'alle.
3. Zarie mindin new? Zarie Rob new; nege Hamus new.
4. Zarie 'igebeya bizu sew 'alle? 'Awo, zarie 'igebeya bizu sew 'alle.
5. 'Ikifil sint 'irsasotchinna mets'hafotch 'allu? 'Ikifil 'ammist 'irsasotchinna hulett
qonjo mets'hafotch 'allu.
6. Hamusinna Qidamie gebeya 'alle? 'Awo, Hamusinna Qidamie gebeya 'alle.
7. 'Igebeya bizu sew 'alle? 'Awo, 'igebeya beTam bizu sew 'alle.
8. Temarotchunna 'astemarotchu yet natchew? Temarotchunna 'astemarotchu
'itemaree biet natchew.
9. Zarienna nege temaree biet 'alle? 'Awo, zarienna nege temaree biet 'alle.
10. Lequrs min 'alle? Lequrs bunna 'alle.
11. 'Ibiet man 'alle? 'Ibiet lijageredeetunna liju 'allu.
12. Robinna Qidamie temaree biet 'alle? 'Awo, Robinna Qidamie temaree biet
'alle.
13. 'Addeesu libs yet 'alle? 'Addeesu libs 'ibiet 'alle.
14. 'Indemin 'alleh? Dehna; 'antess?
SELAH
Lesson 5 TIMHIRT 'AMMIST (Review Lesson)
Selamta, kifil,
Here's a review of what we've covered in each basic Lesson so

far. If you have been following the lessons, this should all be
familiar to you, but if there is an area that you're not sure about,
you can use this index to look up the appropriate post in the archive
at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amharic_online/messages (log in
first)
PRELIMINARY LESSON - 4/8 (Archive: Message # 1276)
In the preliminary Lesson, I&I learned about the structure of the

Ethiopian 'feedel' writin system, and how to pronounce the vowels and
cansonants.
LESSON ONE / TIMHIRT 'AND - 4/12 (#1283)
* Personal Pronouns
* The Verb 'To Be'
* Indefinite Article
* Adjective
* Questions
LESSON TWO / TIMHIRT HULETT - 4/19 (#1290)
* Plural
* Usage of the Plural
* The Suffix -SS in Questions
* The Suffix -MM
LESSON THREE / TIMHIRT SOST - 5/4 (#1307); reposted 6/8 (#1361)
* Definite Article
* Use of the Definite Article
* Positional Relations
* The Word 'Or' in a Question
* The Word 'And"
LESSON FOUR / TIMHIRT 'ARATT - 5/18 (#1325)
* The Verb of Presence
***********************************************
Here is a review of all the vocab given in Lessons 1 - 4. These are
just as important to learn and recognize, as are the various grammar
aspects. You can make flash cards, cover up one side of the page, or
whatever works for the I.
Lesson One.
lij = child
lijagered = girl
hakeem = doctor
man = who?
siet = woman
sew = man, person, human
qonjo = pretty, beautiful, handsome
beTam = very
temaree = student
'astemaree = teacher
'awo = yes
'Igzier yisTillinny = thank you!
(lit. May JAH give for me, i.e. health to you)
T'iru = good
Lesson Two
mindin = what?
mets'haf = book
sint = how much? how many?
tilliq = big, large, important
tinnish = small, little
'irsas = pencil
'innezzeeh = these
womber = chair
yih = this
TerePPieza = table (etymology is from Greek!)
'and = one
hulett = two
sost = three
'aratt = four
'ammist = five
Lesson 3
biet = house
temaree biet = school
(also, timhirt biet)
hospeetal = hospital
(also, hakeem biet)
kifil = room, classroom
sikwar = sugar
bunna = coffee
wiha = Water
(also, woha)
qemees = dress
'addees = new
libs = garmant, article of clothing, clothes
seàt = watch, clock
yet = where?
'izzeeh = here
-inna = and
Lemma - common male personal name
(used in lessons as an example)
Laqetch - a girl's name
siddist = 6
sebatt = 7
simmint = 8
zeTenny = 9
'assir = 10
Lesson Four.
le- = to, for (prepositional prefix)

min = what?
qurs = breakfast
bizu = much, many, a lot.
nege = tomorrow
'indemin = how?
zarie = today
dehna = fine, well
gebeya = market
Sennyo = Monday
Maksennyo = Tuesday
Rob = Wednesday
Hamus = Thursday
Àrb = Friday
Qidamie = Saturday
'Ihud = Sunday
REVIEW EXERCISES Please send any answers for checking, to

rasfeqade@... before Lesson 6 is reposted. Also, you can just
send in F & G only, if you prefer.
A. Fill in the blank with the appropriate personal pronoun

Example: ____ T'iru hakeem new. Answer: 'Issu Tiru hakeem new.
1. ____ tilliq 'astemaree neh. 2. ____ beTam Tiru hakeemotch

natchew. 3. ____ qonjo siet nat. 4. ____ tilliq sew newot. 5.
____ beTam Tiru 'astemareewotch natchihue. 6. ____ qonjo sietotch
nen. 7. ____ 'addeesu 'astemaree nenny. 8. ____ (raspect) tilliq
hakeem natchew. 9. ____ qonjo lijagered nesh. 10. ____ beTam
Tiru 'astemaree new.
B. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of "to be"

Example: 'Innessu Tiru hakeemotch ____. Answer: 'Innessu Tiru
hakeemotch natchew.
1. 'Innezzeeh 'addees mets'hafotch ____. 2. Tilliqu

T'erePPieza 'izzeeh ____. 3. 'Irswo man ____?
4. 'Issu 'addees 'astemaree ____. 5. 'Anchee 'indemin ____?
6. 'Inie tilliqu lij ____. 7. 'Innante 'addeesotchu temarotch ____.
8. 'Innya qonjo lijageredotch ____. 9. 'Ante Tiruw temaree ____.
10. 'Issatchew zarie yet ____?
C. Change the whole sentance from singular to plural.

Example: Libsu 'izzeeh new. Answer: Libsotchu 'izzeeh natchew.
1. Mets'hafu Tiru new. 2. Yih TerePPieza new. 3. 'Astemareew

yet 'alle? 4. Lijageredeetu 'ibiet nat. 5. 'Addeesu biet Tiru
new. 6. Tiru temaree new. 7. Womberu 'izzeeh new. 8.
Lijageredeetu beTam qonjo nat. 9. Hakeemu 'ihospeetal new. 10.
Kifilu beTam qonjo new.
D. Change the whole sentence from plural to singular.

Example: Libsotchu Tiru natchew. Answer: Libsu Tiru new.
1. Sietotchu yet natchew? 2. Temarotchu 'itemaree biet natchew.

3. T'iruwotchu womberotch 'ibiet natchew. 4. Sietotchu beTam qonjo
natchew. 5. Qonjowotchu lijageredotch 'itemaree biet natchew.
6. 'Innezzeeh Tiruwotchu libsotch natchew. 7. 'Irsasotchu 'izzeeh
natchew. 8. Sewotchu 'izzeeh 'allu. 9. 'Addeesotchu kifilotch
Tiruwotch natchew. 10. 'Innezzeeh 'addeesotchu temaree bietotch
natchew.
E. Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'alle. (verb of

presence)
Example: Lequrs bunna ____. Answer: Lequrs bunna 'alle.
1. 'Igebeya bizu sew ____. 2. Zarienna nege temaree biet ____.

3. 'Itemaree biet bizu temarotchinna 'astemarotch ____.
4. 'Addeesu hospeetal sinti hakeemotch ____? 5. 'Itilliqu kifil
simmint TerePPiezotchinna zeTenny womberotch ____.
6. 'Irswo 'indemin ____? 7. Sietiyyowa 'izzeeh ____. 8. 'Innya
'ikifil ____. 9. 'Anchee 'indemin ____? 10. 'Ante 'indemin ____?
11. 'Astemaree 'ikifil ____. 12. 'Issatchew 'ibiet ____.
13. 'Inie 'izzeeh ____. 14. Temareewa yet ____?
15. 'Innante 'indemin ____?
F. Give answers to the questions (In Amharic, use complete

sentences)
Example: Zarie mindin new? Answer: Zarie Maksennyo new.
1. 'Addeesotchu seàtotch sinti natchew? 2. Nege lequrs min 'alle?

3. 'Ibiet bunnanna sikwar 'alle? 4. Wihanna sikwar
lebunnaw 'alle? 5. Zarie 'igebeya bizu sew 'alle? 6. 'Issatchew
yet natchew? 7. 'Ikifil man 'alle? 8. 'Innezzeeh mindin natchew?
9. 'Addeesu libs yet new?
G. Translate into Amharic.
1. The big chair is here. 2. Is there sugar for the coffee? Yes,
there is sugar for the coffee. 3. What is there for breakfast? 4.
This is the new dress. 5. The students are in the school. 6.
Where is he (raspect)? 7. The pencils and the books are here. 8.
There is a market on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. 9. How are
you (raspect)? I am fine. 10. The little boy and the pretty girl
are in the new room. 11. Are you the new students? 12. The pretty
girls are in the school. 13. Where is the new dress? 14. He is
a very good teacher.
Dirset
Yih 'addees temaree biet new. Bizu

temarotchinna 'astemarotch 'allu. Tesfayie 'astemaree new; 'issu
Tiru sew new. 'Aseffa temaree new; 'issu beTam Tiru temaree new.
Laqetch Tiru temaree nat; qonjo lijagered nat.
Zarie Sennyo new. 'Ikifil womberinna TerePPieza 'alle. 'Izzeehimm

mets'hafinna 'irsas 'alle. 'Irsasu tinnish new; mets'hafu tilliq
new.
Vocabulary for Dirset:

Dirset = composition. Tesfayie, 'Aseffa = boys' names.
Questions for Dirset:

1. Yih mindin new? 2. 'Ikifil min 'alle? 3. 'Aseffa Tiru temaree
new? 4. Laqetch qonjo nat? 5. Zarie mindin new?
SELAH
Lesson 6 /Timhirt Siddist
Amharic Online - Lesson Six
THE VERB NEBBERE
Nebbere means "he was". This verb is used for the past tense of both the two
verbs we have already studied (new, in Lesson 1, and 'alle, in Lesson 4).
Later, we will see that other verbs use the same root base in the past and
present; however, this verb "to be" is uniquely irregular, in that it uses two bases
for the present ('all- and ne-) , and yet a third for the past (nebber-). (and yet a
4th base for the future, hon-, covered in a later lesson...) Compare how the
English verb "go" totally changes and becomes "went" in the past tense...
The forms of nebbere are similar to the suffixes for 'alle, as follows:
nebbere = he was
nebberetch = she was
nebberk = you (m) were (also, nebberh)
nebbersh = you (f) were
nebberkue = I was (also, nebberhue)
nebberu = they were
nebberatchihue = you (pl) were
nebbern = we were
nebberu = raspect form (you were or he was)
(Remember, when I write nebberhue, nebberkue or nebberatchihue, its

pronounced more like nebberhw, nebberkw or nebberatchihw !!! )
PAST TENSE OF 'TRI-RADICAL' VERBS
We can see that 'alle ("He is there", in the present tense) and nebbere ("He
was", past tense) use almost the same suffixes added on to the base. Again,
these suffixes added to the base nebber- are:
-e (3rd person singular masculine, "he ...")

-etch (3rd pers sing fem, "she ...")
-k or -h (2nd pers sing masc, "you m. ...")
-sh (2nd pers sing fem, "you f ...")
-kue or -hue (1st per sing, "I ...")
-u (3rd pers plur, "they ..."; also raspect forms "he" and "you")
-atchihue (2nd pers plur, "you pl ...")
-n (1st pers. plur, "we ...")
These are basically the same suffixes used to show the pronoun forms on ALL
past tense verbs, so please memorize what each of these suffixes means.
There are minor modifications to these suffixes in some verb classes; for
example some past tense verbs follow exactly the pattern of 'alle, preserving the
-e- before the suffixes -h, -sh, -hue, and -n. We will study these other verb
classes in greater detail in forthcomin lessons. In this lesson, we are going to
learn about the verbs that follow the pattern of nebbere, that is, verbs that the
book calls "tri-radicals", where this -e- is dropped before the suffixes -h /-k, -sh, -
hue /-kue, and -n.
The "tri-radical" is one of the most common, basic types of Amharic verb. The
name "tri-radical" simply means that it has three cansonant sounds in the root.
The middle cansonant is always doubled or 'stressed' in the past tense. In
nebbere the three root cansonants are N-B-R, so it is a tri-radical. The middle
cansonant sound is stressed in the past tense, so, NeBBeRe - "he was". All tri-
radical verbs follow this pattern, with the three vowels being in the "first order"
(usually "e", as we learned in the preliminary lesson, but remember, a and ha can
also be in first order, and w- in the first order is pronounced like wo).
As the Textbook puts it, "In a given verb, the basic meaning is expressed by
the consonants, the vowels serving to express shades of meaning." (different
tenses, etc.)
Here's the example of a tri-radical verb in the past tense: sebbere, "he broke"...
Suffixes exactly follow the pattern of nebbere.
sebbere = he broke
sebberetch = she broke
sebberk, sebberh = you (m) broke
sebbersh = you (f) broke
sebberkue, sebberhue = I broke
sebberu = they broke (also raspect form)
sebberatchihue = you (pl) broke
sebbern = we broke.
To sum up: The radicals (root cansonants) of this verb "to break" are S-B-R.
Since it's a tri-radical, the -e- is dropped in the forms sebberk / sebbersh /
sebberkue and sebbern; but we will later see this -e- is kept in certain other verbs
that aren't tri-radicals, as in the forms 'alleh / 'allesh / 'allehue and 'allen.
DIRECT OBJECT MARKER
In Amharic, there is a suffix -n added to the end of nouns after the article, and to
personal pronouns and names, to show what is the "direct object" of the verb.
Example: Liju 'irsasun sebbere. The boy broke the pencil.
As you see, the -n suffix is added on after the article -u, showing that 'the pencil'
is the object, and not the subject, of 'broke'.
If you've never studied grammar, the difference between 'subject' and 'object' of
a verb, is like the difference between "he" and "him", or between "I" and "me", in
standard English. The subject is what carries out the action, and the object is
what the action is carried out on. In English, we show this by the word order,
subject-verb-object. In "he answered me", "he" is the subject and "me" is the
object of the verb "answered". But in "I answered him", "I" is the subject and
"him" is the object.
In Amharic, the suffix -n shows you the object. Compare:
"He answered me" = 'Issu 'inien mellese.

"I answered him" = 'Inie 'issun melleskue.
As we have said, with nouns, the -n marker comes right after the -u or -w or -wa
of the article. But if there is no article, you don't have to put the -n on the direct
object; it's usually left off, except with proper names. If it is left off, the only way
to tell it is a direct object is from the normal Amharic word order Subject-Object-
Verb (see below, 'About word order'.)
Examples:
Wisshaw lij nekkese = the dog bit a child.

(Lij is the object, but no article, so no object marker...)
Wisshaw lijun nekkese = the dog bit THE child.

(Lijun is the object; there is an article -u, so there is also an object marker -n)
If the article comes after an adjective modifying the noun, then so does the -n.
Example:
Wisshaw tinnishun lij nekkese.

(Tinnish is the adjective modifying lij, it takes both the article and the -n)
To sum up: The object marker suffix -n is used to show when a noun is the
direct object:
* After nouns or adjectives with articles: e.g. Lijun
* After personal pronouns: 'issun
* After proper names: Laqetchin, 'Aseffan
* Also, after possessive suffixes (which we haven't learned yet)
The object marker -n is usually left off from the direct object:
* After common nouns with no article. (The -n is still found in this case in some
Bible Books and poetry, folk sayings, etc.)
ABOUT WORD ORDER
Amharic is a language that follows the general S-O-V word order (Subject-
Object-Verb) with the verb always coming at the end. Some of you who are
linguists may know that some other S-O-V languages include Latin and
Japanese... But English, on the other hand, is a S-V-O language (Subject-Verb-
Object) like French and Chinese. (A third type of word order is V-S-O, notably
Hebrew follows this order with the verb at the beginning!)
The simplest Amharic sentences can cansist of only one word, the verb, since
the pronoun is implicit. Example: Mellesetch = "She answered."
If there is an explicit subject, then the order is subject-verb. Example: Liju

woddeqe = "The boy fell."
If there is a direct object, and an implicit subject in the verb, the order is object-
verb. Example: Berun keffete = "He opened the door."
If the sentence includes both a direct object and an explicit subject, the word
order as a general rule, is subject-object-verb. Example: Wisshaw lij nekkese =
"The dog bit a child."
However, in cases where the -n is used to indicate the object, it is possible to
vary the word order somewhat, since the -n removes all doubt as to whether it is
a subject or object. So, you could also say Lijun wisshaw nekkese = "The dog bit
the child", with the object before the subject. But don't try this when -n is not
used, since in that case one must rely on S-O-V word order to determine the
object.
"As for prepositional or adverbial phrases, their place varies according to

emphasis, but the verb is always at the end." For instance, in the sentence "The
thief stole items from a house", "from a house" is a prepositional phrase rendered
as ke+biet, so, this sentence could be: 1) Liebaw kebiet 'iqa serreqe; or, 2)
Kebiet liebaw 'iqa serreqe; or 3) Liebaw 'iqa kebiet serreqe - just so long as the
verb, serreqe "he stole" is last.
Finally, with the question-word man "who?" the word order is: object + man +
verb... Example: Berrun man keffete? "Who opened the door?" But you
wouldn't say "Man berrun keffete?"
VOCABULARY FOR LESSON SIX:
lebbese = he wore, put on

mellese = he answered, replied; or, he gave back, returned something
meskot = window
mata = evening
mechie = when?
sebbere = he broke
berr = door, gate
tilantinna = yesterday (also, tinantinna)
nebbere = he was, there was
'igzier yimmesgen = thanks, mek JAH be praised!
ketilanti wodeeya = day before yesterday (also, ketinanti wodeeya)
keffete = he opened
wossede = he took
derrese = he arrived, reached
debdabbie = letter (as in mail)
'asra 'and = 11
'asra hulett = 12
'asra sost = 13
'asra 'aratt = 14
'asra 'ammist = 15
'asra siddist = 16
'asra sebatt = 17
'asra simmint = 18
'asra zeTenny = 19
haya = 20
EXERCISES Send to rasfeqade@... by Tuesday if you want them checked. If

you think they're too easy, just send in F and G...
A. Give the correct past tense forms of these verbs, to agree with the pronoun in
parentheses.
1. ('ante) - sebbere; lebbese; mellese; keffete; wossede; derrese

2. ('irswo) - sebbere; lebbese; mellese; keffete; wossede; derrese
3. ('isswa) - sebbere; lebbese; mellese; keffete; wossede; derrese
4. ('inie) - sebbere; lebbese; mellese; keffete; wossede; derrese
5. ('anchee) - sebbere; lebbese; mellese; wossede; keffete; derrese
6. ('issatchew) - sebbere; mellese; keffete; lebbese; wossede; derrese
7. ('innessu) - sebbere; keffete; wossede; mellese; derrese; lebbese
8. ('innya) - sebbere; wossede; keffete; derrese; mellese; lebbese
9. ('innante) - sebbere; wossede; mellese; derrese; keffete; lebbese
B. Put the verb in the correct form of the past tense to agree with the pronouns
in parentheses.
1. Mets'hafun mellese. ('innya; 'irswo; 'isswa)

2. Berrun sebbere. ('ante; 'innante; 'anchee; 'issatchew)
3. Hospeetal derrese. ('innessu; 'issatchew; 'inie)
4. 'Irsasun wossede. ('inie; 'innya; 'irswo)
5. Libs lebbese. ('anchee; 'isswa; 'ante)
6. Meskotun keffete. ('isswa; 'innessu; 'inie)
7; Mets'hafun wossede. ('issu; 'ante; 'innya)
C. Change the object with no definite article, into an object with definite article
(Don't forget to add the object marker -n!)
Example: Sewiyyiew berr sebbere. Answer: Sewiyyiew berrun sebbere.
1. Liju 'irsas wossede. 2. Sietiyyowa ketinantinna wodeeya TerePPieza

wossedetch. 3. Temareew meskot keffete. 4. 'Astemareew tilantinna mets'haf
mellese. 5. Hakeemu mata womber wossede. 6. Lijageredeetu zarie meskot
sebberetch. 7. 'Addeesu 'astemaree 'addees libs lebbese. 8. Sewiyyiew
berrinna meskot keffete. 9. Temareew womberinna TerePPieza ketilantinna
wodeeya mellese. 10. Sietiyyowa lebunna sikwarinna wiha wossedetch. 11.
Temareew mets'haf mechie mellese? 12. Mets'haf zarie man wossede?
D. Finish the sentence by putting the English words correctly into Amharic.
1. 'Issu (a gate) keffete.

'Issu (the gate) keffete.
'Issu (the big gate) keffete.
2. 'Isswa (a dress) lebbesetch.
'Isswa (the dress) lebbesetch.
'Isswa (the pretty dress) lebbesetch.
3. 'Inie (a book) wossedkue.
'Inie (the book) wossedkue.
'Inie (the new book) wossedkue.
4. 'Anchee (a pencil) sebbersh.
'Anchee (the pencil) sebbersh.
'Anchee (the small pencil) sebbersh.
5. 'Issatchew (a window) keffetu.
'Issatchew (the window) keffetu.
'Issatchew (the new window) keffetu.
6. 'Ante (a chair) mellesk.
'Ante (the chair) mellesk.
'Ante (the big chair) mellesk.
7. Liju (a door) sebbere.
Liju (the door) sebbere.
Liju (the new door) sebbere.
8. (A table) mechie wossedk?
(The table) mechie wossedk?
(The new table) mechie wossedk?
9. 'Astemareew (a book) mechie mellese?
'Astemareew (the book) mechie mellese?
'Astemareew (the new book) mechie mellese?
10 Temareew (a pencil) sebbere.
Temareew (the pencil) sebbere.
Temareew (the good pencil) sebbere.
E. Change all forms of the verbs new and 'alle into the past tense forms of
nebbere.
Example 1: Bunnaw 'izzeeh new. Answer: Bunnaw 'izzeeh nebbere.

Example 2: Temareew 'ikifil 'alle. Answer: Temareew 'ikifil nebbere.
1. T'iru bunna 'alle. 2. 'Issu 'astemaree new. 3. 'Anchee hakeem nesh. 4.

Lijageredotch 'ibiet natchew. 5. 'Issatchew 'astemaree natchew. 6. 'Innya
temarotch nen. 7. 'Innante 'astemarotch natchihue. 8. Sikwarunna bunnaw
'izzeeh 'alle. 9. Hakeemotchu 'ihospeetal 'allu. 10. 'Issatchew temaree biet
'allu. 11. Temareewa 'ikifil 'alletch. 12. Sietiyyowa qonjo nat. 13. 'Ante lij neh.
14. 'Inie 'ibiet nenny. 15. 'Issu 'ihospeetal 'alle. 16. 'Isswa hakeem nat. 17.
'Irswo Tiru 'astemaree newot. 18. 'Innessu 'ibiet 'allu. 19. 'Ante yet neh?
F. Translate into Amharic.
1. When did the teacher arrive at school? 2. Who opened the big window? 3.
The doctor arrived yesterday at the new hospital. 4. The students returned
fifteen books and twenty pencils. 5. The pretty girls put on the new dresses. 6.
Who broke these doors? 7. Yesterday he (raspect) took the two chairs and the
big table. 8. When did you (raspect) arrive? 9. I arrived here yesterday. 10.
You (f) took the eleven pencils. 11. The new teacher arrived today. 12. The
nineteen students returned eighteen pencils and fourteen books to the new
teacher. 13. The student returned the pencil to the teacher. 14. I broke two
pencils today. 15. The teacher opened the door.
G. Read and Translate.
1. Berrun man keffete? Liju berrun keffete.

2. Tilliqun berr man keffete? Liju tilliqun berr keffete.
3. Meskotun man keffete? Temareew meskotun keffete.
4. Lijotchu temaree biet derresu? 'Awo, Lijotchu temaree biet derresu.
5. Ketinantinna wodeeya mets'hafotchun man wossede? Ketinantinna wodeeya
'astemareew mets'hafotchun wossede.
6. Zarie tinnishun TerePPieza man sebbere? 'Inie tinnishun TerePPieza zarie
sebberkue.
7. Mets'hafotchun mechie mellesish? Mets'hafotchun Qidamie melleskue.
8. 'Innante Sennyo hospeetal derresatchihue? 'Awo, 'innya hospeetal Sennyo
derresin.
9. 'Asra sostun 'irsasotch mechie wossedatchihue? 'Asra sostun 'irsasotch
tinantinna mata wossedin.
10. 'Addeesun libs man lebbese? 'Addeesun libs 'isswa lebbesetch.
11. Hayawin mets'hafotch man mellese? Hayawin mets'hafotch 'innessu
mellesu.
12. Zarie sinti mets'haf wossedatchihue? Zarie 'asra siddist mets'haf wossedin.
13. Temarotchu sintun womberotch sebberu? Temarotchu 'asra simmintun
womberotch sebberu.
14. Mets'hafotchun mechie mellesk? Mets'hafotchun mata melleskue.
15. T'iruwin 'irsas mechie wossedetch? T'iruwin 'irsas tinantinna wossedetch.
SELAH
Lesson 7
PAST TENSE OF BI-RADICALS

In the last lesson, we learned a little about "tri-radical" verbs (The class of verbs
with a base having three cansonant sounds, like SeBBeRe).
Now we are going to look at three of the classes of "bi-radical" verbs (where
the bases have only two cansonant sounds)
We'll call each class name by a representative verb in the 3rd person singular
past tense. So, the tri-radical class is called class SeBBeRe, and the three bi-
radical classes for this lesson are: 1) class SaMe, 2) class QoMe, and 3) class
HieDe.
All 3 of these classes use exactly the same suffixes in the past tense as we
learned for SeBBeRe and NeBBeRe.
1) Class SaMe
Verb bases in this class have two cansonants; the first cansonant is in the "fourth
order" (rabi` from the preliminary lesson) - meaning it is followed by the vowel "a"
as in 'father'. The secand cansonant of the base is in the "first order", meaning it
is followed by the vowel "e" as in 'jest'.
Canjugation of SaMe class verbs in the past tense: (endings same as SeBBeRe)
same - he kissed
sametch - she kissed
samk - you (m) kissed
samsh - you (f) kissed
samkue - I kissed
samu - they kissed (also raspect forms of he/she and you)
samatchihue - you (pl) kissed
samin - we kissed
Some other SaMe class verbs are: tsafe, he wrote; wale, he spent the day (or
'him whiled' in Iyaric!); lake, he sent; CHane, he loaded; T'ale, he threw down
('him cast' in Iyaric).
2) Verbal Class QoMe
Verb bases in this class have 2 cansonants, the first is in the seventh order (o as
in 'soldier') and the secand cansonant in the first order (e as in jest).
Canjugation of QoMe class in past tense: (endings same as SeBBeRe)
qome - he stood
qometch - she stood
qomk - you (m) stood
qomsh - you (f) stood
qomkue - I stood
qomu - they stood (also raspect forms)
qomatchihue - you (pl) stood
qomin - we stood
Other QoMe class verbs include: hone, it happened or became, mote, he died,
moqe, it was hot, roTe, he ran.
3) HieDe Class verbs
These verb bases have two consonants, the first is in the 5th order (ie as in
Jamieka) and the other is in the first order. Endings are same as SeBBeRe:
hiede - he went
hiedetch - she went
hiedk - you (m) went
hiedsh - you (f) went
hiedkue - I went
hiedu - they went (or raspect forms)
hiedatchihue - you (pl) went
hiedin - we went
This is a rare class, with few verbs; another in this class is T'iese, it gave off
smoke.
Note, that none of these verbs has any new or different suffixes in the past
tense, than the same ones you already learned for sebbere and nebbere. The
forms ending in -k and -kue can also be written and pronounced as -h and -hue,
for example, hiedhue, I went.
THE VERB 'ALE "HE SAID"
The main reason this verb is tricky, is because in writing the Ethiopian Alphabet,
it is impossible to tell apart the verbs 'ALLE (he is there) and 'ALE (he said).
Both are very common words, and both are spelled the same in feedel, but you
can hear the difference, because in 'ALLE the L is distinctly stressed, and in 'ALE
it is not. (You only hear one L in 'ALE) Also, we can see the difference in here,
because with English letters, it is easy to double the cansonant and show stress.
'ALE in the past tense (he said) follows the 'normal' pattern of SeBBeRe and the
others, whereas 'ALLE (he is there) is one of those exceptions, that keeps the -e-
before certain suffixes; so that it is actually possible to compare the two verbs
fully, as follows:
'ale - he said, v. 'alle - he is there
'aletch - she said, v. 'alletch - she is there
'alk - you (m) said, v. 'alleh - you (m) are there
'alsh - you (f) said, v. 'allesh - (f) you are there
'alkue - I said v. 'allehue - I am there
'alu - they said v. 'allu - they are there
'alatchihue - you (pl) said, v. 'allatchihue - you are there
'aln - we said v. 'allen - we are there
POSITIONAL RELATIONS (Continued)
As we said before, the 'positional relations' correspondin to what we call

"prepositions" can sometimes be expressed by a preposition, or by a post-
position, or both, or neither. We gave examples showing the positional relations
both with and without a preposition (itemaree biet, or just temaree biet will do
with certain verbs)
More examples of positional relations expressed by prepositions:
bemekeena hiede - he went by car (preposition prefix, be-, + mekeena, car)

kedabow tinnish wossede - he took a little from the bread (prep. prefix ke-, +
dabow, the bread)
wode bietu roTe - he ran to the house (prepositional word wode, toward or to)
Examples of positional relations expressed by postpositions:
T'eraraw lay bizu zaf 'alle - there are many trees on the mountain (postposition
lay, upon, on; pronounce as English word 'lie')
libsu saTinu wisTi new - the clothes are in the box (postposition wisT, within,
inside)
[NOTE: don't worry too much if you see a little i at the end of some words.
According to the rules of Amharic pronunciation, you're supposed to put that very
slight 'i' vowel after a double cansonant, if it is followed by a third cansonant. The
idea is never to have 3 cansonant sounds in a row. So, sometimes you may see
where I write forms like sinti, 'andi, etc. but it looks exactly the same in feedel
writing as sint or 'and, so you aren't required to write that little 'i' in the
exercises...!]
Examples of positional relations expressed by a preposition + postposition:
'iTerePPiezaw lay mets'hafinna 'irsas 'alle - There is a book and a pencil on the
table
(Prep prefix i- + postpositional word lay)
beMidir lay bizu fiTretotch 'allu - there are many creatures on Earth (Prep prefix
be-, + postpositional word lay)
keketemaw wiTCH bizu zafotch 'allu - There are many trees outside the city.
(Prep. prefix ke-, + postpositional word wiTCH, outside
THE PHRASE KE... 'ISKE...
'Iske means "until, up to, up 'til, as far as", etc... So the formula Ke- (x) 'iske (y)
means "from (x) until (y)"...
kebietu 'iske hospeetal hiede - He went from the house up til a hospital. (Pre.
prefix ke- + 'iske, up til)
kesost 'iske sebatt = from three up til seven
Don't worry - we'll get 'nuff practice, getting used to all of the positional phrases in
fahwud lessons, too!
VOCABULARY
hiede = he went, walked, left

lake = he sent
lay = on
moqe = it/he got warm, hot, was heated
mote = he died
roTe = he ran
same = he kissed
suq = a store, shop
shay = tea
qome = he stood, stood up, halted
be = in, on, at, by, with
'i- = in
'i-... + lay = on, upon
'i-... + wisT = within
ke- = from
ke- ... + 'iske = from ... up til ....
wale = he spent the day, did something the whole day
wisT = within, inside
wode = toward, to
wodiet = where to? where? whither? (from wode + yet)
debdabbie = letter
tsafe = he wrote
EXERCISES - you can also send just D & E if you prefer

A. Give the correct form of the past tense agreeing with the given pronouns in
parentheses.
1. ('inie) - hiede; lake; same; mote; roTe; qome; wale; tsafe

2. ('irswo) - hiede; same; lake; roTe; mote; tsafe; wale
3. ('innessu) - hiede; tsafe; wale; qome; roTe; mote; same; lake
4. ('ante) - hiede; mote; wale; lake; roTe; tsafe; same; qome
5; ('isswa) - hiede; lake; same; mote; qome; roTe; wale; tsafe
6. ('anchee) - hiede; tsafe; lake; wale; same; qome; mote; roTe
7. ('innante) - hiede; same; roTe; wale; lake; mote; qome; tsafe
8. ('issatchew) - hiede; roTe; tsafe; lake; same; mote; qome; wale
9. ('innya) - hiede; lake; same; mote; roTe; qome; wale; tsafe
B. Put the sentence in the past tense agreeing with the pronouns in
parentheses.
1. Debdabbie tsafe ('anchee; 'innessu; 'inie; 'irswo)

2. Lijun lake ('innya; 'isswa; 'ante)
3. 'Ibiet wale ('issatchew; 'innante; 'ante)
4. Wode biet roTe ('inie; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'innante)
5. Temaree biet hiede ('ante; 'anchee; 'innessu; 'innya)
6. Tilantinna mote ('issatchew; 'isswa; 'innessu)
7. Lijun same ('inie; 'anchee; 'isswa)
8. T'erePPiezaw lay qome ('innessu; 'innante; 'innya; 'irswo; 'issatchew)
C. Convert singular subjects to plural, and plural subjects to singular.

Example 1: Temareew 'irsas sebbere. Answer: Temarotchu 'irsas sebberu.
Example 2: Lijotchu roTu. Answer: Liju roTe.
1. 'Astemareew hiede. 2. Sietiyyowa qometch. 3. 'Inie 'izzeeh walkue. 4.

Temareew berrun keffete. 5. Hakeemwa debdabbie tsafetch. 6. Sewiyyiew
womber wossede. 7. 'Ante mechie derresk? 8. Temarotchu debdabbie tsafu.
9. Lijageredotchu mets'hafun mellesu. 10. Sewotchu wode hospeetal hiedu.
11. 'Astemarotchu 'itemaree biet walu. 12. Lijotchu berrun keffetu. 13.
Sietotchu wode gebeya hiedu. 14. Lijageredotchu min lebbesu? 15. 'Innante
debdabbiewin lakatchihue. 16. 'Anchee debdabbiewin tsafsh? 17. 'Innya wode
biet hiedin. 18. 'Irswo mets'hafun mellesu. 19. 'Issatchew meskotun keffetu.
20. Temareewa wode kifil hiedetch.
D. Translate to Amharic.
1. The student wrote three letters. 2. We stood on the big table. 3. The doctor
went to a house. 4. The girl ran to school. 5. We sent the letters Thursday. 6.
Where did you (pl) spend the day yesterday? 7. The teachers and the students
spent the day in the new classroom. 8. The tea was heated for breakfast. 9.
The big teacher died at the hospital Tuesday. 10. Yesterday the teacher sent
the student to school. 11. Did you (f) send the letter? Yes, I sent the letter
Monday. 12. How many people died in the hospital? 13. How did you (pl)
spend the day? Fine, thank you. 14. When did the doctor go to the hospital?
15. What did the students write in the class? 16. Where did you go yesterday?
1. 'Astemareew sinti mets'haf tsafe? 'Astemareew bizu mets'haf tsafe.

2. Hakeemotchu wodiet hiedu? Hakeemotchu wode hospeetal hiedu.
3. 'Indiet walatchihue? Dehna, 'Igzier yimmesgen.
4. Wode gebeya mechie hiedatchihue? Wode gebeya tinantinna hiedin.
5. Zarie temareew le'astemareew sinti debdabbie lake? Zarie temareew
lastemareew hulett debdabbie lake.
6. Wode temaree biet man roTe? Wode temaree biet temarotchu roTu.
7. Tinantinna mata man mote? Tinantinna mata tinnishu lij mote.
8. 'Anchee zarie temaree biet walsh? 'Awo, zarie temaree biet walkue.
9. Bunnawinna shayu lequrs moqe? 'Awo, bunnawinna shayu lequrs moqe.
10. Sewiyyiew wode hospeetal mechie hiede? Sewiyyiew wode hospeetal
ketinantinna wodeeya hiede.
11. Debdabbiewin mechie tsafk? Debdabbiewin tinantinna mata tsafkue.
12. Lijotchu 'imin lay qomu? Lijotchu 'iTerePPiezotchunna 'iwomberotchu lay
qomu.
13. Letilliqu lij debdabbie man tsafe? Qonjowa lijagered letilliqu lij debdabbie
tsafetch.
14. Man hiede? Man roTe? Man qome? 'Astemareew hiede; temarotchu roTu;
sietiyyowa qometch.
15. Tinantinna yet walatchihue? Tinantinna 'itemaree biet waln.
SELAH
Lesson 8 Timhirt Simmint
PAST TENSE OF BI-RADICALS (Cont'd)
So far, we have looked at the past tense of the tri-radicals (class SeBBeRe), and
3 classes of bi-radicals (SaMe, QoMe & HieDe) and seen that these all share
identical suffixes. There are only 2 more classes of bi-radicals, and while the
suffixes are similar, they are slightly different enough to warrant a little special
attention.
4) VERBAL CLASS SeMMa
Verb bases in this class have two cansonants; the first is in the 1st order
(usually e as in 'jest'); and the secand cansonant is always stressed, and is in the
4th order (a as in 'father')...
This type really isn't too different with the pronoun suffixes either; the only little
thing is that the -a at the ending, is always kept and sort of absorbs any other
vowels before the suffix, apart from the -u ending of the third person plural /
raspect forms, where it is dropped.
semma - he heard
semmatch - she heard
semmah - you (m) heard
semmash - you (f) heard
semmahue - I heard
semmu - they heard, + raspect forms (note the -a- of the stem is dropped here)
semmatchihue - you (pl) heard
semman - we heard
Also note that in this class, the endings -h and -hue are always -h and -hue, and
never -k and -kue.
This is a fairly common class, with some common verbs, including: bella, he
ate; TeTTa, he drank; gebba, he entered; meTTa, he came; woTTa, he went out
(iyaric: 'him proceeded'); serra, he worked; gezza, he bought; tennya, he slept,
reclined.
5) VERBAL CLASS QeRRe
Bases in this class have two cansonants, both are in the 1st order (both
followed usually by e as in jest), and the secand cansonant is always stressed.
This is the class that follows the pattern of 'alle as we learned in lesson 4. [As a
matter of fact, 'alle can be cansidered to be in this class too, since the 'a of 'alle is
in the first order - the only difference being that 'alle has a present tense meaning
("he is there"), though is canjugated as if it were past tense.]
qerre - he remained
qerretch - she remained
qerreh - you (m) remained
qerresh - you (f) remained
qerrehue - I remained
qerru - they remained
qerratchihue - you (pl) remained
qerren - we remained
As you can see, these are basically the normal suffixes, only the -e is not
dropped before -h, -sh, -hue or -n in QeRRe class verbs. Also note that, as with
SeMMa, the -h or -hue is never -k or -kue (but unlike SeBBeRe, SaMe, QoMe,
HieDe where you can use either way)
Some verbs in class QeRRe are: qerre, he remained; seTTe, he gave; feTCHe,
he ground up; messhe, it became evening (dusked); shesshe, he fled; shennye,
he accompanied, escorted.
Now to summarize, let's compare the differences for past tense suffixes in all of
the verbal classes, with this little chart:
SEBBERE, SAME, QOME, HIEDE:

-e, -etch, -k / -h, -sh, -kue / -hue, -u, -atchihue, -n / -in
SEMMA:
-a, -atch, -ah, -ash, -ahue, -u, -atchihue, -an
QERRE, 'ALLE:
-e, -etch, -eh, -esh, -ehue, -u, -atchihue, -en
THE INDIRECT OBJECT
In English, the cancept of "indirect object" is something that we can show either
by the prepositions "to" / "for", or by using word order.
Here's what I mean: in "I wrote a letter to the farmer", "I" is the subject, "wrote"
is the verb, and "a letter" is the direct object of "wrote" (It's what was written).
"to the farmer" has the form of a prepositional phrase - but, it means just the
same if we said "I wrote the farmer a letter". In that last sentance, "the farmer"
would be called "indirect object", as opposed to "direct object", because anyone
hearing that knows "the farmer" isn't actually what was "written", but that rather it
is overstood as meanin "to the farmer" or "for the farmer"... In other words,
English can express this using the word order, subject - verb - indirect object -
direct object, instead of having to say the word "to" or "for"...
In Amharic, there is no such thing as an indirect object. If you mean to say "to"
or "for" something, you would only use the prefix LE-. You can't express this with
word order; and in translating from English, you have to pay attention when the
indirect object is used in this way - and make sure you recognise that the
meaning is really LE- (to or for), without being tempted to treat it as a Direct
Object and give it a -n...! (a common mistake)
Example: Debdabbie legeberiew tsafkue.

I wrote a letter to the farmer. (But also means, "I wrote the farmer a letter")
REMINDER: You would NEVER put the "le-" prefix and the "-n" suffix on the
same noun! If it has a "le-" (to or for), than it cannot take a "-n"..(direct object)...
[For anyone who has ever studied Latin: you'll know that "le-" would be
expressed by the "Dative Case", and "-n" by the "Accusative Case", so it's like
saying a noun can't be in both cases at once!]
So once again, if you see a sentence like "I wrote the farmer a letter" do not
attempt to translate this as "'Inie geberiewin debdabbie tsafkue"...!! What was
actually "written" was not "the farmer", it was "a letter" - so instead of marking
geberiew with a -n object marker, you would instead realize that this really means
"to the farmer", and insert the LE- prefix accordingly: 'Inie LEgeberiew
debdabbie tsafkue. (correct)
TELLING AND ASKING FOR THE TIME
In Ethiopia, they use a sort of different clock to count the time. You already
know the word seàt means clock or watch. This word seàt is also the word for
"hour" (iwa). What we call twelve o'clock, i.e. midnight and noonday, in Ethiopia
is called "six hours" (siddist seàt), and what they call "twelve hours" ('asra
hulett seàt) is what we call 6:00 (a.m or p.m.) [This has nothing to do with the
time zone difference! ;o) ] In other words, they cansider the day as starting at 6
am, and the evening and night as starting at 6 pm, so that is beginning the "first
hour". 7:00 is 'andi seàt, one hour, and 8:00 is hulett seàt, two hours, etc., in
Ethiopian time. So, the way to canvert from Ethiopian time, to what we would call
it in English, and vice versa, is to remember that there is a 6-hr difference
between the two... [again, not talking about any time zones!] So, you either add
or subtract 6 to get from one to the other.
Here are some more time-related words:
"12 Noon" is siddist se'at (see above), but also can be called 'ikkule qen (=
"midday"); then there is the word qetir meaning simply "noon".
The word seàt can also mean 'lunchtime' (12:00 or 1:00) so 'afternoon' is
keseàt behwala, or keqetir behwala, and 'before noon' is keseàt befeet.
"Midnight" (siddist se'at), is also called 'ikkule lieleet.
"What time is it?" - say: Sinti seàt new? (literally, "how many hours is it?")
For more precision, like we say "AM" or "PM", you can say:
keTwatu (lit. 'from the morning') - 6:00 am through 11:00 am hours
keqenu ('from the day') - 12:00 pm through 5:00 pm hours
kemisshitu ('from the evening') - 6:00 pm through 11:00 pm hours
kelieleetu ('from the night') - 12:00 am through 5:00 am hours
kenigatu ('from the dawn') - 5:00 am to 6:00 am
Examples:
9:00 am is keTwatu besost seàt (lit. 'from the morning, at three iwas')
3:00 pm is keqenu bezeTenny seàt
9:00 pm is kemisshitu besost seàt
3:00 am is kelieleetu bezeTenny seàt
VOCABULARY
meTTa = he came
serra = he worked
sira = Work, job (noun)
serratennya = worker, employee
siga = meat
qerre = he / it remained, was absent
qen = day
bella = he ate
beero = office (derivation prob. from French)
teeyatir = play, drama ( " " " )
'ayye = he saw (class QeRRe, because the 'a is 1st order... you can tell it's not
SaMe, 'cause the y is stressed...)
wotet = milk
dabbo = bread
gebba = he entered, went in
TeTTa = he drank
EXERCISES:
A. Give the correct past tense agreeing with the pronouns in parentheses:
1. ('Inie) - semma; bella; TeTTa; gebba; woTTa; serra; gezza; tennya

2. ('Innya) - semma; bella; TeTTa; gebba; woTTa; serra; gezza; tennya
3. ('Ante) - semma; TeTTa; bella; woTTa; gebba; gezza; tennya; serra
4. ('Innante) - semma; tennya; bella; gezza; TeTTa; serra; woTTa
5. ('Isswa) - semma; gezza; tennya; TeTTa; gebba; bella; serra; woTTa
6. ('Innessu) - semma; bella; TeTTa; gebba; woTTa; serra; gezza; tennya
7. ('Issatchew) - tennya; gezza; serra; woTTa; gebba; TeTTa; bella; semma
8. ('Anchee) - bella; semma; gebba; TeTTa; serra; woTTa; tennya; gezza
9. ('Irswo) - semma; bella; TeTTa; gebba; woTTa; serra; gezza; tennya
B. Give the correct past tense agreeing with the pronouns in parentheses:
1. ('Inie) - qerre; seTTe; feTCHe; shesshe

2. ('Ante) - qerre; feTCHe; seTTe; shesshe
3; ('Anchee) - shesshe; feTCHe; seTTe; qerre
4; ('Irswo) - qerre; feTCHe; shesshe; seTTe
5; ('Isswa) - shesshe; qerre; feTCHe; seTTe
6; ('Innessu) - qerre; seTTe; feTCHe; shesshe
7; ('Issatchew) - qerre; shesshe; seTTe; feTCHe
8; ('Innya) - seTTe; qerre; shesshe; feTCHe
9. ('Innante) - qerre; seTTe; feTCHe; shesshe
C. Give the correct past tense agreeing with the pronouns in parentheses:
1. Qurs bella ('ante; 'inie; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'innante)

2. Meskot keffete ('anchee; 'issatchew; 'innya; 'innessu)
3. Libs lebbese ('inie; 'anchee; 'irswo; 'isswa)
4. Debdabbie lake ('isswa; 'innante; 'innya; 'issatchew)
5. Hospeetal hiede ('innante; 'innessu; 'ante; 'anchee)
6. Ketemaree biet qerre ('irswo; 'inie; 'innya; 'issatchew)
7. 'Irsas wossede ('innessu; 'isswa; 'innante; 'ante)
8. Wotet TeTTa ('innya; 'anchee; 'issatchew)
9; Mets'haf mellese ('issatchew; 'irswo; 'innante; 'innya)
10; Kifil gebba ('ante; 'inie; 'isswa; 'anchee)
11; Biet serra ('isswa; 'innessu; 'inie; 'innya)
12; Kewomber woddeqe ('anchee; 'innante; 'ante; 'irswo)
13; Biet derrese ('issatchew; 'innessu; 'innya; 'inie)
D. Change the sentence by using Ethiopian time instead of English

Example: Be(9) meTTahue. Answer: Besost seàt meTTahue.
1. Wode beero be(8) hiede. 2. Ketemaree biet be(5) meTTatch. 3. Lijotchu

qurs be(10) bellu. 4. Serratennyotchu kebeero be(6) woTTu. 5. Teeyatir be(7)
'ayyehue. 6. Sietiyyowa wode hospeetal be(11) hiedetch. 7. Tinantinna 'ibeero
be(12) derreskue. 8. Qidamie be(3) temaree biet 'alle. 9. 'Ibeero be(2)
derreskue. 10. 'Issatchew kegebeya be(4) meTTu. 11. Tinantinna be(1) yet
hiedatchihue? 12. Mets'hafun be(9) mellesish?
E. Change singular subjects to plural, and plural subjects to singular

Example 1): Serratennyaw kebeero meTTa. Answer: Serratennyotchu kebeero
meTTu.
Example 2): Lijotchu wotet TeTTu. Answer: Liju wotet TeTTa.
1. Temareew teeyatir 'ayye. 2. 'Innya dabbo bellan. 3. 'Astemareew 'ikifil

gebba. 4. Serratennyotchu kebeero qerru. 5. Hakeemwa kehospeetal
meTTatch. 6. 'Innante ketemaree biet qerratchihue? 7. 'Innessu lequrs siga
bedabbo bellu. 8. Sewiyyiew kebeero meTTa. 9. Lijageredotchu tinantinna
teeyatirun 'ayyu. 10. 'Innante min serratchihue? 11. 'Inie ketemaree biet
qerrehue. 12. Serratennyotchu qurs bellu. 13. 'Ante mechie meTTahue? 14.
Temarotchu ketemaree biet qerru. 15. Min TeTTatchihue?
1. The worker went to the office. 2. She drank coffee with sugar for breakfast.
3. How many hours did you (raspect) work today? 4. Yesterday we saw a play
at school. 5. Coffee with milk is good. 6. When did you (m) come from the
office? 7. The workers came from the office at three o'clock. 8. The student
entered the house by a window. 9. There is bread, milk, tea, and sugar for
breakfast. 10. What did you (f) eat for breakfast today? I ate bread with tea.
11. The workers were absent from the office today. 12. What day is today?
Today is Thursday. 13. She went from the office to the hospital. 14. For
breakfast today the worker ate meat with bread and drank coffee with milk. 15. I
saw a very good play yesterday.
G. Read and translate:
1. Kebeero mechie meTTahue? Kebeero be'asra hulett seàt meTTahue.

2. Ketemaree biet man qerre? Ketemaree biet 'astemarotchunna temarotchu
qerru.
3. Lequrs min bellatchihue? Lequrs siganna dabbo bellan.
4. Serratennyotchu 'ibeero min 'ayyu? Serratennyotchu 'ibeero sost 'addees
TerrePPiezotch 'ayyu.
5. Keteeyatiru yet gebbatch? Keteeyatiru wode biet gebbatch.
6. Lijotchu qen min bellu? Lijotchu qen siga bedabbo bellu.
7. Zarie min serrah? Zarie letemareew hulett debdabbie tsafkue.
8. Tinantinna lehakeemu min wossedatchihue? Tinantinna lehakeemu
TerrePPiezawininna womberotchun wossedin.
9. Leliju wotet moqe? 'Awo, wotet leliju moqe.
10. Kekifil zarie man qerre? Kekifil zarie lijageredotchu qerru.
11. Leserratennyotchu kebeero sinti debdabbie lakh? Leserratennyotchu
kebeero haya debdabbie lakhue.
12. Sebbatun debdabbie lastemareew mechie tsafk? Sebbatun debdabbie
keseàt behwala tsafkue.
13. Tinantinna sietotchu yet walu? Tinantinna sietotchu 'ibeero walu.
14. 'Ibiet bemeskot man gebba? 'Ibiet bemeskot sewiyyiew gebba.
15. Mets'hafotchuninna 'irsasotchun leman mellesk? Mets'hafotchuninna
'irsasotchun letemareew melleskue.
SELAH
Lesson 9
NEGATIVE OF PAST TENSE
The negative of all verb classes in the past tense, is formed by putting the prefix
'alat the beginning, and the suffix -m (or -im) at the end. The suffix is
pronounced -m after a vowel, and -im after a cansonant -- (of course, -m and -im
look the same in Feedel script anyway...!) This -m can also be pronounced
stressed, as -mm (and still looks the same in Feedel!)
Examples: sebbere, he broke; in the negative, becomes 'alsebberem, he didn't
break. sebberetch, she broke, in the negative, becomes 'alsebberetchim, she
didn't break.
To see the canjugation in full:
'alsebberem he didn't break

'alsebberetchim she didn't break
'alsebberkim you (m) didn't break
'alsebbershim you (f) didn't break
'alsebberkum I didn't break
'alsebberum they didn't break
'alsebberatchihum you (pl) didn't break
'alsebbernim we didn't break
'alsebberum you didn't break ('irswo)
'alsebberum he didn't break ('irsatchew)
[Remember that the verb endin I choose to write as -kue in the positive, and is
actually pronounced -kw, is spelled in feedel as -ku... so, when you add the
negative -m, or -mm, this simply becomes -kum or -kumm... same with -
atchihum]
NEGATIVE OF VERB NEW
The above method works for all verbs in the past tense, including nebbere, he
was ( ==> 'alnebberem, he was not)...
The verb new ("he is"), as we have already seen, is quite irregular; and it uses
yet another stem for the negative, present tense. The negative of new ("he is") is
'aydellem "he is not" (variant: 'aydollem)...
This word 'aydellem is made up of the stem, * 'aydelle- , plus the negative suffix
-m. (The * indicates that this stem normally does not stand alone)... This stem
* 'aydelle- follows the pattern of 'alle , with the -m added to each form, as follows:
'aydellem = he isn't
'aydelletchim = she isn't
'aydellehim = you (m) aren't
'aydelleshim = you (f) aren't
'aydellehum = I'm not
'aydellum = they aren't / raspect forms
'aydellatchihum = you (pl) aren't
'aydellenim = we aren't
As usual, the verb 'aydellem comes at the end of the sentence, and agrees with
the form of the subject. Examples:
'Issu beTam Tenkarra 'aydellem. He is not very strong.

'Isswa degg 'aydelletchim. She is not nice.
Gwobez 'aydellehum. I am not brave.
Yih sew shemmanie 'aydellem. This man is not a weaver.
NEGATIVE OF VERB 'ALLE
The verb of presence, 'alle, also uses a different form in the negative present.
The negative of 'alle "he is there, is present", becomes yellem "he is not present;
there is no..."
This word yellem is made up of the stem * yelle- , plus the negative suffix -m.
The stem * yelle- also follows the pattern of 'alle, and adding the -m, like this:
yellem = he / it is not present

yelletchim = she is not present
yellehim = you (m) are not present
yelleshim = you (f) are not present
yellehum = I am not present
yellum = they are not present
yellatchihum = you (pl) are not present
yellenim = we are not present
Again, the verb yellem comes at the end of the sentence and agrees in form
with the subject. Examples:
Yohannis yellem. Yohannis is not present

Sikwar yellem. There is no sugar,
'Almaz 'ikifil wisT yelletchim. 'Almaz is not in the room.
'Izzeeh lijotch yellum. There are no childran here.
Begebeya bizu sew yellem. There are not many people in the market. (sew is
in singular form, so takes singular verb, despite plural meanin...)
ANSWERING NO TO A QUESTION
Here is where I find a discrepancy between what my Textbook teaches, and

what I have actually experienced whenever canversing in Amharic. According to
the book, the simple word "yellem" can also serve as "no," in answer to a positive
question. As in: Sirawin CHerresk? Yellem, 'alCHerreskum. "Did you finish the
Work? No, I didn't finish."
However, in actual canversation, I've never heard anyone use yellem in this
fashion; instead, they use the simple word 'aydellem to mean "no" for that sense.
That is, what you'll hear is: Sirawin CHerresk? 'Aydellem, 'alCHerreskum.
Since I am much more used to hearing and saying 'aydellem for "no", that is
what I am going to use in these lessons, rather than the Textbook's "yellem"...
But, it may turn out that saying "yellem" for "no" will be cansidered more correct
Lisane Nigus (Language of the King) since after all, this is an older Textbook
from the 60's...!
misa = lunch
sinee = cup
qeTTere = he hired, made appointment
birCHiqqo = glass
neger gin = but; however
'injera = traditional staple of Ethiopian meals cansistin of a pancake-like bread
that the meal is served over
ke... lay = from (from upon, from atop)
woddeqe = he fell
woT = stew
woT serratch = she prepared stew
zennebe = it rained
zinab = rain
doro = chicken
doro woT = chicken stew
gered = maid
gin = but (generally the secand word in a clause)
EXERCISES - Send any answers by Friday 10PM EST for checkin
A. Change the past tense verb into the negative. Example: 'Inie berrun
sebberkue. Answer. 'Inie berrun 'alsebberkum.
1. Temareew mets'hafun wossede. 2. Sietiyyowa 'addees libs lebbesetch. 3.

Bunna bewotet TeTTahue. 4. 'Anchee tinantinna kebeero qerresh. 5.
T'erePPiezawininna womberun mellesk? 6. 'Issatchew 'ammist debdabbie tsafu.
7. Wotetu moqe. 8. 'Innya tinantinna mata bizu serran. 9. 'Innessu
meskotuninna berrun keffetu. 10. 'Irswo debdabbiewin mata laku? 11.
'Ihospeetal derresatchihue? 12. Serratennyotchu 'izzeeh walu. 13. 'Ikifil
bemeskot gebbahue. 14. 'Isswa 'addees gered qeTTeretch. 15. 'Innya 'injera
bewoT bellan. 16. 'Issatchew kegebeya meTTu. 17. 'Irswo tinantinna 'ibeero
hiedu? 18. Geredeetu lemisa Tiru woT serratch. 19. Liju wode temaree biet
roTe. 20. 'Astemareew zarie mote.
B. Change the forms of new into the negative. Example: 'Issu Tiru temaree
new. Answer: 'Issu Tiru temaree 'aydellem.
1. Yih birCHiqqo new. 2. Geredeetu qonjo nat. 3. 'Ante Tiru 'astemaree neh.
4. 'Anchee 'addees hakeem nesh. 5. 'Inie serratennya nenny. 6.
'Astemarotchu beTam Tiruwotch natchew. 7. 'Innante hakeemotch natchihue.
8. 'Innya temarotch nen. 9. Teeyatiru beTam Tiru new. 10. Sietiyyowa beTam
Tiru gered nat. 11. BirCHiqqow tilliq new; sineew tinnish new. 12. 'Issatchew
Tiru sew natchew.
C. Change the forms of 'alle into the negative. Example: 'Issu 'ibiet 'alle.
Answer: 'Issu 'ibiet yellem.
1. Lemisa woT 'alle. 2. Geredeetu 'ibiet 'alletch. 3. 'Anchee 'ibiet 'allesh. 4.

'Ante 'itilliqu beero 'alleh. 5. 'Astemarotchunna temarotchu 'ikifil 'allu. 6.
'Innante 'ibiet 'allatchihue. 7. 'Innya temaree biet 'allen. 8. 'Irswo 'ibiet 'allu. 9.
'Inie 'ikifil 'allehue. 10. 'Issatchew 'ihospeetal 'allu. 11. Dorowa 'iTerePPiezaw
lay 'alletch. 12. Sikwar 'isineew wisT 'alle.
1. The child drank milk in a glass. 2. The books fell from the table. 3. We ate a
good lunch today. 4. The maid came from the market at eleven o'clock. 5. The
teacher hired a new maid. 6. What did you (m) drink for breakfast? Coffee with
milk or tea? 7. The stew is very good. 8. The maid prepared very good stew for
lunch today. 9. The students and the teachers ate bread with chicken stew. 10.
There is tea, but there is no sugar. 11. It rained a lot today. 12. We did not eat
chicken for lunch today. 13. She did not drink tea in a cup. 14. Today it didn't
rain. 15. The maid did not prepare chicken stew for lunch today.
1. Lequrs min TeTTah? Lemisass? Lequrs shay lemisa gin bunna TeTTahue.
2. Tinantinnanna ketinanti wodeeya bizu zennebe? 'Aydellem; tinantinnanna
ketinanti wodeeya bizu 'alzennebem.
3. Misa bellah? Qursiss? Misa bellahue; qurs gin 'albellahum.
4. KeTerePPiezaw lay min woddeqe? KeTerePPiezaw lay sineewinna
birCHiqqow woddequ.
5. Sietiyyowa 'addees gered qeTTeretch? 'Aydellem; sietiyyowa 'addees gered
'alqeTTeretchim.
6. Tinantinnanna zarie bizu zennebe? 'Awo, tinantinnanna zarie bizu zennebe.
7. Temarotchu lequrs 'injera bellu? 'Aydellem; temarotchu lequrs 'injera
'albellum.
8. Zarie doro woT serrash? 'Aydellem, zarie doro woT 'alserrahum.
9. BirCHiqqow woddeqe? Sineewiss? BirCHiqqow woddeqe; sineew gin
'alwoddeqem.
10. Geredeetu doro woT serratch? 'Aydellem, geredeetu doro woT
'alserratchim.
11. 'Issatchew qonjo gered mechie qeTTeru? 'Issatchew qonjo gered zarie
qeTTeru.
12. Zarie lemisa min TeTTash? Bunna woyiss shay? Zarie lemisa bunna
TeTTahue.
13. Lemisa min bellah? 'Injera bewoT? Dabbo besiga? Lemisa 'injera bewoT
bellahue.
14. 'Issatchew hakeem natchew? 'Aydellem; 'issatchew hakeem 'aydellum.
15. 'Injera bellatchihue? 'Aydellem, 'injera 'albellanim.
16; 'Ante temaree neh 'astemaree? 'Aydellem, 'inie temaree 'aydellehum;
'astemaree nenny.
NEXT LESSON (10) - REVIEW LESSON!!!
Lesson 10 ( Review 6 9)
LESSON SIX / TIMHIRT SIDDIST - 7/20 [Archived Message # 1419]
* The Verb Nebbere

* Past Tense of 'Tri-radical' Verbs (Class SeBBeRe)
* Direct Object Marker -n
* About Word Order
LESSON SEVEN / TIMHIRT SEBBATT - 7/28 [# 1431]
* Past Tense of Biradicals (SaMe, QoMe, HieDe)

* The Verb 'Ale "He Said"
* Positional Relations (Cont'd)
* The Phrase Ke... 'iske...
LESSON EIGHT / TIMHIRT SIMMINT - 8/12 [# 1473]
* Past Tense of Biradicals Con'td (SeMMa, QeRRe)

* Translating "Indirect Objects"
* Telling and Asking for the Time
LESSON NINE / TIMHIRT ZET'ENNY - 8/27 [# 1509]
* Negative of Past Tense

* Negative of Verb New
* Negative of Verb 'Alle
* Answering No to a Question
REVIEW VOCABULARY FOR LESSON SIX:
lebbese = he wore, put on

mellese = he answered; or, he returned something
meskot = window
mata = evening
mechie = when?
sebbere = he broke
berr = door, gate
tilantinna = yesterday
(also, tinantinna)
nebbere = he was, there was
'igzier yimmesgen = thanks, mek JAH be praised!
ketilanti wodeeya = day before yesterday
(or ketinanti wodeeya)
keffete = he opened
wossede = he took
derrese = he arrived, reached
debdabbie = letter (as in mail)
'asra 'and = 11
'asra hulett = 12
'asra sost = 13
'asra 'aratt = 14
'asra 'ammist = 15
'asra siddist = 16
'asra sebatt = 17
'asra simmint = 18
'asra zeTenny = 19
haya = 20
VOCABULARY 7
hiede = he went, walked, left

lake = he sent
lay = on
moqe = it/he got warm, hot, was heated
mote = he died
roTe = he ran
same = he kissed
suq = a store, shop
shay = tea
qome = he stood, stood up; halted
be = in, on, at, by, with
'i- = in
'i-... + lay = on, upon
'i-... + wisT = within
ke- = from
ke- ... + 'iske = from ... up til ....
wale = he spent the day, did something the whole day
wisT = within, inside
wode = toward, to
wodiet = where to? where? whither?
debdabbie = letter
tsafe = he wrote
VOCABULARY - 8
meTTa = he came
serra = he worked
sira = Work, job (noun)
serratennya = worker, employee
siga = meat
qerre = he / it remained, was absent
qen = day
bella = he ate
beero = office
teeyatir = play, drama
'ayye = he saw
wotet = milk
dabbo = bread
gebba = he entered, went in
TeTTa = he drank
misa = lunch
sinee = cup
qeTTere = he hired, made appointment
birCHiqqo = glass
neger gin = but; however
'injera = a pancake-like bread
ke... lay = from (from upon, from atop)
woddeqe = he fell
woT = stew
woT serratch = she prepared stew
zennebe = it rained
zinab = rain
doro = chicken
doro woT = chicken stew
gered = maid
gin = but
REVIEW EXERCISES: Exercises A, C, & E are only drills and may be done at
home without having to send them in, but you still can if you want!
A. Give the past tense agreeing with the pronoun in parentheses:
1. ('inie) - sebbere; hiede; lebbese; lake; mellese; same; keffete

2. ('ante) - sebbere; mote; roTe; keffete; wossede; bella; derrese
3. ('innya) - sebbere; qeTTere; wale; meTTa; keffete; woddeqe; roTe
4. ('innante) - sebbere; 'ayye; woddeqe; TeTTa; gebba; mote
5. ('irswo) - sebbere; serra; qerre; bella; wossede; lebbese; roTe
6. ('anchee) - sebbere; shesshe; wossede; hiede; bella; roTe
7. ('isswa) - sebbere; tennya; seTTe; wale; keffete; bella; mote
8. ('issatchew) - sebbere; semma; same; gezza; wossede; mote; wale
9. ('innessu) - sebbere; hiede; lebbese; lake; same; semma; roTe
B. Change the verb to negative.

Example: Tinantinna mata meTTa. Answer: Tinantinna mata 'almeTTam.
1. Zarie 'astemareew 'addees libs lebbese. 2. Temareew tinantinna mets'hafun

mellese. 3. Sewiyyiew zarie hulett debdabbie tsafe. 4. Geredeetu Tiru doro
woT serratch. 5. Lijageredeetu 'ikifil wisT woddeqetch. 6. Lequrs dabbo
beshay bellahue. 7. Serratennyotchu wode beero hiedu. 8. 'Issatchew lemisa
besebbatt seàt derresu. 9. 'Ante tilantinna 'ibiet behulett seàt meTTah. 10.
Sietotchu zarie 'igebeya walu. 11. 'Astemareew temareewin 'ibeero lake. 12.
Teeyatirun 'ayyesh? 13. Berruninna meskotun keffetin. 14. Sineew
keTerePPiezaw lay woddeqe. 15. Zarie kebeero qerratchihue. 16. Shayu
moqe? 17. Geredeetu 'ibiet bemeskot gebbatch. 18. Liju sineewin sebbere.
19. 'Irswo berrun keffetu? 20. 'Issatchew 'addees gered qeTTeru.
C. Give the past tense agreeing with the pronoun in parentheses.
1. Mets'hafun mellese. ('inie; 'isswa; 'irswo; 'innante; 'anchee)

2. Temaree biet hiede. ('innya; 'innessu; 'ante; 'issatchew)
3. 'Ikifil gebba. ('anchee; 'issatchew; 'inie; 'innya)
4. Debdabbie lake ('ante; 'isswa; 'innante; 'innessu)
5. Meskotun sebbere ('irswo; 'innya; 'innante; 'innessu)
6. Wode 'astemareew roTe ('inie; 'anchee; 'isswa; 'issatchew)
7. 'Irsasun wossede ('innante; 'isswa; 'inie; 'innya)
8. T'errePPiezaw lay qome ('isswa; 'innya; 'ante; 'irswo)
9. Berrun keffete ('innessu; 'isswa; 'innya; 'anchee)
10. Temaree biet wale ('inie; 'ante; 'issatchew; 'innante)
11. Mets'haf tsafe ('issatchew; 'ante; 'anchee; 'iswa)
12; Hospeetal derrese ('inie; 'innya; 'innessu; 'innante)
13; Wotet TeTTa ('ante; 'anchee; 'innante; 'innessu)
14; Gered qeTTere ('inie; 'innya; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'issatchew)
D. Change the direct objects with no article, to direct objects with article.
Example: Sewiyyiew berr sebbere. Answer: Sewiyyiew berrun sebbere.
1. Geredeetu sinee sebberetch. 2. 'Astemareew ketilantinna wodeeya
debdabbie tsafe. 3. 'Itemaree biet 'addees teeyatir 'ayyen. 4. 'Inie meskot
keffetkue; 'issu gin berr keffete. 5. Hakeemu tilantinna 'addees libs 'allebbesum.
6. Womber; TerrePPieza; sineenna birCHiqqo lesietiyyowa melleskue. 7.
Le'astemareew debdabbie laksh? 8. Serratennyaw 'ibeero bunna 'alTeTTam. 9.
'Issatchew 'addees mets'haf mechie tsafu? 10. Geredeetu woT 'alserratchim.
11. 'Innessu kebeero mets'haf wossedu. 12. Tinnishu lij dabbo 'albellam; wotet
gin TeTTa. 13. Yih serratennya 'addees biet serra. 14. 'Irswo gered mechie
qeTTeru? 15. 'Astemareew temaree wode gebeya lake.
E. Complete by substituting Amharic for the English in parentheses:
1. 'Issu (a gate) sebbere.

'Issu (the gate) sebbere.
'Issu (the big gate) sebbere.
2. 'Ante (a glass) wossedk.
'Ante (the glass) wossedk.
'Ante (the new glass) wossedk.
3. 'Innessu (a letter) laku.
'Innessu (the letter) laku.
'Innessu (the good letter) laku.
4. 'Isswa (a cup) wossedetch.
'Isswa (the cup) wossedetch.
'Isswa (the small cup) wossedetch.
5. 'Irswo (a play) 'ayyu.
'Irswo (the play) 'ayyu.
'Irswo (the new play) 'ayyu.
6. 'Inie (a book) tsafkue.
'Inie (the book) tsafkue.
'Inie (the big book) tsafkue.
7. 'Innante (stew) mechie serratchihue?
'Innante (the stew) mechie serratchihue?
'Innante (the good stew) mechie serratchihue?
8. 'Innya (a door and a window) keffetin.
'Innya (the door and the window) keffetin.
'Innya (the big door and the small window) keffetin.
9. 'Irswo (milk) TeTTu?
'Irswo (the milk) TeTTu?
'Irswo (the good milk) TeTTu?
F. Change the verbs to negative:

Example 1) 'Issu temaree new. Answer: 'Issu temaree 'aydellem.
Example 2) 'Issu 'ibiet 'alle. Answer: 'Issu 'ibiet yellem.
1. Sewiyyiew Tiru hakeem new. 2. Serratennyotchu 'ibeero 'allu. 3. Lenege

qursinna lezarie misa doro woT 'alle. 4. Sietiyyowa hakeem nat; sewiyyiew
'addees 'astemaree new. 5. 'ITerePPiezaw lay siddist sineenna siddist
birCHiqqo alle. 6. Le'irswo 'ibeero debdabbie 'alle. 7. Yih seàt new; 'innezzeeh
mets'hafotchinna 'irsasotch natchew. 8. Zarie sennyo new; temaree biet 'alle. 9.
'Inie Tiru temaree nenny; 'ante tilliq sew neh. 10; 'Innante 'astemarotch
natchihue; 'innya temarotch nen. 11. 'Issatchew tilliq sew natchew. 12.
Sietiyyowa 'ihospeetal 'alletch. 13. 'Irswo Tiru 'astemaree newot. 14. 'Innya
'ibeero 'allen; 'innante 'itemaree biet 'allatchihue. 15. 'Anchee Tiru temaree
nesh. 16. 'Issatchew Tiru hakeem natchew; 'ante Tiru temaree neh. 17;
Temarotchunna 'astemarotchu 'ikifil 'allu. 18. Hakeemu 'ihospeetal 'alle. 19.
'Issatchew 'ibiet 'allu; 'ante 'izzeeh 'alleh. 20; 'Anchee 'izzeeh 'allesh.
G. Make up complete answers to the questions in Amharic.
1. 'Addeesun libs mechie lebbesk? 2. 'Ibeero besint seàt derresish? 3. Zarie

lemisa min bellatchihue? 4. Geredeetu doro woT serratch? 5. Shayinna wotet
moqe? 6. 'Issatchew teeyatirun 'ayyu? 7. 'Irswo 'addees gered mechie
qeTTeru? 8. Lemisa min bellu? 'Injera bewoT woyiss siga bedabbo? 9. Lenie
debdabbie man tsafe? 10. Sinti serratennyotch kebeero qerru? 11. 'Irswo zarie
min serru? 12. 'Ibeero besint seàt derresin? 13. Liju keTerePPiezaw lay
woddeqe? 14. Zarie min bellatchihue? Min TeTTachihue? 15. Keyet
meTTatchihue?
H. Translate into Amharic.
1. The teacher went to class day before yesterday. 2. The big cup fell from the
table. 3. The girl came, but the boy went home. 4. Monday and Wednesday
the employee didn't come to the office. 5. Today at eleven o'clock she sent five
letters. 6. I came to the office at two but the workers didn't arrive. 7. Where did
you (pl) spend the day? Did you eat chicken stew for lunch? 8. Did you see the
play yesterday? Yes, we saw the play. 9. Did the milk get warm? No, the milk
didn't get warm. 10. Whom did the woman send? the maid or the boy? 11.
She opened the door and went into the house. 12. I hired a new maid today, but
she didn't come. 13. They ate bread with chicken stew for lunch. 14. What day
is today? Friday or Saturday? 15. The book fell off the table. 16. Many people
went to the market. 17. The woman put on a new dress Sunday and went to the
theater. 18. Yesterday evening I wrote a letter to the teacher. 19. Is there
Water for stew and tea? 20. These employees are absent from the office.
Where did they go? They did not come yesterday.
Dirset
'Aseffa libsun lebbese. Qursun behulett seàt bella. Lequrs siga bedabo bella.
Shay bewotet TeTTa. Shayun bebirCHiqqo TeTTa.
Laqetch meTTatch. 'Aseffa <<'Indiet 'addersh?>> 'ale. <<Dehna; 'indiet
'adderk Aseffa?>> 'aletch.
<<Qurs bellash?>>
<<'Aydellem 'albellahum; 'antess?>>
<<'Awo; 'inie bellahue.>>
<<Min bellah?>>
<<Siga bedabbo bellahue; shay bewotet TeTTahue.>>
<<'Inie tinantinna lequrs 'injera bewoT bellahue; bunna besikwar TeTTahue.>>
<<Kequrs behwala min serrash?>>
<<Tinantinna kequrs behwala debdabbie tsafkue. Behwala lemisa doro woT
serrahue.>>
<<Temaree biet 'alhiedshim?>>
<<'Aydellem; temaree biet 'alhiedkum. 'Antess?>>
<<Tinantinna qurs be'andi seàt bellahue; behulett seàt wode temaree biet
hiedkue. Neger gin 'astemareew 'ikifil 'alnebberem; be'aratt seàt wode biet
meTTahue.>>

'addere = he spent the night [iyaric: him lodged]; it's a triradical: ' - D - R
'Indiet 'addersh? = Good morning! (lit. 'How did you spend the night?')
behwala = later
ke-...(x) behwala = after (x)... so, kequrs behwala = after breakfast...
Questions for Dirset:

1. 'Aseffa lequrs min bella? 2. Laqetch tinantinna kequrs behwala min serratch?
3. 'Aseffa shayun bemin TeTTa? 4. Tinantinna 'Aseffa wode temaree biet
besinti seàt hiede? 5. Besinti seàt meTTa?
Lesson 11
THE PRESENT / FUTURE TENSE: TRI-RADICALS
The Present tense (e.g. "he writes, he is writing") also serves for the future
tense ("he will write"). It is a compound form, so it's a little more complicated
than the past tense was.
In the past tense, as we have learned, the forms of the verb for each of the
personal pronouns (he, she, you, etc. ) are expressed by suffixes. (-e, -etch, -
eh / -k...)
In the present / future tense, these pronoun forms are indicated by both prefixes
AND suffixes, followed by the correspondin form of the verb of presence 'ALLE
(see lesson 4). That is why it's called a "compound" tense, including the "simple"
form with the prefixes / suffixes, added to the forms of 'ALLE.
Let's look at the triradical, sebbere (he broke) in the present/future. As you
know, the radicals here are S-B-R. The present tense (he breaks, is breaking,
will break) has the form yisebral. The yi- is the 3rd pers sing. masc. prefix "he", -
sebr- is the "base", and -al is the form of 'alle (only abbreviated to -al for this
tense in the case of 'alle itself, "he", see chart below)... The present/future
"base" for this verb is determined by putting the first radical in the first vowel
order (usu. e as in jest), & no vowel after the secand and third radicals, hence -
SeBR- is the base.
At this point we can also divide the tri-radicals up into 2 sub-categories: type 'A'
tri-radicals and type 'B' tri-radicals. -SeBR- (yisebral) has a type A triradical
base. The type B triradical follows the pattern yifelligal, with the base -FeLLiG-,
that is, first radical in the first order (again, e as in jest), but the secand radical
keeps the stress in the sixth order. We can also call this type B category
"stressed tri-radicals".
Note that you wouldn't be able to tell if a tri-radical verb is type A or B in the
present just by looking at the feedel script, since both yisebral and yifelligal have
the same form, as they would had they been pronounced 'yisebbiral' and
'yifelgal'. But you sure can tell the difference in pronunciation if not in writing, and
as well, we can show the difference in English letters, so I expect everyone to
know a type A from a type B and not write 'yisebbiral' or 'yifelgal'.
I know this is gettin a little complicated, so this lesson covers the singular
persons only.
Type A: Present/Future Base -SeBR-
yisebral - he breaks, he will break

tisebralletch - she breaks, will break
tisebralleh - you (m) break, will break
tisebreeyallesh - you (f) break, will break
'isebrallehue - I break, will break
Type B: Present/Future Base -FeLLig-
yifelligal - he wants, he will want

tifelligalletch - she want, she will want
tifelligalleh - you (m) want, will want
tifelligeeyallesh - you (f) want, will want
'ifelligallehue - I want, will want
As we can see from these two verbs, the prefixes and suffixes for each person
are:
yi- + base + -al "he"

ti- + base + -alletch "she"
ti + base + alleh "you m."
ti + base + eeyallesh "you f"
'i + base + allehue "I"
The prefixes are yi- for "he", ti- for "she" and "you", and 'i- for "I". [Any ones who
may have ever studied Hebrew language verbs, should find these prefixes
familiar-lookin!!]
The suffixes are forms of the verb of presence 'alle, but note carefully the
exceptions: the 3rd person form "he" (yisebral, yifelligal) takes the abbreviated
suffix -al instead of *-alle; and the 2nd person female "you f." (tisebreeyallesh,
tifelligeeyallesh) has an additional suffix -eey- before -allesh, so that it becomes -
eeyallesh. In all other cases, the suffix is simply the correspondin form of 'alle (-
alletch, -alleh, -allehue...)
The abbreviated suffix -al may also be pronounced stressed, as in yisebrall,

yifelligall.
Also, the compound suffix -eeyallesh (you f.) mutates with the final radical, if the
cansonant is t, d, T', s, z, ts, l, or n... so, we will not use any of these examples in
this lesson, and we'll save that explanation for Lesson 12...
Some examples of tri-radical present/future bases:
Type A - unstressed:
-MeKR- (from mekkere, he advised, he counseled)
-QeRB- (from qerrebe, he approached, he neared)
-QeDM- (from qeddeme, he preceded, was first, came before)
-NeGR- (from neggere, he told)
-DeRQ- (from derreqe, it dried, it was dry)
Type B - stressed:
-MeRRiQ- (from merreqe, he blessed)
-JeMMiR- (from jemmere, he began)
-CH'eMMiR- (from CHemmere, he added, he increased)
-MeGGiB- (from meggebe, he fed)
-T'eBBiQ- (from Tebbeqe, he guarded, watched, protected)
USAGE OF THE PRESENT/FUTURE
This tense can express present or future, so you have to figure out from the
cantext if yisebral means 'he breaks, is breaking now', or 'he will break'. It's not
always as hard as you might suppose to guess what is meant, because there are
often plenty of additional words that are used in the sentence that can make the
cantext clear. Some words you already know are behwala "later", and the other
time words. So, the followin translations are acceptable: (Examples from the
Textbook)
tinnishu lij 'iqa yisebral = the likkle boy will break items
genzeb 'ifelligallehue = I want money
misTeerun lelij lemin tinegralleh? = Why do you tell the secret to a child?
mets'hafun timellisalleh = You'll return the book.
TELLING & ASKING FOR THE TIME (CONT'D)
"What time is it?" = sint seàt new?

Answer: "It is nine o'clock" = sost seàt new.
"Sharp, exactly" = likk. Example: Likk sost seàt new, it is 9:00 sharp.
"About, approximately" = wode, or wode... lay, or wode... gidim.
So, "about ten o'clock" = Wode 'aratt seàt, or Wode 'aratt seàt lay, or Wode
'aratt seàt gidim.
Hours and minutes are as follows:
9:00 - sost seàt

9:10 - sost seàt ke'assir deqeeqa "three hours & ten minutes" or sost keàssir
9:15 - sost seàt keàsra 'ammist deqeeqa, or sost kerub "three & a quarter"
9:20 - sost seàt kehaya deqeeqa, or sost kehaya
9:30 - sost seàt tekkul "three hours and a half"
9:40 - leàratt haya gudday "to four less twenty"
9:45 - le'aratt rub gudday "to four less a quarter"
9:55 - le'aratt 'assir gudday "to four less ten"
VOCABULARY LESSON 11
* Unstressed verbs will be marked (A); and stressed verbs marked (B), for the
verb classes that have these two types in the present/future tense...
hulgeezie = always, everytime

mekeena = car, machine
silk = a phone, telephone
timhirt = lesson, education, teachins
nege = tomorrow
keeray = rent (noun)
keseàt behwala = in the afternoon
keffele (A) = he paid
zeffene (A) = he sang
zefen = a song
dewwole (B) = he telephoned; it rang (phone, bell)
jemmere (B) = he began, started
jebena = teapot or coffeepot
T'eyyeqe (B) = he asked, he questioned
T'iyyaqie = a question (noun)
CH'errese (B) = he finished, he completed
fellege (B) = he wanted, he sought, looked for, he desired
HOMEWORK
optional: do Exercises C,E,F only (the others are drills)
email: rasfeqade@...
A. Give the correct form of the present/future agreeing with the pronoun:
Type (A) unstressed:

1. ('inie) - sebbere; keffele; zeffene; derrese; keffete; wossede; qeTTere;
woddeqe
2. ('ante) - sebbere; keffele; derrese; zeffene; wossede; keffete; woddeqe;
qeTTere
3. ('anchee) - sebbere; qeTTere; woddeqe
4. ('issu) - sebbere; keffele; derrese; zeffene; keffete; wossede; woddeqe;
qeTTere
5. ('isswa) - keffele; sebbere; derrese; woddeqe; zeffene; keffete; qeTTere
Type (B) stressed:

1. ('inie) - fellege; Teyyeqe; CHerrese; dewwole; jemmere; mellese; CHemmere
2. ('ante) - fellege; CHerrese; Teyyeqe; jemmere; dewwole; CHemmere; mellese
3. ('anchee) - fellege; Teyyeqe; jemmere; CHemmere
4. ('issu) - fellege; Teyyeqe; CHerrese; dewwole; jemmere; mellese; CHemmere
5. ('isswa) - fellege; Teyyeqe; CHemmere; CHerrese; mellese; dewwole
B. Put the verbs in the present/future agreeing with the pronouns:
Type (A) unstressed:

1. Gered qeTTere. ('ante; 'inie; 'isswa; 'issu; 'anchee)
2. Kewomber woddeqe. ('anchee; 'issu; 'ante; 'isswa; 'inie)
3. Meskotun sebbere. ('issu; 'isswa; 'anchee; 'ante; 'inie)
4. Wode hakeem qerrebe. ('ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'inie; 'isswa)
5. Le'astemareew neggere. ('issu; 'anchee; 'inie; 'isswa; 'ante)
Type (B) stressed:

1. Mekeena fellege. ('inie; 'isswa; 'issu; 'anchee; 'ante)
2. T'iyyaqie Teyyeqe. ('anchee; 'issu; 'ante; 'isswa; 'inie)
3. Timhirt jemmere. ('ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'isswa; 'inie)
4. Bunna wisT sikwar CHemmere. ('issu; 'isswa; 'inie; 'ante; 'anchee)
C. Change past verbs to present/future tense.

Example: Temareew birCHiqqowin sebbere. Answer: Temareew birCHiqqowin
yisebral.
1. Hakeemu silk dewwole. 2. Liju jebenawin sebbere. 3. Liebaw mekeenawin

wossede. 4. Timhirtun besost seàt jemmerkue. 5. Temareew Tiru Tiyyaqie
Teyyeqe. 6. Sietiyyowa keerayun keffeletch. 7. Lijeetwa Tiru zefen zeffenetch.
8. Lemisa yedorowin woT CHerresk. 9. 'Astemareew 'addees biet fellege. 10.
'Ibeero besost seàt derreskue. 11. Serratennyaw Sirawin CHerrese. 12. 'Ante
timhirt mechie jemmerk? 13. Sietiyyowa silk leman dewwoletch? 14. 'Inie
Sirawin CHerreskue. 15. 'Anchee bunna bewotet fellegsh.
D. Give the time in Amharic.

Example: 2:30. Answer: Simmint seàt tekkul, or Simmint tekkul.
2:20 4:30 11:45 8:30 3:20 9:55 1:15 4:50 11:30

2:10 8:50 6:40 7:10 10:35 6:25 12:50 7:45 11:55
3:45 5:30 12:20 9:25 5:15 2:30
E. Translate into Amharic.
1. I will pay the rent. 2. The teacher will begin the lesson. 3. He will phone the
doctor. 4. You (f) are always asking questions. 5. She will begin work
tomorrow. 6. When will you phone? Today or tomorrow? 7. The teacher is
looking for the student. 8. The maid is singing a nice song. 9. I will finish the
lesson tomorrow. 10. You (m) always ask questions. 11. The boy will break the
coffee pot. 12. The teacher asks the pupils many questions. 13. When will you
(m) finish the Work? 14. She will finish the Work afternoon. 15. She sings a
very nice song.
F. Read and translate:
1. Keerayun hulgeezie tikeflalleh? 'Awo, keerayun hulgeezie 'ikeflallehue.

2. Hakeemu nege silk besint seàt yidewwilal? Hakeemu besost seàt silk
yidewwilal.
3. Lequrs min tifelligeeyallesh? Shay? Bunna? Lequrs dabbonna bunna
bewotet 'ifelligallehue.
4. Timhirtun zarie besint seàt tijemmireeyallesh? Timhirtun zarie behulett seàt
'ijemmirallehue.
5. Keerayun mechie tikeflalleh? Keerayun nege be'asra 'andi seàt 'ikeflallehue.
6. Sirawin zarie besint seàt 'ijemmirallehue? Sirawin zarie besimmint seàt
tijemmireeyallesh.
7. 'Issu Tiru zefen yizefnal? 'Awo, 'issu Tiru zefen yizefnal.
8. Serratennyaw Sirawin mechie yiCHerrisal? Sirawin nege yiCHerrisal.
9. Temareew timhirtun besint seàt yiCHerrisal? Temareew timhirtun hulgeezie
be'asra 'and seàt yiCHerrisal.
10. Min tifelligalleh? 'Addees Sira 'ifelligallehue.
11. Geredeetu min tisebralletch? Geredeetu hulgeezie jebena, sineena
birCHiqqo tisebralletch.
12. Hulgeezie 'astemareewin Tiyyaqie man yiTeyyiqal? Temareew
'astemareewin hulgeezie Tiyyaqie yiTeyyiqal.
13. 'Addeesun mets'hafinna 'irsasun tifelligeeyallesh? 'Awo, 'addeesun
mets'hafinna 'irsasun 'ifelligallehue.
14. 'Ante hulgeezie 'addees zefen tizefnalleh? 'Awo, 'inie hulgeezie 'addees
zefen 'izefnallehue.
15. 'Isswa Tiru serratennya nat? 'Awo, 'isswa Tiru serratennya nat. Sirawin
besost seàt tijemmiralletch; besebatt seàt tiCHerrisalletch. Keseàt behwala
bezeTenny seàt tijemmiralletch; be'asra hulett seàt tiCHerrisalletch.
16. Ketemaree biet mechie meTTachihue? Ketemaree biet be'asra 'andi seàt
meTTan.
Lesson 12
PRESENT / FUTURE TENSE OF TRI-RADICAL VERBS [CONT'D]
The forms for plural persons are as follows:
Type A unstressed
yisebrallu - they break, will break (also raspect forms)
tisebrallatchihue - you pl break, will break
innisebrallen (or insebrallen) - we break, will break
Type B stressed
yifelligallu - they want, will want (+ raspect)
tifelligallatchihue - you pl. want, will want
infelligallen (or innifelligallen) - we want, will want
The prefixes used in the plural forms are: yi- for "they", ti- for "you" and inni- or in-
for "we"... The suffixes are simply the correspondin forms of 'alle (-allu, -
allatchihue, -allen).
Now here's the chart of the complete conjugation, singular & plural
Sing.
3rd m. - yisebral, yifelligal
3rd f. - tisebralletch, tifelligalletch
2nd m. - tisebralleh, tifelligalleh
2nd f. - tisebreeyallesh, tifelligeeyallesh
1st - 'isebrallehue, 'ifelligallehue
Plur.
3rd - yisebrallu, yifelligallu
2nd - tisebrallatchihue, tifelligallatchihue
1st - 'infelligallen, 'insebrallen
Raspect forms:
3rd, 2nd yisebrallu, yifelligallu
PALATALIZATION
In the last lesson, it was mantioned that the suffix -eeyallesh (you f.) "mutates",
if it comes in cantact with a final radical cansonant of d, t, T', l, n, s, z and ts.
This effect is called 'palatalization', and may be compared to the way in rapid
English, a phrase like "Did you see?" becomes in pronunciation "Didjyou see"
(changing the d to a dj sound) or, in "Don't you walk?" as "Dontchyou walk?"
(changing the t to a tch sound) before the palatal y.
In Amharic, palatalization mainly occurs only in the verbs or verb-derived forms,

whenever a dental (d, t, T', l, n) or a sibilant (s, z, ts) cantacts certain palatals,
includin -ee- (as in the suffix -eeyallesh.) We'll learn other suffixes that cause
palatalization in fahwud lessons, but for -eeyallesh, the resultin changes are:
d+eey- becomes j
t+eey- = ch
T'+eey- = CH'
n+eey- = ny
l+eey- = y
s+eey- = sh
z+eey- = zh
ts+eey- = CH'
(In all these cases, the -eey- vowel can also remain after the changed cansonant,
so d+eey- can also become -jeey-, t+eey- can also become -cheey-, etc.)
Example: wollede, he begat, gave birth, has the roots W-L-D, so the D is
palatized to J in the present tense form of "you f." like this: tiwoljallesh (or,
tiwoljeeyallesh) "you f. give birth", instead of "*tiwoldeeyalesh"...
Further examples:
tikefchallesh, "you f. open", from keffete, he opened

tibelCHallesh, "you f. surpass", from belleTe, he surpassed
tilemminyallesh, "you f. beg", from lemmene, he begged
timellishallesh, "you f. answer", from mellese, he answered
timerrizhallesh, "you f poison", from merreze, he poisoned
tigelCHallesh, "you f. reveal", from gelletse, he revealed
tikefyallesh, "you f. pay", from keffele, he paid.
SOME MORE NOTES ON GENDER OF NOUNS

Most nouns can be treated as either masculine or feminine, for inanimate
objects, or other cancepts that have no clear gender. They are treated as such
in agreemant of the verb endin; by the type of article; or by the gender of
demonstrative words like "this"... (yih or yihitch)
So, a simple word like feres (horse) or beqlo (mule) has no indication of whether
it is male or female. But, if we add articles and say feresu or beqlowa /
beqloyitu, then we know we are talking about a male horse and a female mule.
We can also indicate this by sayin Yih feres (m) and Yihitch beqlo (f). Finally,
we indicate the gender in the verbs, that are governed by, and must agree with,
their subjects, so Feres yihiedal indicates a male horse, and Beqlo tiroTalletch
implies a she-mule.
However, there are a few nouns or adjectives that can also have a feminine
form by addin the suffix -eet (this suffix absorbs any final vowel) :
'arogie = old; 'arogeet = old (f.)

mushirra = groom; mushirreet = bride
'and = one; 'andeet = one (f.)
'igelie = so-and-so; 'igeleet = what's-her-name
degg = kind; deggeet = kind (f.)
T'iqur = black; T'iqureet = black (f.)
Nouns / Adjectives that end in -awee (usually denoting a place or people) have
feminine form ending in -aweet:
'EetyoPPyawee = Ethiopian; 'EetyoPPyaweet = Ethiopian f.

Ferensawee = French, Frenchman; Ferensaweet = French woman
The words wond (male) and siet (woman, dawta) can also used to specify
gender for words referring to persons or animals, as in:
wondi lij = boy; siet lij = girl
wond 'ahiyya = he-donkey siet 'ahiyya = she-donkey
Sometimes there are totally different words to express the specific gender
relationships, as in the case of:
'abbat = father 'innat = mother
wondimm = brother 'ihit = sister
'aggwot = uncle 'akist = aunt
berie = ox lam = cow
VOCABULARY
Verbs: type (A) = unstressed, (B) = stressed
lieba = thief
mankeeya = spoon
menged = road, way, street
serreqe (A) = he stole
tekkele (A) = he planted
neggede (B) = he traded
neggadie = trader, merchant
'irat = supper
'abeba = flower
zaf = tree
debter = notebook
genzeb = money
geddele (A) = he killed
CH'emmere = he added, increased
HOMEWORK
A, Give the correct form of present tense agreeing with the pronoun.
Type A unstressed
1. ('innya) - sebbere; keffele; zeffene; derrese; keffete; wossede; qeTTere;
woddeqe
2. ('innante) - sebbere; woddeqe; keffele; qeTTere; zeffene; wossede; keffete;
derrese
3. ('innessu) - sebbere; zeffne; keffete; qeTTere; keffele; derrese; wossede;
woddeqe
4. ('anchee) - sebbere; keffele; derrese; zeffene; keffele; keffete; woddeqe;
qeTTere; wossede
5. ('irswo) - sebbere; keffele; zeffene; derrese; keffete; wossede; woddeqe
6. ('irsatchew) - sebbere; woddeqe; qeTTere; keffete; wossede; derrese; zeffene
Type B stressed
1. ('innya) - fellege; Teyyeqe; CHerrese; dewwole; jemmere; mellese; CHemmere
2. ('innessu) - fellege; neggede; CHemmere; CHerrese; dewwole; jemmere;
mellese
3. ('innante) - fellege; Teyyeqe; CHerrese; dewwole; jemmere; mellese;
CHemmere
4. ('irswo) - fellege; neggede; CHemmere; Teyyeqe; CHerrese; dewwole; mellese
5. ('anchee) - fellege; CHerrese; dewwole; neggede; lemmene; mellese; jemmere
6. ('issatchew) - fellege; Teyyeqe; CHerrese; dewwole; jemmere; mellese;
CHemmere
B. Put the verb in the present tense agreeing with the pronouns.
Type A
1. Genzeb keffele ('isswa; 'innessu; 'ante; 'innante)
2. T'iru zefen zeffene. ('inie; 'innessu; 'anchee; 'irswo)
3. Gebeya derrese. ('isswa; 'ante; 'innya; 'innessu)
4. Mets'hafun keffete. ('innessu; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'issu)
5. Lijun wossede. ('innante; 'inie; 'ante; 'innessu)
6. 'Inien qeTTere. ('anchee; 'issatchew; 'isswa; 'irswo)
7. Kewomber woddeqe ('innya; 'innante; 'inie; 'innessu)
8. Bizu genzeb serreqe. ('issatchew; 'ante; 'irswo; 'inie)
Type B
1. 'Innyan fellege. ('issu; 'innessu; 'ante; 'innante)
2. 'Astemareewin Teyyeqe. ('inie; 'innya; 'anchee; 'issatchew)
3. Sira CHerrese. ('ante; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'innante)
4. Silk dewwole. ('innessu; 'inie; 'issu; 'innya)
5. Timhirt jemmere ('innante; 'anchee; 'irswo; 'isswa)
6. Tiyyaqie mellese. ('anchee; 'innya; 'inie; 'innessu)
7. Sikwar CHemmere. ('issu; 'innante; 'ante; 'innessu)
8. Libs neggede. ('isswa; 'irswo; 'anchee; 'innya)
C. Change the past tense verbs to present / future tense.

Example: Temarotchu mets'haf mellesu. Answer: Temarotchu mets'haf
yimellisallu.
1. Lijotchu Tiyyaqiewin mellesu. 2. Liebotchu mekeena serrequ. 3. Silk

letemarotchu dewwoln. 4. Liebotchu sew geddelu. 5. 'Abebanna zaf tekkelu.
6. Sietiyyowa legeredwa genzeb CHemmeretch. 7. Lijotchu berrun keffetu. 8.
Liebaw meskotun sebbere. 9. Lemekeenaw bizu genzeb keffeln. 10.
Mets'hafun zarie mellesatchihue? 11. 'Ibunnaw wisT 'andi mankeeya sikwar
CHemmere. 12. Neggadiew mekeenawan fellege. 13. 'Irat behulett seàt
CHerres'hue. 14. 'Imengedu lay zaf tekkele.
D. Translate to Amharic.
1. The students answer the question. 2. The thieves steal cars from the
streets. 3. For one cup of coffee I want two spoons of sugar. 4. The thief
always steals cars. 5. The men will plant many trees today and tomorrow. 6.
The merchants trade in cars. 7. Saturday and Sunday the merchants trade in
sugar and coffee. 8. I want chicken stew for supper today. 9. When will you (pl)
plant the flowers? 10. They will plant the trees tomorrow at eleven o'clock. 11.
We want a lot of money for school. 12. The thieves killed three merchants
yesterday. 13. The man gives more (adds, increases) to the good worker. 14.
You will pay a lot of rent. 15. The streets are not very good.
1. Tiyyaqiewin man yimellisal? Tiyyaqiewin temareew yimellisal.

2. Min tifelligalleh? Lebunnaw sikwar 'ifelligallehue.
3. Liebotchu min yiserqallu? Liebotchu mekeenawotchun kemenged yiserqallu.
4. Le'irat min yifelligallu? Le'irat 'injera bedoro woT 'ifelligallehue.
5. Tilliqu neggadie min yineggidallu? Tilliqu neggadie mekeena yineggidallu.
6. Bizu genzeb tifelligalletch? 'Awo; lemets'haf, le'irsasinna lelibs bizu genzeb
tifelligalletch.
7. Leshay sinti mankeeya sikwar tiCHemmirallatchihue? Leshay sosti
mankeeya sikwar 'inniCHemmirallen.
8. Temareew min yineggidal? Temareew debterinna 'irsas, sikwar, bunnanna
jebena yineggidal.
9. Lekeerayu genzeb tiCHemmirallatchihue? 'Awo, lekeerayu genzeb
inCHemmirallen.
10. 'Isswa Tiru tizefnalletch? 'Awo, 'irswa Tiru tizefnalletch.
11. Mets'hafun wossedk? 'Awo, mets'hafun wossedkue.
SELAH
Lesson 13
PRESENT / FUTURE OF BI-RADICAL CLASS VERBS
Selamta,
The present / future tense prefixes and suffixes we learned in the last two
lessons (coverin tri-radicals), are the same ones used for the other verb classes,
so there are no new prefixes or suffixes to learn in this lesson.
The thing that must be remembered for each class of verbs, is how to form the
"base" that these prefixes and suffixes get added onto. In other words, the way
to tell the biradical classes apart is by what vowels follow each of the root
cansonants...
1) Class SeMMa
As with tri-radicals, there is also an 'unstressed' and a 'stressed' type with this
class. In type A (unstressed) the first radical is in the 1st order, same as in the
past tense (usually this means the vowel e as in jest) - while the secand radical
is unstressed; for instance the present-fahwud base of semma (he heard) is -
SeM-.
In type B (stressed) the first radical is still in the 1st order (e...) - but the other
radical is stressed; so a verb of this type, lekka (he measured) has the present
base -LeKK-.
The canjugation of SeMMa class types A and B in the present / future tense is
therefore as follows:
Type A: semma Type B: lekka
yisemal, yilekkal
tisemalletch, tilekkalletch
tisemalleh, tilekkalleh
tisemeeyallesh tilekkeeyallesh
'isemallehue 'ilekkallehue
yisemallu yilekkallu
tisemallatchihue tilekkallatchihue
'insemallen 'inlekkallen
(The last form can also be 'innisemallen or 'innilekkallen - with a stressed 'n' in
the prefix for "we")
Some common verbs of type A (unstressed):

semma, he heard; gebba, he entered; meTTa, he came; woTTa, he
proceeded
Some common verbs of type B (stressed)

TeTTa, he drank; lekka, he measured; tennya, he reclined
2) Class QeRRe
Again, we have here the two types of base in the present-future forms,
unstressed and stressed (A and B)...
In type A the first radical is in the 1st order (as in the past): e as in jest. The
secand radical is unstressed. For instance, the present base of qerre (he
remained) is -QeR-.
In type B the first radical is still the same (followed by e) but the other radical is
stressed. So the present base of a type B verb leyye (he separated) is -LeYY-.
The type A and B canjugations are as follows:
Type A: qerre Type B: leyye

yiqeral yileyyal
tiqeralletch tileyyalletch
tiqeralleh tileyyalleh
tiqereeyallesh tileyyallesh
'iqerallehue 'ileyyallehue
yiqerallu yileyyallu
tiqerallatchihue tileyyallatchihue
'inqerallen 'inleyyallen ('in- can also appear stressed as 'inni-)
Note how the -eey- of -eeyallesh is absorbed by the -yy- of -leyy- to produce the
form tileyyallesh, "you (f.) separate"... (for "*tileyyeeyallesh")
Some verbs of type A:
qerre, he remained; feTCHe, he ground up (e.g. spices, etc.); shesshe, he fled
Some verbs of type B:

leyye, he separated; qwoyye, he waited
[NOTE: qwoyye is in this class, because the first radical qwo- is in the 1st
order. I write this letter as qwo- rather than qwe-, because that's what it sounds
like. What's more, this letter qwo is also cansidered interchangeable with the
letter qo, so sometimes you will see spellings like qoyye, etc., but it is still treated
as a QeRRe class verb...]
3) Class SaMe
For this verbal class we have only one type, no A and B. But, don't be fooled! It
is actually the trickiest class of all, because whereas the other classes keep the
same 1st vowel in the past and present tense bases [sebber- / -sebr; felleg- / -
fellig-, semm- / -sem-, lekk- / -lekk-, qerr- / qer, leyy- / -leyy-... etc.] THIS verbal
class "SaMe" shifts to a different vowel in the present-future base! Although the
past tense base of SaMe is SaM-, InI must remember that for this verb class, the
present-future base is -SiM- ... ! [vowel a in the past, shifting to short i in the
present/future]...
This is similar to how certain verbs in English, that were once called "strong
verbs", change their vowel from past to present, like "drive / drove"...
In terms of the feedel, we say that in bi-radicals of type SaMe, the first radical
goes from the fourth order (a as in father) in the past tense, to the sixth order (i
as in hit) in the present-future. The secand radical is always unstressed.
So, the present-future canjugation of same (he kissed) looks like this:
yisimal - he kisses, will kiss

tisimalletch - she kisses
tisimalleh - you (m) kiss
tisimeeyallesh - you (f) kiss
'isimallehue - I kiss
yisimallu - they kiss
tisimallatchuhue - you pl. kiss
'innisimallen (or) 'insimallen - we kiss
THE PARTICLE "YE-" : INTRODUCTION
The particle or prefix "ye-" in Amharic has various usages. In simplest terms, it
is used to indicate the cancept of possession. In this lesson we will look at how
the prefix "ye-" interacts specifically with the personal pronouns (he, she, you, I,
etc.) in order to form the possessive pronouns (his, hers, yours, mine, etc.) and
adjectives (his, her, your, my, etc.)
The "ye-" prefix can be added directly to the personal pronoun to show
ownership. So, to the pronoun 'issu, "he", we can add the ye- prefix, and get
ye'issu, "his" (poss. adjective or pronoun).
But frequently the two vowels coming in cantact with ye- plus the other vowel,
will produce a cantraction of one of the vowels. Since all of the personal
pronouns start with vowels, that means they will all cantract, dependin on the
vowel. To clarify what I mean, the form ye'issu that can mean "his" is usually
cantracted to yessu, with the secand vowel i in this case being absorbed by the e
of ye-... So, "his book" can be simply yessu mets'haf (or, ye'irsu mets'haf)...
[There is also another way of expressin the possessive pronouns through the use
of suffixes, but we'll cover that method in Lesson 16.]
For the pronouns that start with 'i-, the i is thus absorbed by the e of ye-. But for
the other pronouns that start with 'a-, the e of ye- is absorbed by the a-, so that
ye'ante, "your" or "yours", gets shortened to yante...
So, for all the possessive pronouns / adjectives, the forms are like this:
yessu - his
yesswa - her, hers
yante - your, yours (m)
yanchee - your, yours (f)
yenie - my, mine
yennessu - their, theirs
yennante - your, yours (pl)
yennya - our, ours
yessatchew - his, her, hers (r)
yerswo - your, yours (r)
These forms serve as the possessive adjectives: (my, your, her, etc.)
yessu mets'haf 'addees new, his book is new

yennessu biet tilliq new, their house is big
yanchee qemees qonjo new, your (f) dress is pretty
...and also as the possessive pronouns: (mine, yours, hers, etc.)
mets'hafu yenie new, the book is mine

shurrabu yante new, the sweater is yours
These possessive words also take the direct object marker -n when they are the
object of the verb.
Yenie mets'haf 'arogie new; silezzeeh yanten 'iwosdallehue. "My book is old,
therefore I will take yours."
Yanten mets'haf 'iwosdallehue. "I will take your book."
It is even possible to put the article suffix onto these possessive words:
"Where is mine?" - Yenie yet new? or, Yeniew yet new?
VOCABULARY OF LESSON 13 (A) = unstressed (B) - stressed
lemin - why? (le-, for, + min, what?)

hitsan - infant, baby, young child
mels - answer (noun); change (money)
messhe (A) - it dusked, became evening
min geezie - at what time? when?
ressa (A) - he forgot
saqe - he laughed
seTTe (A) - he gave
qemees - woman's dress
birr - dollar; money, silver
tolo - soon
woTTa (A) - he proceeded, he left, he went forth, went up; it rose (the Sun)
debter - notebook, exercise book
gezza (A) - he bought
HOMEWORK
A. Give the correct form of the present/future tense agreeing with the pronouns.
Type (A) verbs are indicated; unmarked verbs are either type B verbs, or SaMe
class verbs that have only one kind...
1. ('ante) - semma (A); TeTTa; bella (A); qerre (A); leyye; same; saqe; meTTa
(A); tennya; seTTe (A); lekka
2. ('issu) - semma (A); TeTTa; bella (A); qerre (A); leyye; same; saqe; meTTa
3. ('anchee) - semma (A); saqe; seTTe (A); tennya; meTTa (A); lekka; same;
leyye; qerre (A); bella (A); TeTTa
4. ('innessu) - semma (A); leyye; qerre (A); bella (A); TeTTa; same; lekka;
meTTa (A); tennya; seTTe (A); saqe
5. ('isswa) - semma (A); lekka; same; leyye; qerre (A); bella (A); TeTTa; saqe;
seTTe (A); tennya; meTTa (A)
6. ('inie) - semma (A); TeTTa; bella (A); qerre (A); leyye; same; saqe; meTTa
7. ('innya) - semma (A); lekka; seTTe (A); tennya; meTTa (A); saqe; same;
leyye; qerre (A); bella (A); TeTTa
8. ('irswo) - semma (A); saqe; TeTTa; seTTe (A); lekka; bella (A); tennya; qerre
(A); meTTa (A); leyye; same
9. ('innante) - semma (A); TeTTa; bella (A); qerre (A); leyye; same; saqe; meTTa
10; ('issatchew) - semma (A); meTTa (A); tennya; seTTe (A); saqe; TeTTa; bella
(A); qerre (A); leyye; same; lekka
B. Give the correct form of the present/future agreeing with the pronouns.
1. semma ('ante; 'issu; 'anchee; 'inie; 'isswa)

2. qerre ('issu; 'innessu; 'irswo; 'innante; 'issatchew)
3. bella ('anchee; 'innya; 'ante; 'issu; 'isswa)
4. meTTa ('irswo; 'anchee; 'issu; 'ante; 'innya)
5. seTTe ('issatchew; 'innya; 'ante; 'anchee; 'issu)
6. gezza ('innya; 'inie; 'innessu; 'innante; 'isswa)
7. shesshe ('ante; 'irswo; 'innessu; 'issu; 'anchee)
8. woTTa ('issu; 'isswa; 'inie; 'innya; 'issatchew)
9. FeTCHe ('iswa; 'innante; 'innessu; 'ante; 'anchee)
10. ressa ('anchee; 'issu; 'innya; 'innessu; 'inie)
11. qwoyye ('inie; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'innya; 'irswo)
12. gebba ('innessu; 'innante; 'ante; 'anchee; 'issu)
13. TeTTa ('issu; 'isswa; 'ante; 'inie; 'innya; 'irswo)
C. Translate the English words in parentheses to make a complete Amharic

sentance.
1. Yihi (my) mets'haf new. 2. Yihi mets'haf (mine) new. 3. (Your f.) qemees
'addees new. 4. Yihi seàt (ours) new. 5. (Our) seàt Tiru new. 6. (Your pl)
'astemarotch 'izzeeh natchew. 7. Mets'hafotchu (theirs) natchew. 8. (Her)
'astemaree 'izzeeh natchew. 9. 'Irsasotchu (his) natchew. 10. (Your m.) debter
yet new? 11. (Her) mekeena 'addees new. 12. (Your r.) TerePPieza 'izzeeh
new. 13. (His r.) mets'haf 'iTerePPiezaw lay new. 14. Tilliqu debter (his) new.
15. (Your f.) qemees 'addees 'aydellem. 16. Zafotchu (yours pl.) natchew?
D. Change the verbs from past tense to present-future tense.

Example: Bunna bewotet felleghue. Answer: Bunna bewotet 'ifelligallehue.
1. Zarie tolo messhe. 2. Genzebun leneggadie seTTehue. 3. Kebeero min

geezie meTTah? 4. Qemeesun besinti birr gezzash? 5. Timhirtun tolo ressu.
6. Sietiyyowa hitsanun sametch. 7. Lemin saqatchihue? 8. 'Ikifil Tiyyaqiewin
mellesatchihue? 9. Liebaw mekeenawin serreqe. 10. 'Issatchew 'abebanna zaf
tekkelu. 11. 'Irswo sirawin zarie CHerresu. 12. Debterotch gezzan. 13. Kekifil
min geezie meTTash? 14. Hitsanu saqe. 15. 'Innessu silk dewwolu.
1. Why is the doctor staying away (remaining) from the hospital? 2. The child
will leave the hospital today. 3. I bought a new dress today, but I did not take
the change from the merchant. 4. I did not work much today; it soon became
evening. 5. When will you (f) write the letter? 6. The woman always kisses the
baby. 7. The doctor always laughs. 8. He (r) always gives books and
notebooks to the students. 9. The student always forgets the lesson. 10.
Today at three o'clock the man will buy a new dress for the woman. 11. I will
soon buy the new book. 12. We always leave school at five o'clock. 13. I will
buy an exercise book in the market. 14. When will you buy my car? 15. I will
buy the chair and the table for twenty dollars.
F. Read and translate
1. Zarie kegebeya min tigezalleh? Zarie kegebeya 'assir debter; hulett

mets'hafinna 'ammist 'irsas 'igezallehue.
2. Kebeero min geezie tiwoTallatchihue? Kebeero hulgeezie be'assir seàt
'inwoTallen.
3. Zarie sietiyyowa qemees legeredeetu besinti birr tigezalletch? Zarie
sietiyyowa qemees legeredeetu be'assir birr tigezalletch.
4. Temarotchu bizu debter yigezallu? 'Awo; temarotchu bizu debter yigezallu.
5. Lijeetu hulgeezie tisiqalletch? 'Awo; lijeetu hulgeezie tisiqalletch.
6. Yanchee 'astemaree min geezie kebeero yiwoTal? Yenie 'astemaree kebeero
be'assir seàt yiwoTal.
7. Hitsanun man yisimal? Hitsanun sietotchu yisimallu.
8. Zarie bizu tiserallatchuhue? 'Awo, zarie beTam bizu 'inniserallen.
9. Keneggadiew mels tiwosdalleh? Sint? 'Awo, keneggadiew mels
'iwosdallehue. 'Assir birr.
10. Qemeesun min geezie tigezalletch? Qemeesun zarie be'ammist seàt
tigezalletch.
11. Sietiyyowa kebeero besint seàt tiwoTalletch? Sietiyyowa kebeero hulgeezie
be'asra hulett seàt tiwoTalletch.
12. 'Irswo tolo yiresallu? 'Awo; 'inie tolo 'iresallehue.
13; Hitsanu min yiseral? Hitsanu yisiqal; wotet yiTeTTal; dabbo beshay yibelal.
14. Yanten mekeena man yigezal? Yenien mekeena 'issatchew yigezallu.
15. Womberun besinti birr tigezalleh? T'erePPiezawiniss? Womberun be'assir
birr; TerePPiezawin be'asra 'ammist birr 'igezallehue.
16. Mets'hafun leman tiseTalleh? Mets'hafun le'astemareew 'iseTallehue.
17. Zarie tolo yimeshal? 'Awo; zarie tolo yimeshal.
18. Ketemaree biet tolo timeTallatchihue? 'Awo; ketemaree biet zarie tolo
'inmeTallen.
19. Hitsanu min serra? Hitsanu birCHiqqowin sebbere.
20. Keerayun mechie tikeflalleh? Keerayun nege 'ikeflallehue.
Dirset
Yihi 'addees kifil new. BeTam qonjonna tilliq kifil new. 'Ikifilu wisT haya
womberinna haya TerePPieza 'alle. Womberunna TerePPiezaw beTam Tiru
new.
'ITerePPiezotchu lay 'irsasotchinna mets'hafotch 'allu. 'Irsasotchu haya
natchew; mets'hafotchu gin 'assir natchew. 'Irsasotchu 'addees natchew;
mets'hafotchu gin 'addees 'aydellum. Tiqiru selieda 'addees new. T'erePPiezaw
lay hulett maTfeeyanna bizu Temenie 'alle.
Temarotchu wode temaree biet hiedu. Temaree biet derresu; 'addeesu kifil
gebbu. Temarotchu 'addeesun kifil 'ayyu. Meskotu Tiru new; berrumm Tiru new.
Womberu, TerePPiezaw, 'irsasu, Tiquru selieda hullum Tiru natchew.
'Andi temaree hulettun meskototch keffete. 'Astemareew 'ikifil yellem.
Temarotchu teqemmeTu. 'Andu temaree mets'hafun 'ayye. 'Andu kekifil woTTa.
Lijageredwa debdabbie tsafetchinna le'astemareew laketch. 'Astemareew 'ibeero
yellem; 'almeTTam.
'Astemareew zarie kekifil qerre. Temarotchu temaree biet walu. Mata hullum
'andi Tiru teeyatir 'ayyu. Teeyatiru sile 'andi siet new.
'Iteeyatiru wisT sietiyyowa bizu neger serratch. T'wat qurs bellatch; bunna
bewotet TeTTatch. Behwala Tiru libs lebbesetchinna wode gebeya hiedetch.
Gin 'igebeya bizu zinab zennebe. Kegebeya doro, sikwar, bunna, shay,
birCHiqqonna sinee gezzatch. Wode biet meTTatch. Mata derresetch. Doro
woT serratch.
Keteeyatiru behwala temarotchu wode bietatchew hiedu.
T'iqur selieda = blackboard; maTfeeya = chalk eraser; T'emenie = chalk; hullum

= all, all of them; teqemmeTe = he sat down [this is really a tri-radical, only with
the prefix te-, we'll learn more about this later]; sile = about, cancerning; neger =
thing T'wat = morning
Lesson 14
PRESENT / FUTURE OF BI-RADICAL VERBS [CONT'D]
There are two more classes of bi-radical verbs left, but they aren't especially
tricky, since each has only one type (no A or B), and the present-future base is
identical to the past base we already learned.
4) Class QoMe
Past base: QoM-

Present/Future base: -QoM-
yiqomal - he stands, will stand
tiqomalletch - she stands
tiqomalleh - you (m) stand
tiqomeeyallesh - you (f) stand
'iqomallehue - I stand
yiqomallu - they stand, he/she/you stand (r)
tiqomallatchihue - you (pl) stand
'inqomallen ('inniqomallen) - we stand
5) Class HieDe
Past base: HieD-

Present base: -HieD-
yihiedal - he goes, will go

tihiedalletch - she goes
tihiedalleh - you (m) go
tihiejallesh - you (f) go
'ihiedallehue - I go
yihiedallu - they go (he, she, you r.)
tihiedallatchuhue - you pl. go
'inhiedallen ('innihiedallen) - we go
THE VERBS SHET'E AND CH'ESE
There are two verbs, sheTe (he sold) and CH'ese (it gave off smoke) that look
the same in feedel as if they were verbs of Class QeRRe.
However, the fact that sheTe and CH'ese are pronounced unstressed in the
secand cansonant, proves that these are not really QeRRe class, but actually
they are HieDe class verbs. (The vowel "ie" was changed to "e" after the sh- and
the CH'- of the first radicals.) So, for instance, we have:
'inie sheTkue / sheT'hue - I sold (not "sheTTehue").
The present tense is formed normally for a HieDe class; that is, yisheTal, he
sells, yiCHesal, it smokes.
THE VERB 'ALE (HE SAID) IN THE PRESENT/FUTURE:
The verb 'ale (he said) is somewhat irregular in the present tense, but basically it
follows the pattern of SaMe, with the "a" vowel becoming short "i"... then
contracting with the prefixes because there is no cansonant...
yilal - he says, will say

tilalletch - she says
tilalleh - you m. say
tiyallesh - you f. say
'ilallehue - I say
yilallu - they say (+ raspect)
tilallatchihue - you pl. say
'innilallen - we say (or 'inlallen)
Amharic uses direct speech quotes more often than we do in English. So, we
would normally translate "The woman says that she will buy a dress" as:
Sietiyyowa qemees 'igezallehue tilalletch.
Note, this literally means "The-woman <<a-dress I-will-buy>> she-says."
In other words, instead of using a relative clause with "that she" as in English,
(though a similar canstruction is possible in Amharic), but more often, when you
use the verb 'ale, you will simply have what was said, put in the form of a direct
quote, and giving the pronouns from the point of view of whoever said it.
SUMMARY OF PRESENT - FUTURE BASES
Note again, for all the Verb Classes except for SaMe, the 1st radical keeps the
same vowel in the past, and in the present bases.
Past base: SeBBer- Present base: -SeBR-

Past base: FeLLeG- Present base: -FeLLiG-
Past base: SeMM(a)- Present base: -SeM-
Past base: LeKK(a)- Present base: -LeKK-
Past base: QeRR(e)- Present base: -QeR-
Past base: LeYY(e)- Present base: -LeYY-
Past base: QoM- Present base: -QoM-
Past base: HieD- Present base: -HieD-
PAST BASE: SaM- PRESENT BASE: -SiM- [change of vowel in this class
only]
SERIES OF ACTIONS IN THE PRESENT-FUTURE
One easy way to express a series of actions in the present future (such as "he
eats and drinks, he will eat and drink") is to put the suffix -m after the secand
verb.
Example: Yibelal yiTeTTallim "He eats and drinks"
[There is also another way to express this (a series of actions), but it is more
complicated, involving a whole new tense we haven't learned yet, so we will get
to that in Lesson 19.]
THE PARTICLE "YE-" - MORE USES

We saw in the last lesson how to add the prefix "ye-" (the relational elemant) to
a personal pronoun, to make it into a possesive pronoun or adjective.
Example: ye- + 'inie = yenie, my or mine...
This relational elemant "ye-" can also be put onto a noun that is followed by
another noun, to indicate that the first noun is the possessor of the secand noun.
Examples: yetemaree mets'haf - "a student's book"
yegeberie beqlo - "a farmer's mule".
In other words, the ye- prefix has the same function as "apostrophe 's" in
English, except that it goes on the beginning of the word, instead of the ending.
[We can also translate these phrases in English using the word "of", and
reversing the word order to put the possessor secand, i.e. "a book of a student"...
"a mule of a farmer"...]
If the possessor has an adjective, then the "ye-" elemant is placed on the
adjective.
Example: A diligent student's book - Yetiguh temaree mets'haf.
The "ye-" + possessor acts as a unit like an adjective describing the word that
is possessed. Therefore, the "ye-" + possessor unit takes the definite article (-u,
etc.) if the possessor-possessed complex is determined, and / or the object
marker (-n) if the complex is a direct object. Examples:
Yeliju mets'haf qeyy new. The boy's book is red. The -u article is added to Yelij.
Yegeberiew lij tiguh new. The farmer's boy is diligent. The -w is added to
Yegeberie.
Yetemareewin mets'haf wossedkue. I took the student's book. The -n object
marker is added to Yetemareew, as if it were an adjective describing mets'haf.
Another thing the relational elemant "ye-" is used for, is to indicate what type of
material something is made out of. It has this meaning when the ye- is added to
some type of material, followed by the thing that is made from that material.
Examples:
yebret miTad - an iron griddle (a griddle, miTad, made of iron, bret)
yeshekla miTad - a clay griddle
yeworq seàt - a gold watch
OMISSION OF "YE-"...
If there is a preposition (such as le-, 'i-, be-, ke-, wode) before the possessor-
possessed complex, the "ye-" is omitted. Example:
"There is a picture in the student's book."

'itemareew mets'haf wisT siìl 'alle.
Note that we said 'itemareew mets'haf, and not "iYEtemareew mets'haf"
(eliminating "ye-", because there is a preposition) - even though clearly, it is the
student'S book...
More examples:
"We will go in Tesfaye's car". Betesfayie mekeena 'inhiedallen (instead of
"BeYEtesfayie" - - - you drop ye-, because there is a be- preposition...)
"The people came from Tesfaye's house". Sewotchu ketesfayie biet meTTu.
(instead of "keyetesfayie"...)
"I paid money to the student's mother." Letemareew 'innat genzeb keffelkue.
("The student's mother" would be YE-temareew 'innat, but you drop the YE-
here because there is the preposition, LE-...)
[NOTE: It is important to omit ye- in these cases, and not to say "beye-" or
"keye-" or "leye-" or "wode ye-" , because, if you leave the ye- in there, you are
actually saying something else...! If you leave ye- in there after a preposition,
then the ye- takes on the meaning of the English word "each" - as if you are
talking about more than one item. So, if you said 'iyetemareew mets'haf wisT siìl
'alle, it means "There is a picture in each of the students' books"... but, we won't
learn about that use until a much later lesson, since that is somewhat
advanced...]
Nouns that start with a vowel will cantract with ye- in the same way that the
pronouns do. (yessu for ye-'issu, yante for ye'ante...)
So, "mother's" is pronounced yennat (though it can be written ye'innat)
"Teacher's" is pronounced yastemaree (or, can also be ye'astemaree in writing)
mebrat - lamp, lights, electricity

mata mata - every evening
sale - he painted, drew
siìl - painting, picture
surree - pants, trousers
seffa (A) - he sewed
sheTe - he sold
berra (A) - it got lighted, was turned on (light), it shone
tennya (B) - he lay down, reclined, slept
nore - he lived
neqqa (A) - he woke up
'ahun - now
'ale - he said
'abbat - father
'ihit - sister
'inqilf - sleep (noun)
'innat - mother
ketema - city
wanna ketema - capital city
wondimm - brother
T'intawee - ancient
T'effa (A) - it was extinguised, put out (light); it / he was lost, perished, destroyed
PROVINCES AND PROVINCIAL CAPITALS OF ETHIOPIA (pre-1991) *:
Harer - capital city of Harergie Province

Meqelie - " " of Tigrie
Neqemtie, Leqqemt - " " of Wollegga
'Arba MinCH - " " of Gemu Gofa
'Asella - " " of 'Arusee
'Asmera - " " of 'Ieritra
'Addees 'Abeba - " " of Shewa, and national capital
Yirgalem - " " of Seedamo
Desie - " " of Wollo
Debre Marqos - " " of Gwojjam
Jimma - " " of Kefa
Gorie - " " of 'Eelubbabor
Gobba - " " of Balie
Gwonder - " " of Biegemdir
[Note: These were the provinces and their capitals until 1991, and are still
traditionally and historically more significant to Ethiopians today, despite the
attempts of the current EPRDF Government to redivide the country along ethnic
or tribal lines... Also, in 1993, the former Province of 'Ieritra (Eritrea) was
internationally recognised as a sovereign state with its own Constitution]
OTHER HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT TOWNS
Laleebela - site of the rock-hewn churches in Wollo province

'Aksum - ancient capital of Ethiopia, site of the still standing obelisks
'Adwa - town where the Italians were defeated by Emperor Mineelik II
Dirrie Dawa - important town in Harer province
HOMEWORK
A. Put verbs in the Present-Future tense agreeing with the pronoun.
1. ('inie) - qome; mote; hiede; sheTe; nore; 'ale; roTe

2. ('issu) - qome; hiede; mote; sheTe; 'nore; ale; roTe
3. ('innante) - qome; roTe; nore; sheTe; hiede; mote; 'ale
4. ('innessu) - qome; roTe; mote; hiede; sheTe; nore; 'ale
5. ('ante) - qome; mote; hiede; sheTe; nore; roTe; 'ale
6. ('irswo) - qome; roTe; mote; hiede; nore; sheTe; 'ale
7. ('innya) - qome; mote; hiede; sheTe; nore; roTe; 'ale
8. ('issatchew) - qome; nore; roTe; mote; 'ale; hiede; sheTe
9. ('isswa) - qome; hiede; sheTe; nore; mote; roTe; 'ale
B. Put verbs in the present-future tense agreeing with the pronouns.
1. Nore ('issu; 'issatchew; 'isswa; 'ante)

2. Mote ('isswa; 'anchee; 'inie; 'innessu)
3. Qome ('ante; 'innante; 'innya; 'irswo)
4. Hiede ('anchee; 'issatchew; 'issu; 'isswa)
5. SheTe ('inie; 'irswo; 'innya; 'innante)
6. RoTe ('innessu; 'isswa; 'innante; 'irswo)
C. Change verbs from past to present-future tense.

Example: Temareewa Tiru siìl saletch. Answer: Temareewa Tiru siìl tisilalletch.
1. Neggadiew mote. 2. Sewiyyiew TerePPiezaw lay qome. 3. 'Anchee yet

hiedsh? 4. Libsun besint sheTk? 5. 'Irswo Tiru siìl salu. 6. 'Innya 'Addees
'Abeba norin. 7. Wode biet lemin roTatchihue? 8. Wihaw tolo moqe. 9.
'Issatchew wode hospeetal hiedu. 10. 'Inie mekeenawin sheTkue. 11. Bunnaw
tolo moqe. 12. Zarie yet hiedk? 13. Yehakeemu lijotch wode temaree biet
roTu. 14. 'Innante yet hiedatchihue? 15. 'Innya wode gebeya hiedin.
D. Complete the sentances in Amharic.

Example: (The teacher's book) 'addees new. Answer: Yastemareew mets'haf
'addees new.
1. (The girl's dress) yellem. 2. (The window of the office) tilliq new. 3. (The
merchant's car) 'addees nat. 4. (The woman's song) Tiru new. 5. 'Astemareew
(the student's question) mellese. 6. (The teacher's mother) keeray yiwosdallu.
7. (The man's picture) beTam tilliq new. 8. (The light of the classroom)
'alberram. 9. (The child's milk) yimoqal. 10. (The change for a dollar) ressahue.
11. (Today's supper) doro woTinna 'injera new. 12. (The child's sleep) Teffa.
13. Sewiyyiew (the boy's trousers) yiseffal. 14. (The doctor's table) 'izzeeh
yellem. 15. (The student's exercise book) Teffa.
E. Put the past tense forms of 'ale (say) into the present/future.
Example: 'Issu yihi mets'haf new 'ale. Answer: 'Issu yihi mets'haf new yilal.
1. Sietiyyowa libs 'igezallehue 'aletch. 2. Temarotchu wode temaree biet

'inhiedallen 'alu. 3. 'Innante 'astemareewin Tiyyaqie 'inTeyyiqallen 'alatchihue.
4. Hakeemu wode hospeetal 'ihiedallehue 'ale. 5. 'Anchee debter 'igezallehue
'alsh. 6. 'Ante min 'alk? 7. 'Issatchew kenege wodeeya wode beero
'ihiedallehue 'alu. 8. 'Irswo 'imeTallehue 'alu.
F. Read and translate.
1. 'Addees 'Abeba ye'EetyoPPya wanna ketema new. 2. 'Aksum Tintawee

ketema netch. 3. 'Asmera ye'Ieritra wanna ketema new. 4. Gwonder
yeBiegemdir wanna ketema new. 5. Jimma yeKefa wanna ketema new. 6.
Dirrie Dawa beHarer wisT new. 7. Desie yeWollo wanna ketema new. 8. 'Adwa
beTigrie wisT new. 9. Laleebela Tintawee ketema new. 10. YeGemu Gofa
wanna ketema 'Arba MinCH new. 11. YeSeedamo wanna ketema Yirgalem
new. 12. YeWollegga wanna ketema Neqemtie (Leqqemt) new. 13.
Ye'Eelubbabor wanna ketema Gorie new. 14. YeHarergie wanna ketema Harer
new. 15. YeBalie wanna ketema Gobba new. 16. Ye'Arusee wanna ketema
'Asella new. 17. 'Addees 'Abeba yeShewa wanna ketema new. 18. Debre
Marqos yeGwojjam wanna ketema new. 19. Meqelie yeTigrie wanna ketema
new.
1. The new light is on today. 2. The teacher paints good pictures. 3. I will buy
new trousers day after tomorrow. 4. The teacher's picture is in the office. 5. My
mother sews clothes. 6. The lamp is always lit at six o'clock. 7. The child ate
supper, drank milk, and will now go to bed. 8. Where do you live? I live at
school. 9. I always wake up at six o'clock. 10. The boy's brother just went out
of the office. 11. The boy's father sews clothes. 12. The mother took the baby's
clothes from the table. 13. My sister will pay the rent money. 14. The children's
brother draws good pictures. 15. Much sleep is good. 16. The light will be put
out soon.
I. Read and Translate.
1. Timhirtun tiCHerrisallatchihue? 'Awo, timhirtun 'inniCHerrisallen.

2. Ye'Aseffa wondimm Tiru siìl yisilal? 'Awo, ye'Aseffa wondimm Tiru siìl yisilal.
3. Yeliju 'innatinna 'abbat yet yihiedallu? Yeliju 'innatinna 'abbat wode gebeya
yihiedallu.
4. Mata mata min geezie titennyallatchihue? Mata mata be'aratt seàt
'innitennyallen.
5. 'Isswa mata min geezie titennyalletch? Min geezie tineqalletch? 'Iswa mata
be'ammist seàt titennyalletch; be'asra hulett tineqalletch.
6. Yetemareew wondimm qemeesinna surree Tiru yisefal? 'Awo, yetemareew
wondimm qemeesinna surree qemeesinna surree Tiru yisefal.
7. Yennessu biet mebrat min geezie yiTefal? Yennessu biet mebrat besiddist
yiTefal.
8. YeLaqetch 'ihit yet tinoralletch? YeLaqetch ihit 'izzeeh tinoralletch.
9. 'Issatchew min geezie yineqallu? 'Issatchew 'ahun yineqallu.
10. Lesurreew sint yikeflallu? Lesurreew siddisti birr 'ikeflallehue.
11. Bunnawinna wotetu tolo yimoqal? 'Awo, bunnawinna wotetu tolo yimoqal.
12. Betesfayie mekeena wode hospeetal tihiedallatchihue? 'Awo, betesfayie
mekeena wode hospeetal 'inhiedallen.
13. Wode tesfayie wondimm tihiedalleh? 'Awo, wode tesfayie wondimm
'ihiedallehue.
14. Letemareew wondimm 'addees mets'haf tigezalleh? 'Awo; letemareew
wondimm 'addees mets'haf 'igezallehue.
15. Ke'astemareew TerePPieza lay min woddeqe? Ke'astemareew TerePPieza
lay 'irsas woddeqe.
16. Temarotchu wodiet yiroTallu? Temarotchu wode temaree biet yiroTallu.
17. Mets'hafun besint tisheTalleh? Mets'hafun be'ammisti birr 'isheTallehue.
18. Wode beero min geezie tihiedalleh? Wode beero 'ahun 'ihiedallehue.
19. Yerswo 'innat wode gebeya mechie yihiedallu? Yenie 'innat zarie wode
gebeya tihiedalletch.
20. Temareew min yilal? Temareew nege 'imeTallehue yilal.
21. 'Innessu min yilallu? 'Innessu misa 'innibelallen yilallu.
NEXT - REVIEW LESSON 15!!!
Lesson 15
LESSON 11 / TIMHIRT 'ASRA 'AND - 10/3/04 [Message # 1556]
* The Present / Future Tense (Tri-radicals - Types A & B)

* Usage of the Present / Future
* Telling and Asking for Time (Cont'd)
LESSON 12 / TIMHIRT 'ASRA HULETT - 11/01 [# 1569]
* Present / Future Tense of Tri-Radicals (Cont'd - Plural forms)

* Palatalization with suffix -eeyallesh (you f.)
* More Notes on Gender of Nouns
LESSON 13 / TIMHIRT 'ASRA SOST - 11/08 [# 1572]
* Present / Future Tense of Bi-radicals (SeMMa, QeRRe, SaMe classes)

* The Particle "Ye-" - Introduction (possessive pronouns)
LESSON 14 / TIMHIRT 'ASRA 'ARATT - 12/09 [# 1605]
* Present / Future Tense of Bi-radicals (Cont'd - QoMe, HieDe classes)

* The verbs sheTe and CH'ese
* The verb 'ale (he said) in the present / future
* Summary of present / future bases
* Series of actions in the present / future
* The Particle "Ye-" - More Uses
* Omission of ye- after preposition
Full canjugation for 'ayye "he saw" in the present-fahwud tense: (note how prefix
is partially 'absorbed' by initial a- of stem)
yayal - he sees
tayalletch - she sees
tayalleh - you see
tayyallesh - you see
'ayallehue - I see
yayallu - they see, (+ 'issatchew & 'irswo)
tayallatchihue - unu see
'inayallen / 'innayallen - we see
VOCABULARY LESSON 11
* Unstressed verbs will be marked (A); and stressed verbs marked (B), for the
verb classes that have these two types in the present/future tense...
hulgeezie = always, everytime

mekeena = car, machine
silk = a phone, telephone
timhirt = lesson, education, teachins
nege = tomorrow
keeray = rent (noun)
keseàt behwala = in the afternoon
keffele (A) = he paid
zeffene (A) = he sang
zefen = a song
dewwole (B) = he telephoned; it rang (phone, bell)
jemmere (B) = he began, started
jebena = teapot or coffeepot
T'eyyeqe (B) = he asked, he questioned
T'iyyaqie = a question (noun)
CH'errese (B) = he finished, he completed
fellege (B) = he wanted, he sought, looked for, he desired
VOCABULARY 12
lieba = thief
mankeeya = spoon
menged = road, way, street
serreqe (A) = he stole
tekkele (A) = he planted
neggede (B) = he traded
neggadie = trader, merchant
'irat = supper
'abeba = flower
zaf = tree
genzeb = money
geddele (A) = he killed
CH'emmere = he added, increased
VOCABULARY OF LESSON 13
lemin - why?
hitsan - infant, baby, young child
mels - answer (noun); change (money)
messhe (A) - it dusked, became evening
min geezie - at what time? when?
ressa (A) - he forgot
saqe - he laughed
seTTe (A) - he gave
qemees - woman's dress
birr - dollar; money, silver
tolo - soon
woTTa (A) - he proceeded, he left, he went forth, went up; it rose (the
Sun)
debter - notebook, exercise book
gezza (A) - he bought
mebrat - lamp, lights, electricity

mata mata - every evening
sale - he painted, drew
siìl - painting, picture
surree - pants, trousers
seffa (A) - he sewed
sheTe - he sold
berra (A) - it got lighted, was turned on (light), it shone
tennya (B) - he lay down, reclined, slept
nore - he lived
neqqa (A) - he woke up
'ahun - now
'ale - he said
'abbat - father
'ihit - sister
'inqilf - sleep (noun)
'innat - mother
ketema - city
wanna ketema - capital city
wondimm - brother
T'intawee - ancient
T'effa (A) - it was extinguished, put out (light); it / he was lost,
perished, destroyed
REVIEW TEST
A. Change from past tense into present / future tense.

Example: Temareew mets'haf wossede. Answer: Temareew mets'haf yiwosdal.
1. Temarotchu timhirt zarie jemmeru. 2. Yebiet keeray haya birr keffelkue. 3.

'Anchee Tiru zefen zeffensh. 4. Lehakeemu silk min geezie dewwolk? 5.
Timhirtun 'ahun CH'erresu. 6. T'iyyaqiewin man mellese? 7. Mebratu mata
be'ammist seàt Teffa. 8. Hitsanu 'ahun neqqa. 9. Sewiyyiew surreewininna
qemeesun 'ahun seffa. 10. Yelijeetwa wondimm siìlun be'asra simmint birr
sheTe. 11. 'Issatchew kebeero be'asra hulett seàt woTTu. 12. 'Asra 'ammist
debter behulett birr gezzatch. 13. 'Irswo 'abebotchun mechie tekkelu? 14.
Liebaw mekeena serreqe. 15. Lemekeenaw bizu genzeb keffelatchihue.
B. Put the verb in the present - future agreeing with the pronoun in parentheses.
1. sebbere ('issu; 'ante; 'isswa; 'anchee)

2. sheTe ('ante; 'inie; 'innessu; 'innante)
3. wossede ('isswa; 'irswo; 'innya; 'issatchew)
4. hiede ('ante; 'issu; 'anchee; 'isswa)
5. derrese ('inie; 'anchee; 'innessu; 'innate)
6. qerre ('innessu; 'isswa; 'irswo; 'innya)
7. keffele ('innante; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'issu)
8. seTTe ('irswo; 'ante; 'isswa; 'inie)
9. keffete ('innya; 'anchee; 'innante; 'innessu)
10. roTe ('issatchew; 'innessu; 'isswa; 'irswo)
11. fellege ('issu; 'innya; 'innante; 'issatchew)
12. 'ayye ('ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'irswo)
13. T'eyyeqe ('isswa; 'ante; 'innya; 'inie)
14. saqe ('anchee; 'innya; 'innessu; 'innante)
15. CH'errese ('inie; 'issatchew; 'isswa; 'irswo)
16. bella ('innessu; 'issu; 'innya; 'innante)
17. jemmere ('innante; 'issatchew; 'ante; 'anchee)
18. T'eTTa ('issatchew; 'irswo; 'issu; 'isswa)
19. dewwole ('innya; 'inie; 'anchee; 'innya; 'innessu)
20. tennya ('irswo; 'innante; 'issatchew; 'isswa)
C. Give the appropriate ye- form (possessive) for the noun or pronoun in
parentheses.
Example 1: ('inie) mets'haf tilliq new. Answer: Yenie mets'haf tilliq new.
Example 2: ('astemareew) biet tilliq new. Answer: Yastemareew biet tilliq new.
1. ('abbatiyyow) siìl tilliq new. 2. ('ante) mekeena 'addees nat. 3.

('innatiyyowa) qemees 'izzeeh yellem. 4. ('innante) mebrat tinantinna Teffa. 5.
('ihitiyyowa) lij hospeetal mote. 6. ('issu) surree 'addees new. 7. ('anchee)
bunna 'ahun yimoqal. 8. ('innessu) zefen beTam Tiru new. 9. ('inie) debter
hulgeezie 'addees nat. 10. (wondimmiyyow) beero 'addees 'aydellem. 11.
(hitsanu) wotet 'almoqem. 12. ('innya) silk yiseral. 13. (neggaddiew) mekeena
tilliq new. 14. ('irswo) biet yet new? 15. ('issatchew) lij tilliq 'astemaree nat.
D. Change the possessive adjectives from singular to plural, or from plural to

singular.
Example 1: Yenie biet tilliq new. Answer: Yennya biet tilliq new.
Example 2: Yennya biet tilliq new. Answer: Yenie biet tilliq new.
1. Yessu mekeena 'addees new. 2. Yennante debterotch Tiru natchew. 3.

Yanchee qemees qonjo new. 4. Yennante 'abbat beTam tilliq sew new. 5.
Yennya silk yidewwilal. 6. Yerswo gered Tiru woT tiseralletch. 7. Yessatchew
'innat yet yinorallu? 8. Yante Tiyyaqie Tiru Tiyyaqie new. 9. Yenie lij temaree
biet yihiedal. 10. Yennessu timhirt beTam Tiru timhirt new.
E. Change the verbs to negative.

Example: Yih Tiru womber new. Answer: Yih Tiru womber 'aydellem.
1. Yih 'addees silk new. 2. Lemisanna lerat doro woT; siga woT; 'injeranna
dabo 'alle. 3. Zarie baratt seàt timhirt 'alle. 4. Yetemareew 'abbat beTam tilliq
sew natchew. 5. 'Anchee 'astemaree nesh. 6. Yih 'addeesu mekeena new. 7.
Sikwarinna wotetu 'iTerePPiezaw lay new. 8. Mankeeyaw 'ibirCHiqqow isT new.
9. Temarotchu 'ikifil 'allu. 10. Yetemareew Tiyyaqiewotch Tiru Tiyyaqiewotch
natchew. 11. Hakeemu hospeetal 'allu. 12. Mets'hafu 'imekeena wisT new. 13.
Yetemareew 'ihit Tiru 'astemaree nat. 14. 'Inie neggaddie nenny. 15.
Mekeenawa 'imenged lay nat.
F. Change the verb from present/future into past tense.
1. Yisebrallu. 2. 'Innitennyallen. 3. Tiwosdalletch. 4. Tihiejallesh. 5.

'Idersallehue. 6. Tiqeralleh. 7. Tikeflallatchihue. 8. Yitsifallu. 9. 'Innikeftallen.
'10. 'Inninorallen. 11. Yifelligallu. 12. TiCHerrishallesh. 13. Tigeballeh. 14.
Yisiqal. 15. 'Iserallehue. 16. Tibelalletch. 17. Tijemmiralleh. 18. YiTeTTallu.
19. Tidewwilalleh. 20. Yitennyallu.
G. Make up complete answers to the questions in Amharic.
1. Silk min geezie dewwolk? 2. 'Anchee silk min geezie tidewwiyallesh? 3.

Yeliju 'abbat yet yihiedallu? Lemin? 4. Zarie kegebeya min tigezallatchihue? 5.
Kebeero mechie tiwoTalletch? 6. Lemisanna lerat min yifelligallu? 7. Timhirtun
min geezie 'inCHerrisallen? 8. 'Ibiet min ressah? 9. Keerayun 'ahun yikeflal?
10. Tinantinna min geezie neqqah?
1. The teacher will phone the doctor tomorrow. 2. The children will begin the
lesson now. 3. I will pay the rent tomorrow. 4. At what time will you (f.) phone
the office? 5. Do you (m) want coffee? How many spoons of sugar do you
want? 6. Do you go to school by car? 7. What time will you (pl) eat dinner?
We will eat dinner at eight o'clock. 8. Why are they leaving? It is getting dark
now. They will eat supper here and they will sleep here. 9. The lamp is put out
at nine in the evening. 10. I go to sleep at eleven at night and wake up at seven
o'clock. 11. Soon the lights will be out. Will you (pl) finish the Work? 12. His
father and mother will come to school today. 13. Tomorrow I will buy a new
spoon in the market. 14. The merchant will sell the new dress for eight dollars.
15. The student's brothers and sisters are workers.
Dirset
Qenu Qidamie new. Ye'Aseffa 'innat be'andi seàt tenessu. Qurs serru.
Behulett seàt ye'Aseffa 'abbat, 'Aseffa, ye'Aseffa wondimmotchinna 'ihitotch
tenessu. Qurs bellu. Ye'Aseffa 'innatinna 'abbat bunna TeTTu. Lijotchu shay
TeTTu. Qurs besost seàt CHerresu.
Zarie yegebeya qen new. Bizu sew wode gebeya yihiedal. Bemengedu lay
bizu sewinna mekeena 'alle.
Ye'Aseffa 'abbat 'astemaree 'aydellum. 'Issatchew neggaddie natchew. Bizu
neger yisheTallu. Qemeesinna surreemm yisefallu. Bizu sew kessatchew libs
yigezal. Zarie ke'Aseffa 'innat gara wode gebeya yihiedallu. Lijotchu wode
temaree biet yihiedallu.
Ye'Aseffa 'innat bizu neger yigezallu. Lelijotchu libs, mets'hafinna debter, 'irsas
yigezallu. Lelijotchu libs, mets'hafinna debter, 'irsas 'asra 'ammist birr yikeflallu.
Lejebena, lesinee, lemankeeya, lebirCHiqqo lesikwarinna lebunna 'assir birr
yikeflallu.
Zarie qenu tolo yimeshal. Ye'Aseffa 'innatinna 'abbat kegebeya wode biet
yimeTallu. Lijotchumm ketemaree biet yimeTallu. Ye'Aseffa 'innat lelijotchu
mets'hafun, debteruninna 'irsasun libsun yiseTallu. Kezzeeya behwala le'irat
yedoro woT yiserallu. Mata 'irat besost seàt yibelallu. Lijotchu shayinna wotet
yiTeTTallu. Ye'Aseffa 'innatinna 'abbat bunna yiTeTTallu. Be'ammist seàt
yitennyallu.
Vocabulary for Dirset

tenessa = he arose (this is a biradical *-nessa, of class SeMMa, plus te- a
prefix)
ke-... gara = with. ke'Aseffa 'innat gara = with Aseffa's mother.
(Also: ke-... gar)
kezzeeya behwala = after that.
Questions relating to story:

1. Qenu mindinew? [mindinew = mindin new] 2. Ye'Aseffa 'innatinna 'abbat yet
yihiedallu? 3. Ye'Aseffa 'innat lelijotchu min yigezallu? 4. Ye'Aseffa 'abbat
mindin natchew? 5. Ye'Aseffa 'abbat min yiserallu?
Lesson 16
POSSESSIVE PRONOUN SUFFIXES
As we have seen, one way to express possession for the pronoun is by the
prefix ye- + the pronoun, followed by what is possessed. For example: yenie
biet = "my house" (cantraction from ye'inie biet...)
There is also another method of expressin the possessive pronouns, through

the use of suffixes added directly to the thing that is possessed.
The regular possessive pronoun suffixes (for nouns endin in cansonants) are as
follows:
-ie ( bietie, 'my house' )

-ih ( bietih, 'your m. house' )
-ish ( bietish, 'your f. house' )
-u ( bietu, 'his house' )
-wa ( bietwa, 'her house' )
-atchin ( bietatchin, 'our house' )
-atchihue ( bietatchihue, 'your pl. house' )
-atchew ( bietatchew, 'their house', also raspect, 'his / her house' )
-wo ( bietwo, raspect, 'your house' )
[These possessive suffixes are the same for all nouns like biet, that end in a
cansonant. But there are slight variations when the noun ends in a vowel,
dependin on what vowel it is, so we'll cover those in a momant.]
From the above chart, we can see that the possessive suffixes -u (his) and -wa
(her) look the same as the definite articles. Indeed, there can be some
ambiguity when the words are taken out of cantext; for example, when you just
have bietu by itself, whether this means 'the house' or 'his house'.
Now for nouns endin in vowels, as we have said, the possessive suffixes are
slightly different. The differences are even greater, dependin on the vowel, for
the plural suffixes (their, our etc.). But for the singular suffixes (his, her, my, etc.)
the suffixes are the same no matter what vowel the noun ends in. So, using the
noun wissha (dog) as an example, they are:
-yie ( wisshayie, 'my dog')

-h ( wisshah, 'your m. dog')
-sh (wisshash, 'your f. dog')
-w (wisshaw, 'his dog')
-wa (wisshawa, 'her dog')
To compare again, the singular poss. suffixes for nouns endin in cansonants and
vowels:
Ends in Cansonant: -ie -ih -ish -u -wa
Ends in Vowel: -yie -h -sh -w -wa
Meanin: my your your his her
For plural possessive suffixes on nouns endin in vowels, the variations are
greater, because then it depends on whether the vowel is -a (as in wissha) -ee
(as in temaree) -ie (as in berie) or -o (as in beqlo). So we will make a chart
showin all these forms:
final -a final -ee final -ie final -o

(wissha) (temaree) (berie) (beqlo)
'Our' wisshatchin temareeyatchin berieyatchin beqlwatchin
'Your' wisshatchihue temareeyatchihue berieyatchihue beqlwatchihue
'Their' wisshatchew temareeyatchew berieyatchew beqlwatchew
This isn't really as hard as it looks... The suffixes are basically the same ones
as for the nouns endin in cansonants, but:
* for nouns endin in -a, when you add the suffix startin with -a, the two a's
cantract together, and you are left with one a.
* for nouns endin with -ee and -ie, when they meet the suffix startin with -a, 'y' is
inserted between the two vowels for a glide effect. The vowel before the y can
also be cantracted in such cases, so alongside temareeyatchin 'our student' and
berieyatchin 'our ox', you can also have temaryatchin and beryatchin, etc.
* for nouns endin in -o, the o always cantracts with the -a of the suffix, and turns
into a slight w, so you have beqlwatchin, 'our mule' beerwatchew 'their office',
etc....
SUFFIX PRONOUNS WITH THE NOUN + -OTCH
When the noun has the plural marker -otch, then it always ends in a cansonant,
so the forms for the suffix pronouns with these plural nouns are just the same as
for biet. So, from the plural noun bietotch, houses, we have:
bietotchie my houses
bietotchih your (m.) houses
bietotchish your (f.) houses
bietotchu his houses
bietotchwa her houses
bietotchatchin our houses
bietotchatchihue your houses
bietotchatchew their houses (or his / her r. houses)
bietotchwo your r. houses
USAGE OF THE POSSESSIVE PRONOUN SUFFIXES
The meaning of bietie is exactly the same as yenie biet. It's just another way of
saying 'my house'.
The pronoun suffix goes only on the noun, never the adjective. If there is an
adjective modifying it, that adjective takes the definite article instead. So 'my big
house' is tilliqu bietie, with the adjective tilliq having the article -u, and the noun
biet having the possessive pronoun suffix for 'my', -ie.
Nouns with these possessive suffixes are cansidered 'determined', so they have
to take the object marker -n if they are the object governed by the verb.
Example: Meskotien sebbere "He broke my window". 'Window' is the object of
'broke', and it has a suffix -ie "my", so it also has to have the -n direct object
marker.
In a situation where the noun-with-suffix is the object AND it has an adjective,

then the -n object marker goes on both the noun AND the -u of the adjective.
Example: Tilliqun womberien sebbere "He broke my big chair".
sefer - neighborhood, area, district, part of a city or town

ruq - far
sim - name
suq - shop, store
qirb - near
besint - for how much?
besinti seàt - at what time? when?
beqee - enough
nedda (type A) - he drove
'arogie - old
'adrassha - address
'ager - country
ke... behwala - after, behind
ke... befeet - before, in front of
waga - price, cost
yezarie sammint - a week from today
T'errege (A) - he swept, he cleaned
HOMEWORK
A. Canvert the possessive using ye+ pronoun, to the possessive pronoun suffix
on the possessed noun.
Example: Yenie biet tilliq new. Answer: Bietie tilliq new.
1. Yante mets'haf 'arogie new. 2. Yessatchew sim man new? 3. Yessu suq
kehospeetal qirbi new. 4. Yennya sefer ruq new. 5. Yessatchew 'abbat
ketinantinna wodeeya motu. 6. Yanchee sefer yet new? 7. Yenie wondimm
mekeena yinedal. 8. Yennante mekeena 'arogie nat woyiss 'addees? 9.
Yesswa genzeb beqee 'aydellem. 10. Yessu 'innat kehospeetalu zarie
yiwoTallu. 11. Yerswo 'innat mechie yiwoTallu? 12. Yante gered bietun
tiTergalletch. 13. Yennya wondimm hakeem new. 14. Yessu gered Tiru woT
tiseralletch. 15. Yanchee qemees wagaw haya birr new.
B. Put possessive pronoun suffixes on the noun, agreeing with the possessive
pronouns with ye- in parentheses.
1. Biet (yenie; yante; yessu; yessatchew)

2. Temaree (yessu; yennessu; yennante; yennya)
3. 'Astemaree (yesswa; yante; yenie; yerswo)
4. Mekeena (yanchee; yessu; yennante; yennya)
5. Mankeeya (yennya; yesswa; yennessu; yessatchew)
6. T'erePPieza (yennante; yerswo; yennya; yenie)
7. BirCHiqqo (yessu; yanchee; yennessu; yante)
8. 'Adrassha (yessatchew; yesswa; yennessu; yenie)
9. Sefer (yerswo; yennante; yante; yanchee)
10. Sim (yesswa; yessatchew; yennessu; yennya)
11. Surree (yessu; yante; yenie; yanchee; yennessu)
12. Debdabbie (yenie; yesswa; yennya; yessatchew)
13. Bunna (yante; yerswo; yessu; yennante)
14. Debter (yanchee; yenie; yesswa; yennessu)
15. Suq (yerswo; yante; yennya; yessatchew)
C. Change the noun with possessive suffix, into the ye + pronoun form.
Example: Bietu tilliq new. Answer: Yessu biet tilliq new.
1. Seferie beTam ruq new. 2. Mekeenash 'arogie nat. 3. Surreeh 'addees

new. 4. Simu man new? 5. 'Adrasshawan tiseTalletch. 6. T'erePPiezatchihue
'izzeeh new. 7. 'Astemareeyatchew bemekeena yihiedal. 8. Debdabbieyatchin
zarie keseàt behwala yidersal. 9. Debterie 'itemaree biet new. 10. Mekeenawa
yet hiedetch? 11. 'Astemareew 'arogie mets'haf yigezal. 12. Seferu beTam
qirbi new. 13. Mets'hafish 'arogie new 'addees? 14. Temareeyatchew 'ahun
yimeTal. 15. Tinantinna keseàt befeet suqihin 'ayyehue.
D. Put the possessive suffix on the noun in parentheses, agreeing with the
pronoun that is subject of the sentence.
Example: 'Inie wode ('ager) 'ihiedallehue. Answer: 'Inie wode 'agerie
'ihiedallehue.
1. 'Ante wode ('ager) tihiedalleh.
2. 'Anchee wode ('ager) tihiejallesh.
3. 'Issu wode ('ager) yihiedal.
4. 'Isswa wode ('ager) tihiedalletch.
5. 'Innya wode ('ager) inhiedallen.
6. 'Innante wode ('ager) tihiedallatchihue.
7. 'Innessu wode ('ager) yihiedallu.
E. Put the possessive suffix on the noun in parentheses, and put the verb in
parentheses into the present-future, agreeing with the pronoun that is subject of
the sentence.
Example: 'Inie (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere). Answer: 'Inie bunnayie wisT
sikwar 'iCHemmirallehue.
1. 'Ante (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).

2. 'Anchee (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).
3. 'Issu (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).
4. 'Isswa (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).
5. 'Innya (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).
6. 'Innante (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).
7. 'Innessu (bunna) wisT sikwar (CHemmere).
1. His shop is old. 2. The maid sweeps the house, but the boy sweeps the car.
3. I will buy a new car a week from today. 4. How much is the price of the car?
5. Will you (f) buy enough sugar, coffee, milk, bread, and meat for today? 6.
Our village is very far from school. 7. His father drives a car. 8. For how much
is he selling the old house? 9. The market is close by. 10. There is a big tree
behind the shop. 11. Their school is very far. We will go by car. 12. She
sweeps the house before breakfast. 13. The old book is good; I will pay fifteen
dollars. 14. What is your name? 15. I want your address.
G. Read and Translate.
1. Min tiseralleh? 'Addeesun mekeena 'inedallehue.

2. Bietun mechie tiTergalletch? Bietun nege tiTergalletch.
3. Qidamie yet tiwilallatchihue? Qidamie temaree biet 'inniwilallen.
4. Lewondimmih beqee genzeb mechie tilikalleh? Lewondimmie beqee genzeb
yezarie sammint 'ilikallehue.
5. Ye'arogiew mets'haf waga sinti new? Ye'arogiew mets'haf waga 'asra siddist
birr new.
6. 'Adrasshah yet new? 'Adrasshayie 'addeesu sefer new.
7. Simwo man new? Simie Dan'iel new.
8. Ke'irat befeet shay tiTeTTalleh? 'Awo, ke'irat befeet be'assir seàt shay
'iTeTTallehue.
9. Hospeetal besint seàt tidersalleh? Hospeetal kemisa behwala besimmint
seàt 'idersallehue.
10. YeTerePPiezawinna yewomberu waga sinti new? YeTerePPiezawinna
yewomberu waga 'asra zeTenny birr new.
11. Mekeenahin yet tinedalleh? Mekeenayien be'addeesu menged 'inedallehue.
12. 'Astemareew simatchew man new? 'Astemareew simatchew Dan'iel new.
13. 'Addeesun 'adrassha 'innessu mechie yilikallu? 'Addesun 'adrassha 'innessu
nege yilikallu.
14. Baddeesu sefer min yiserallu? Baddeesu sefer 'abebanna zaf yiteklallu.
15. 'Addees suq mechie tikeftallatchihue? 'Addees suq yezarie sammint
'inkeftallen.
16. Seferih ruq new qirb? Seferie beTam ruq new.
17. Mets'hafun besint tisheTalleh? Mets'hafun be'asra hulett birr 'isheTallehue.
'ALMAZINNA YOHANNIS (1)
Startin with this lesson, the student will find the story of Almaz and Yohannis at
the end of the exercises. The story has 19 parts, and it will cantinue in each
lesson, through lesson 34. (This includes the review lessons)
'Almazinna Yohannis temarotch natchew. 'Ahun Yohannis timhirtun CHerrese.

Miekseeko derresena meTTa. Hulettum 'ahun 'Amiereeka wisT natchew.
'Almaz: Yohannis, mechie meTTah?

Yohannis: Zarie Twat meTTahue.
'Almaz: KeMiekseeko new?
Yohannis: 'Awo.
'Almaz: Besint seàt derresk?
Yohannis: Le'and seàt rub gudday.
'Almaz: Bemin meTTah?
Yohannis: Be'awtobus.
'Almaz: BeMiekseeko min serrah?
Yohannis: 'Ager 'ayyehue; seàtimm gezzahue.
'Almaz: T'iru seàt new?
Yohannis: Dehna new.
Vocabulary: Miekseeko - Mexico; hulettum - both of them; 'awtobus - bus.
Lesson 17
"SIMPLE PRESENT"
As we have learned, the present-future tense is a compound tense. We say
this, because it is composed of prefixes, the base, and a suffix derived from the
verb of presence, 'alle.
We must now turn our attention to another form, the simple present. It is used
in forming various compounds in dependent clauses with other prefixes, or words
like zend, nebber, jemmer as we will learn in fahwud lessons. It is also used to
form the main clause present-future negative, as we will learn in this lesson. This
simple form of the present is not normally used by itself, outside of these
situations. This simple present form is basically made up of the base with the
same prefixes, and some familiar suffixes, but without the 'alle of the compound
form.
To illustrate, with type A & B tri-radical verbs:
Type A :
Compound present-fahwud tense yisebral, he breaks, is breaking, will break
Simple present form:

yisebr - (that) he break
tisebr - (that) she break
tisebr - (that) you m. break
tisebree - (that) you f. break
'isebr - (that) I break
yisebru - (that) they break
tisebru - (that) you pl. break
'innisebr or 'insebr - (that) we break
Type B :
Compound present-fahwud tense yifelligal, he wants, is wanting, will want
Simple present form:
yifellig (that) he want
tifellig (that) she want
tifellig (that) you m. want
tifelligee (that) you f. want
'ifellig (that) I want
yifelligu (that) they want
tifelligu (that) you pl. want
'infellig or 'innifellig (that) we want
As you can see, the prefixes and bases are the same as in the compound
present-fahwud tense, but in the simple form, there is also the suffix -u on
yifelligu and tifelligu, yisebru and tisebru.
'Palatalization' also occurs, as in the compound form, with the fem. suffix -ee.
Examples:
timellish (that) you f. answer, alongside timellis (that) you m. answer
tikefch (that) you f. open, alongside tikeft (that) you m. open
tikebj (that) you f. are heavy, alongside tikebd, that you m. are heavy (kebbede,
he was heavy)
In all of these feminine 'you' forms, one is just as likely to find the -ee suffix
retained after the palatalization, thus timellishee, tikefchee, tikebjee are also
common forms of the above.
For spelling and pronunciation purposes, it does not matter if you write or
pronounce the short i vowel in type A verbs. It looks the same in feedel anyway.
Example: yiregm, (that) he curse, can be spelled yiregim; yibeql (that) it sprout,
is the same as yibeqil; yisebir alongside yisebr. But if the secand radical is l, n,
or r, there is generally no vowel, thus yiword (that) he descend; yizenb (that it
rain); yibelT (that it surpass).
NEGATIVE PRESENT-FAHWUD
The negative present-fahwud tense is formed by taking the above simple form,
and adding the negative prefix 'a- AND the negative suffix -m to it. ('-im after a
consonant). The only exception is the first person singular ("I do not") where the
prefix is 'al- (as in the past) instead of 'a-. In the case of 'al-, it cantracts with the
'i- prefix of the first person and the 'i- disappears. So, "I do not break" or "I will
not break" would be 'alsebrim. The "simple present" form is 'isebr (see above),
and the negative prefix 'al- and suffix -im transform it to a negative sentance.
With the 1st person plural "we" prefix, 'in- / 'inni-, the 'i- cantracts, and so the
negative prefix becomes 'an- or 'anni- , hence 'ansebrim or 'annisebrim, we do
not break.
With the prefix t- (note, it can mean either she or you) of the simple form, the
addition of 'a- can cause that t to be pronounced stressed in the negative. So,
you (m) don't break is at'sebrim but also 'attisebrim; you (f) don't break is
'atsebreem or 'attisebreem; you (pl) don't break is either 'at'sebrum or
'attisebrum. In feedel writing it looks the same either way. [I put an apostrophe
between the t and s here, just to show they are 2 different letters, and not the
letter ts...]
With the prefix yi- (he or they) of the simple form, the addition of 'a- causes the i
vowel sound to drop out, and the resulting 'ay- is the negative prefix. 'aysebrim,
he doesn't break, 'aysebrum, they don't break.
All of these forms also mean the negative in the fahwud tense, so 'aysebrim
also means 'he will not break' and 'alsebrim means 'I will not break', etc.
Now, altogether we have the complete chart:
'aysebrim he won't break 'ayfelligim he doesn't want

'at'sebrim, 'attisebrim she won't break, 'atfelligim, 'attifelligim, she doesn't
want
'at'sebrim, 'attisebrim you m. won't break 'attifelligim, 'atfelligim you m. don't
want
'at'sebreem 'attisebreem you f wont break 'atfelligeem 'attifelligeem you f dont
want
'alsebrim I won't break 'alfelligim I don't want
'aysebrum they won't break 'ayfelligum they don't want
'attisebrum, 'at'sebrum you pl won't break 'atfelligum, 'attifelligum you pl don't
want
'ansebrim, 'annisebrim we won't break 'anfelligim, 'annifelligim we don't want
We will look at negative, and simple present forms, in the biradical verb classes
in Lesson 18; and we'll start looking at some actual uses of the simple present
form (in dependent clauses) in Lesson 19, like nebber, jemmer, sile- etc... Stay
tuned!
[NOTE: Until Lesson 19, we know how to form the simple present, but not
necessarily how to use it in a sentance, except for purposes of forming the
negative...!]
TRIRADICAL VERBS THAT START WITH 'A
There is a series of triradical verbs that start with 'A- as their first radical, but
they are conjugated normally, since the 'a is actually in the "First Order" of
vowels (see preliminary lesson) - one of the exceptions to the "e" rule in that First
Order "Giìz"...
The only changes occur when you add prefixes onto that 'a-, then there is a
cantraction of the other vowel, and the -a- stays.
Tri-rads starting with 'A are found in both (A) and (B) types of unstressed and
stressed middle radicals. Therefore, from type (A)'s 'arrese "he ploughed" and
'allefe "he passed", we get yarsal "he ploughs" and yalfal "he passes". From type
(B)'s 'addese "he renewed" and 'akkeme "he treated", we have yaddisal and
yakkimal in the present-fahwud tense. A freqent type (A) verb starting with 'A is
àwwoqe, yawqal, "he knew" / "he knows"
Here is a chart using 'allefe "he passed" as an example to show how the 'a-
appears with all the prefixes, in all the present-fahwud tenses (compound, simple
and negative)
1. Compound present-fahwud tense with 'alle: "he passes, will pass, etc.":
yalfal, talfalletch, talfalleh, talfeeyallesh, 'alfallehue, yalfallu, talfallatchehue,
'inalfallen.
2. Simple present form without -'alle: "(that) he pass" etc.
yalf talf talf talfee 'alf yalfu talfu 'innalf
3. Negative present-fahwud "he doesn't pass, he won't pass" etc:
'ayalfim 'attalfim 'attalfim 'attalfeem 'alalfim 'ayalfum 'attalfum 'annalfim
VOCABULARY
lemmede (A) = he got used to, got accustomed to, acclimatised

migib = food
berrede (A) = it was cold, became cold
bado = empty; also for coffee w/o cream and sugar
'alleqe (A) - it ran out, was finished up, all gone, sell off
'allefe (A) - he passed, passed by, went by
'Amarinnya - Amharic (note, the third vowel is short i in the sixth order - pron.
as "hit", not "ee" as in "keep"... Where's
the accent? It's on the -nny-, that's a stressed -ny-.)
'assebe (B) = he thought
'addere (A) = he lodged, spent the night
'ager - country
'aTTebe (A) = he washed
wor = month
widd = expensive (literally "dear")
àwwoqe (A) = he knew
derrese (A) = (for food) it was ready (literally, "it arrived")
Meskerem - September
T'iqimt - October
Hidar - November
Tahsas - December
T'irr - January
Yekkateet - February
(months do not correspond exactly)
HOMEWORK / EXERCISES: Let me know if anyone needs more time, or to

slow down on the pace of Lessons.
A. Change the sentence to negative.

Example: Liju womber yisebral. Answer: Liju womber 'aysebrim.
1. 'Agerun yilemdal. 2. Misa 'ahun yidersal. 3. Mekeenawin yiwosdal. 4.
Mets'haf 'ifelligallehue. 5. Bado bunna tifelligalletch. 6. Keerayun zarie
tikeflalletch. 7. Genzebun leneggaddiew 'ikeflallehue. 8. Shayu yiberdal. 9.
Wotet 'infelligallen. 10. 'Issatchew bietun yiTergallu. 11. 'Innante silk
tidewwilallatchihue. 12. T'iru zefen tizefnyallesh. 13. 'Innya be'aratt seàt
temaree biet 'indersallen. 14. Bietun tiTergeeyallesh? 15. 'Issatchew
siratchewin be'andi seàt yiCHerrisallu.
B. Give the simple present form agreeing with each pronoun.
1. Sebbere ('inie; 'issu; 'issatchew; 'irswo)

2. Derrese ('issu; 'isswa; 'ante; 'anchee)
3. 'Assebe ('issatchew; 'innya; 'innessu; 'inie)
4. 'Allefe ('irswo; 'anchee; 'ante; 'isswa)
5. 'Addere ('iswa; 'issu; 'innya; 'innante)
6. Fellege ('anchee; 'innante; 'isswa; 'issu)
7. T'errege ('ante; 'irswo; 'inie; 'innya)
8. Wossede ('innya; 'innessu; 'issu; 'ante)
9. Lemmede ('innessu; 'anchee; 'innante; 'issatchew)
10. T'eyyeqe ('inie; 'isswa; 'issu; 'ante)
11. Dewwole ('issatchew; 'anchee; 'innya; 'innante)
12. CH'errese ('anchee; 'ante; 'irswo; 'inie)
C. Change the sentence from negative to affirmative.

Example: Liju womber 'aysebrim. Answer: Liju womber yisebral.
1. 'Isswa libsun 'atwosdim. 2. 'Innessu 'ager tolo 'aylemdum. 3. 'Astemareew

timhirtun 'ayCHerrisim. 4. 'Innya zarie 'izzeeh 'anzefnim. 5. 'Irat 'ahun
'aydersim. 6. Bunnaw tolo 'ayberdim. 7. Temareew Tiyyaqie 'ayTeyyiqim. 8.
'Anchee silk 'attidewwiyim. 9. 'Irswo mets'hafien 'aymellisum. 10. 'Inie bado
bunna 'alfelligim. 11. Geredeetu biet 'attiTergim. 12. Yebietun keeray
'issatchew 'aykeflum. 13. 'Ihitie surree 'atlebsim. 14. Wondimmu sira zarie
'ayjemmirim. 15. Neggaddiewotchu zarie 'aynegdum. 16. Migibun 'alfelligim.
17. Widd makeena 'isswa 'atfelligim. 18. Yetahsas wor keeray zarie 'ankeflim.
D. Change the sentence to negative.

Example: 'Issu 'Amarinnya yawqal. Answer: 'Issu 'Amarinnya 'ayawqim.
1. 'Astemaree timhirtun yawqal. 2. 'Innya zarie 'izzeeh 'innadrallen. 3.

Geredeetu sineewininna birCHiqqowin taTballetch. 4. Wondimmie 'ahun
bemekeena yalfal. 5. Timhirtu zarie yalqal. 6. Temareew yassibal. 7.
'Issatchew 'Amarinnya yawqallu. 8. Sietotchu libsatchewin Àrb yaTballu. 9.
Misa tolo yidersal. 10. 'Irswo T'iru 'Amarinnya yawqallu.

1. You (pl) got used to the country quickly. 2. The food in this neighborhood is
very expensive. 3. The coffee does not get cold quickly. 4. I want coffee
without sugar or cream. 5. Who passed by the car? His father passed by. 6.
The coffee and the sugar will be used up today. 7. Do they know Amharic?
Yes, they know Amharic. 8. What do you m. think? 9. She does not know her
lessons. 10. Today we will spend the night in the new section of the city. 11.
This country is very cold. 12. The maid washes my trousers and her dresses.
13. What month is it? It is January. 14. The rent of the house is high
(expensive). 15. Supper will be ready at six o'clock. 16. In January it is warm in
Ethiopia. 17. They will come in December. 18. I will go to school in September.
19. It is very cold here in October and November. 20. What will you f. do in
February? I will begin my studies.
F. Read and Translate:
1. 'Agerun tolo tilemdalletch? 'Awo; 'agerun tolo tilemdalletch.

2. Timhirt mechie yijemmirallu? Timhirt beMeskerem yijemmirallu.
3. Libsihin mechie taTballeh? Libsien Qidamie 'aTballehue.
4. Yehitsanu wotet 'alleqe? 'Aydellem; yehitsanu wotet 'alalleqem.
5. Bado shay tiTeTCHallesh? 'Aydellem, bado shay 'alTeTTam.
6. YeTerePPiezawinna yewomberu waga widdi new? 'Awo, yeTerePPiezawinna
yewomberu waga beTam widdi new.
7. 'Issu 'Amarinnya yawqal? 'Awo, 'issu beTam Tiru 'Amarinnya yawqal.
8. Migib keyet tigezalletch? Migib kesuq tigezalletch.
9. Zarie woru mindinew? Zarie woru Hidar new.
10. Lemigibu yassibal? 'Aydellem, lemigibu 'ayassibim.
11. Zarienna nege yet tadralleh? Zarienna nege 'ibietie 'adrallehue.
12. Qurs tolo yidersal? 'Aydellem, qurs tolo 'aydersim.
13. YeTir wor mechie yalqal? YeTir wor zarie yalqal; nege Yekateet wor yigebal.
14. 'Ageru bezzeeh wor beTam yiberdal? 'Aydellem, 'ageru bezzeeh wor beTam
'ayberdim.
15. Wondimmih min yiseral? Wondimmie mekeenawin yaTbal.
16. 'Astemareeyatchin bemekeena min geezie 'allefe? 'Astemareeyatchin
bemekeena 'ahun 'allefe.
17. Zarie beradeeyo min 'alu? Zarie beradeeyo 'addees timhirt biet
'injemmirallen 'alu.
'Almazinna Yohannis (2)
'Almaz - Wode temaree biet mechie tihiedalleh?

Yohannis - Zarie woym nege.
'Almaz - 'Ahuniss min tiseralleh?
Yohannis - 'Ahun lewondimmie debdabbie 'itsifallehue.
'Almaz - Wondimmih yet new?
Yohannis - Ferensay 'ager new.
'Almaz - Min yiseral?
Yohannis - Be'ItyoPPhya 'iembasee wisT yiseral.
'Almaz - Tilliq sew new?
Yohannis - 'Awo, 'andennya tsehafee new.
'Almaz - Wode Ferensay 'ager mechie hiede?
Yohannis - KeZeTenny àmet befeet.
'Almaz - 'Iwnet? ZeTenny àmet be'iewroPPa wisT nore?
Yohannis - Awo.
'Almaz - Debdabbie yitsifal?
Yohannis - 'Awo, hulgeezie yitsifal.
Vocab - woym = or; Ferensay 'Ager = France; 'iembasee = embassy; 'andennya

tsehafee = First Secretary; 'iwnet = really (lit. Truth); àmet = year; 'iewroPPa =
Europe (also 'AwroPPa)
Lesson 18
SIMPLE PRESENT AND NEGATIVE FORMS OF BI-RADICALS
We have learned the simple present and negative forms for tri-radicals in the
last lesson. Remember that we have not learned how to use a simple present
form in a sentence yet, but we do know how to use it to form the negative. In the
next lesson (19) we will cover how to actually use a simple form in conjunction
with other elements, to form a subordinate clause. We already know that a main
clause verb in the present fahwud tense is generally the compound form with -
alle.
There are no new surprises in forming the simple present, (and negative), forms
of bi-radicals. They are all done just the same as the tri-radicals, i.e., base same
as the compound form but stripped of 'alle, and with the additional -u suffix in the
plural you and they... They are easy to parse, so we'll only give tables for the
type A of each class:
from SeMMa: yisema (that) he hear:
Simple present: yisema, tisema, tisema, tisemee, 'isema, yisemu, tisemu,
'insema ('innisema)
Main negative: 'aysemam, at'semam ('attisemam), at'semam ('attisemam),
'at'semeem ('attisemeem), 'alsemam, 'aysemum, 'at'semum ('attisemum),
'ansemam ('annisemam).
from QeRRe: yiqer (that) it remain:

Simple present: yiqer, tiqer, tiqer, tiqeree, 'iqer, yiqeru, tiqeru, 'inqer ('inniqer)
Main negative: 'ayqerim, atqerim ('attiqerim), atqerim ('attiqerim), 'atqereem
('attiqereem), 'alqerim, 'ayqerum, 'atqerum ('attiqerum), 'anqerim ('anniqerim)
The verb 'ayye is in this class: yay, (that) he see; 'ayayim, he doesn't see;
yayal, he sees.
from SaMe: yisim (that) he kiss

Simple present: yisim, tisim, tisim, tisimee, 'isim, yisimu, tisimu, 'insim ('innisim)
Main negative: aysimim, 'at'simim ('attisimim), 'at'simim ('attisimim), 'atsimeem
('attisimeem), 'alsimim, 'aysimim, 'atsimum ('attisimum), 'ansimim ('annisimim)
from QoMe: yiqom (that) he stand

Simple present: yiqom, tiqom, tiqom, tiqomee, 'iqom, yiqomu, tiqomu, 'inqom
('inniqom)
Main negative: 'ayqomim, 'atqomim ('attiqomim), 'atqomim ('attiqomim),
'atqomeem ('attiqomeem), 'alqomim, 'ayqomum, 'atqomum ('attiqomum),
'anqomim ('anniqomim)
From HieDe: yihied (that) he go

Simple present: yihied, tihied, tihied, tihiej, 'ihied, yihiedu, tihiedu, 'inhied
('innihied)
Main negative: ayhiedim, 'at'hiedim ('attihiedim), 'at'hiedim ('attihiedim), 'at'hiejim
('attihiejim), alhiedim, 'ayhiedum, 'athiedum ('attihiedum), 'anhiedim ('annihiedim)
From 'ALe (class SaMe): yil (that) he say

Simp. Present: yil, til, til, tiy, 'il, yilu, tilu, 'inil ('innil)
Main Neg.: 'ayilim, 'atilim ('attilim), 'atilim ('attilim), 'atiyim ('attiyim), 'alilim,
'ayilum, 'atilum ('attilum), 'anilim ('annilim)
DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUN AND ADJECTIVE
Some of the more common demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are:
yih this / this one

Examples: yih sew = this man; yih irsas = this pencil, yih irsas new = this is a
pencil
yitch (also yitchee) this / this one (fem)

Examples: yitchi siet or yitchee siet = this woman, yitchi siet nat = this is a
woman
'innezzeeh these / these ones (masc or fem)

Examples: 'innezzeeh wondotch lijotch = these boys; 'innezzeeh lijageredotch
= these girls; 'innezzeeh wondotch lijotch natchew = these are boys
If a preposition is added to the words yih and yitch, the yi- part is changed into -
zzee- after that preposition. Examples: Bezzeeh mets'haf, in this book
(bezzeeh = be + yih) Bezzeetchi ketema = in this city (bezzeetch = be + yitch)
Note that some words formed this way by default are adverbial in English.
'izzeeh = here
kezzeeh = from here
wodezzeeh = toward here
silezzeeh = therefore (becaudis)
'indezzeeh = like this, likewise, thus
For distant objects, we have:
ya = that
Examples: ya sew = that man, ya tilliq new = that is big
yannyaw = that one
Examples: yannyaw tilliq new = that one is big
yatch or yatchee = that (fem)

Example: yatchi siet or yatchee siet = that woman
yatchinnyawa = that one (fem)
Example: yatchinnyawa Tiqur nat = that one is black
'innezzeeya = those (masc or fem)

'innezzeeyawotch = those ones (masc or fem)
If a preposition is added to the words ya or yatch, the y- becomes -zzee- after the
preposition. Bezzeeya mets'haf, in that book. Bezzeeyatchi ketema, in that city
By default: 'izzeeya = there; kezzeeya = from there, etc.
hone = it became, it happened, it was (this is another part of the verb 'to be', in
the form yihonal, it usually indicates future tense "it (or he) will be, will become")
likk = sharp (time); exact, fitting
likk hone = it fit (e.g. clothes)
lewwoTe (B) = he changed
rikkash = cheap, inexpensive
tolo tolo = quickly, fast
tenege wodeeya = day after tomorrow
chale = he could, was able; he could speak or was able to speak a language
'iqa = item, thing, vessel, household objects, furniture
'innezzeeya = those
'izzeeh = here
ya = that
yih = this
yiqirta = pardon, excuse
yitch, yitchee = this (fem)
yatch, yatchee = that (fem)
CH'amma = pair of shoes
fella (A) = it boiled
meggabeet = March
meeyazya = April
ginbot = May
senie = June
hamlie = July
nehasie = August
pagwimie = Ethiopian 13th month having only 5 or 6 days at the end of the year
(in September)
EXERCISES
A. Change all sentences from positive to negative:

Example 1): Berrun yikeftal. Answer: Berrun 'aykeftim.
Example 2): Debdabbie titsifalletch. Answer: Debdabbie 'attitsifim.
1. 'Innezzeeya lijotch Tiru temarotch yihonallu. 2. Bemeggabeet wor 'addees

CHamma 'igezallehue. 3. Shayu tolo yifelal. 4. 'Isswa zarie kegebeya bizu 'iqa
tigezalletch. 5. CH'ammaw lanchee likk yihonal. 6. Tenege wodeeya wode
'ageratchin 'inhiedallen. 7. Ya neggaddie bizu 'iqa yisheTal. 8. Yatchee sietiyyo
libs taTballetch. 9. Hakeemu libsun hulgeezie yilewwiTal. 10. LeNehasie
yennessu 'abbat ke'ageratchew yimeTallu. 11. Yitchee mekeena tolo tolo
tihiedalletch. 12. Issatchew 'Amarinnya yichilallu. 13. CH'ammanna libs
beMeggabeet wor rikkash new; 'innessu yigezallu. 14. Likk besiddist seàt
kebeero tiwoTallatchihue. 15. Ya surree lewondimmie likk yihonal.
B. Give the simple present form for each verb agreeing with the pronouns (see
vocabulary sections to see if it is type A or B)
1. tsafe ('ante; 'anchee; 'isswa; 'innya; 'innessu)

2. leyye ('issu; 'isswa; 'innya; 'innessu; 'innante)
3. qerre ('isswa; 'innya; 'innessu; 'innante; 'irswo)
4. 'ayye ('anchee; 'innessu; 'innante; 'irswo; 'inie)
5. meTTa ('innya; 'innante; 'irswo; 'inie; 'issatchew)
6. gezza ('innessu; 'irswo; 'inie; 'issatchew; 'issu)
7. fella ('innante; 'inie; 'issatchew; 'issu; 'ante)
8. bella ('irswo; 'issatchew; 'issu; 'ante; 'anchee)
9. hiede ('inie; 'issu; 'ante; 'anchee; 'isswa)
10. sheTe ('issatchew; 'ante; 'anchee; 'isswa; 'innya)
11. seTTe ('innessu; 'innante; 'irswo; 'innya; 'issatchew; 'ante)
12. qome ('innante; 'irswo; 'innya; 'issatchew; 'ante)
13. mote ('irswo; 'innya; 'issatchew; 'inie; 'anchee)
14. nore ('innya; 'issatchew; 'inie; 'anchee; 'isswa)
15. gebba ('issatchew; 'inie; 'anchee; 'isswa; 'ante
16. hone ('inie; 'ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'innessu)
17. lekka ('ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'innante; 'inie)
18. lake ('anchee; 'issu; 'isswa; 'irswo; 'innya)
19. TeTTa ('issu; 'isswa; 'innante; 'inie; 'innessu)
20. wale ('innante; 'inie; 'innessu; 'isswa; 'innya)
21. woTTa ('inie; 'innessu; 'innante; 'innya; 'anchee)
22. chale ('issu; 'ante; 'innessu; 'isswa; 'irswo)
23. 'ale ('inie; 'innessu; 'innante; 'issu; 'ante; 'innya)
C. Change all sentences from negative to positive.

Example: Nege 'aymeTam. Answer: Nege yimeTal.
1. 'Ante 'astemaree 'attihonim. 2. CH'ammaw lenie likk 'ayhonim. 3. Hitsanu

tolo tolo 'ayhiedim. 4. 'Isswa 'Amarinnya 'attichilim. 5. 'Issatchew hulgeezie libs
'aylewwiTum. 6. Tenege wodeeya 'inie mekeena 'alnedam. 7. 'Innezzeeya
temarotch 'izzeeh 'aywilum. 8. Bunnaw 'ahun 'ayfelam. 9. 'Irswo zarie kebeero
'ayqerum. 10. 'Innante teeyatirun zarie 'attayum. 11. Neggadiew bizu 'iqa
'aysheTim. 12. 'Ihitu beNehasie wor 'atmeTam. 13. 'Anchee Tiru hakeem
'attihonyim. 14. 'Ante Tiru 'Amarinnya 'attichilim. 15. Surreewinna CHammaw
lessatchew likk 'ayhonim. 16. Mekeenaw beTam rikkash 'aydellem.
D. Finish sentences according to the pattern. Put pronoun suffixes on the noun
and put the verb in the negative present tense to agree with each pronoun.
1. 'Inie zarie misayien 'albelam.

'Ante zarie ____ ____.
'Anchee zarie ____ ____.
'Isswa zarie ____ ____.
'Innante zarie ____ ____.
2. 'Inie lewondimmie debdabbie 'altsifim.
'Anchee ____ debdabbie ____.
'Issu ____ debdabbie ____.
'Irswo ____ debdabbie ____.
'Innya ____ debdabbie ____.
'Ante ____ debdabbie ____.
3. 'Anchee nege wondimmishin 'attayyeem.
'Innya nege ____ ____.
'Innessu nege ____ ____.
'Issu nege ____ ____.
'Issatchew nege ____ ____.
'Isswa nege ____ ____.
4. 'Issu zarie libsun 'aygezam.
'Ante zarie ____ ____.
'Innante zarie ____ ____.
'Innya zarie ____ ____.
'Issatchew zarie ____ ____.
5. 'Ante nege 'iqah 'attisheTim.
'Anchee nege ____ ____.
'Innessu nege ____ ____.
'Isswa nege ____ ____.
'Inie nege ____ ____.
'Irswo nege ____ ____.
1. My brother will become a doctor. 2. I come to the office at three sharp. 3.

The new shoes will not fit you (f.) 4. You (m) always change clothes. 5. Today
many things are cheap at the market. 6. Your (m) father's car does not go fast.
7. I will sell the car day after tomorrow. 8. He (r.) is not able to speak Amharic.
9. We will not buy many things in the shop. 10. There are five or six days in
Pagwimie. 11. The days are very warm in April and May. 12. Those houses
will become a school (building). 13. That pair of shoes will fit the baby. 14. Not
much rain falls in March. 15. In June, July and August it rains very much. 16.
Pardon, are you (r) the new doctor? 17. This (f) child will not go to her country in
June. 18. That (f) student is my brother's child. 19. The new pair of shoes does
not fit you (m). 20. The maid said the water is boiling.
1. Ya temaree yet yiroTal? Ya temaree wode biet yiroTal.

2. 'Addeesu 'astemareeyatchihue man yihonal? 'Addeesu 'astemareeyatchin
yessu wondimm yihonal.
3. 'Isuq CHamma rikkash new widd? 'Isuq CHamma beTam rikkash new.
4. Sietiyyowa libswan tilewwiTalletch? 'Awo, sietiyyowa hulgeezie libswan
tilewwiTalletch.
5. CH'ammaw lanchee likk yihonal? 'Aydellem; CHammaw lenie likk 'ayhonim.
6. Yihitchi siet hakeem tihonalletch? 'Awo, yihitchi siet hakeem tihonalletch.
7. Shayun mechie 'inTeTTallen? Shayun 'ahun tiTeTTallatchihue.
8. Seferatchihun mechie tilewwiTallatchihue? Seferatchinin tenege wodeeya
'innilewwiTallen.
9. Sewiyyiew min yisheTal? Sewiyyiew CHamma yisheTal.
10. 'Igebeya 'iqa rikkash new? 'Awo, 'igebeya 'iqa beTam rikash new.
11. Mekeenah tolo tihiedalletch? 'Aydellem, mekeenayie tolo tolo 'at'hiedim.
12. Ya temaree hakeem yihonal? 'Aydellem, ya temaree hakeem 'ayhonim.
13. Yiqerta! Simish man new? Simie 'Almaz new.
14. 'Innessu libsatchewin hulgeezie yilewwiTallu? 'Awo, 'innessu libsatchewin
hulgeezie yilewwiTallu.
15. Yessatchew 'ihit min honetch? Yessatchew 'ihit 'astemaree honetch.
16. 'Ante 'Amarinnya tichilalleh? 'Awo, 'inie 'Amarinnya beTam 'ichilallehue.
17. 'Astemareew min 'ayye? 'Astemareew seeneema 'ayye.
Dirset
'Izzeeh bizu sewotch 'allu. 'Innessumm bizu liyyu liyyu sira yiserallu.
'Ametie gered nat. T'wat be'asra hulett seàt tineqalletch. Be'aratt seàt wode
gebeya tihiedalletch. Kegebeya bizu neger tigezalletch; be'ammist seàt misa
tiseralletch.
'Aseffa hitsan lij new. Hulgeezie yisiqal. T'wat besost seàt yineqal. Libsun
yilebsal; qursun dabbo bewotet yibelal. Bemekeena wode temaree biet yihiedal.
'Itemaree biet zefen yizefnal. Yisiqal; bizu neger yiseral. 'Itemaree biet yiwilal.
Ketemaree biet bezeTenny seàt yiwoTal. Wode biet bemekeena yihiedal.
'Ato Keedanie neggaddie natchew. Wode gebeya hulgeezie yihiedallu. Bizu
neger yinegdallu. Surreenna qemees yisheTallu. Mekeena yinegdallu. Lebizu
sewotch bizu neger yisheTallu. Sew kessatchew bizu neger yigezal. BeTam
Tiru neggaddie natchew.
'Inie lijagered nenny. Be'Ager Gizat Meeneestier 'Iserallehue. 'Ibeero hulgeezie
besost seàt 'igeballehue. Wode beero bemekeena 'ihiedallehue. Sira likk
besost seàt kerub 'ijemmirallehue. Debdabbie lebizu sew 'itsifallehue;
'ilikallehue. Silkimm 'idewwilallehue. Kebeero besebatt seàt tekkul
'iwoTallehue. Keseàt behwala sira yellem. Silezzeeh wode temaree biet
'ihiedallehue. Timhirtien be'asra 'and seàt 'iCHerrisallehue. 'Ibietie siìl
'isilallehue. 'Andi qen 'andi Tiru siìl salkue. Nege 'and 'abebanna zaf 'isilallehue.
'Inie beTam Tiru lijagered nenny.
Vocabulary for Dirset: liyyu liyyu = various, different kinds of; 'Ametie = girl's
name; 'Ato = Mr., Keedanie = boy's name; Yager Gizat Meeneestier = Ministry of
Interior; silezzeeh = therefore.
Yohannis: 'Almaz; zarie mata wode seeneema biet 'ihiedallehue. Kenie gar
tihiejallesh?
'Almaz: Zarie mata 'iserallehue.
Yohannis: Negess?
'Almaz: Nege 'isshee. Besinti seàt timeTalleh?
Yohannis: Behulett woym besost.
'Almaz: 'Inie biet 'irat 'innibelallen.
Yohannis: 'Irat man yiseral?
'Almaz: 'Inie rasie.
Yohannis: 'Ayie?
'Almaz: Minew?
Yohannis: Minimm 'aydellem.
'Almaz: BeTam Tiru woT 'iserallehue.
Yohannis: Gidd yellem, wode riestorant 'inhiedallen.
'Almaz: 'Isshee; dehna wal.
Yohannis: Dehna way.
Vocab: seeneema = movie; 'isshee = ok, alright 'inie rasie = I myself 'ayie =
expression of disbelief; minimm 'aydellem = it's nothing gidd yellem = don't
bother, no need (no obligation) riestorant = restaurant; dehna wal = goodbye! lit.
spend the day well! dehna way = same for addressin dawtaz.
Lesson 19
USES OF THE SIMPLE FORM: (Finally!)
SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
Subordinate or dependant clauses (not the main verb clause) are formed from
the simple form. They are introduced by the following canjunctions that are
prefixed:
si- "when"
bi- "if"
li- "in order that, so that"
'indi- "in order that, so that"
'iski- "up til, until" (also 'isti-)
silemmi- "because, since"
One canjunction that is not prefixed, but follows the verb, is zend "in order that,
that there might..." - but it is not used often in speech.
Also, the prefix bi- used in canjunction with the suffix -imm has the meaning of
"even though..."
Now, the way all these canjunction prefixes will react with the pronoun prefixes
that are already on the simple form, is as follows:
All of these canjunction prefixes end with -i. (the short vowel). The first person of
the simple present ("I...") also starts with 'i- as in 'isebr. So, when we add the
prefix si- "when", one i drops out and you get sisebr, "when I break" (that's a
dependant clause, not a main clause!)
Same with the simple form 'innisebr, (that) we break. The word that is not
always translated, I just enclose it in parentheses to show it indicates a
dependent clause, not a main clause. When you add the si- "when" you get
sinnisebr "when we break."
With the simple forms beginning with yi-, i.e. yisebr and yisebru, the -i of the
canjunctive prefixes will cantract with the yi- and it becomes -ee-. So, "when he
breaks" is seesebr and "when they break" is seesebru.
As for the simple form prefix ti-, it may be pronounced either stressed or
unstressed (as with the negative)... Thus, sit'sebr or sittisebr, "when you m.
break" (also "when she breaks", but cantext should be sufficient so as not to be
canfused!) Likewise, sit'sebree and sit'sebru can be pronounced sittisebree and
sittisebru.
This gives us the followin chart showin the canjunctive prefix si- "when", added
to all the simple present forms of sebbere:
seesebr, when he breaks seesebru, when they break (+ rasp.)

sit'sebr, when she breaks
sit'sebr, when you m. break sit'sebru, when you (pl) break
sit'sebree, when you f. break
sisebr, when I break sinnisebr, when we break
The other canjunctions listed at the beginnin of this lesson all behave the same
as si-. Examples of Canjunctions:
Zinab seezenb shurrab 'aylebsim. "When rain rains, he doesn't wear a

sweater."
[Seezenb, when it rains, from si- + yizenb.]
Zinab beezenb shurrab 'aylebsim. "If rain rains, he will not wear a sweater."
Liebaw 'iqa leeserq meskot sebbere. "The thief broke a window in order to steal
items."
[leeserq, in order to steal; from li- + yiserq]
Sirawin 'indeeCHerris leserratennyaw bizu genzeb yikeflal. "He pays much

money to the worker so that he will finish the work." ['indi-, in order to, +
yiCHerris]
Timhirtun 'iskittiCHerris 'iTebbiqallehue. "I will wait until she (or you m.) finish
the lesson."
Guddayun tolo tiCHerrisu zend 'innanten 'ilemminallehue. "I beg you pl. that
you might finish the matter quickly."
Zend is placed after the simple form.
'Issu gebeya silemmeehied 'iniemm 'ihiedallehue. "Since he goes to the market

I will go, too." silemmi- + yihied.
Both the canjunctions 'indi- and li- with the simple form can often be expressed
in English by the infinitive, i.e. "to" + the verb. [However, this is not the actual
infinitive of verbs that we will learn in a later lesson.]
Examples: Sirawin tolo leeCHerris yifelligal. "He wants to finish the work
quickly"
Sirawin tolo 'indittiCHerrishee 'ancheen mannim 'ayTeyyiqim. "No one will ask
you f. to finish the work quickly."
The formula of li- + simple present + new expresses the meaning that you are
'about to' do something, or 'gettin ready to' do something, or would 'fain' do
something.
Examples: Leehied new. = "He is about to go" Litsif new. = "I am about to
write."
You can also use li+ simple form with nebbere instead of new, to mean the
same thing the past tense.
Leehied nebbere, he was about to go.
NEGATIVE DEPENDANT CLAUSES
The above mentioned canjunctions can also be combined with the negative
forms (but usually without the final -m) and can indicate a variety of other
meanings. All of the negative forms start with 'a-, so the -i- vowel of the prefixes
uniformly cantracts.
Thus, si- "when" + 'aysebrim "he doesn't break" becomes the word saysebr,
and this means "before he breaks"
Other forms in this example would be sat'sebr (or sattisebr), sat'sebr (sattisebr),
sat'sebree (sattisebree), salsebr, saysebru, sat'sebru (sattisebru), sansebr
(sannisebr).
Note that the si- with the simple form means "when...", but with the negative, it
has the meaning "before..." (Also "without..." as in saysebr, "without (him) break
(ing), without his breaking"...
Positive: seesebr - when he breaks
Negative: saysebr - before he breaks / without his breakin
Other classes:
SeMMa: Positive: seesema - when he hears
Negative: saysema - before he hears, or without him hearing
QeRRe: Positive: seeqer - when he or it remains
Negative: sayqer - before it remains, without (it) remainin
SaMe: Positive: seesim - when he kisses
Negative: saysim - without him kissing / before he kisses
QoMe: Positive: seeqom - when he stands
Negative: sayqom - without it standing
HieDe Positive: seehied - when he goes
Negative: sayhied - without it going, before he goes
Likewise, the conjunction 'indi- "so that" with the negative means "in order that
not; so that one cannot; lest".
EXAMPLES OF NEGATIVE DEPENDANT CLAUSES:

Sirawin sayCHerris demozun wossede = 'He took his salary without finishing his
work' (or 'before finishing')
'Indaywodq kebeqlo worrede = "He dismounted from a mule in order not to fall"
'Indaywodq = 'indi- + 'aywodq (drop the -im) - - from the verb woddeqe, he fell
'Indaywodq can also be translated "lest he fall".
The underlined words in these two examples are dependent clauses, that is,
they are subordinate to the main verb that comes at the end of the sentence.
The dependant clause comes before the main verb.
Àlemu sewn leebeddil 'ayfelligim.

"Alemu doesn't want to wrong anyone." Literally "Alemu a-person in-order-to-
wrong he-does-not-want."
'Astemaree mets'hafotchun 'indeemellisu temarotchun Teyyeqe.

"The teacher asked the students to return the books."
MORE USES OF THE SIMPLE FORM
Besides these canjunctions, the simple form can be followed by the fixed forms
nebber and jemmer (or nebbere and jemmere) to express certain other
meanings.
Followed by nebber, the simple form means a habitual or cantinuous action in

the past, as expressed by the English words "used to" do something, or "would"
do something.
The form nebber is fixed and is not made to agree with the verb.
Examples: Yeduro sewotch zemedotchatchewin yiTeqmu nebber.
"The people of ancient times used to help their relatives"
Yessu meest 'ihil tileqm nebber. "His wife would gather grain."
'Astemareew wode biet yihied nebber. "The teacher would be going home."
The verbs fellege "want" and woddede "love, like" also appear in this form for a
polite request, just like the English word "would"...
Example: Gietotch, min yifelligallu? Sost birtukan 'ifellig nebber.
"What do you want sir? I would like three oranges."
The simple form followed by the word jemmer, has the meaning of an action
that began in the past.
'Addees libs yilebs jemmer = "He started to wear new clothes."

'Addees libs tilebs jemmer = "She started to wear new clothes."
SIMPLE FORM WITH -INNA
The simple form followed by -inna and then a regular verb can indicate two
actions that happen one after the other, for instance:
Yibelinna yiTeTTal, "He eats and then he drinks"
There is still another way to express this called the "gerundive", but that will be
a much later lesson.
VOCABULARY
liela - another, other

rase - it got soaked
radeeyo, radeeyon - radio
silezzeeh - therefore, because of this
semma (A) - he heard
quTir - number
beera - beer
borsa - wallet, purse, briefcase
bega - dry season
neggere (A) - he told
kiremt - rainy season
kifu - evil, bad, wicked
worie - a report, news, gossip, canversation, something that has been related
(told)
zarie Tiwat - this morning
zegga (A) - he shut, he closed
yaze - he seized, got hold of, caught, took hold of, took
yezinab libs - a raincoat
derreqe (A) - it dried, it dried up
gebba - it set, went down (the Sun)
T'ila - umbrella, shade
T'iwat - morning
tsehay - Sun
EXERCISES:
A. (a) Put the verb in parentheses in agreement with the pronoun, using the
canjunction li- + the simple form.
Example 1: 'Inie (meTTa) 'ifelligallehue. Answer: 'Inie limeTa 'ifelligallehue.
Example 2: 'Issu wode bietu (hiede) yifelligal. Answer: 'Issu wode bietu leehied
yifelligal.
1. 'Inie bunna (TeTTa) 'ihiedallehue. 2. 'Ante misahin (bella) tihiedalleh? 3.

'Anchee bietun (Terrege) tifelligeeyallesh? 4. 'Issu mets'hafun (wossede)
meTTa. 5. 'Isswa 'iqa (gezza) wode gebeya hiedetch. 6. 'Innessu 'addees
gered (qeTTere) yassiballu. 7. 'Innya radeeyon (semma) 'innifelligallen. 8.
'Irswo tilliqun mekeena (nedda) yassiballu? 9. 'Issatchew silk (dewwole) wode
temaree biet hiedu. 10. 'Innante wode 'ageratchihue mechie (hiede) new?
(b) Same as part (a), but use the canjunction si- + the simple form.
Example: 'Innessu (meTTa) bizu mekeena 'ayyu. Answer: 'Innessu seemeTu
bizu mekeena 'ayyu.
1. 'Innante berrun (keffete) liebaw bemeskot woTTa. 2. 'Inie worie (semma)

womberu lay tennyahue. 3. 'Irswo wode beero (hiede) hakeemu silk dewwole.
4. 'Anchee debdabbiewin (tsafe) 'inie surreeyien 'aTballehue. 5. 'Issatchew
mets'hafun (mellese) 'ibiet nebberkue. 6. 'Ante (neqqa) 'imeTallehue. 7. 'Isswa
wode bietwa (hiede) zinab zennebe. 8. 'Innya (serra) 'innessu yet hiedu? 9.
'Issu wode temaree biet (roTe) woddeqe. 10. 'Innessu 'ibeero (gebba) 'issu
woTTa.
(c) Same as part (a), but use the negative canjunction sa- + the simple form.
Example: 'Isswa sirawin (CHerrese) tihiedalletch. Answer: 'Isswa sirawin
sattiCHerris tihiedalletch.
1. 'Ante (meTTa) temareew hiede. 2. 'Issu libs (derreqe) yilebsal. 3. 'Inie

(serra) 'albelam. 4. 'Ante 'ibiet (derrese) 'izzeeh lemin meTTah? 5. 'Anchee
libsishin (lewwoTe) 'ihitish timeTalletch. 6. 'Isswa keerayun (keffele)
TerePPiezanna womberun 'almellisim. 7. 'Innya Tiyyaqie (Teyyeqe)
'astemareew hulgeezie kekifil yiwoTal. 8. 'Irswo (TeTTa) 'inie 'alTeTTam. 9.
'Innessu yezinab libs (gezza) 'inie Tila 'igezallehue. 10. 'Issatchew (meTTa)
debdabbie tsafkue.
(d) same again, but with the canjunction 'indi-...

Example: 'Ante mets'hafun (mellese) le'astemareew 'inegrallehue. Answer:
'Ante mets'hafun 'inditmellis le'astemareew 'inegrallehue.
1. 'Inie mekeena (nedda) wondimmien Teyyeqhue. 2. 'Isswa ketemaree biet

(qerre) 'astemareewin Teyyeqetch. 3. 'Innya CHamma (gezza) 'ayfelligum. 4.
'Innessu sira (jemmere) 'ayfelligum. 5. Yante 'ihit keerayun (keffele) silk
dewwolkue.
(e) Same again, but with the canjunction 'iski-...

Example: 'Ante (meTTa) teeyatir 'ayallehue. Answer: 'Ante 'iskitmeTa teeyatir
'ayallehue.
1. 'Issu libsun (lewwoTe) 'isswa debdabbie titsifalletch. 2. 'Innante timhirtun

(CHerrese) 'innya radeeyon 'innisemallen. 3. 'Ante mekeenawan (Terrege) 'inie
mets'hafun le'astemareew 'iseTallehue. 4. 'Isswa woT (serra) 'issatchew libsun
'aTTebu. 5. 'Anchee kegebeya (meTTa) 'inie mets'hafien 'itsifallehue. 6. 'Inie
gered (qeTTere) migibien 'iwondimmie biet 'ibelallehue.
(f) Same again, but with the canjunction silemmi-.

Example: Wondimmie (meTTa) 'ibiet 'ihonallehue. Answer: Wondimmie
silemmeemeTa 'ibiet 'ihonallehue.
1. 'Isswa gebeya (hiede) 'iniemm 'ihiedallehue. 2. 'Ante libsien ('aTTebe)

ketemaree biet tiqeralleh. 3. 'Issu yanten mets'haf (fellege) wossede. 4.
'Anchee 'ibeero sira (serra) 'inie bietun 'iTergallehue. 5. 'Inie mekeena (nedda)
'issun 'itemaree biet 'iwosdallehue. 6. 'Innessu zarie (meTTa) Tiru migib
'iserallehue. 7. 'Innante timhirtun nege (CHerrese) tenege wodeeya bizu sira
yellem. 8. 'Innya mekeenawan (Terrege) 'ahun linniwoTa 'anchilim. 9.
'Issatchew mets'hafun (fellege) leewosdu meTTu. 10. 'Irswo bizu (TeTTa) bizu
beera 'igezallehue.
B. Rewrite each of these sentances using a) the simple form + nebber; b) the
simple form + jemmer.
Example: 'Astemareew wode biet hiede. Answers: a) 'Astemareew wode biet
yihied nebber. b) 'Astemareew wode biet yihied jemmer.
1. Sewotchu radeeyon yisemallu. 2. Lijeetu silk dewwoletch. 3. Yetemareew

wondimm libsun lewwoTe. 4. Serratennyotchu 'ibeero 'adderu. 5. Hitsanu likk
besost seàt yitennyal. 6. Keerayun keffelu. 7. Tiru 'abebanna zaf tekkelk. 8.
Ye'astemareewin Tiyyaqie Tiru mellesish. 9. 'Issatchew mekeena tolo tolo
yinedallu. 10. Kebeero sanwoTa messhe.
1. Since it rained hard, my clothes are soaked. 2. I bought a new radio for
twenty dollars. 3. I always forget my wallet. 4. The Sun in the dry season is
very warm. 5. When it rains he closes the door. 6. When the rainy season
comes, it will rain a lot. 7. We always hear the news and songs at nine o'clock.
8. When the Sun rises I wake up from my sleep. 9. It will rain today; therefore
I'll take my umbrella and my raincoat. 10. She bought a raincoat for twenty-five
dollars yesterday. 11. It will get dark soon today; the sun will set soon. 12. The
day is very warm. Therefore I will not take my umbrella. 13. The Sun sets in the
evening and rises in the morning. 14. This morning it isn't raining. 15. My radio
doesn't work; therefore I listen to my brother's radio. 16. The clothes will dry in
the Sun. 17. I did not hear the news this morning. 18. Why do you close the
door? 19. I bought another book today. 20 Today I heard bad news on the
radio. 21. I don't know the number of the classroom.
D. Read and Translate:
1. Kiremt mechie yigebal? Mechiess yiwoTal? Kiremt beSenie yigebal;

beMeskerem yiwoTal.
2. Yezinab libsinna Tila 'ahun widdi new rikash? Yezinab libsinna Tila 'ahun
beTam widdi new.
3. Borsa 'ahun lemin yigezal? Mets'hafotchu beTam bizu honu; silezzeeh 'ahun
borsa yigezal.
4. Debdabbie titsifalleh? 'Aydellem; debdabbie 'altsifim.
5. Libsu lemin rase? Libsu zinab silemmeezenb rase.
6. Zarie Twat radeeyon semmatchihue? 'Aydellem; zarie T'wat radeeyon
sansema hiedin.
7. T'iwat tolo yineqal? 'Aydellem; Tiwat tsehay 'iskittimoq ke'inqilfu 'ayneqam.
8. 'Issatchew yezinab libs mechie yigezallu? 'Issatchew kiremt saygeba yezinab
libs yigezallu.
9. Yeradeeyonu worie seeyalq min tiseralletch? Yeradeeyonu worie seeyalq
zefen tisemalletch.
10. Min sittiseru seàtu 'allefe? Libsatchinin sinnilewwiT seàtu 'allefe.
11. Libsie Tiru new? 'Awo; libsih Tiru new; gin bezinab tolo yirisal.
12. YeMeeyazyanna yeGinbot tsehay beTam timoqalletch? 'Awon;
yeMeeyazyanna yeGinbot tsehay beTam timoqalletch.
13. 'Adrasshatchihue yet new? 'Adrasshatchin 'addeesu sefer new.
14. Lemin tolo tolo 'atmeTum? Seferatchin beTam ruq new; silezzeeh tolo tolo
linnimeTa 'anchilim.
15. Yeradeeyonu waga beTam widdi new? 'Awo; yeradeeyonu waga beTam
widdi new.
16. 'Ahun bega new kiremt? 'Ahun bega new.
17. Tsehaywa besint seàt tiwoTalletch? Tsehaywa be'asra hulett seàt
tiwoTalletch.
18. Liebawin man yaze? Liebawin 'abbatienna wondimmie yazu.
19. Tsehaywa besint seàt tigeballetch? Tsehaywa be'asra hulett seàt
tigeballetch.
20. Libsish derreqe? 'Aydellem; libsie 'alderreqem.
21. Liela Tila 'ibiet 'alle? 'Aydellem; liela Tila 'ibiet yellem.
22. Sinti quTir CHamma yifelligallu? 'Arba hulett quTir CHamma 'ifelligallehue.
23. 'Astemaree deggi new woyiss kifu? 'Astemareew beTam kifu new.
24. Ketemaree biet lemin qerre? Ketemaree biet wode hospeetal silemmeehied
qerre.
('Almaz 'ibietwa netch; 'andi sew kedejj 'ale.)
'Almaz - Man new?

Yohannis - 'Inie nenny.
'Almaz - 'Ante man neh?
Yohannis - 'Inie Yohannis nenny.
'Almaz - Giba; tolo meTTah. Sint seàt new?
Yohannis - Likk hulett seàt new. 'Addeesun qemeesishin tilebshallesh?
'Almaz - 'Aydellem; 'arogiewin 'ilebsallehue. 'Addeesu likk 'alhonem. Mekeenah
yet netch?
Yohannis - 'Izzeeh qirbi netch; ke'inante biet hwala.
'Almaz - Wode seeneema bietu be'iggir lemin 'anhiedim? 'Izzeeh qirbi new.
Yohannis - Yizenbal. Be'iggir linnihied 'anchilim.
'Almaz - 'Iratatchinin lemin keseeneema behwala 'anbelam? 'Ahun geezie
yellem.
Yohannis - 'Isshee! Yisshalal; seeneemaw bizu seàt 'aywosdim.
(Beseeneema bietu seedersu Yohannis teekiet leegeza wode meskot yihiedal.)
Yohannis - Ye'andi teekiet waga sinti new?
Teekiet SheyaCH - 'Andi birr tekul new gietayie.
Yohannis - Hulett teekiet 'ifelligallehue.
'Almaz - Berru yet new?
Yohannis - 'Izzeeya tatch new. Yehwala womber yisshalal woyiss yefeet?
'Almaz - Yefeet.
Yohannis - 'Izzeeh littihiej tifelligeeyallesh?
'Almaz - T'iru! Gin kenie feet 'andi tilliq sew 'alle. 'Izzeeya binhon yishalal.
Vocabulary - dejj = doorway; giba = get in, enter (imperative); ke... hwala =
behind; ke... behwala = after; be'iggir = by foot; yisshalal = it is better, it is
preferable; teekiet = ticket; teekiet sheyaCH = ticket seller; gietayie - Sir!;
'izzeeya tatch = down there; yehwala = back one; rear; yefeet = front one; front;
ke... feet = in front of.
Lesson 20 Review
Review 16-19
Exercises:
A. Change the present tense verb from positive to negative.

Example: Sewiyyiew mekeena yinedal. Answer: Sewiyyiew mekeena
'aynedam.
1. Neggaddiew mekeena yinegdal. 2. 'Astemareew libsun yilewwiTal. 3.

Temarotchu wode kifil yihiedallu. 4. Sietiyyowa woT tiseralletch. 5. 'Innante
nege libs taTballatchihue. 6. 'Innya yezarie sammint bizu 'iqa 'ingezallen. 7.
'Issatchew 'arogiew biet yadrallu. 8. 'Anchee berrun lemin tizegeeyallesh? 9.
Yihi CHamma lante likk yihonal. 10. Begaw tolo yalfal. 11. Kiremtu 'ahun
yidersal. 12. BeHamlienna beNehasie wor beTam yiberdal. 13. Temareewa
timhirtwan tawqalletch. 14. Zarie keseàt behwala besimmint seàt radeeyon
'isemallehue. 15. Lekiremtu zinab libsinna Tila yigezallu. 16. 'Irswo liela Tila
yifelligallu? 'Awo; 'inie liela rikkash Tila 'ifelligallehue. 17. Temareew letimhirtu
beTam yassibal. 18. Sewotchu 'ager tolo yilemdallu. 19. 'Addeesu hakeem
'Amarinnya yichilallu. 20. Geredeetu bietun tiTergalletch. 21. Beqee migib
kesuq 'igezallehue. 22. Tsehaywa tolo tiwoTalletch. 23. BeTahsas wor tsehay
tolo tigeballetch. 24. 'Issatchew bado bunna yifelligallu.
B. Give the negative present tense agreeing with the pronouns.
nedda ('ante; 'issu; 'anchee; 'irswo)

Terrege ('issu; 'inie; 'isswa; 'innya; 'issatchew)
lemmede ('anchee; 'innante; 'innessu; 'ante)
chale ('isswa; 'issu; 'anchee; 'innya)
'allefe ('inie; 'irswo; 'ante; 'inie)
derrese ('irswo; 'issu; 'anchee; 'inie)
àwwoqe ('innya; 'innessu; 'issatchew; 'ante)
woTTa ('issatchew; 'issu; 'isswa; 'anchee)
'assebe ('innante; 'ante; 'inie; 'innya)
gebba ('innessu; 'issu; 'isswa; 'anchee)
'addere ('ante; 'inie; 'innya; 'innante)
hone ('inie; 'issu; 'irswo; 'anchee)
'aTTebe ('innya; 'issatchew; 'innessu; 'ante)
lewwoTe ('innante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'irswo)
semma ('anchee; 'innya; 'inie; 'issu)
leyye ('irswo; 'isswa; 'issatchew; 'innessu)
qerre ('anchee; 'ante; 'isswa)
nore ('issatchew; 'inie; 'innya; 'ante)
dane ('innessu; 'issu; 'isswa; 'irswo) [dane = he was fine, healed, saved etc.]
neggere ('ante; 'isswa; 'anchee; 'issatchew)
zegga ('anchee; 'inie; 'innya; 'ante)
hiede ('issu; 'isswa; 'innante; 'innessu)
C. Rewrite using the possessive pronoun suffixes.

Example 1: Yenie biet tilliq new. Answer: Bietie tilliq new.
Example 2: 'Issu wode 'ante biet seehied woddeqe. Answer: 'Issu wode bietih
seehied woddeqe.
1. Yessu suq 'arogie 'aydellem. 2. Wodennya sefer sitmeTu bizu sew

tayallatchihue. 3. Yante bunna berrede. 4. Yancheen libs geredeetu
taTballetch. 5. Yenie CHamma tolo yalqal. 6. Yerswon mekeena sineda
meTTahue. 7. Yenanten 'adrassha 'astemareew yifelligal. 8.
Yeserratennyotchun siminna 'adrassha yenie wondimm leeyawq 'aychilim. 9.
Yesswan siminna 'adrassha 'alnegrim. 10. Yennyan 'ager tolo tilemdallatchihue.
11. Yennessun sefer 'iskilemd tinnish qen yiwosdal. 12. Yenien mekeena
'iskeelemd yanten mekeena leeneda yichilal? 13. Geredeetu wode suq sittihied
yancheen Tila lityiz tichilalletch. 14. Yessun radeeyon besint tigezalleh? 15.
Yennessu libs seederq yesswan libs taTbeeyallesh. 16. Yante yezinab libs
wagaw widd yihonal. 17. Yanchee qemees tsehay sitwoTa yiderqal. 18.
Yerswon sim leetsifu yichilallu? 19. 'Issu yennyan mekeena yiwosdal. 20.
Yessu 'ihit 'addees libs tilebs nebber. 21. Yante 'abbat 'arogie mekeena yinegdu
nebber. 22. Yanchee temaree yekiremt sira leesera yifelligal. 23. Yennante
misa 'iskeeders 'almeTam. 24. Yennessu lijotch hulgeezie bennya sefer yalfallu.
25. Yante qurs sayders 'inie bunna 'alTeTTam.
D. Change from present tense to past tense.

Example 1: Zinab 'ayzenbim. Answer: Zinab 'alzennebem.
Example 2: Zinab yizenbal. Answer: Zinab zennebe.
1. Temareew libsun 'aylewwiTim. 2. 'Isswa timhirtwan tiCHerrisalletch. 3.

Zarie 'issatchew 'arogiewin mekeenatchewin yinedallu. 4. Geredeetu bietun
'attiTergim. 5. Serratennyotchu radeeyon yisemallu. 6. Zarie ketemaree biet
'alqerim. 7. Mebratu be'ammist seàt yiTefal. 8. 'Innessu ke'inqilfatchew tolo
'aynequm. 9. Temarotchu Tiru 'Amarinnya 'ayawqum. 10. 'Innya lehakeemu
silk 'indewwilallen. 11. Tinnishu lij Tiru siìl yisilal. 12. Yih CHamma lante likk
'ayhonim. 13. Misa tolo yidersal. 14. 'Irswo worie yisemallu. 15. 'Issatchew
'ageratchinin tolo 'aylemdum. 16. Radeeyonun bezeTena birr 'isheTallehue. 17.
Lemekeenawa zeTena sebatt birr 'aykeflim. 18. Bebega tsehaywa beTam
timoqalletch. 19. Qidamie keseàt behwala 'innante sefer 'iwilallehue. 20.
Kebeerowa be'asra hulett seàt tiwoTalletch. 21. Libsatchinin qidamie
'innaTballen. 22. 'Issatchew 'innante biet 'ayadrum. 23. T'iqimtinna Hidar
beTam yiberdal. 24. Lijotchu yeradeeyon zefen yisemallu. 25. 'Abbatiyyow
lelijotchu beTam yassibal.
E. Use the conjunction indicated + simple present form agreeing with the
pronouns.
With Li-:
hiede ('inie; 'ante; 'innessu; 'innya)
'addere ('anchee; 'isswa; 'innante; 'issu)
neggere ('irswo; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'inie)
qerre ('ante; 'issu; 'innya; 'innante)
With Si-:
roTe ('issu; 'anchee; 'innya; 'irswo)
'allefe ('innessu; 'inie; 'issatchew; 'isswa)
fellege ('innante; 'issu; 'anchee; 'irswo)
meTTa ('ante; 'innya; 'inie; 'isswa)
With 'Indi-:
sale ('innessu; 'inie; 'ante; 'anchee)
'aTTebe ('innya; 'issu; 'isswa; 'irswo)
derrese ('innante; 'innessu; 'issatchew)
seTTe ('isswa; 'innya; 'ante; 'anchee)
With sa-: (negative prefix)

TeTTa ('anchee; 'innya; 'innante; 'irswo)
àwwoqe ('isswa; 'innessu; 'issatchew; 'inie)
dewwole ('issu; 'anchee; 'issatchew)
sheTe ('ante; 'inie; 'innya; 'irswo; 'innessu)
With 'inda-: (negative prefix)

bella ('isswa; 'inie; 'irswo; 'innessu)
'assebe ('issu; 'innante; 'issatchew; 'innessu)
lewwoTe ('ante; 'innya; 'irswo)
seTTe ('anchee; 'inie; 'issu; 'innessu)
With bi-:
gezza ('ante; 'irswo; 'issu; 'innessu)
lake ('innante; 'isswa; 'issatchew; 'inie)
lemmede ('irswo; 'anchee; 'innya; 'ante)
nore ('anchee; 'isswa; 'irswo; 'innante)
F. Make up answers to the questions in Amharic.
1. 'Adrasshah yet new? 2. Simwo man new? 3. 'Innante sefer migib rikkash
new widd? 4. Yezinab libs mechie tigezhallesh? 5. Nege besint seàt
timeTalleh? 6. 'Innessu timhirtatchewin yawqallu? 7. Radeeyon besint seàt
yizefnal? 8. Yemeekanatchihue waga sint new? 9. Bunna bewotet woyiss
badowin tifelligalleh? 10. Bietatchihue ketemaree biet ruq new qirb?
1. I don't know your (m) name. 2. Our village is very far from the school. 3.
The doctor's house is not near. 4. She went to the store to buy enough food for
Saturday and Sunday. 5. I want another book. 6. The new teachers will get
used to the country. 7. This baby does not eat good food. 8. My brother wants
to spend the night at your (pl) house. 9. When you (m) are washing the plate
and the glass, do not break them. 10. At what time will supper be ready? 11.
The pair of shoes will not fit you (m). 12. Your (pl) village food is very cheap.
13. When the rainy season comes, umbrellas will be expensive. 14. Can you (r)
speak Amharic? 15. When the student becomes a teacher, he will buy many
house items. 16. Pardon! I want your (r) address and your name. 17. Your (m)
shoes are not new. When will you buy new shoes? 18. They will go to their
country in the dry season. 19. I won't buy a raincoat until it becomes cheap. 20.
In the rainy season it rains a lot.
Dirset.
Begaw 'allefe. Kiremtu gebba. Begaw keMeskerem 'iske Senie dres new.
Kiremtu beSenie yigebal; beMeskerem yiwoTal.
'Ahun kiremt new. Zinab beTam yizenbal. BeTam yiberdal. Tsehaywa
'attiwoTam. Merietu yirisal. Tolo 'ayderqim. Bekiremt bizu sew kebalager
'aymeTam.
'Aseffanna Birhanu bemekeena yihiedallu. 'Aseffa mekeena yinedal. Birhanu
ketemawin 'ayawqim; ketemawin 'al'lemmedem. Yezinab libsinna Tila leegeza
yifelligal. Silezzeeh ke'Aseffa gar wode suq hiedu. 'Isuq derresu.
'Aseffa - Yih new suqu.
Birhanu - Dehna.
('Aseffanna Birhanu 'isuqu yigeballu.)
'Aseffa - T'iena yisTillinny; 'indemin 'adderu?
Neggaddie - T'iena yisTillinny; 'indemin 'adderatchihue? Min tifelligallatchihue?
'Aseffa - Lessu lewondimmie yezinab libs; Tilanna yekiremt CHamma nebber.
Neggaddie - Yezinab libs 'alleqe. T'ilanna yekiremt CHamma gin 'alle.
'Aseffa - CHammaw yet 'alle?
Neggaddie - Sinti quTir CHamma yifelligallu?
Birhanu - 'Arba hulett quTir.
Birhanu - CHammaw likk alhonem.
'Aseffa - Yiqirta yih likk 'alhonem. Yan yifelligal.
Birhanu - T'iru, yih likki new. Wagaw sinti new?
Neggaddie - Wagaw 'asra sost birr new.
'Aseffa - BeTam widdi new. Besint yisheTallu?
Neggadie - 'Aydellem; beTam rikkash new. Besint yigezallu?
Birhanu - 'Assir birr 'ikeflallehue.
Neggaddie - 'Isshee; Tiru new.
Birhanu - Beqee genzeb 'alyazkum.
'Aseffa - 'Inie 'ikeflallehue.
'Aseffanna Birhanu Tilanna yekiremt CHamma gezzunna wode bietatchew
bemekeena hiedu. Bietatchew kesuqu beTam ruq 'aydellem. BeTam qirbi new.
Silezzeeh 'ibietatchew tolo derresu. 'Ibiet seegebu shay TeTTu. 'Aseffa
radeeyonun keffetenna yeqenun worienna zefen semmu. 'Ahun messhe.
Birhanu - Dehna 'ider 'Aseffa. Yezarie sammint 'imeTallehue. Bizu 'iqa
'igezallehue. 'Igebeya bemekeenah 'innedallen.
'Aseffa - Dehna 'ider Birhanu.
Birhanu wode bietu hiede. 'Aseffamm tennya.
Vocabulary - 'iske Senie dres = until Senie. balager = countryside, countryman.

Birhanu - male proper name. T'iena yisTillinny = Greeting, lit. "May He (JAH)
give (you) health on my behalf". 'Indemin 'adderu - Good morning, lit. How did
you lodge? wondimm - bredren, friend. 'Arba = forty; Yiqirta = pardon! Dehna
'ider = Good night! lit. Lodge well!
Questions on Dirset:
1. Birhanu min leegeza yifelligal? 2. Mekeena man yinedal? 3. 'Aseffanna

Birhanu wodiet hiedu? 4. Birhanu min gezza? Besint? 5. Radeeyonun man
keffete? Birhanunna 'Aseffa min semmu?

(Keseeneemaa behwala 'Almazinna Yohannis 'Irat bellu. Kezzeeyamm
behwala wode 'Almaz biet hiedu. 'Astier berrun keffetetch.)
'Astier - Gibu; seeneemaw Tiru nebber?

Yohannis - Minimm 'ayil(im).
'Almaz - Yohannis; bunna ifelligalleh?
Yohannis - T'iru.
'Almaz - Tinnishu jebena yet new; 'Astier?
'Astier - 'Izzeeya TerePPiezaw lay 'alle.
'Almaz - Sikkwaruss?
'Astier - Sikkwarumm 'ijebenaw 'aTegeb 'alle.
Yohannis - 'Almaz; 'inie ke'andi wor behwala wode 'ItyoPPya lihied
'assiballehue.
'Almaz - 'Iwnet?
Yohannis - 'Awo; lihied new.
'Almaz - Sirahin be'andi wor wisT tiCHerrisalleh?
Yohannis - 'Awo; ancheess mechie tiCHerrisheeyallesh?
'Almaz - 'Inie 'alawqim.
Yohannis - 'Ahun kenie gara wode 'ageratchin lemin 'attihiejeem?
'Almaz - Timhirtien 'iskiCHerris 'iqoyallehue.
Yohannis - Timhirt lesietotch min yiseral?
'Almaz - Qeldennya!
Vocabulary - Minimm 'ayil(im) = not bad; 'aTegeb = beside, next to; 'iwnet =
truth, truly, really; min yiseral = what's the use of it? qeldennya = joker, are you
kidding?
I just noticed a mistake on this; the third line of dialogue

('Almaz) should say bunna tifelligalleh, not ifelligalleh.
Also, 'Astier is a feminine name (Esther).
> 'Almazinna Yohannis (5)

>
> (Keseeneemaa behwala 'Almazinna Yohannis 'Irat bellu. Kezzeeyamm
behwala
> wode 'Almaz biet hiedu. 'Astier berrun keffetetch.)
>
> 'Astier - Gibu; seeneemaw Tiru nebber?
> Yohannis - Minimm 'ayil(im).
> 'Almaz - Yohannis; bunna ifelligalleh?
> Yohannis - T'iru.
> 'Almaz - Tinnishu jebena yet new; 'Astier?
> 'Astier - 'Izzeeya TerePPiezaw lay 'alle.
> 'Almaz - Sikkwaruss?
> 'Astier - Sikkwarumm 'ijebenaw 'aTegeb 'alle.
> Yohannis - 'Almaz; 'inie ke'andi wor behwala wode 'ItyoPPya
lihied
> 'assiballehue.
> 'Almaz - 'Iwnet?
> Yohannis - 'Awo; lihied new.
> 'Almaz - Sirahin be'andi wor wisT tiCHerrisalleh?
> Yohannis - 'Awo; ancheess mechie tiCHerrisheeyallesh?
> 'Almaz - 'Inie 'alawqim.
> Yohannis - 'Ahun kenie gara wode 'ageratchin lemin 'attihiejeem?
> 'Almaz - Timhirtien 'iskiCHerris 'iqoyallehue.
> Yohannis - Timhirt lesietotch min yiseral?
> 'Almaz - Qeldennya!
>
> Vocabulary - Minimm 'ayil(im) = not bad; 'aTegeb = beside, next
to; 'iwnet =
> truth, truly, really; min yiseral = what's the use of it?
qeldennya = joker,
> are you kidding?
Lesson 21
OBJECT PRONOUN SUFFIXES
There are suffixes that can go on transitive verbs to indicate the object
pronouns - him, her, me, us, them etc. [We call verbs transitive when they have
a direct object, and intransitive when don't have objects.] We already know how
to make object pronouns by adding -n to the pronoun, for example 'issun
'ayyehue, "I saw him". Another way to say "I saw him" is by using an object
pronoun suffix directly on the verb (in this case, the suffix is -t). So the word
'ayyehut also means "I saw him" (the -t is added to the feedel character -hu). I
can also say 'issun 'ayyehut, effectively repeating the pronoun "him" twice - in
two different forms, just to make it clearer that it is _him_ that I saw.
Another example: neggerenny "he told me." This is the verb neggere "he told"
plus the suffix -nny "me". Me is a direct object pronoun. Note, that sometimes
this suffix can also translate into English as an indirect object: "he told to me"...
Both pronouns are overstood in the one-word sentance Neggerenny; but one can
also say either or both pronouns explicitly: 'Issu 'inien neggerenny.
The various suffixes for all these object pronouns are a little complicated, so we
will treat them in a different order, according to their behaviour.
Object Pronoun Suffixes for "you" (m. + f.):

You m.: -h (after a vowel) -ih (after a cansonant) This suffix = the word 'anten.
You f.: -sh (after vowel) -ish (after cansonant) = 'ancheen
Examples: neggereh, he told you m. neggeretchih, she told you m.

neggeresh, he told you f. neggeretchish, she told you f.
Object Pronoun Suffixes for "me" "us" & "him":

Me: -nny (after vowel); -inny (after ch, sh); -enny (after other cansonants) =
'inien
Us: -n (after vowel); -in (after ch, sh) ; -en (other cansonants) = 'innyan
Him: -t (after u); -w (after other vowels); -iw (after ch, sh); -ew (other
cansonants) = 'issun
Examples: neggerenny, he told me; neggeretchinny, she told me; neggerkenny,

you m. told me
neggeren, he told us; neggeretchin, she told us; neggerken, you m.
told us
neggerut, they told him, neggerew, he told him; neggeretchiw, she told
him; neggerkew, you m. told him.
Object Pronoun Suffixes for "her" "you pl." "them":

Her: -t (after a); -at (after e; e cantracts); -yat (after ee or ie); -wat (after u or o);
-at (after a cansonant) = 'isswan
You pl: -tchihue (after a); -atchihue (after e; e cantracts); -yatchihue (after ee or
ie); -watchihue (after u or o); -atchihue (after cansonant) = 'innanten
Them: -tchew (after a); -atchew (after e; e cantracts); -yatchihue (after ee or ie);
-watchihue (after u or o); -atchihue (after cansonant) = 'innessun (suffixes also
for raspect form "him": 'issatchewin)
We haven't learned any verb forms ending in -ie or -o yet, but we will later in
lesson 27 (the gerundive).
Object Pronoun Suffix for "you" (raspect):

This suffix is always -wot or -wo, regardless of the verb ending. (= 'irswon)
USAGE OF OBJECT PRONOUN SUFFIXES:
Again, it is common to use an object pronoun even when the object is already
explicitly stated in the sentence with -n. Here are some examples from the book:
Beqlowa lijun reggeTetchiw. "The mule kicked the boy."

Literally, "The-mule the-boy-n she-kicked-him"
Sietiyyowa lijun seddebetchiw. "The woman insulted the child."

Literally, "The-woman the-child-n she-insulted-him."
In a negative verb, the object pronoun suffix comes before the final -m of the
negative.
Examples: 'Alneggerennyim "He didn't tell me" ... 'Al- + neggere + -nny + -im.
'Aynegrennyim "He will not tell me" ... 'A- + y- + -negr- + -enny + -
im.
We now see how to use the object forms in the negative with the past tense,
and the present / future tense. The above rules also apply to the positive in the
past tense, and all the simple present forms with conjunctions, etc... However,
we will learn how to apply the object suffixes to the compound form (the present
tense with 'alle) in the next lesson, since that's a little trickier.
Here's a table showing all of these forms one more time:
(order is: me, you m, you f, him, her, us, you p, them, you r)
Example of verb ending...

...with a -ch or -sh: neggeretch (she told):
neggeretchinny, neggeretchih, neggeretchish, neggeretchiw, neggeretchat,
neggeretchin, neggeretchatchihue, neggeretchatchew, neggeretchwo
...with another cansonant: seenegr (when he tells):
seenegrenny, seenegrih, seenegrish, seenegrew, seenegrat, seenegren,
seenegratchihue, seenegratchew, senegrwo
...with -e: neggere (he told):
neggerenny, neggereh, neggeresh, neggerew, neggerat, neggeren,
neggeratchihue, neggeratchew, neggerewo
...with -a: semma (he heard)
semmanny, semmah, semmash, semmaw, semmat, semman, semmatchihue,
semmatchew, semmawo
[Note: some of these forms happen to be the same as other forms with different
meanings; e.g. semman can mean "we heard" or "he heard us" dependin on
cantext]
...with -ee: sitnegree (when you f. tell):

sitnegreeny, n.a., n.a., sitnegreew, sitnegreeyat (or sitnegryat), sitnegreen, n.a.
sitenegreeyatchew, n.a.
[Note: n.a. - not applicable to say "when you tell you"]
...with -u: neggeru (they told)

neggerunny, neggeruh, neggerush, neggerut, neggeruwat (or neggerwat),
neggerun, neggeruwatchihue, neggeruwatchew, neggeruwo
VOCABULARY
merreTe (A) - he chose, selected
meest - wife
meTeTT - a drink, strong drink
metta (A) - he hit
redda (A) - he helped
selamta seTTe - he greeted, gave greetings
bal - husband
'Ato - Mr.
'ingida - guest, visitor, stranger
'Ingleezinnya - English (language)
'akkeme (B) - treat, give medical treatment
Woyzero - Mrs.
woddede - he liked, he loved
zebannya - a guard
Yonas - proper name (m)
gwaddennya - friend
Teqqeme - it was useful, it benefitted
Tebbeqe - he waited for, he guarded, he watched
CH'ew - salt
semayawee - blue
qeyy - red (also means light skinned)
biTCHa - yellow
neTCH - white
'arengwadie - green
T'iqur - black
EXERCISES:
A. Give the object suffix agreeing with the pronoun.

Example: 'Issu ('inien) ...metta. Answer: 'Issu mettanny.
1. 'Issu ('inien) ...semma. ...redda. ...Tebbeqe. ...merreTe.

'Innessu ('inien) ...neggeru. ...'akkemu.
'Isswa ('inien) ...Teqqemetch. ...woddedetch.
'Anchee ('inien) ...fellegsh. ...Teyyeqsh.
'Ante ('inien) ...fellegh. ...woddedk.
2. 'Issu ('anten) ...neggere. ...lemmede. ...metta. ...semma.
'Innessu ('anten) ...àwwoqu. ...woddedu.
'Isswa ('anten) ...ressatch. ...sametch.
'Innya ('anten) ...Tebbeqn.
'Inie ('anten) ...merreTkue. ...fellegkue. ...reddahue.
3. 'Issu ('ancheen) ...'akkeme. ...Tebbeqe. ...metta. ...ressa. ...semma.
'Innessu ('ancheen) ...merreTu. ...'ayyu.
'Isswa ('ancheen) ...'akkemetch. ...reddatch.
'Inie ('ancheen) ...felleghue. ...samhue. ...reddahue.
'Innya ('ancheen) ...reddan.
4. 'Issu ('isswan) ...Teyyeqe. ...woddede. ...metta. ...ressa. ...semma.
'Innessu ('isswan) ...Teqqemu. ...merreTu.
'Inie ('isswan) ...woddedkue. ...Teyyeqhue.
'Isswa ('isswan) ...ressatch. ...fellegetch.
'Anchee ('isswan) ...àwweqsh. ...Teqqemsh.
'Ante ('isswan) ...semmah.
5. 'Issu ('issun) ...merreTe. ...Tebbeqe. ...ressa. ...semma.
'Innessu ('issun) ...fellegu. ...geddelu.
'Inie ('issun) ...neggerhue. ...'akkemhue.
6. 'Isswa ('issun) ..woddedetch. ...sametch.
'Anchee ('issun) ...Tebbeqsh. ...'ayyesh.
'Ante ('issun) ...Teqqemh. ...mettah.
'Innya ('issun) ...fellegn. ...lemmedn
7. 'Issu ('innanten) ...wossede. ...neggere. ...redda. ...Teyyeqe.
'Inie ('innanten) ...felleghue. ...ressahue.
'Isswa ('innanten) ...semmatch. ...àwwoqetch.
'Innya ('innanten) ...reddan. ...Tebbeqn.
'Innessu ('innanten) ...laku. ...Teqqemu.
8. 'Issu ('irswon) ...Teyyeqe. ...Teqqeme. ...semma. ...redda.
'Innessu ('irswon) ...ayyu. ...fellegu.
'Isswa ('irswon) ...Tebbeqetch. ...'akkemetch.
'Inie ('irswon) ...wossedhue. ...merreThue.
'Innya ('irswon) ...mettan. ...lakn.
9. 'Issu ('innessun) ...Teyyeqe. ...fellege. ...metta. ...semma.
'Innessu ('innessun) ...merreTe.
'Inie ('innessun) ...semmahue. ...'akkemhue.
'Innante ('innessun) ...fellegatchihue. ...'akkematchihue.
'Isswa ('innessun) ...laketch. ...keffeletch.
'Anchee ('innessun) ...samsh. ...'aTTebsh.
'Ante ('innessun) ...reddah. ...woddedh.
10. 'Issu ('innyan) ...wossede. ...'akkeme. ...ressa. ...semma.
'Innessu ('innyan) ...'akkemu. ...'ayyu.
'Isswa ('innyan) ...laketch. ...keffeletch.
'Anchee ('innyan) ...mettash. ...merreTsh.
'Ante ('innyan) ...fellegh. Teqqemh.
'Innante ('innyan) ...Tebbeqatchihue. ...Teyyeqatchihue.
B. Translate the following forms:
1. Zeggut. 2. Woddedeh. 3. Reddaw. 4. T'ebbequh. 5. 'Akkemshiw.

6. T'eqqemenny. 7. T'eqqematchihue. 8. T'eyyeqetchih. 9. SeTTetchiw. 10.
Felleghuh.
11. MerreTnih. 12. Geddelkew. 13. Lakenny. 14. 'Ayyunny. 15.
Keffeletchinny.
16. Samat. 17. Mettash. 18. SheTut. 19. Wossedesh. 20. 'Allefshat.
21. Reddush. 22. Resswat. 23. Neggeretchish. 24. Àwwoqshat. 25.
Semmahush.
26. 'Allefkwat. 27. Keffetkut. 28. Saletchish. 29. 'Ayyehenny. 30.
Àwwoqshinny.
C. Change the object pronoun suffixes from singular to plural, and from plural to
singular.
Example 1) 'Astemareew mettaw. Answer: 'Astemareew mettatchew.
Example 2) 'Astemareew 'ayyatchew. Answer: 'Astemareew 'ayyew.
1. 'Astemareew Teyyeqew. 2. Zebennyaw Tebbeqew. 3. Lijotchu

wossedwatchew. 4. Sewotchu fellegwatchew. 5. Sietotchu neggerwatchew. 6.
Hakeemu 'akkemew. 7. Gwaddennyaw Teqqemew. 8. Serratennyaw seTTeh.
9. Sewiyyiew woddedesh. 10. 'Astemareew Teyyeqenny. 11. Temarotchu
merreTwatchew. 12. Gwadennyotchwa neggerwat. 13. Lijun laketchiw. 14.
Le'astemareew selamta seTTehut. 15. Mets'hafotchun wossednatchew.
D. Use the verb in parentheses correctly with a object suffix, agreeing with the
explicit object.
Example: Hakeemu lijun ('akkeme). Answer: Hakeemu lijun 'akkemew.
1. 'Astemareew temareewin (Teyyeqe). 2. Hakeemu lijotchun ('akkeme). 3.

Gwaddennyotchatchinin ('akkeme). 4. 'Astemarotchu Yonasin kekifilu
(merreTe). 5. 'Ingidaw 'anten beTam (redda). 6. Laqetch 'ancheen besirash
beTam (woddede). 7. 'Innante 'innatinna 'abbatatchihun beTam (Teqqeme). 8.
'Ante 'ihitihin (Tebbeqe). 9. 'Ingidaw 'Ato Yonas Tiru worie (neggere). 10.
Tinantinna Woyzero 'Almaz lennante radeeyonun (lake). 11. Laqetch balwan
besiraw (woddede). 12. CH'ammayie lenie (likk hone). 13. Ye'ingidawin sim
(ressa). 14. 'Astemarotchu temarotchun beTam (redda).
1. Mr. Birhanu's wife passed by me on the street. 2. The teachers chose the
student during the lesson. 3. Do you (f) want a drink? 4. When I saw the
stranger on the street, I greeted him. 5. Birhanu's friends helped him very much.
6. Almaz's husband is a good doctor. 7. Mr. Yonas doesn't drink (strong)
drinks. 8. The new doctor gave me medical treatment yesterday. 9. The guest
stayed three days at our house. 10. Mrs. Laqetch is Mr. Birhanu's wife. 11.
When my friend saw 'Almaz, he liked her. 12. I saw my friends from afar. 13. I
waited for you (m) until you came. 14. I told him to eat his breakfast. 15.
Berhanu's books were very useful to me. 16. She put salt in his chicken stew.
17. The book is red, but the notebook is blue. 18. 'Almaz wore a yellow dress;
her husband wore black trousers. 19. The trees are green and the flowers are
white. 20. I'll wait for you until you finish lunch.
F. Read and Translate.

1. Yezinab libsu Tiru new? 'Awo, yezinab libsu Tiru new. Zarie Teqqemenny.
2. Ye'Almazin 'innat man 'akkematchew? Ye'Almazin 'innat Hakeem Birhanu
'akkematchew.
3. 'Ingidaw 'ageratchinin lemmedut? 'Awo, 'ingidaw 'ageratchinin lemmedut.
4. 'Arogiewa mekeenayie Teqqemetchih? 'Awo; 'arogiewa mekeenah
Teqqemetchinny.
5. Woyzero Laqetch legeredwa min seTTetchat? Woyzero Laqetch legeredwa
neTCHun qemeeswan seTTetchat.
6. 'Amarinnya bichil beTam yiTeqmal? 'Awo, 'Amarinnya bittichiyee lesirash
beTam yiTeqmal.
7. 'Issatchew beTam meTeTT yiwoddallu? 'Aydellem; 'issatchew meTeTT
'aywoddum.
8. Woyzero 'Almaz Tebbequnny? 'Awo; Woyzero 'Almaz Tebbeqush.
9. Mekeenaw Teqqematchihue? 'Awo, mekeenaw beTam Teqqemenny.
10. 'Innyan lemin merreTatchihun? 'Innanten wode 'ageratchin 'indittihiedu
merreTnatchihue.
11. CH'ew TerePPiezaw lay yellem; yet new? CH'ew 'izzeeh new.
12. Min littitekl new? BiTCHanna neTCH 'abeba litekl new.
13. T'iqurun surreeyien 'aTTebshiw? T'iqurun surreehin 'alaTTebkutim.
14. 'Ageratchin mechie timeTalleh? 'Ageratchihue 'Ingleezinnya sichil
'imeTallehue.
15. Kiremt seegeba zafotchu 'indiet yihonallu? Kiremt seegeba zafotchu
'arengwadie yihonallu.
16. Balish kebeero meTTa? 'Aydellem balie kebeero 'almeTTam.
17. Lastemareew selamta seTTehew? 'Awo; lastemareew selamta seTTehut.
18. Simun neggereh? 'Aydellem, simun 'alneggerennyim.
19. Gwaddennyotchih mechie yimeTallu? Gwaddennyotchie zarie keseàt
behwala yimeTallu.
Yohannis - 'Iwnetien new; lesietotch timhirt minimm 'ayseram.

'Almaz - 'Isshee!
Yohannis - Yesiet botawa 'ibiet wisT new. Siet libs taTballetch, migib
tiseralletch...
'Almaz - 'Ante gered tifelligalleh woyiss meest?
'Yohannis - Yezarie lijotch minimm 'atawqum.
'Almaz - Yihew bunna; TeTTa.
(Legeredwa le'Astier) - Zarie minimm debdabbie 'almeTTam, 'Astier?
'Astier - Ye'Aseffa debdabbie Tiwat derrese.
'Almaz - Yennya 'Aseffa?
'Astier - 'Awo, debdabbie 'izzeeya lay 'alle. Behwala 'iseTishallehue.
'Yohannis - 'Aseffa man new?
'Almaz - 'Attawqewim; 'and yennya lij new.
Yohannis - New? Ye'Abbatu sim man new?
'Almaz - 'Indie! Yihi hullu Tiyyaqie lemin tiTeyyiqalleh?
Yohannis - Gidd yellem; 'anchee batnegreenny 'Astier tinegrennyalletch.
'Almaz - T'iru! 'Isswan littiTeyyiqat tichilalleh.
Yohannis - 'Ahun wode biet 'ihiedallehue. Bezzeeh sammint wisT silk
'idewwilallehue. Dehna 'ideree.
'Almaz - Dehna 'ider.
Vocabulary - 'iwnetien new = I am right, I am serious minimm = nothing bota =

place 'indie = expression of surprise and disapproval
Re: Timhirt 21 - Haya 'And
Selamta
I just realized I made a couple of typos in that lesson. In the

chart, the form for "when you f. tell them" is sitnegreeyatchew
(or sittinegryatchew). In the vocabulary, the correct spelling of
the word for "a guard" is zebennya (2nd vowel is e).
Also, in 'Almazinna Yohannis, the form TeTTa happens to also be the

imperative of the verb TeTTa. We will cover imperatives in a later
lesson; they don't always coincide with the past tense base!
Lesson 22
OBJECT PRONOUN SUFFIXES WITH COMPOUND VERBS
As stated in the last lesson, the object pronouns are a little trickier to learn for
the present-future 'compound' tense with endings from the verb 'alle.
These pronoun suffixes come before the -alle suffix, but after the simple form.
One thing to remember is that the -u ending of simple forms such as tinegru and
yinegru reappears if you have an object pronoun in the compound. But this -u
ending of the simple form is not there in the compound form without an object
pronoun.
Example: tinegrallatchihue means "you pl will tell". The simple form is tinegru,
and when this gets added to -allatchihue the -u disappears, as you know. But, if
an object pronoun is also added, the -u returns, so that "you pl. will tell him"
becomes tinegrutallatchihue, adding the -t after the -u and before -allatchihue.
In the third person plural (they), not only does the -u return in the same fashion,
but also the ending -allu gets abbreviated to -al, when an object pronoun suffix is
added.
Example: yinegrallu, "they will tell" = yinegru + 'allu. (-u disappears)
yinegrutal, "they will tell him" = yinegru + t + -al. (-u reappears, but is taken from
the end)
yinegruhal, "they will tell you m."
More examples:
yinegrewal, "he tells him." yinegr + -ew + -al

tinegreewallesh "you f. tell him" tinegree + w + -allesh
tinegrewalleh, "you m. tell him" tinegr + ew + alleh
'inegrewallehue "I tell him" 'inegr + ew + allehue
yinegrutal "they tell him"
tinegrutallatchihue "you pl. tell him"
'inninegrewallen "we tell him"
yinegratal "he tells her" yinegr + -at + -al

tinegratalletch "she tells her" tinegr + -at + -alletch
yinegruwatal "they tell her" yinegru + wat + al
tinegruwatallatchihue "you pl. tell her"
tinegrihalletch "she tells you m." tinegr + -ih + alletch

yinegruhal "they tell you m." yinegru + h + al
yinegrennyal "he tells me" yinegr + enny + al

yinegrunnyal "they tell me" yinegru + nny + al
tinegrunnyallatchihue "you pl. tell me"
yinegratchewal "he tells them"

tinegreeyatchewallesh "you f. tell them"
yinegruwatchewal "they tell them"
tinegruwatchewallatchihue "you pl. tell them." tinegru + atchew + allatchihue
yinegratchihwal "he tells you pl" yinegr + atchihue + al (note hu + al becomes

hwal)
yinegruwatchihwal "they tell you pl"
yinegrenal "he tells us" yinegr + en + al

tinegreenallesh "you f. tell us" tinegree + n + allesh
yinegrunal "they tell us" yinegru + n + al
tinegrunallatchihue "you pl. tell us"
Vocabulary
hotiel = hotel
heesab = account, bill
min yibbalal? What is it called? (What is the name?)
samuna = soap
qelem = color
qwoyye (B) = he waited, stayed, waited for
balabiet = homeowner; spouse
besshitennya = patient, sick person
beqqa (A) = it was enough, it sufficed
beqqanny = there is enough for me, I have enough
neger = thing
'indegena = again
ìnqulal = egg
àynet = kind, sort, type
zarie = today
zebennya = guard, watchman
dane = it was healed, saved, fine
T'ebbese = he fried, roasted
haya 'and - 21
haya hulett - 22
haya sost - 24
selasa = 30
'arba = 40
hamsa = fifty
silsa = sixty
seba = 70
semaneeya = 80
zeTena = 90
meto = 100
EXERCISES:
A. Give the object suffixes agreeing with the pronouns.

Example: 'Inie ('issun) 'imerTallehue. Answer: 'Inie 'issun 'imerTewallehue.
1. 'Inie ('issun...) 'iwosdallehue. ('ancheen... 'isswan... 'innanten... 'innessun...

'irswon...)
2. 'Anchee ('inien...) takkimeeyallesh. ('issun... 'innyan... 'isswan...
'issatchewin...)
3. 'Issu ('inien...) yiTeqmal. ('anten... 'ancheen... 'issun... 'innyan... 'isswan...
'innanten... 'issatchewin...)
4. 'Isswa ('inien...) tiwoddalletch. ('issun... 'innyan... 'isswan... 'anten...
'ancheen... 'innanten... 'irswon...)
5. 'Innessu ('inien...) yiTebbiqallu. ('issun... 'isswan... 'innanten... 'innessun...
'innyan... 'ancheen... 'anten... 'irswon...)
6. 'Innya ('issun...) 'infelligallen. ('isswan... 'anten... 'ancheen... 'innessun...
'innanten... 'issatchewin... 'irswon...)
7. 'Ante ('inien...) tiredalleh. ('issun... 'isswan... 'innyan... 'innessun...
'issatchewin...)
8. 'Innante ('inien...) tiTeqmallatchihue. ('issun... 'isswan... 'innyan... 'innessun...
'issatchewin...)
9. 'Issu ('innessun) ...yifelligal. ...yakkimal.
'Innessu ('innessun) ...yiTeyyiqallu. ...yimerTallu.
'Inie ('innessun) ...'aTballehue. ...'alfallehue.
'Ante ('innessun) ...tiredalleh. ...tiwoddalleh.
'Anchee ('innessun) ...tisemeeyallesh. ...taTbeeyallesh.
'Innante ('innessun) ...tifelligallatchihue. ...tikeflallatchihue.
'Isswa ('innessun) ...tilikalletch. ...tinegralletch.
10. 'Issu ('innyan) ...yiwosdal. ...yakkimal.
'Innessu ('innyan) ...yisimallu. ...yilikallu.
'Innante ('innyan) ...tiTeyyiqallatchihue. ...tayallatchihue.
'Isswa ('innyan) ...tifelligalletch. ...tawqalletch.
'Anchee ('innyan) ...tiwodjallesh. ...tiqwoyyallesh.
'Ante ('innyan) ...tiredalleh. ...timerTalleh.
'Innante ('innyan) ...tiTebbiqallatchihue. ...tiredallatchihue.
11. 'Issu ('innanten) ...yiwosdal. ...yiTeyyiqal.
'Inie ('innanten) ...'iredallehue. ...'inegrallehue.
'Isswa ('innanten) ...tisimalletch. ...tawqalletch.
'Innessu ('innanten) ...yilikallu. ...yiTeqmallu.
'Innya ('innanten) ...'infelligallen. ...'inTebbiqallen.
12. 'Issu ('irswon) ...yiTeyyiqal. ...yiTeqmal.
'Innessu ('irswon) ...yayallu. ...yiresallu.
'Isswa ('irswon) ...tifelligalletch. ...tiTebbiqalletch.
'Inie ('irswon) ...'iqwoyyallehue. ...'akkimallehue.
'Innya ('irswon) ...'inwoddallen. ...'inredallen.
B. Translate the following forms.
1. Yiredutal. 2. Tiwoddihalletch. 3. TimerCHiwallesh. 4. 'ITeqmihallehue. 5.

'Isebrewallehue. 6. YiTebbiqihal. 7. YiseTewal. 8. YiTeyyiqunnyal. 9.
Yibelawal. 10. Tiwosdutallatchihue. 11. 'Inninegrishallen. 12. 'Awqatallehue.
13. Yisimushal. 14. Yalfwatal. 15. Yakkimennyal. 16. Takkimewalletch. 17.
'Innifelligihallen. 18. 'Inzegawallen. 19. Yigedluhal. 20. 'ImerTishallehue. 21.
Yisimatal. 22. Tiwosdishalletch. 23. 'Inresatallen. 24. taTbatalletch. 25.
Yayunnyal. 26. 'ITeyyiqatallehue. 27. Tikeflunnyallatchihue. 28. Yiredunnyal.
29. Tiserqennyalletch. 30. TiseCHinnyallesh.
C. Change the singular objects to plural, and plural objects to singular.

Example 1) Wondimmie gwaddennyawin yiredawal. Answer: Wondimmie
gwaddennyotchun yiredatchewal.
Example 2) Lijie gwaddennyotchun yifelligatchewal. Answer: Lijie
gwaddennyawin yifelligewal.
1. Ìnqulalun tiTebsewalletch. 2. 'Astemareew temareewin yimerTewal. 3.
Sietiyyowa lijotchun Teqqemetchatchew. 4. Zebennyaw mekeenawotchun
yiTebbiqatchewal. 5. Laqetch 'ihitwan tiwoddatalletch. 6. Hakeemu
besshitennyotchun 'akkematchew. 7. Liju 'anten yiTebbiqihal. 8. Temareew
le'astemareew selamta seTTew. 9. Genzebu 'inien Teqqemenny. 10. 'Issu
'innanten yimerTatchihwal. 11. Yesuqu balabiet 'innessun yifelligatchewal. 12.
'Astemareewa lijun laketchiw. 13. 'Abbatiyyiew lelijotchu mets'haf gezzalatchew.
14. 'Astemareew 'innyan Tiyyaqie Teyyeqen. 15. 'Inie 'anten 'iredahallehue.
16. 'Anchee lesewotchu neggershatchew. 17. 'Issatchew 'anten yimerTuhal.
18. Debdabbiwin lesewotchu seTTehwatchew. 19. 'Issu sewiyyiewin
Tebbeqew. 20. 'Innya gwaddennyotchatchinin Tebbeqnatchew.
D. Translate the English parts in parentheses; remember that the object is

normally expressed twice: by the object marker -n on the noun, and by the
pronoun suffix on the verb.
1. Besshitennyawin tolo (I will treat him medically). 2. 'Ibeero (he will wait for
me.) 3. Lequrs ìnqulal (she will fry it.) 4. Libsun besamuna (she will wash it.)
5. Yemigibun heesab nege (we will pay you f). 6. Sewiyyiew lemeestu bizu
neger (will ask her). 7. 'Adrasshatchewin 'indegena (they will give us.) 8.
'Astemareew 'innanten (is looking for you.) 9. Yehakeemun sim 'indeenegrunny
(I will ask them). 10. Min 'aynet mets'haf (will you give him?) 11. Zebennyaw
mekeenawan (is washing it.) 12. Yemets'hafun waga zarie mata (he will give
you.) 13. Mekeenawan bemeto birr (he will buy it.) 14. 'Innessu 'ancheen
'itemaree biet (will wait for you.) 15. Zebennyawin mechie (will you hire him?)
Bemeggabeet wor (I will hire him.)

1. He eats his lunch at the hotel. 2. How much is the bill? 3. I will buy a lot of
soap at the store. 4. The color of Almaz' dress is blue and yellow. 5. Laqetch
will wait for you (m) in the office at four o'clock. 6. Did you tell the patient that
the doctor will treat him? 7. I drank a lot of coffee today. Now I don't want (any).
I've had enough. 8. I will buy many things in the shop today. 9. She is frying
an egg for breakfast. 10. Pardon! I did not hear you (f). Could you tell me
again? 11. What kind of dress will you m. give your wife? 12. This evening we
will stay at your (m) house. 13. This morning I will finish my lessons. 14. The
guard caught the thief. 15. The patient will be cured without going to the
hospital. 16. I sold the radio for a hundred dollars. 17. He paid the woman
ninety-six dollars rent. 18. I bought a coat and trousers for sixty-seven dollars
yesterday. 19. I pay fifty dollars a month for the house. 20. What is this called
in Amharic?
1. Min tiTebshallesh? Ìnqulal 'iTebsallehue.

2. Besshitennyaw tolo yidinal? 'Awo; besshitennyaw tolo yidinal.
3. Zarie T'iwat leneggaddiew sint keffelkew? Zarie T'wat leneggaddiew seba
sost birr keffelkut.
4. Zarie mata Birhanunna meestu yet yiTebbiqunal? Zarie mata Birhanunna
meestu 'addeesu hotiel yiTebbiqunal.
5. Woriewin 'indegena litnegreenny tichiyallesh? 'Awo; woriewin 'indegena
linegrih 'ichilallehue.
6. BirCHiqqowininna sineewin bemin taTbwatchewallatchihue?
BirCHiqqowininna sineewin besamuna 'innaTbatchewallen.
7. Migibu lezarie yibeqatchihwal? 'Awo; migibu lezarie yibeqanal.
8. Yeqemeeswan qelem tiwoddewalleh? 'Awo; yeqemeeswan qelem
'iwoddewallehue.
9. WoTu CHew beqqaw? 'Aydellem; woTu CHew 'albeqqawim.
10. Zebennyaw lijotchun yiTebbiqatchewal? 'Awo; zebennyaw lijotchun Tiru
yiTebbiqatchewal.
11. Hakeemotchu besshitennyawin yakkimutal? 'Awo; hakeemotchu
besshitennyawin yakkimutal.
12. YemeTeTTun heesab litkeflwat tichilallatchihue? 'Aydellem, temeTeTTun
heesab linnikeflat 'anchilim.
13. Zarie bizu 'iqa sitgeza min reddah? Zarie bizu 'iqa sigeza gwaddennyayie
reddanny.
14. Lijwo min àynet radeeyon seTTewot? Lijie 'addees radeeyon seTTenny.
15. Lijwo yesinti birr radeeyon seTTewot? Lijie yemeto birr radeeyon seTTenny.
16. 'Ibeero bizu tiqoyyalleh? 'Aydellem; 'ibeero bizu 'alqoyyim; 'ahun
'imeTallehue.
17. Yetinantinnawin worie neggeresh? 'Aydellem; yetinantinnawin worie
'alneggerennyim.
18. Yihi be'Amarinnya min yibbalal? Yihi be'Amarinnya birCHiqqo yibbalal.
19. Yih be'Ingleezinnya min yibbalal? 'Alawqim.
('Almazinna 'Astier)
'Almaz - 'Inie 'inqilfie meTTa.
'Astier - Sirashin CHerresish?
'Almaz - Yenie sira mechiem 'ayalqim. Yohannis min 'indalenny semmash?
'Astier - 'Awo semmahue. Min maletu new?
'Almaz - Kessu gara wode 'ageratchin 'indihied yifelligal.
'Astier - Tadiyas min 'alshew?
'Almaz - 'Ahun lihied 'alchilim 'alkut.
'Astier - Bal 'atfelligeem?
'Almaz - Bal lemefelleg bizu geezie 'alle.
'Astier - 'Indie! Kezzeeh wodeeya bizu geezie 'alle lityee 'attichiyeem.
'Almaz - 'Iwnetishin new.
'Astier - Tadya sile Yohannis min tassibeeyallesh?
'Almaz - 'Inja.
'Astier - 'Iwnet timhirt kefellegsh be'Addees 'Abeba Yuneevierseetee Kolliej
littiCHerrishee tichiyallesh.
'Almaz - Ye'innessun timhirt man yifelligal?
'Astier - Yennya Kolliej ke'Afreeqa kolliejotch hullu 'andennya new.
'Almaz - 'Isshee; 'izzeeya sinniders 'innayallen.
Vocabulary: 'Inqilfie meTTa = I am sleepy (lit. my sleep came); mechiem =

never; 'ayalqim = it does not finish up; min maletu new = what does he mean to
say? tadiyas = so then; lemefelleg = to look for (infinitive); kezzeeh wodeeya =
from here onward, from now on; 'indie = come on! lityee = that you f. say (from
'ale); 'attichiyeem = you (f) can't (from chale); 'Iwnetishin new = you (f) are right;
tadya = so; sile = concerning, about; 'inja = I don't know! kefellegsh = if you
wanted; kolliej = college; 'andennya = first.
Lesson 23
THE VERB 'TO HAVE'
In Amharic, the verb 'to have' is expressed in the present tense with the verb of
presence 'alle (there is) combined with the object pronoun suffixes.
Example: Biet 'allenny - I have a house (lit. "a-house there-is-(to)-me")
Note that the thing possessed takes the form of subject, so the verb 'alle must be
made to agree with this subject (the thing that is possessed):
Wondi lij 'allenny. I have a boy.

Siet lij 'alletchinny. I have a girl.
Lijotch 'allunny. I have childran.
'Aratt mets'haf 'allenny. (Note in this example, mets'haf is treated as singular
although it expresses a plural.)
This verb is also unusual in that it can have two subjects, possessor and
possessed - but the verb itself agrees with the possessed subject, while the
object-suffix agrees with the possessor subject...
'Issu wondi lij 'allew. He has a boy. (Both 'issu & wondi lij have the form of
subjects, that is, no -n marker on either...)
'Inie siet lij 'alletchinny.
'Astemareew sost lijotch 'allut.
'Astemareew mets'haf 'allew.
Complete table for 'I have, you have, he has, she has, we have, they have":
(if thing possessed is masc.):

'allenny, 'alleh, 'allesh, 'allew, 'allat, 'allen, 'allatchihue, 'allatchew, 'allewo
(if thing possessed is fem.):

'alletchinny, 'alletchih, 'alletchish, 'alletchiw, 'alletchat, 'alletchin, 'alletchatchihue,
'alletchatchew, 'alletchiwo (or 'alletchiwot)
(if thing possessed is plural):

'allunny, 'alluh, 'allush, 'allut, 'all(u)wat, 'allun, 'all(u)watchihue, 'all(u)watchew,
'alluwo (or 'alluwot).
THE VERB 'NOT TO HAVE'
The negative of this verb, "not to have", works much the same - it is the verb
yellem "it is not there", combined with the object suffixes.
Biet yellennyim. I don't have a house.

Wondi lij yellennyim. I don't have a boy.
Siet lij yelletchinnyim. I don't have a girl.
Lijotch yellunnyim. I have no children.
Bizu mets'haf yellennyim. I don't have many books.
'Inie wondi lij yellennyim. I have no boy.
Note this expression: Gidd yellennyim "I don't mind" Lit. I have no obligation.
Here's a complete table:
Thing not possessed is masc.:

yellennyim, yellehim, yelleshim, yellewim, yellatim, yellenim, yellatchihum,
yellatchewim, yellewotim (or yellewom).
Thing not possessed is fem:

yelletchinnyim, yelletchihim, yelletchishim, yelletchiwim, yelletchatim,
yelletchinim, yelletchatchihum, yelletchatchewim, yelletchiwotim (or
yelletchiwom)
Thing not possessed is in plural form:

yellunnyim, yelluhim, yellushim, yell(u)watim, yellunim, yell(u)watchihum,
yell(u)watchewim, yelluwotim (yelluwom)
ORDINAL NUMBERS
Ordinal numbers, like 'first', 'secand', 'third', and so on, are formed from the
cardinal numbers ('and, hulett etc.) plus the suffix -ennya. 'Andennya = first,
hulettennya = secand, etc. See vocabulary.
VOCABULARY
menja feqad = drivers license

mennyita biet = bedroom
migib biet = dining room; restaurant
salon = living room
shemeez = shirt
shurrab = sweater
qeTero = appointmant
bunna biet = coffee shop; bar
'ahun = now
'ashker = servant (ATTENTION: as with gered, the word serratennya is currently
preferred in Ethiopia)
kot = coat
woT biet = kitchen
ìreft = rest, recess, vacation
gena = yet, not yet, still
yesilki quTir = phone number
demoz = salary (from demewoz, literally 'blood of sweat' in Giìz)
foTa = towel
'andennya = first
hulettennya = secand
sostennya = third
'arattennya = fourth
'ammistennya = fifth
siddistennya = sixth
sebattennya = seventh
simmintennya = eighth
zeTTenennya = ninth
'assirennya = tenth
EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blank using 'alle & yellem with the object pronoun suffixes in
agreemant to show possession.
Example: 'Inie mekeena ____. Answer: 'Inie mekeena 'allenny. 'Inie mekeena
yellennyim.
1. 'Inie 'irsas ____. 2. 'Ante biet ____. 3. 'Anchee shurrab ____. 4. 'Issu kot
____. 5. 'Isswa qemees ____. 6. 'Irswo shemeez ____. 7. 'Issatchew menja
feqad ____. 8. 'Innya ìreft ____. 9. 'Innessu bunna biet ____. 10. 'Innante
radeeyon ____.
B. Fill in the blank using 'alletch & yelletchim with the object pronoun suffixes in
agreemant to show possession.
Example: 'Inie 'ihit ____. Answer: 'Inie 'ihit 'alletchinny. 'Inie 'ihit yelletchinnyim.
1. 'Inie 'innat ____. 2. 'Ante meest ____. 3. 'Issu 'innat ____. 4. 'Isswa gered
____. 5. 'Issatchew meest ____. 6. 'Innya gered ____. 7. 'Anchee 'ihit ____. 8.
'Innessu 'innat ____. 9. 'Innante gered ____. 10. 'Irswo 'ihit ____.
C. Fill in the blank using 'allu & yellum with the object pronoun suffixes to show
possession.
Example: 'Inie wondimmotch ____. Answer: 'Inie wondimmotch 'allunny. 'Inie
wondimmotch yellunnyim.
1. 'Inie 'irsasotch ____. 2. 'Ante shemeezotch ____. 3. 'Anchee 'ashkerotch

____. 4. 'Issu surreewotch ____. 5. 'Isswa shurrabotch ____. 6. 'Irswo bizu
bunna bietotch ____. 7. 'Issatchew lijotch ____. 8. 'Innya mets'hafotch ____. 9.
'Innessu mekeenawotch ____. 10. 'Innante shemeezotch ____.
D. Give the correct forms of 'alle and yellem with the object pronoun suffixes.
Example 1) 'Inie biet ____. Answer: 'Inie biet 'allenny. 'Inie biet yellennyim.
Example 2) 'Inie bietotch ____. Answer: 'Inie bietotch 'allunny. 'Inie bietotch
yellunnyim.
1. 'Issu demoz ____. 2. 'Innya 'ashkerotch ____. 3. 'Anchee bal ____. 4. 'Irswo
zebennyotch ____. 5. 'Innessu wondimmotch ____. 6. 'Isswa gwaddennyotch
____. 7. 'Ante foTa ____. 8. 'Innante hotiel ____. 9. 'Anchee 'innat ____. 10.
'Issatchew gered ____. 11. 'Inie ìreft ____. 12. 'Issu qeTero ____. 13. 'Innya
'adrassha ____. 14. 'Anchee shemeezotch ____. 15. 'Irswo 'ihit ____. 16.
'Innessu gered ____. 17. 'Isswa shurrabotch ____. 18. 'Ante meest ____. 19.
'Innante menja feqad ____. 20. 'Anchee yesilki quTir ____.
E. Translate the English phrases to Amharic, then read the whole sentance and
translate it to English
1. Bietu 'ammist kifil (has). 2. YeLaqetch bal hulett bunna bietotch (has.) 3.
Bietu salon (does not have). 4. 'Ante 'assir neTCHi shemeezotch (have). 5. 'Inie
zarie Tiwat qeTero (don't have). 6. Yeketemaw mengedotch mebrat (don't have).
7. 'Innante bekiremt ìreft (have). 8. YeBirhanu meest menja feqad (has). 9.
'Innya silk (don't have). 10. 'Ato Birhanu 'ashkerotch (does not have). 11. FoTa
(I don't have); 'algezzahum. 12. Mekeena 'Indatgezhee genzeb (you don't have).
13. Yetemareew 'abbat bizu genzeb (has). 14. Mekeenawan litnedat 'attichilim;
menja feqad (you don't have.) 15. Ketemaw bizu bietotch (has).
F. Translate into Amharic
1. I don't have a new driver's license. 2. The bedroom has three windows. 3.
The dining room has one big table and three chairs. 4. The living room doesn't
have a light. 5. I have five white shirts and four blue shirts. 6. She bought a red
sweater and a yellow dress from the merchant. 7. This morning he has an
appointmant with his brother at the office. 8. Mr. Berhanu has nine coffee shops
in the city. 9. The doctor (f) has a one month vacation. 10. The servant doesn't
have money to buy clothes. 11. The guard always wears a shirt and trousers;
he doesn't have a coat. 12. The city has good water, good streets, and good
lights. 13. Their new house has two kitchens. 14. They did not pay me my
salary this month. 15. The three towels didn't dry; I have no others. 16. June is
the tenth month in Ethiopia. 17. The teachers gave a book to the first pupil and
the secand pupil in the class. 18. The third car is mine. 19. The fifth lamp is not
on. 20. December is the fourth month; February is the sixth month in Ethiopia.
21. He is her seventh servant. 22. The patient got well in the ninth month. 23.
April is the eighth month in Ethiopia. 24. What is your phone number? 25. I will
buy two towels in the store.
G. Read and translate.
1. Bietu sinti kifil 'allew? Bietu 'andi mennyita biet, 'andi migib biet, 'andi woT
bietinna 'andi salon 'allew.
2. Ketemaw sinti sew 'allew? Ketemaw beTam bizu sew 'allew.
3. Demozwan mechie keffelwat? Demozwan be'ammistennya worwa keffelwat.
4. Temarotchu yekiremt ìreft 'allatchew? 'Awo, temarotchu yekiremt ìreft
'allatchew.
5. FoTa 'alleh? FoTa yellennyim; zarie kesuq ligeza new.
6. 'Irswo 'addeesu yemenja feqad 'allewot? 'Aydellem; 'inie 'addeesu yemenja
feqad yellennyim.
7. 'Ashkeru libs mechie yigezal? 'Ashkeru demozun seewosd libs yigezal.
8. 'Izzeeh bunna biet bunna bewotet 'alle? 'Aydellem, 'izzeeh bunna biet bunna
bewotet yellem.
9. 'Innessu hospeetal min 'allatchew? 'Innessu hospeetal qeTero 'allatchew.
10. Qeyy shurrab 'allat? Qeyyi shurrab yellatim; 'atwoddim; gin bizu Tiqur
shurrab 'allat.
11. Sinti shemeez 'alleh? 'Andi Tiru shemeez 'allenny.
12. Temareew 'addees kot 'allew? 'Aydellem, temareew 'addees kot yellewim.
13. Baliyyowinna meestiyyowa 'ibietatchew 'iqa 'allatchew? 'Aydellem;
'ibietatchew 'iqa yellatchewim; gena 'algezzum.
14. Libs lemin 'aygezam? Libs 'indaygeza genzeb yellewim.
15. 'Adrassha 'alleh? 'Awo, 'allenny; 'adrasshayie 'addeesu sefer new.
16. Yesilki quTirih sinti new? Yesilki quTirie haya siddist new.
Dirset
'Aseffa yennya sefer sew new.

Geeziew kiremt new. 'Andi qen 'Aseffa bemekeenaw wode 'andi liela sefer
seehied 'andi sewiyyie 'imenged lay 'ayye. Yizenbal. Sewiyyiew Tila woynim
yezinab libs 'alyazzem. Zinab yimetawal.
'Aseffamm kemekeena worrede. T'ilawin yazzenna wode sewiyyiew roTe.
'Ingidawimm sewiyyie qome.
'Aseffa - T'iena yisTillinny.
'Ingida - T'iena yisTillinny.
'Aseffa - Yiqerta; wodiet yihiedallu?
'Ingida - Wode bietie new.
'Aseffa - Bietwo ruq new qirb?
'Ingida - BeTam ruq 'aydellem.
'Aseffa - Zinabu yizenbal. T'ila woym yezinab libs 'alyazzum; bemekeena
leehiedu yifelligallu?
'Ingida - 'Isshee; 'Igzier yisTillinny.
('Ingidawinna 'Aseffa 'imekeena yigeballu)
'Aseffa - Leseferu 'ingida newot? Libswo beTam rase.
'Ingida - 'Ahun yiderqal. Le'ageru 'ingida nenny.
'Aseffa - 'Inie simie 'Aseffa new. Keyet 'ager meTTu?
'Ingida - 'Inie simie Jems new. Ke'Amiereeka meTTahue.
'Aseffa - 'Amarinnya Tiru yichilallu. Yet temaru?
'Ingida - Tinnish tinnish 'ichilallehue. 'Agerie temarkue.
'Aseffa - 'Izzeeh 'ager kemeTTu sinti geezie honewot?
'Ingida - 'Andi wor honenny.
(Cantinued in lesson 28)
Vocabulary: woynim = or; kemeTTu = since you came, from when you came;
honewot - did you have?
('Almazinna Yohannis besilk kebizu qen behwala)
Yohannis - Hallo! 'Almaz nesh?

'Almaz - 'Awo 'inie nenny. 'Indemin 'alleh?
Yohannis - Dehna nenny. 'Ancheess 'indemin 'allesh?
'Almaz - Dehna. Ke'ItyoPPhya min worie tisemalleh?
Yohannis - 'Immamma tsafetch.
'Almaz - Dehna natchew?
Yohannis - Dehna nat. Tolo 'indimeTa Teyyeqetchinny.
'Almaz - Tadyas mechie tihiedalleh?
Yohannis - Yezarie sammint 'ihiedallehue. 'Immamma silanchee min 'indaletch
lingerish?
'Almaz - Min alu?
Yohannis - Meestie 'indittihonyee tifelligalletch.
'Almaz - 'Iwnet? T'iru 'innat 'alluh. 'Antess min tassiballeh?
Yohannis - Yenien 'assab tawqeewallesh. 'Innatinna 'abbatish silennya min
yawqallu?
'Almaz - 'Innatie littagebanny 'indefellegh yawqallu. Ye'abbatien 'assab degimo
'Addees 'Abeba sinniders 'insemallen.
Yohannis - Yezarie sammint littihiejee tichiyallesh?
'Almaz - 'Inja. 'Ahun linegrih 'alchilim.
Vocabulary: 'Immamma = my mother; lingerish = should I tell you? 'assab =

thought, idea; littagebanny = that you marry me; degimo = moreover.
Lesson 24
JUSSIVE-IMPERATIVE
There is a 'verbal mood' (like a tense) used for commands or prohibitions. The
book breaks it down into "Jussive" and "Imperative" forms. The "Imperative" is
for a positive command addressed in the 2nd person. The "Jussive" forms are
for commands (or perhaps 'suggestions' would be a better description) for the
other two persons (1st and 3rd), and for negative prohibitions. In other words,
Imperative means a command addressed directly to "you", whereas "Jussive" (for
our purposes) is used for commands to myself, or to someone else beside you;
such as "Let me..." or "Let him...", and Jussive is also used for prohibitions to all
persons, like "Don't you"... "don't let him" etc.
Let's start with an example of the commands to the 2nd & 3rd persons in
Amharic...
'Ante mets'hafun mellis - 'issu gin mets'hafun yiwsed.

"You return the book - but let him take the book."
The command to "you" is mellis (return), the verb being in the imperative form;
while the jussive command to "him" is yiwsed (let him take). [btw: In Iyaric & in
JA patois, this is expressed mek him tek...]
An example of a jussive command to the 1st person: 'Inniheed. - Let's go.
As you will note, the jussive forms have prefixes. The prefixes are the same
ones as for the simple form (yi-, ti-, inni-) with the exception being that li- is the
prefix for "let me" as opposed to the simple form prefix 'i-...
The base of the root form for triradicals in the jussive is:
Type A verbs: -SBeR-

Type B verbs: -FeLLiG-
Now this is a difference between Types A & B that we can even see in feedel.
Note that the type B (stressed) verb bases have the same jussive form as the
simple form.
Putting it all together, the positive jussive forms for triradicals are therefore:
yisber - let him break

tisber - let her break
lisber - let me break
yisberu - let them break
'innisber - let us break
yifellig - let him seek

tifellig - let her seek
lifellig - let me seek
yifelligu - let them seek
'innifellig - let us seek
Note that the 2nd person "you" is not listed in the positive jussive, but it is for the
negative jussive, as we will see next.
NEGATIVE JUSSIVE
This is used for prohibitions or negative commands for all three persons. So it
is used for "let us not" "let me not, don't let me" "let him not", as well as "don't
you" do something...
Type A:
'ayisber - let him not break, may he not break
'attisber - let her not break
'attisber - don't break (m)
'attisberee - don't break (f)
'alisber - let me not break
'ayisberu - let them not break
'attisberu - don't (pl) break
'annisber - let's not break
Type B
'ayfellig - let him not want (may he not want)
'atfellig or 'attifellig - let her not want
'attifellig ot 'atfellig - (m) don't want, don't look for
'attifelligee, 'atfelligee - (f) don't want, don't look for
'alfellig - may I not want, let me not
'ayfelligu - let them not want
'atfelligu, 'attifelligu - don't (pl) want (look for)
'annifellig, 'anfellig - let us not seek
The -ee suffix for you (f) also palatalizes with the same cansonants as before.
So we have 'attimellishee, do not return, from the verb mellese...
USAGE OF THE JUSSIVE:
More examples:
Mets'hafun biete metsahift yimellis. "Let him return the book to the library.
Genzebun 'ahun liwsed woyiss behwala? "Should I take the money now or
later?"
Meskotun 'attisber. "Don't break the window."
Meskotun 'ayisberu. "May they not break the window."
Sirawin 'ahun 'innijemmir. "Let's start the Work now."
Note that when used in a question, the Jussive is often involved in translatin
"should" - as in:
Berrun yikfet? Should he open the gate?

LimTa? Shall I come? or Should I come?
Kebeqlo lemin liwred? Why should I get off the donkey?
The negative jussive can also sometimes translate as "should not" - as in:
Lij àwaqeen 'ayisdeb. - A child should not insult an adult, mek a child not insult
an adult.
Àwaqeen 'attisdeb - you should not insult an adult, don't insult an adult.
The forms 'Igzee'abihier yimmesgen and 'Igzee'abihier yisTillinny are jussives.

(May JAH be praised, & May JAH give for me)
The 3rd person plural jussive form (let them...) is also used for a polite
command (addressed to 'irswo) - example - yigbu "please, come in!"
IMPERATIVE
Once again, Imperative differs from jussive in that it is used for direct
commands to the 2nd person (you)...
The bases are the same as the jussive bases for types A & B triradicals, but
there are no prefixes. Since there are no prefixes, the type A imperatives have a
slight vowel sound after the first radical.
siber - break (m)

siberee - break (f)
siberu - break (pl)
fellig - seek (m)

felligee - seek (f)
felligu - seek ye (pl)
Once again, the -ee suffix causes palatalisation on the same cansonants, so:
libesh or libeshee = "put on dress" (f) instead of "libesee"... (from verb lebbese.)
The imperative expresses a positive order, to you to do something. Examples:

Mets'hafun mellis. Return the book.
Shurrabun libeshee. Put on the sweater.
Wode tatch wired. Descend downward. (m)
Wode tatch wirej. Descend downward (f).
Libsishin libesh. Put on your (f) dress.
Libsatchihun libesu. Put on your (pl) dresses.
We will cover imperative and jussive for biradicals in Lesson 26.
VERBAL NOUNS: INFINITIVE & PARTICIPLE
We are also going to learn two types of verbal nouns in today's lesson: the
infinitive, and participles.
The infinitive verbal noun is formed with the prefix me-.

The infinitive base for type A: -SBeR, and for type B: -FeLLeG (for triradicals)
We call this a verbal noun, because it is a form derived from the verb that acts
as a noun. It is most easily translated in English by the gerund suffix, -ing. So,
the meaning of the infinitive mesber is "breaking, the act of breaking" as well as
"to break"... As a noun, it can be subject or object in the sentence, and can also
take possessive suffixes.
Example of infinitive used as subject: Megdel haTee'at new. Killing is a sin.

Example of infin. as object: 'Addees libs melbes yiwoddal. He likes wearin new
clothes.
Example of infin w/ possessive suffixes: Qeyyi shurrab melbesien
'alwoddedetchim.
She didn't like my wearing a red sweater.
Note that in all of these same sentences, we can also translate the infinitive
verbal as an English infinitive with "to":
Megdel haTee'at new. To kill is a sin.
'Addees libs melbes yiwoddal. He likes to wear new clothes.
Qeyyi shurrab melbesien 'alwoddedetchim. She didn't like me to wear a red
sweater.
* Reminder: We already know how another way to translate infinitives in

English, using the prefix li- (lesson 19)
The infinitive verbal form can also be preceded by the prefix le- when translated
as "to":
Lijageredotchu lemezfen yifelligallu = Lijageredotchu mezfen yifelligallu
(The girls want to sing)
If the sentence expresses purpose "in order to", the le- always precedes the
infinitive... Ìdawin lemekfel meTTa. He came to pay his debt.
The verbal noun followed by new means an action that ought to be done, or has
to be done. Ìda kallebih betolo mekfel new. "If you have a debt, you must pay it
quickly"
The verbal noun with a possessive suffix followed by new is used for an action
being done while speakin; or for one about to be done:
Yebiet keeray 'indiet tikeflalleh? 'Ahun sira mejemmerie new.
"How will you pay the rent?" "I am about to start working now."
Yet mehiedih new? "Where are you going?" (Also, Yet littihied new? , using the
li- form...)
Here is a table showin Infinitive forms for all verb classes:
Triradicals: SeBBeRe (A) - mesber, to break

FeLLeGe (B) - mefelleg, to want
from 'allefe (A) - malef, to pass
from 'addese (B) - maddes, to renew
SeMMa (A) - mesmat , to hear
LeKKa (B) - melekkat, to measure
QeRRe (A) - meqret, to remain
LeYYe (B) - meleyyet, to separate
from 'ayye (A) - mayet, to see
SaMe - mesam, to kiss
QoMe - meqom, to stand
HieDe - mehied, to go
This shows the form of the infinitive for all classes, note the infinitive forms of the
type SeMMa and QeRRe type verbs also include a final t at the end...
PARTICIPLES
This is another type of verbal noun (i.e., for makin nouns out of verbs). The form
is:
SeBaRee for type (A) trirads, FeLLaGee for type (B).
Note that the first triradical has the vowel of 'e' as in jest, the middle has long 'a'
as in father, and the last one has long 'ee' as in bee.
The 'ee' of the participle causes palatalisation in all the specific cansonants that
are palatalised. So the participles kesash "plaintiff" from kessese, he accused;
sellay "a spy" from sellele, he spied
The participle is used to express the agent that performs the correspondin verb.
So we have for example of participial nouns:
deggafee, supporter, from deggefe, he supported
T'eragee, sweeper, from T'errege, he swept
feTaree, creator, from feTTere, he created
leqamee, picker, from leqqeme, he picked
'attamee, printer, from 'atteme, he printed
lemmany, beggar, from lemmene, he begged
This participle form can also be an adjective, when used a qualifier: Examples:
T'eqamee mikir - useful advice
Fesash wiha - flowing Water
Àwaqee sew - a learned (one who knows) man
wolaj 'innat - birth mother (one who gives birth)
lemmany lij - a begging child
As a noun, the participle can take the plural marker -otch, as well as the
possesive suffixes:
Wolajotch - parents. From verb wollede, he begat / wolledetch she birthed

'Issu deggafeeyie new. He is my supporter.
Kesashotchatchin beqeTerow 'alqerrebum. Our plaintiffs did not approach at
the appointed time.
Although the participle expresses the agent that performs the correspondin verb
action, this method does not automatically supply all lexical items. For instance,
for the verb serreqe, he stole, the correspondin agent is lieba "thief" whereas the
participial form seraqee would mean "one who steals, stealer"... Also with the
verb ferrede, he judged, the word for a judge by profession is dannya, but the
participle feraj simply means 'one who judges', without necessarily implyin a
dannya.
Complete Table of the participle for all verb classes:
From SeBBere (A): sebari

FeLLege (B): fellagee
'allefe (A) - 'alafee
'arreme (B) (he weeded) - 'arramee (one who weeds)
SeMMa (A): semee
LeKKa (B): lekkee
QeRRe (A): qeree
LeYYe (B): leyyee
SaMe: samee
QoMe: qwamee
HieDe: heeyaj
VOCABULARY
sile = because of, about, concernin

sahin = plate
sheffene (B) = he covered
qerrebe (A) = he / it approached, he neared, drew near
balebiet = owner, spouse
birdi libs = blanket
bessele (A) = it got ripe, got cooked
tiras = pillow
'alga = bed
'ansola = sheet, bed linen
worrede = he descended, dismounted, alighted, went down, came down
yasfelligal = it is necessary, it needs
gena = still, yet. (with negative) = not yet
gena 'ahun = just now
gudday = matter, affair, business
gojjo = thatched hut, cottage
CH'erq = cloth, piece of cloth, rag
firie = fruit
firash = mattress
EXERCISES
A. Give the imperative form agreeing with the pronoun.

Example: 'Ante (sebbere). Answer: 'Ante siber.
1. 'Ante (wossede) 2. 'Anchee (neggere) 3. 'Ante (Terrege) 4. 'Anchee

(worrede) 5. 'Ante (Teyyeqe) 6. 'Anchee (fellege) 7. 'Ante (jemmere) 8.
'Innante (sheffene) 9. 'Anchee (CHerrese) 10 'Innante (keffete) 11 'Ante
(lebbese) 12 'Anchee derrese 13 'Ante (worrede)
B. Give the jussive command form agreeing with the pronoun.

Example: 'Issu (worrede) Answer: 'Issu yiwred
1. 'Issu (Teyyeqe) 2. 'Isswa (fellege) 3. 'Innessu (jemmere) 4. 'Innya

(CHerrese) 5. 'Issu (neggere) 6. 'Isswa (worrede) 7. 'Innessu (qerrebe) 8.
'Innya (derrese) 9. 'Isswa (jemmere) 10. 'Issu (keffete) 11. 'Issu (qerrebe) 12.
'Inie (fellege) 13. 'Innya (worrede) 14. 'Issu (CHerrese) 15. 'Inie (dewwole)
16. 'Innessu (Teyyeqe) 17. 'Issu (keffete) 18. 'Inie (derrese). 19. 'Innya
(woddeqe) 20. 'Isswa (qeTTere)
C. Give the imperative / jussive command according to the person, following the
example.
1. 'Ante mets'hafihin sheffin.

'Anchee mets'hafishin ____.
'Innya mets'hafatchinin ____.
'Isswa mets'hafwan ____.
'Inie mets'hafien ____.
'Innessu mets'hafatchewin ____.
'Irswo mets'hafwon ____.
'Issu mets'hafun ____.
'Innante mets'hafatchun ____.
2. 'Issu kemekeenawa yiwred
'Isswa kemekeenawa ____.
'Innante kemekeenawa ____.
'Innya kemekeenawa ____.
'Innessu kemekeenawa ____.
'Ante kemekeenawa ____.
'Anchee kemekeenawa ____.
'Inie kemekeenawa ____.
'Issatchew kemekeenawa ____.
3. 'Innya Tiyyaqie 'inniTeyyiq.
'Irswo Tiyyaqie ____.
'Isswa Tiyyaqie ____.
'Anchee Tiyyaqie ____.
'Inie Tiyyaqie ____.
'Issu Tiyyaqie ____.
'Innante Tiyyaqie ____.
'Innessu Tiyyaqie ____.
'Ante Tiyyaqie ____.
4. 'Isswa berrun tikfet.
'Anchee berrun ____.
'Issu berrun ____.
'Innessu berrun ____.
'Inie berrun ____.
'Issatchew berrun ____.
'Ante berrun ____.
'Innya berrun ____.
'Innante berrun ____.
5. 'Anchee genzebun kifeyee.
'Issatchew genzebun ____.
'Innya genzebun ____.
'Ante genzebun ____.
'Issu genzebun ____.
'Innante genzebun ____.
'Isswa genzebun ____.
'Inie genzebun ____.
'Innessu genzebun ____.
6. 'Inie sirawin lijemmir.
'Innya sirawin ____.
'Ante sirawin ____.
'Innante sirawin ____.
'Anchee sirawin ____.
'Issu sirawin ____.
'Isswa sirawin ____.
'Innessu sirawin ____.
'Irswo sirawin ____.
D. Change the verbs from present-future tense, to imperative or jussive mood

(commands) as appropriate.
Example 1) Timhirtun tijemmirallatchihue. Answer: Timhirtun jemmiru.
Example 2) Timhirtun 'ijemmirallehue. Answer: Timhirtun lijemmir.
1. Berrun 'attisebrum. 2. Berrun tisebrallatchihue. 3. Mets'hafun yiwosdal. 4.

Mets'hafun tiwosdalleh. 5. CHew tiCHemmiralleh. 6. Sikwar 'iCHemmirallehue.
7. Mets'hafun 'atwosdim. 8. CHew 'attiCHemmirim. 9. CHew 'ayCHemmirim.
10. Hospeetal tidershallesh. 11. Temaree biet 'innidersallen. 12. Beero
tidersallatchihue. 13. 'Addees sefer 'aydersim. 14. Hulett birr yikeflal. 15.
'Ammist birr tikeflalleh. 16. Seba birr yikeflal. 17. 'Aratt birr ke'amsa santeem
($4.50) 'aykeflim. 18. Timhirtun 'attijemmirim. 19. T'iyyaqie tiTeyyiqeeyallesh.
20. Tiyyaqie 'iTeyyiqallehue.
E. Translate the English words with the Amharic infinitive verbal noun, then
translate the whole sentance into English.
1. (Killing) Tiru 'aydellem. 2. (Eating) Tiru new. 3. Bunna (drinking)

'iwodallehue. 4. Mets'haf (covering) 'attawqim. 5. T'iyyaqie (asking) Tiru new.
6. 'Iqa (breaking) yiwodal. 7. T'iyyaqie (answering) yawqallu. 8. Silk (phoning)
tiwoddalletch. 9. (sleeping) lehitsan Tiru new. 10. (Giving) Tiru neger new. 11.
Biet (sweeping) geredeetu 'atwoddim. 12. Sew (helping) tiwoddalleh? 13.
Hulgeezie libs (changing) tiwodjallesh. 14. (Choosing) yawqal. 15. Mets'haf
(buying) Tiru new.
F. Give the participles (agents) for these verbs.

Example 1) sebbere. Answer: sebaree
Example 2) meTTa Answer: meCHee
1. neggere 2. keffele 3. woTTa 4. serra 5. qerre 6. wossede 7. fellege 8.

seTTe 9. lake 10. jemmere 11. Teyyeqe 12. worrede 13. hiede 14. qome
15. derrese 16. lemmede
G.. Translate into Amharic.
1. Because of my appointment today, I cannot come to the office. 2. The egg is

on the plate. 3. Cover (f) the bread with a cloth so that it won't dry up. 4.
Approach and tell me your (m) matter. 5. The shop's owner is my friend. 6. Let
the chicken stew get cooked. 7. I will buy a new blanket tomorrow. 8. The baby
has no pillow; I gave him your (m) pillow. 9. I want to sell the old bed; I am
going to buy a new one. 10. I am washing the linen now, but it doesn't dry
quickly. 11. Come down (f) and finish your lessons. 12. They came just now.
13. He (r) will finish many matters today. 14. Clean (f) the plate with a cloth.
15. It is not good to eat fruit before it is ripe. 16. I am not able to sleep on the
old mattress. 17. The coffee needs sugar.
H. Read and translate.
1. Mets'hafun 'innisheffin? 'Awo, mets'hafun sheffinu.

2. Lijageredeetu mets'hafun tiwsed? 'Awo, lijageredeetu mets'hafun tiwsed.
3. Yet hiede? Sirawin lemeCHerres wode beero hiede.
4. 'Irsasun lisber? 'Aydellem, 'irsasun 'attisber.
5. Temarotchu min yiwoddallu? Temarotchu 'astemareeyatchewin meqreb
yiwoddallu.
6. Sahinun bemin liTregew? Sahinun beCHerq Tiregeew.
7. Lesuqu balabiet keerayun 'innikfel? 'Aydellem, lesuqu balabiet keerayun
'attikfelu.
8. 'Inniwred? 'Aydellem; mekeenawa gena satqom 'attiwredu.
9. Firiew mebselun 'indiet tawqalleh? Firiew seebesil beTam qeyy yihonal.
10. Yet mehiedih new? Firashinna tiras ligeza wode gebeya mehiedie new.
11. Temareew kemekeenatchin yiwred? 'Awo; temareew kemekeenatchihue
yiwred.
12. 'Issatchew 'innya biet lemin 'almeTTum? 'Issatchew silezarie guddayatchew
'innante biet lememTat 'alchalum.
13. Mets'hafun mechie limellis? Mets'hafun nege mellishee.
14. Lijotchu temaree biet mehied yijemmiru? 'Aydellem; lijotchu temaree biet
mehied 'ayjemmiru.
15. Mekeenahin zarie 'inniwsedew? 'Awo; mekeenayien zarie wisedut.
16. Yebietun keeray mechie 'innikfel? Yebietun keeray zarie kifelu.
17. Le'astemareew min lingerew? Nege wodennya biet 'indeemeTa
le'astemareew nigerew.
(Ye'ayroplan guzo)
'Almaz - 'Ayroplan nejeew besint seàt 'Addees 'Abeba 'innigeballen 'ale?
Yohannis - Derresn! Ketemawin 'attayeem?
'Almaz - 'Inie minimm mayet 'alchalkumm.
Yohannis - Ney - 'izzeeh meskotu 'aTegeb hunyee.
'Almaz - Liela ketema yimeslal. Yaw Peeyassa; Geeyorgees; Gibbee;
Ye'Afreeqa 'Addarash...
Yohannis - 'Ahun bebabur Tabeeyaw lay 'innalfallen.
'Almaz - Ya mindin new?
Yohannis - 'Inja; 'addeesu bank yimeslennyal.
Hosties - Kezzeeh wodeeya seegara maCHes kilkil new. 'Ayroplanu 'iskeeqom
bebotatchihue 'indittiqoyu 'innilemminallen.
(Ye'Almaz 'abbatinna 'innat be'ayroplan marefeeya yiTebbiqallu. 'Innatwa
Woyzero Fiqirta natchew. 'Abbatwa degimo Dejazmatch Gietatchew natchew.
Woyzero Fiqirta beTam deggi siet natchew. 'Almaz 'innatwan 'ayta wodenessu
roTetch.)
Wo. Fiqerta - Yatch 'Almaz netch? 'Almaz! Lijie àlemie!
De. Gietatchew - Ney 'istee sameenny. 'Inkwan dehna meTTash.
'Almaz - 'Inkwan dehna qoyyatchihue.
Vocabulary: 'Ayroplan = plane; guzo = trip; 'ayroplan nejee = pilot; ney - come!
(f); 'aTegeb - beside, next to; Peeyassa - name of main square in Addis Ababa;
Geeyorgees = St. George's cathedral; gibbee = palace; ye'Afreeqa 'Addarash =
Africa Hall; yebabur Tabeeya = train station; bank = bank; hosties = hostess;
seegara maCHes = to smoke cigarettes; kilkil = prohibited, forbidden; bota =
place; lemmene = beg, ask; 'ayroplan marefeeya = airport; Woyzero = Mrs.;
Dejazmatch = honorific title (lit. "Doorway campaigner") degg = good, kind; àlem
= world; 'istee = please! 'inkwan dehna meTTash = welcome home! (lit. I am
happy that you came in health); 'inkwan dehna qoyyatchihue = I am glad to see
you! (lit. I am glad that you stayed in health)
Lesson 25 Review Lesson
REVIEW LESSON 21-24
There are some tricky questions this time so tikya! The word woreqet (paper) is
used a couple times, but I don't recall that being in the lessons yet, so if you see
the word woreqet it means paper...
EXERCISES
A. Give the correct form of 'alle or yelle with the object suffixes agreeing with the
pronoun.
Example 1) 'Inie 'irsas ('alle) Answer: 'Inie 'irsas 'allenny
Example 2) 'Inie wondimmotch (yelle) Answer: 'Inie wondimmotch yellenyim.
1. 'Issu wondimm ('alle). 2. 'Ante 'ihit (yelle). 3. 'Innya metshafotch ('alle). 4.

'Innante radeeyon ('alle). 5. 'Issu genzeb (yelle). 6. 'Innessu gudday (yelle). 7.
'Anchee CHamma ('alle). 8. 'Isswa bal (yelle). 9. 'Irswo yezinab libs ('alle). 10.
'Issatchew sira (yelle). 11. Sietiyyowa 'arogie qemees ('alle). 12. 'Astemareew
meest (yelle). 13. 'Issatchew menja feqad ('alle). 14. 'Ato Birhanu lijotch ('alle).
15. 'Innya Tiru gered ('alle). 16. 'Innante zebennya ('alle). 17. Laqetch
semayawee qemeesotch ('alle). 18. Bunnaw sikwar (yelle). 19. 'Ashkeru bizu
ìreft (yelle). 20. 'Inie meest ('alle). 21. 'Ante sinti shemeezotch ('alle)? 22.
Serratennyotch demoz (yelle). 23. 'Ingidaw 'ihit ('alle). 24. Hotielu bizu menyita
bietotch ('alle). 25. 'Inie 'addees foTa ('alle). 26. Woyzero 'Almaz bizu
hotielotch ('alle). 27. 'Isswa bizu àynet libsotch ('alle). 28. Meestih Tiru 'ihit
('alle). 29. Temaree biet Tiru kiflotch ('alle). 30. WoTu CHew (yelle).
B. Substitute the English words with Amharic expressions, then translate the
whole sentance.
1. Sost mets'haf (I don't have.) 2. 'Ante 'ammist mets'haf (don't have). 3.

Birhanu meest (doesn't have.) 4. Yonas Tiru 'ihit (has). 5. Bizu àynet
shurrabotch (she has). 6. 'Irswo 'addees mekeena (do you have?) 7. 'Ante bizu
shemeezotch (don't have). 8. Bunnaw sikwarinna wotet (does not have.) 9.
'Innessu 'iseferatchin bizu bunna bietotch (have). 10. 'Innya 'addees silk (have).
11. 'Anchee sint suqotch (you have?) 12. 'Ashkeru demoz (does not have). 13.
'Issatchew 'ihit (does not have). 14. Zarie qeTero (I don't have). 15. 'Almaz
menja feqad (does not have). 16. 'Addeesu biet bizu mebratotch (has). 17.
Hitsanu wotet (has). 18. Temareew kot leegeza yifelligal; gin beqee genzeb
(does not have). 19. 'Ante zarie 'irat (don't have). 20. 'Anchee Qidamie sira
(don't have). 21. Gwadennyotchatchin hotielotch (have). 22. Besshitennyaw
beqee migib (does not have). 23. 'Ante Tiru gered (don't have). 24. 'Anchee
lijotch (have). 25. Hakeemotchu bizu besshitennyotch (don't have). 26. 'Innante
Tiru 'ihit (have). 27. 'Innya 'ibeero gudday (don't have). 28. 'Inie meto
mets'hafotch (have). 29. 'Isswa wondimmotch (has). 30. 'Irswo Tiru meest (don't
have).
C. Give the verb with the object suffix agreeing with the pronoun in parentheses.
Example: 'Issu ('inien) yimetal. Answer: 'Issu yimetannyal.
1. 'Issu ('inien) yilikal. 2. Hakeemu ('issun) 'akkeme. 3. 'Astemarotchu ('anten)

yimreTu. 4. Birhanu ('isswan) yiwoddal. 5. Zebennyaw ('innyan) yiTebbiqal). 6.
Gwadennyotchatchihue ('innanten) yiTeqmallu. 7. Yehotielu balabiet ('innessun)
yiqeTral. 8. 'Isswa ('issun) tifelligalletch. 9. 'Innya ('issun) lemmedn. 10.
'Geredeetu ('issun) tiTeyyiq. 11. 'Innya wode temaree biet sinhied ('isswan)
'innayallen. 12. 'Ingidaw ('innyan) yawqal. 13. Liebaw ('isswan) yiserqal. 14.
Hakeemu ('issatchewin) 'akkeme. 15. 'Astemareew ('innanten) yifelligal. 16.
'Irswo ('inien) yirdu. 17. 'Issatchew ('innyan) yimreTu. 18. Meestiyyowa
('innanten) reddatch. 19. 'Issu ('innyan) selamta sayseT 'allefe. 20. 'Almaz
('issun) tiTeyyiq. 21. 'Inie ('irswon) 'awqallehue. 22. 'Inie ('ancheen) ressahue.
23. 'Anchee ('innyan) tiTeqmeeyallesh. 24. 'Innante ('isswan) 'akkimu. 25.
'Innessu ('issatchewin) yimerTallu. 26. 'Innya ('isswan) 'inwoddallen. 27. 'Ante
('issun) qireb.
D. Translate the English words into Amharic expressions, then translate the
whole sentance into English.
1. 'Astemareeyie (will not hit me.) 2. Meestu beTam (does not like him). 3.
Besshitennyawin hakeemu (did not treat him.) 4. 'Isswa 'ansolawin (let her take
it.) 5. 'Anchee sigawin (roast it.) 6. Womdimmatchihue mets'hafun (will not
send you.) 7. 'Ato Birhanun (I did not choose him.) 8. 'Addeesu gwadennyah
(will help you). 9. Lehotielu balabiet heesabun 'anchee (don't pay him). 10.
'Almaz balwan beTam (likes him). 11. 'Ingidaw beTam (benefitted us). 12.
Mets'hafun beworeqet (cover it). 13. 'Ansolawin 'indegena (he is washing it) 14.
CH'ammaw (fitted her). 15. 'Ante salonun (sweep it). 16. Zebennyaw
mekeenawan (let him guard it). 17. Birhanu yeYonasin 'arogie mekeena (bought
it). 18. 'Astemareewin siletimhirtatchin (let us ask him). 19. Laqetch bunna
besikwar 'attiTeTTam; baddowin (you f. give her). 20. 'Inie sirawin (got used to
it.) 21. 'Ingidotchu 'agerun (liked it). 22. TerePPiezawin 'ante beCHerq (clean
it). 23. 'Innessu genzebihin (will give you). 24. Widdi new; yihinin mekeena (I will
not buy it). 25. Semayaweew qemees Tiru new; 'anchee (take it). 26. Yelibsun
qelem 'iwoddallehue; silezeeh (I will buy it). 27. Mekeenashin 'issatchew (let him
clean it). 28. Debdabbiewin gena zarie (they wrote it). 29. 'Addeesun libsishin
zarie (put it on). 30 'Adrasshahin (tell me).
E. Replace the verb forms of the exercise with the imperative or jussive.
Example 1) Timhirtihin tijemmiralleh. Answer: Timhirtihin jemmir.

Example 2) Timhirtien 'ijemmirallehue. Answer: Timhirtien lijemmir.
1. Sirawin tiCHerrishallesh. 2. 'Astemareew Birhanun merreTew. 3. 'Isswa

hulgeezie Tiru timerTalletch. 4. 'Ante wondimmihin neggerkew. 5.
Besshitennyotchun hakeemotchu yiTeqmuwatchewal. 6. Zebennyaw bietun
yiTebbiqal. 7. Lijageredotchu 'astemareewin woddedut. 8. 'Innante
gwaddennyotchatchihun Teqqematchihwatchew. 9. Yemigibun heesab
'ikeflallehue. 10. Mets'hafun beworeqet tisheffinewalletch. 11. Bunnaw 'ahun
yidersal. 12. Ìnqulalun tiTebsewalletch. 13. Zarie mata mets'hafun
'iwosdallehue. 14. 'Innessu kemekeenawa worredu. 15. Dabbowin beCHerqu
tisheffinewalleh. 16. Lashkeru demozun keffelkut. 17. 'Issatchew mekeenawin
'indegena yiwosdutal. 18. NeTCHun 'ansola 'indegena tifelligewalleh. 19.
Ye'Almaz bal silk yidewwilal. 20. 'Agerun lemmedatchihut. 21. Zarie ìnqulal
lequrs tiTebsalletch. 22. 'Ingidotchu 'innante biet derresu. 23. Libsun
yilewwiTal. 24. Nege liela mets'haf 'inniwosdallen. 25. Beqee genzeb
tiTeyyiqalletch.
F. Translate the English words into Amharic expressions, then translate the
1. Nege wode bietih (take it.) 2. Zarie libsun (you pl. put it on.) 3.
'Adrasshashin (tell us). 4. Ìnqulalun (you f. fry it.) 5. 'Ansolawin (let him take
it). 6. Debdabbiewin (you m. take it) 7. Keerayun (let him pay it). 8. Keseàt
behwala silk (let her phone). 9. BeMeskerem wor 'ageratchin (let us arrive). 10.
'Irswo mets'hafun (cover it). 11. Beqee genzeb (ask for). 12. Besshitennyaw
'ansolawin (let him take it). 13. 'Isswa bietun (let her sweep it). 14. 'Anchee
bietun (sweep it). 15. Nege mata mekeenawin (you pl take it). 16. Beqee migib
(you f. take). 17. Yebietun keeray (let me pay it). 18. Lemisatchihue ìnqulal
(you pl fry). 19. Sikwarun wisedinna shay wisT (add it). 20. Libsihin (change it).
G. Translate the English words into Amharic expressions, then translate the
1. (Killing) Tiru neger 'aydellem. 2. Libs (washing) tichilalleh. 3. 'Ager (seeing)

Tiru new. 4. Hitsanu 'iqa (breaking) yiwoddal. 5. Laqetch 'iqa (buying)
tiwoddalletch. 6. Silk (phoning) 'alawqim. 7. Teeyatir (seeing) 'inwoddallen. 8.
MeTeTT (drinking) yifelligal. 9. 'Issatchew hulgeezie libs (changing) yiwoddallu.
10. Lijageredotchu zefen (singing) yiwoddallu. 11. Mekeena (driving)
'ichilallehue. 12. Qeyyi shurrab (putting on) tiwodjallesh. 13. Wode bietu (going)
'aywoddim. 14. Bizu (sleeping) Tiru 'aydellem. 15. Yetemareew 'abbat bizu
(working) yiwoddallu.
(Be'ayroplan marefeeya)
Yohannis - T'iena yisTillinny gietayie; Yohannis 'ibbalallehue.
De. Gietatchew - 'Indemin 'alleh? Woriehin semman.
Wo. Fiqirte - 'Inkwan dehna meTTah lijie. 'Ahun yepasportun neger CHerrisunna
bemekeena 'inniwosdatchihwallen.
De. Gietatchew - Fiqirte, bota yibeqan 'aymeslennyim. 'Almaz bizu gwaz 'allat.
Wo. Fiqirte - Bota 'aybeqanim; tadya Yohannis bemin yihiedal.
Yohannis - Gidd yellem; begwaddenyotchie mekeena 'ihiedallehue.
Wo Fiqirte - 'Abbatinna 'innatih yet 'ager yinorallu?
Yohannis - 'Abbatie motwal; 'innatie degimo 'ager biet netch; memTatienimm
'atawqim.
Wo Fiqirte - 'Ihud wode bietatchin na; misa kennya gar tibelalleh.
De Gietatchew - Ressash 'indie Fiqirte... 'Ihud wode Beeshoftu 'inhiedallen.
Yohannis - Gidd yellem; liela qen 'imeTallehue.
(Negeru Yohannisin tolo gebbaw. Wode gwaddenyotchu mekeena seehied
'Almaz 'ayyetchiw. <<Yohannis! Yet tihiedalleh>> 'aletch. Yohannis gin
leesemat 'alchalem.)
Vocabulary - Yohannis 'ibbalallehue - I am called, (my name is) Yohannis.

pasport - passport; 'aymesslennyim - it doesn't seem to me; gwaz - luggage;
motwal - he has died; 'ager biet - countryside; na - come! Beeshoftu - name of
lake near 'Addis Ababa; gebbaw - he overstood it.
Lesson 26
JUSSIVE OF BIRADICAL VERB CLASSES
[We have covered Jussive bases for tri-radicals A & B (-SBeR, -FeLLiG) in
Lesson 24...]
1) Class SeMMa:
Type A Jussive base is -SMa, Type B is LeKKa. The -a is kept at the end,
except for the endin -u in yismu (let them hear)...
yisma - let him hear

tisma - let her hear
lisma - let me hear
yismu - let them hear
'innisma - let us hear
yilekka - let him measure

tilekka - let her measure
lilekka - let me measure
yilekku - let them measure
'innilekka - let's measure
2) Class QeRRe
Type A Jussive base: -QiR-, Type B Jussive base -LeYY-
yiqir - let it remain

tiqir - let her remain
liqir - let me remain
yiqru - let them remain
'inniqir - let us remain
yileyy - let him separate

tileyy - let her separate
lileyy - let me separate
yileyyu - let them separate
'innileyy - let us separate
For 'ayye the forms are yiy, tiy, liy, yiyu, 'inniy (let him see, etc...)
3) Class SaMe:
Only one type, the jussive base is -SaM-. (note vowel change from present
base -SiM-)
yisam - let him kiss
tisam - let her kiss
lisam - let me kiss
yisamu - let them kiss
'innisam - let us kiss
4) Class QoMe
Only one type, the jussive base is -QuM-. (note vowel change)
yiqum - let him stand

tiqum - let her stand
liqum - let me stand
yiqumu - let them stand
'inniqum - let us stand
5) Class HieDe:
Only one type, the jussive base is -HeeD- (note vowel change)
yiheed - let him go

tiheed - let her go
liheed - let me go
yiheedu - let them go
'inniheed - let's go
6) Initial 'A- class (technically tri-radicals)

These are especialy tricky... Type (A) jussive base is -iLeF-. type (B) is -
aRReM-. Note that the long a vowel is lost in type 'A', but is kept in type 'B'...
yilef - let him pass

tilef - let her pass
lilef - let me pass
yilefu - let them pass
'innilef - let us pass
yarrim - let him weed, let him correct, edit, etc.

tarrim - let her weed, etc.
larrim - let me weed
yarrimu - let them weed
'innarrim - let us weed
NEGATIVE JUSSIVE
For all of these classes, the negative jussive is formed in the same way as
before, i.e. simply by addin the 'a- prefix to the beginnin. There is nothing unusual
here, so only type A is listed here.
Remember that the negative imperative is included in these lists, since the book
treats 2nd person prohibitions along with the jussive.... In other words, all the
negative forms for 'you' are included here, whereas positive commands to 'you'
will be considered next under 'IMPERATIVES'.
SeMMa: (don't let him hear, etc...)

'ayisma, 'attisma, 'attisma, 'attismee, 'alisma, 'ayismu, 'attismu, 'annismu
QeRRe: (don't let it remain, etc...)

'ayqir, 'attiqir, 'attiqir, 'attiqree, 'alqir, 'ayiqru, 'attiqru, 'anniqir
SaMe: (let him not kiss, etc.)

'aysam, 'attisam, 'attisam, 'attisamee, 'alsam, 'aysamu, 'attisamu, 'annisam
QoMe: (let it not stand, etc.)

'ayqum, 'attiqum, 'attiqum, 'attiqumee, 'alqum, 'ayqumu, 'attiqumu, 'anniqum
HieDe: (let him not go)

'ayheed, 'attiheed, 'attiheed, 'attiheej, 'alheed, 'ayheedu, 'attiheedu, 'anniheed
'ALLeFe (let him not pass)

'ayilef, 'attilef, 'attilef, 'attilefee, 'alilef, 'ayilefu, 'attilefu, 'annilef
IMPERATIVE of BIRADICALS (and 'ALLeFe)
The bases used for imperatives (commands) are the same as the jussive bases
for each class, with the appropriate suffixes for f & pl. forms.
SeMMa: sima, simee, simu

LeKKa: lekka, lekkee, lekku
irregular imperative for verb meTTa: na, ney, nu ("Come here!")
QeRRe: qir, qiree, qiru
LeYYe: leyy, leyyee, leyyu
'ayye: 'iy, 'iyee, 'iyu
SaMe: sam, samee, samu
QoMe: qum, qumee, qumu
HieDe: heed, heej, heedu
'allefe: 'ilef, 'ilefee, 'ilefu
'arreme: 'arrim, 'arrimee, 'arrimu
"PREPOSITION-PRONOUN SUFFIXES"
Of all the prepositions, only LE and BE can occur as suffixes of a verb used with
special pronoun suffixes.
LE means 'to, for, in favor of, on behalf of, to the advantage of' the pronoun
object.
BE means 'with (by means of), on, in, at, by, through, against, to the
disadvantage of' the pronoun object.
When these are used in a suffix, they appear stressed as -LL- and -BB- and the
pronoun objects take a slightly different set of suffixes that follow the -LL- and -
BB-...
Example: Ferrede, he judged. Ferredellet, he judged for him, acquitted him,
found in his favor etc.
The suffix added to ferrede is -llet, for him, that is -ll- (for) + -et (him). This -et
endin for 'him' is used only with the two forms, -llet and -bbet.
Example: Yifredillet. Let him judge for him. The verb form yifred ends in a
cansonant, so a slight vowel sound is heard on the suffix: -illet.
This chart shows all these pronoun suffixes used with -LL- and -BB-.
For a verb form endin in vowel: ferrede, he judged:
ferredellinny - he judged in my favor

ferredellih - he judged in your favor
ferredellish - he judged for you f.
ferredellet - he judged for him
ferredellat - he juged for her
ferredellin - he judged for us
ferredellatchihue - he judged for you pl.
ferredellatchew - he judged for them; or for him r.
ferredellewot - he judged for you r.
For a verb form endin in cansonant: yifred, let him judge:

(This time we'll use -bb- in our example intead of -ll-...)
yifredibbinny - may he judge against me, canvict me, etc.

yifredibbih
yifredibbish
yifredibbet
yifredibbat
yifredibbin
yifredibbatchihue
yifredibbatchew
yifredibbiwot
Here are some illustrations of the meanins of LE 'for, in favor of, to the advantage
of', and BE 'against, to the disadvantage of':
Ferredellet, he acquitted him. Ferredebbet, he canvicted him.

Mesekkerellet, he testified (witnessed) for him. Mesekkerebbet, he testified
against him.
Zemed motebbet. He lost a relative (lit. a relative died to his disadvantage)
T'elatu motellet. (Fortunately for him) his enemy died (lit. his enemy died to his
advantage)
Liebaw seeserq poleesu derresebbet. When the thief was stealing, the police
surprised him (lit. they arrived to his disadvantage).
Poleesu derresellet - The police came to his help (lit. they arrived for his
advantage)
'Irsas T'effabbinny - I lost a pencil (lit. a pencil was lost to my disadvantage)
'Igzee'abihier yisTillinny - Thank you! (lit. May JAH give on my behalf)
T'iena yisTillinny - Greetings! (lit. May He give health on my behalf)
Bersasie tsafibbet - Write with my pencil.
Mets'hafun mellisillinny - Return the book to me.
THE VERB 'ALLE / YELLE USED WITH THE -BB- SUFFIXES
The verb of presence 'alle and its negative, yelle, take the above suffixes using -
BB- to express the meanin of an obligation or duty ("must, ought, should, need
to" etc.) as well as 'to the disadvantage of'...
Leserratennyotchu demoz mekfel 'allebbih. You have to pay wages to the

workers.
QeTero 'allebbinny. I have an appointmant.
Yesew genzeb 'allebbinny. I owe money to someone.
Nege beàl silemmeehon sira yellebbatchewim. Because tomorrow is a Holaday,
they have no work.
'Ahun mehied 'allebbinny. I must go now.
Mehied yellebbihim. 'You must not go now."
The above meanings are also used with nebbere in the past tense of 'alle:
Mehied nebberebbet. He had to go.
Mehied 'alnebberebbetim. He didn't have to go.
VOCABULARY
lam - cow
medhaneet - medicine, drug
shesshe (A) - he fled
shome - he appointed to office
qedda (A) - he poured, drew water
qeTTa (A) - he punished
behwala - later
bezzeeh - in this
nitsuh - clean, pure
'ammene (A) - he believed, he admitted
'azzeze (A) - he ordered, commanded
'aTTefe (A) - he folded
keelo - kilogram
derresebbet - he surprised him, came upon him
dannya - judge
dekkeme (A) - he tired, wearied
tsome - he fasted
ferrede (A) - he judged
feqqede (A) - he permitted, allowed, accorded, wished
feqad - permission; will
EXERCISES
A. Give the form of the jussive agreeing with the pronoun

Example 1) 'Inie (semma) Answer: 'Inie lisma.
Example 2) 'Inie (qerre) Answer: 'Inie liqir.
1. 'Issu (TeTTa; bella; zegga) 2. 'Isswa (meTTa; semma; bella) 3. 'Innya

(gebba; meTTa; zegga) 4. 'Innessu (zegga; bella; semma) 5. 'Issatchew (bella;
zegga; meTTa) 6. 'Issu (leyye) 7. 'Isswa (seTTe; qerre; 'ayye) 8. 'Innessu
(qerre; seTTe; shesshe) 9. 'Issatchew ('ayye; seTTe; qerre) 10. 'Isswa
(shesshe; qerre; 'ayye)
Example 3) 'Inie (hiede) Answer: 'Inie liheed.
1. 'Innessu (sheTe; hiede) 2. 'Issu (hiede, sheTe) 3. 'Innya (sheTe, hiede) 4.

'Issatchew (hiede, sheTe) 5. 'Isswa (sheTe, hiede) 6. 'Inie (sheTe, hiede)
Example 4): 'Inie (qome) Answer: 'Inie liqum.
1. 'Innya (mote, qome, nore). 2. 'Innessu (nore, mote, roTe). 3. 'Isswa (hone,
mote, qome) 4. 'Issatchew (shome, qome, mote) 5. 'Issu (tsome, roTe, mote)
6. 'Innya (roTe, mote, shome)
Example 5): 'Inie (same) Answer: 'Inie lisam.
1. 'Issatchew (sale, wale, dane) 2. 'Issu (wale, sale, same) 3. 'Innya (dane,
sale, wale) 4. 'Isswa (lake, wale, dane) 5. 'Innessu (tsafe, lake, wale) 6. 'Inie
(wale, dane, lake)
B. Give the imperative (command) agreeing with the pronouns.
1. woTTa ('ante, 'anchee, 'innante) 2. bella ('innante, 'anchee, 'ante) 3. T'eTTa

('ante, 'innante, 'anchee) 4. gebba ('anchee, 'ante, 'innante) 5. tsafe ('ante,
'innante, 'anchee) 6. wale ('innante, 'anchee, 'ante) 7. lake ('anchee, 'ante,
'innante) 8. sale ('ante, 'innante, 'anchee) 9. qerre ('innante, 'anchee, 'ante)
10. leyye ('anchee, 'ante, 'innante) 11. shesshe ('ante, 'innante, 'anchee) 12.
seTTe ('anchee, 'ante, 'innante) 13. sheTe ('innante, 'ante, 'anchee) 14. hiede
('ante, 'anchee, 'innante) 15. semma ('anchee, 'innante, 'ante) 16. roTe
('innante, 'ante, 'anchee) 17. qome ('ante, 'anchee, 'innante) 18. nore ('anchee,
'innante, 'ante) 19. hone ('innante, 'anchee, 'ante) 20. 'ayye ('ante, 'anchee,
'innante)
C. Change the sentence from present future tense, to jussive mood.

Example: Liju wode temaree biet yihiedal. Answer: Liju wode temaree biet
yiheed.
1. Geredeetu bunna tiqedalletch. 2. Liebaw yishesshal. 3. Dannyotchu

yiferdallu. 4. 'Issatchew feqad yiseTallu. 5. 'Inie qursien 'ibelallehue. 6. 'Innya
'itemaree biet 'inwilallen. 7. 'Sietiyyowa debdabbie titsifalletch. 8. Hitsanu wotet
yiTeTTal. 9. 'Astemarotchu wode biet yihiedallu. 10. 'Innya mets'haf
insheTallen. 11. 'Issatchew zarie yimeTallu. 12. Laqetch bunna tiTeTTalletch.
13. Birhanu debdabbie yilikal. 14. Besshitennyotchu hospeetal yigeballu. 15.
'Innya 'irat 'inbelallen.
D. Use the prepositional suffix with BE and LE agreeing with the pronoun in
parentheses.
Example: Debdabbie (lante) tsafkue. Answer: Debdabbie tsafkullih.
1. 'Issu (lenie) 'iqa lake. 2. 'Isswa (lante) debdabbe tsafetch. 3. 'Inie (lessu)
mekeena sheTkue. 4. 'Innya (leswa) mets'haf sheTn. 5. 'Iswa (lanchee) Tiru
woT serratch. 6. 'Innessu (lante) ferredu. 7. 'Innya (bessatchew) ferredn. 8.
'Issatchew (lennya) debdabbie laku. 9. 'Issu (bennessu) ferredu. 10. 'Isswa
(lerswo) meTTatch. 11. Debdabbie (lennya) laku. 12. 'Innya debdabbie (lessu)
lakn. 13. Mets'hafun (lessu) mellesetch. 14. Birhanu (lante) 'iqa wossede. 15.
Laqetch (lante) woT serratch. 16. Dannyaw (benie) ferrede. 17. 'Inie
mets'hafun (lennessu) melleskue. 18. 'Innessu mets'hafun (lesswa) mellesu.
19. 'Innante (lessu) meTTatchihue. 20. 'Isswa (lennya) Tiru woT serratch.
1. Let me buy medicine for the patient. 2. The thief ran away without stealing
the money. 3. Let the maid pour the coffee. 4. The teacher will punish the
student. 5. Take (f) the money later. 6. When the thieves were stealing from
the bank, men came upon them. 7. There are not many people living in this city.
8. Drink (f) clean Water. 9. The man admitted stealing. 10. Order (m) the
worker to wash the clothes. 11. Close (f) the book. 12. Buy (f) one kilo of
coffee for Saturday and Sunday. 13. The judge will decide against him. 14.
The judge convicted the doctor. 15. The teacher will permit me to go to my
house. 16. Berhanu gave permission to the student.
1. BezeTenny seàt min tiseralleh? BezeTenny seàt qeTero 'allebbinny.

2. Lebesshitennyaw min yigzallat? Lebesshitennyaw medhaneet yigzallat.
3. Liebawin man yazzew? Liebaw seeshesh zebennyaw yazzew.
4. Bunna leman liqda? Bunna leYonas qijeellet.
5. Hitsanun man yiqeTawal? Hitsanun 'innateetu tiqeTawalletch.
6. 'Inie mechie limTa? 'Irswo behwala be'aratt seàt yimTu.
7. 'Ahun min tiserallatchihue? 'Ahun 'ibank mehied 'allebbinny.
8. Geredeetu bunnawin qeddatchillih? 'Awo; geredeetu bunnawin
qeddatchillinny.
9. 'Innessu min 'allebbatchew? 'Innessu qeTero 'allebbatchew.
10. 'Issu Tiru sew new? 'Aydellem; 'issun 'attimenyeew; Tiru sew 'aydellem.
11. Mesreqihin 'ammenk? 'Aydellem; mesreqien 'alammenkum.
12. Temarotchu min yisru? Temarotchu mets'hafun yitsafunna timhirtun yismu.
13. Litfeqdillinny tichilalleh? 'Aydellem; lifeqdillih 'alchilim.
14. Dannyaw yiferdillinnyal woyiss yiferdiibbinnyal? Dannyaw yiferdillihal.
15. Shay yellem; min lisTew? Nitsuh wiha siCHeew.
16. Feqad man seTTat? Feqad 'astemareew seTTat.
17. Bezzeeh temaree biet sint 'astemarotch 'allu? Bezzeeh temaree biet selasa
sost 'astemarotch 'allu.
18. Lamwa Tiqur nat? 'Awo, lamwa beTam Tiqur nat.
19. Zarie memTat nebberebbinny? 'Aydellem; zarie memTat 'alnebberebbihim.
(BeDejazmatch Gietatchew biet)

('Ashkerotchunna geredotchu hullu 'Almazin samwat. Gwazwanimm wode kifilwa
wossedullat. Gworebietotchumm memTatwan semmunna leeTeyyiqwat 'andi
be'and yimeTu jemmer. 'Almaz gin beTam siledekkemetch wode mennyita
bietwa hiedetch.)
T'ejeetu (Wanna yebiet gered nat) - 'Almaz; littitennyee tifelligeeyallesh?
'Almaz - 'Awo; 'inqilfie meTTa. 'Istee nitsuh 'ansolanna foTa felligeellinny.
T'ejeetu - 'Isshee. Zarie birdi new; meskotun lizgallish?
'Almaz - Yihun; gidd yellem.
T'ejeetu - Hulettennya birdi libs lisTish?
'Almaz - Gidd yellem; 'andi birdi libs yibeqal.
T'ejeetu - Nege be'asra 'and seat Biete Kristeeyan mehied 'allebbish. 'Attirshee.
'Almaz - 'Ay; be'asra 'and seàt mehied 'alchilim.
T'ejeetu - Yenie 'Almaz; 'andi neger lingerish. Gietotchu saynegrush befeqadish
bittihiejee yisshalal.
'Almaz - 'Iwnet new. Bitcha libs yellennyim. 'Istee neTCHun libsien
Tiregeellinny.
T'ejeetu - 'Isshee.
'Almaz - Simeenny T'ejeetu; gietotchu sileYohannis min worie semmu?
T'ejeetu - YeYohannis neger yiqoyy. 'Ahun tennyee.
'Almaz - Dehna 'ideree.
Vocabulary - gworebiet - neighbor; siledekkemetch - because she wearied;

wanna - main; 'ay - o no! gietotchu - Sir (the head of the house); befeqadish - of
your own accord, willingly; bitcha - only; 'istee - please! yiqoyy - let it wait.
Lesson 27
GERUNDIVE (TRIRADICALS)
There is another common form in Amharic called the "Gerundive", formed from
the verb. I&I will explain its usage below the chart.
Fot triradicals, the gerundive base of type A is SeBR-, for type B is FeLLiG-. To
these bases are added a new set of gerundive suffixes. These gerundive
suffixes resemble possessive pronoun suffixes most, but they express the
subject of the gerundive clause (subordinate to the main clause / verb)
Here is the chart with all the forms

Type A:
sebro (he having broken)
sebra (she havin broken)
sebreh (you m havin broken)
sebresh (you f havin broken)
sebirrie (I havin broken) note the short vowel added between the 2nd & 3rd
radicals
sebrew (they havin broken) also raspect forms
sebratchihue (you pl. havin broken)
sebren (we havin broken)
Type B:
felligo (he havin wanted)
felliga
felligeh
felligesh
felliggie (note 3rd radical is stressed)
felligew
felligatchihue
felligen
[Note: We will look at gerundive biradical verbs in greater detail in a later

lesson, but some are used as examples in this lesson.]
As I&I sight, the suffixes of the gerundive are -o, -a, -eh, -esh, -ie, -ew, -atchihue,
-en.
The rules for palatalisation that I&I learned for the suffix -ee(yallesh) also apply
to the suffix -ie (I having ___) in cantact with the same cansonants, that is the
dentals d, t, T, l, n, and the sibilants z, s, ts.
Examples of palatalisation:
derisshie, I having arrived, from derrese, he arrived.
kefitchie, I havin opened, from keffete
beliTCHie, I havin surpassed, from belleTe, he surpassed
wolijjie, I havin birthed, from wollede
kefiyyie, I havin paid, from keffele
kedinnyie, I havin thatched, from keddene, he thatched
serizzhie, I havin canceled, from serreze, he canceled.
Note that the 3rd radical always sounds stressed with the suffix -ie.
USAGE OF THE GERUNDIVE
The gerundive verb is generally not the main verb, but a dependent or
subordinate clause with its own subject determined by the above suffixes. There
are various ways of translatin it, but basically it is like what we call "perfect
participle" in English, i.e. to describe an action takin place PRECEDIN the main
verb. The main verb can be in any tense or mood: Past, present-fahwud, or
jussive-imperative; but the gerundive verb is always something else being done
BEFORE the other verb. Examples:
Mesobun kefto dabbowin wossede. "Havin uncovered the basket-table, he took

the bread."
Mesobun kefto dabbowin yiwosdal. "Havin uncovered the basket-table, he takes
the bread."
Mesobun kefteh dabbowin wised. "Havin uncovered the basket table, tek the
bread."
Important: the gerundive can also be translated into English with a coordinate
clause, putting both verbs in the same tense joined by "and". So the above
examples could also be rendered: "He uncovered the basket-table and (then)
took the bread", "He will uncover the basket table and (then) take the bread", and
"Uncover the basket table and (then) take the bread."
Likewise, when translatin from English into Amharic and you have a coordinate
clause (two or more verbs representin a sequence joined by 'and') the most
natural way to do so in Amharic is with a gerundive clause. So when we say "He
came and took the book" in Amharic we would say MeTito mets'hafun wossede.
In all of the examples so far, the gerundive verb and the main verb have the
same subject. But not always. Here's an example with different subjects:
Serqo yazzut. "He having stolen, they seized him."

Another function of the gerundive verb is that of circumstantial or adverbial
usage. This kind can usually be translated with the English words 'through' and
'by' (doing whatever). In this case, the subject is the same as the main verb, and
the gerundive qualifies the main verb; it's used in expressions such as RuTo
hiede "he went running" or "he went by running"; Zello gebba "he entered
unexpectedly" lit. "he entered havin jumped." 'Anqew geddelut "They killed him
by strangling."
The textbook notes "The gerundive does not have a negative form in the usage
of Shoa." I don't definitively know what this means with raspect to other dialects.
The gerundive can be used with the object pronoun suffixes. For instance:
felligonny, he havin wanted me; likewise felligoh, he havin wanted you;
felligosh, felligot, felligwat (felligowat), felligon, felligwatchihue (felligowatchihue),
felligwatchew (felligowatchew), felligowot.
felligewinny, they havin wanted me; likewise felligewih, felligewish, felligewit,
felligewat, felligewin, felligewatchihue, felligewatchew, felligewwot.
EXPRESSIONS USING THE GERUNDIVE
The gerundive jemmiro, from jemmere, can be as an idiom translated 'starting,

beginning, since'. In this use, jemmiro can either appear as a fixed form
regardless of the main verb, or it can be made to agree with the main verb
subject (jemmirrie, etc.) the formula is ke- (x) jemmiro, "beginnin from x."
Examples:
"Since my childhood I have not gone to school." Either:
Kelijinnetie jemmiro 'iske zarie dres timhirt biet 'alhiedkum. (fixed form) Or:
Kelijinnetie jemmirrie 'iske zarie dres timhirt biet 'alhiedkum. (agreeing w. subj.)
The gerundive 'abro, from 'abbere (he joined) has become an idiom meanin
"together". In this use, the gerundive always agrees with the main verb.
Examples:
'Abren 'innihiedallen "We will go together."
'Abro yisTen "You are welcome" lit. "May He give I&I together" This formula is
the rasponse to 'Igzier yisTillinny "Thank you."
The verb yazze "he held, he seized" in the gerundive has become an idiom
meaning 'with'. In this use, the gerundive always agrees with the main verb.
Examples:
'Ingida yizo meTTa. 'He came with a guest.'
'Ingida yizeh na. 'Come with a guest.'
A gerundive verb followed by the verb "to know" (mawoq) in the present tense,
is another idiom or expression translated as to have 'ever' done the gerundive
verb.
Seeneema hiedeh tawqalleh? Have you ever gone to the movies?
If mawoq is in the present negative after a gerundive, it is translated as to have

'never' done the gerundive verb.
MeTitchie 'alawqim. I have never come.
GERUNDIVE + NEBBERE (PLUPERFECT)
The gerundive forms followed by the word nebber or nebbere, can be used as a
main verb expressing the pluperfect (aka the past perfect tense). Example:
SimeTa mets'hafun wosdo nebber. "When I came he had taken the book."
For the negative of this tense, use the negative past tense in place of the
gerundive.
'Inie 'ibiet siders gena mets'hafun 'almellesem nebber. "He had not returned the
book yet when I arrived home."
VOCABULARY
sew hullu - everyone, everybody

beqqele (A) - it grew (for a plant)
biete Kristeeyan - church
beàl - Holaday
bedenb - properly
tera - a turn
'arrefe (A) - he rested
'isat - fire
'anbesa - lion
'azzene (A) - he was sad, was sorry, regretted
wale - he celebrated a Holaday
wodaj - friend
wotader - soldier
denbennya - proper, suitable, fitting, regular; a customer
CH'akka - forest
fella (A) - it boiled (for liquids)
Holadays
Mesqel - Feast of the Cross
'InquTaTash - Ethiopian New Year
Yenetsannet Beàl - Liberation Day (1941)
YeZewd Beàl - Coronation Day (1930)
Genna - Christmas
T'imqet - Epiphany
Faseeka - Easter
EXERCISES
A - Give the gerundive form for each verb, agreeing with the pronoun.
1. 'Inie (Teqqeme; Teyyeqe; CHemmere; Terrege; qeTTere)

2. 'Ante (wossede; fellege; derrese; Teyyeqe; lewwoTe)
3. 'Anchee (mellese; sebbere; keffele; jemmere; zeffene)
4. 'Issu (CHemmere; neggede; geddele; tekkele; serreqe)
5. 'Isswa (messele; woddeqe; qeTTere; sebbere; lemmede)
6. 'Innya (Terrege; merreTe; Tebbeqe; woddeqe; Teqqeme)
7. 'Innante (wossede; mellese; CHemmere; messele; Terrege)
8. 'Innessu (ferrede; feqqede; worrede; qerrebe; sheffene)
9. 'Irswo (Teqqeme; lemmede; serreqe; zeffene; lewwoTe)
10. 'Issatchew (qeTTere; geddele; Tebbeqe; derrese; keffele)
B. Give the gerundive form for the verb agreeing with each pronoun.
1. neggede ('inie; 'ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'innessu)

2. geddele ('ante; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'innya; 'inie)
3. merreTe ('anchee; 'irswo; 'issatchew; 'ante; 'inie)
4. woddede ('issu; 'ante; 'anchee; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'inie)
5. keffete ('isswa; 'innante; 'innya; 'irswo; 'inie)
6. zeffene ('innessu; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'ante; 'inie)
7. woddeqe ('innante; 'issu; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'inie)
8. Terrege ('innya; 'irswo; 'anchee; 'ante; 'inie)
9. keffele ('irswo; 'anchee; 'innante; 'innessu; 'isswa)
10. derrese ('issatchew; 'ante; 'issu; 'isswa; 'inie)
C. Change the coordinate clauses (with -inna) into gerundive clauses.

Example: Lijeetwa birCHiqqowin sebberetchinna meTTatch. Answer: Lijeetwa
birCHiqqowin sebra meTTatch.
1. Liebaw sew geddelenna shesshe. 2. Sewiyyiew berrun yikeftinna yigebal. 3.

Mets'hafun 'imellisinna 'imeTallehue. 4. Geredeetu berrun keffetetchinna bietun
Terregetchinna hiedetch. 5. 'Astemareewin Tiyyaqie 'inTeyyiqinna 'inmeTallen.
6. 'Innante bietun Tiregunna heedu. 7. 'Anchee keerayun kifeyinna 'ibiet
Tebbiqeenny. 8. 'Issatchew kebank genzeb wossedunna mekeena gezzu. 9.
Sietotchu zeffenunna CHerresu. 10. Bunnaw berredenna TeTTahut. 11. 'Irswo
libswon yilewTunna yimTu. 12. Serratennyotchu sirawin yijemmirunna
'ayCHerrisutim. 13. Mets'hafun wossedetchinna sheffenetchinna seTTetchinny.
14. Ìnqulalun 'inniTebsinna 'inbelallen. 15. Hakeemotchu siratchewin
yiCHerrisunna yarfallu. 16. 'Anchee misashin CHerrishinna 'ansolawin
'iTebeenna wode bietish heejee. 17. 'Inie libsien 'ilewwiTinna 'itemaree biet
'ihiedallehue. 18. Mekeenawin wisedinna Tiregew.
19. 'Abebotchun tekkelunna CHerresu. 20. Mets'hafun 'ahun 'iwosdinna
leBirhanu 'imellisallehue.
D. Change the gerundive clauses into coordinate clauses (with -inna)
Example: Lijeetwa birCHiqqowin sebra meTTatch. Answer: Lijeetwa
birCHiqqowin sebberetchinna meTTatch.
1. Wotaderu 'anbesa gedlo CHakka meTTa. 2. 'Almaz zarie mata silk dewwila
worie tinegrennyalletch. 3. Mets'hafun wosdatchihue le'astemareew siTu. 4.
Lijeetwa dabbo CHerrisa bellatch. 5. Bietun Tergew siga Tebsew
yiTebbiqunnyal. 6. T'iru Tiru 'iqawotch merTeh giza. 7. Kezaf lay wordesh
wodenie qerbesh Tiru zefen zifenyee. 8. Wode Harer mehiedun silk dewwilo
neggerenny. 9. terayien Tebbiqqie wode kifil ligba. 10. Siratchewin CHerrisew
libsatchewin lebsew wode bietatchew yiheedu.
E. Put the 1st verb in the gerundive, and the 2nd verb in a) past; b) present-
future, c) jussive/imperative, agreeing with the pronoun.
Example: 'Issu berrun (keffete) (gebba). Answers: a) 'Issu berrun kefto gebba.
b) 'Issu berrun kefto yigebal. c) 'Issu berrun kefto yigba.
1. 'Inie mets'hafun (mellese) (meTTa).

2. 'Ante " " " " " "
3. 'Anchee " " " " " "
4. 'Issu " " " " " "
5. 'Isswa " " " " " "
6. 'Innya " " " " " "
7. 'Innante " " " " " "
8. 'Innessu " " " " " "
9. 'Irswo " " " " " "
10. 'Issatchew " " " " " "
1. After the flowers grow, he will sell them. 2. The servant washes the clothes
properly. 3. I will put on new clothes for the Holaday and go to Church. 4. The
coffee did not boil because the fire went out. 5. The teacher rests in the
evening, after working all day. 6. She regretted spendin all her money. 7. My
friend took my car and did not return it to me. 8. I will hire a suitable maid for
you. 9. The girls will sing New Year's songs. 10. On the Feast of the Cross,
everybody puts on good clothes and goes to church to celebrate. 11. Easter is a
very important Holaday in Ethiopia. 12. I will spend the Christmas Holaday in
my country. 13. Everyone will wear white clothes for Epiphany and spend the
day singing. 14. Liberation Day is in April. 15. Coronation Day is a week from
today.
1. Mets'hafun 'ahun wosijjie behwala limellis? 'Awo; mets'hafun 'ahun wosdesh

behwala mellishee.
2. Lebeàlu min lebsew yimeTallu? Lebeàlu neTCHi libs lebsew yimeTallu.
3. Shurrabun 'aTba lebbesetch? 'Awo; shurrabun 'aTba lebbesetch.
4. Ìnqulalun man Tebso bella? Ìnqulalun 'innya Tebsen bellan.
5. Mets'hafun wosdatchihue timellisallatchihue? 'Awo; mets'hafun wosden
'innimellisallen.
6. Geredwa min Tebsa seTTetchiw? Geredwa siga Tebsa seTTetchiw.
7. Lijotchu min lebsew yimTu? Lijotchu shurrabotchatchewin lebsew yimTu.
8. LeTimqet bizu zefen 'insemallen? 'Awo; leTimqet bizu zefen tisemallatchihue.
9. Laqetch kebalwa gar tinoralletch? 'Awo; Laqetch kebalwa gar tinoralletch.
10. 'Isatu Teffa? 'Aydellem; 'Isatu 'alTeffam; gin leeTefa new.
11. LeTimqet min tiserallatchihue? LeTimqet zefen sinnisema 'inniwilallen.
12. Zarie wodajwo yet hiedu? Zarie wodajie wondimmatchewin leeTeyyiqu
wode hospeetal hiedu.
13. Sirawin CHerresatchihue? 'Aydellem; sirawin gena 'alCHerresnim.
14. LeMesqel beàl berie gezzatchihue? 'Awo; leMesqel beàl berie gezzan.
15. Geredwa siga Tebsa gebeya hiedetch? 'Awo; geredwa siga Tebsa gebeya
hiedetch.
Wo/ Fiqirte - 'Almaz neqqatch?

Tejeetu - 'Awo; libswan tilebsalletch.
Wo/ Fiqirte - Tolo 'inditmeTa nigereeyat.
Tejeetu - Yihew meTTatch.
Wo/ Fiqirte - 'Indie! Yihin lebsesh wode Biete Kristeeyan lit'hiejee new?
'Almaz - Minew?
Wo/ Fiqirte - 'Ayhonim! Rejjim qemeesinna neTela libesh.
'Almaz - 'Isshee; 'indefeqqedsh.
('Almazinna Woyzero Fiqirte bemekeena wode Biete Kristeeyan hiedu.
Qiddasiew bizu seàt wossede. Silezzeeh 'Almaz dekkematinna tolo woTTatch.
SitwoTa 'aggwotwa 'Ato Kebbede 'ayyuwatinna selamta seTTwat. Wodesswa
meTTu.)
'Ato Kebbede - 'Inkwan dehna meTTash 'Almaz.
'Almaz - 'Inkwan dehna qoyyu 'abbabba Kebbede. Lijotchwo dehna natchew?
'Ato Kebbede - Dehna. Yancheen worie bizu semman. Tadya sergishin mechie
'innibelallen?
'Almaz - 'Irswo bal seeyagenyullinny.
'Ato Kebbede - Qeldennya! 'Innante yewolajin mikir 'attisemum. Kagebbatchihue
behwala feqad tiTeyyiqunallatchihue.
'Almaz - Lemehonu lijwo 'agebbatch woy?
'Ato Kebbede - 'Alagebbatchim. 'Isswam 'indezzeehu tiqeldalletch. Ye zarie
lijotch yewolajotchatchewin mikir 'aysemum.
Vocabulary - Yihew = here you go; Minew? What is it? rejjim = long; neTela = a
thin type of shawl; Qiddasie - church service; dekkemat = she got tired, wearied;
'aggwot = uncle; 'abbabba = form of address to father, elders, older male relative
serg bella = he celebrated a wedding; bal seeyagenyullinny = when you find for
me a husband; qeldennya = joker, no kidding! wolaj = parent; mikir = advice;
'agebba = he married; lemehonu - by the way; 'indezzeehu = likewise, the same
way; qellede = he joked, had fun
Lesson 28
GERUNDIVE OF BIRADICAL VERB CLASSES
For biradicals of types SeMMa and QeRRe, the gerundive is formed as in the
last lesson, but a -t- is added as if it were a third radical.
So for the type A verb SeMMa (mesmat), the gerundive base is SeMT-, except
in the 1st person singular, where the base is SeMiTCH- added to the suffix -ie
(note that in this case, 1) the t is palatalised to ch, 2) the ch is stressed, so tch,
and 3) there is a short vowel before the tch, so, itch- added to -ie = semitchie, I
having heard.
For the type B of this class. LeKKa (melekkat), the gerundive base is LeKKiT-,
except in the 1st person singular, where the base is LeKKiTCH- added to the
suffix -ie (again, the t is palatalised and stressed) thus, lekkitchie, I having
measured.
So the gerundive canjugation of semto and lekkito is as follows:
A B
semto lekkito
semta lekkita
semteh lekkiteh
semtesh lekkitesh
semitchie lekkitchie
semtew lekkitew
semtatchihue lekkitatchihue
semten lekkiten
the 3rd person plural (semtew, lekkitew) is also used for raspect pronoun forms
(irswo and issatchew)
For class QeRRe (meqret), the type A gerundive base is QeRT-, except for 1st
person singular, QeRiTCH- (stressed and palatalised) added to -ie = qeritchie, I
having remained.
For type B LeYYe (meleyyet), the type B gerundive base is LeYYiT-, except for
1st pers. sing. LeYYiTCH- added to -ie = leyyitchie, I having separated (or
distinguished).
Canjugation of qerto and leyyito is therefore the same:

qerto, qerta, qerteh, qertesh, qeritchie, qertew, qertatchihue, qerten, qertew
leyyito, leyyita, leyyiteh, leyyitesh, leyyitchie, leyyitew, leyyitatchihue, leyyiten,
leyyitew
For the verb 'ayye in this class (type A), the gerundive is 'ayto, ayta, etc...
Class SaMe:
For this class (only one type), the gerundive base of SaMe (mesam) is SiM-, but
stressed in 1st pers. sing. to SiMM-, added to -ie = simmie, I having kissed.
simo, sima, simeh, simesh, simmie, simew, simatchihue, simen
Class QoMe:
For this class (only one type), the gerundive base of QoMe (meqom) is either
QoM- or QuM- (but QoMM- or QuMM- for 1st pers. sing. added to -ie = qommie
or qummie, I having stood.)
qomo, qoma, qomeh, qomesh, qommie, qomew, qomatchihue, qomen, qomew
- OR -
qumo, quma, qumeh, qumesh, qummie, qumew, qumatchihue, qumen, qumew
Class HieDe:
For this class (only one type) , the gerundive base of HieDe (mehied) is either
HieD- or HeeD- (but in 1st pers. sing. *HieDD- or *HeeDD-, becoming palatalised
to HieJJ- or HeeJJ + -ie = hiejjie or heejjie, I having gone...)
hiedo, hieda, hiedeh, hiedesh, hiejjie, hiedew, hiedatchihue, hieden, hiedew
- OR -
heedo, heeda, heedeh, heedesh, heejjie, heedew, heedatchihue, heeden,

heedew
Gerundive of Triradicals starting with 'A-:
Same as regular triradicals. (see last lesson)
(malef) type A: 'alfo, 'alfa, 'alfeh, 'alfesh, 'aliffie, 'alfew, 'alfatchihue, 'alfen, 'alfew
(marrem) type B: 'arrimo, 'arrima, 'arrimeh, 'arrimesh, 'arrimmie, 'arrimew,
'arrimatchihue, 'arrimen, 'arrimew
IMPERSONAL VERBS
There are a few verbs in Amharic that we call impersonal verbs, because,
although they are translated in English with a subject, this pronoun that is a
subject in English appears as an object in Amharic, with the verb always in the
3rd person singular ("it...")
One example of this type, that recently came up in the classroom, is naffeqe, to
miss, long for, pine for. As an 'impersonal verb', I miss is naffeqenny; she
missed is naffeqat, he missed is naffeqew. Note that the pronouns that are
subjects in English, take the form of objects in Amharic...
[As an aside, the verb 'to think' in English used to go something like this; so that
the archaic phrase 'methinks' actually comes from 'It me thinks' - - but nowadays,
we use the verb personally and say 'I think'... ]
Some of the impersonal verbs in Amharic have slightly different meanings from
the same verb used personally. Other impersonal verbs have the exact same
meaning if they are used personally. Others still are always used impersonally,
never personally.
1. Example of verbs that have a different meaning when used impersonally:
gebba, a personal verb as you know, means "he entered". Conjugated normally,
gebbatch, gebbahue, means she entered, I entered, etc...
gebba as an impersonal verb (with the object suffix denoting what we would call
the subject in English) has the meaning of 'understand'... So, gebbaw means
he overstood, gebbat means she overstood, gebbanny means I overstood, etc.
This comes from the cancept as "entering" your brain, so literally, instead of
fussin over 'I understand, overstand, or innerstand', In Amharic we're really sayin
simply 'It entered me..."...
2. Example of verbs that mean the same whether used personally or

impersonally:
dekkeme, to tire, weary, fatigue; or to get tired, wearied, fatigued...

This verb can be used personally, i.e. dekkemetch, dekkemkue, etc... But it
can also be impersonal, and the meanin is basically the same: dekkemat =
dekkemetch (she got tired); dekkemenny = dekkemkue (I got tired), etc...
3. Here is a complete canjugation for the verb rabe, to be hungry... (always

impersonal)
He is hungry - rabew
She is hungry - rabat
You m. are hungry - rabeh
You f. are hungry - rabesh
I am hungry - rabenny
They are hungry - rabatchew
You pl. are hungry - rabatchihue
We are hungry - raben
Note that for many of these impersonal verbs, the past tense is used to express
a present meanin. Rabew means He IS hungry, rather than *yiribewal...
Here's a list of some impersonal verbs (verbs used with the object suffixes to
denote the "subject"):
rabe, be hungry. Example: Qursien silalbellahue beTam rabenny. "I am very

hungry because I didn't eat my breakfast."
T'emma, be thirsty. Example: Muqet silebezza beTam Temmanny. "I am very
thirsty because it is very hot" (lit. 'because heat abounded')... Also note this
expression: Wiha Temmanny. I am thirsty for Water.
gebba, overstand (with the obj. suffixes; used personally, it means 'enter')...
Example: Yezariew timhirt 'algebbannyim. I did not overstand today's lesson.
'ammeme, be sick. Example: MeTfo migib silebella 'ammemew. He feels sick
because he ate bad food.
berrede, feel cold (with the obj. suffixes; used personally, it means 'be cold'.)
Example: WirCH silehone beTam berredesh? Do you feel very cold because
there is frost?
dekkeme, be tired. Example: Bizu sileserrahue dekkemenny. I got tired
because I worked a lot. Note that this verb can also be personal and means the
same: Bizu sileserrahue dekkemhue.
Note: The prefix sile- that appears in all of the above examples, means
'because' when added directly to a past tense verb. We already know that to
say 'because' with the present tense, we would use silemm- + the simple form.
In other words, "Because he goes" = silemmeehied; "Because he went" =
silehiede.
The sile + past tense can also appear in writing as two separate words, such as
sile hiede, in addition to as one word with a prefix (silehiede)... This doesn't
affect pronunciation, however; that is, you can't really tell if someone says sile
hiede or silehiede when listening...!
VOCABULARY
lieleet - night; at night

rabe (impers.) - be hungry
sekkere (A) - he got drunk
bird - cold
beg - sheep
'ammeme (A) (impers.) - be sick, ill, ache
'aTegeb - near, close by (adjacent to) (usu. as a post-positional relative, for
example: biete kristeeyan 'aTegeb - beside the Church, next to the Church)
'aTCHir - short
àmet - year
gwaddennya - friend
wissha - dog
dekkeme (A) - be tired, he was tired
Yonas - male name (Jonah)
gebba (A) (impers.) - overstand
T'ella - a beer-like Ethiopian brew
T'emma (A) (impers) - be thirsty
T'erra (A) - he called, he invited
T'abeeya - station
T'ejj - wine, mead (often made from honey)
T'effa (A) - to lose something (with -bb- + prep. suffixes; e.g. T'effabbinny, I lost
it, T'effabbet, he lost it. Lit: "It perished on him.")
Parts of the body:

hod - belly, stomach
ras - head
'ijj - hand
'igir - foot
àyn - eye
joro - ear
gurorro - throat
T'irs - tooth
EXERCISES:
A. Give the gerundive form agreeing with the pronoun.
-1. 'Inie (qerre; seTTe; shesshe; leyye; 'ayye)

2. 'Ante (semma; bella; TeTTa; tennya; meTTa)
3. 'Anchee (wale; tsafe; dane; lake; yaze)
4. 'Issu (mote; nore; qome; hone; shome)
5. 'Isswa (hiede; sheTe; CHese; lake; semma)
6. 'Innya (tsafe; wale; dane; yaze; lake)
7. 'Innante (semma; bella; meTTa; TeTTa; tennya)
8. 'Innessu (qerre; seTTe; wale; shesshe; 'ayye)
9. 'Irswo (qerre; semma; wale; mote; hiede)
10. 'Issatchew (bella; seTTe; sheTe; lake; hiede)
B. Give the gerundives agreeing with the pronouns in parentheses.
1. meTTa ('inie; 'innante; 'innya; 'issu)

2. qerre ('ante; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'issatchew; 'anchee)
3. dane ('innante, 'irswo, 'inie, 'ante; 'innya)
4. nedda ('innya; 'ante; 'issu; 'isswa; 'innessu)
5. wale ('issu; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'irswo; 'inie)
6. mote ('isswa; 'ante; 'innante; 'innya; 'ante)
7. hone ('innessu; 'isswa; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'irswo)
8. bella ('issatchew, 'inie; 'innante; 'innya; 'ante)
9. TeTTa ('anchee; 'issu; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'issatchew)
10. lekka ('irswo; 'anchee; 'inie; 'ante; 'innante)
11. tsafe ('inie; 'irswo; 'innya; 'ante; 'innante)
12; sheTe ('ante; 'innessu; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'irswo)
13. seTTe ('innante; 'inie; 'ante; 'issu; 'innya)
14. leyye ('innya; 'isswa; 'issu; 'innessu; 'issatchew)
15. serra ('issu; 'anchee; 'irswo; 'inie; 'ante)
16. shesshe ('isswa; 'innante; 'innya; 'issu; 'innessu)
17. yaze ('innessu; 'isswa; 'issatchew; 'anchee; 'irswo)
18. qwoyye ('issatchew; 'inie; 'ante; 'innya; 'innante)
19. hiede ('anchee; 'isswa; 'innessu; 'issatchew)
20 Tale ('irswo; 'anchee; 'inie; 'ante; 'innya)
C. Change the coordinate clause (with -nna, see Lesson 19) into a gerundive
clause.
Example: Misawin yibelanna silk yidewwilal. Answer: Misawin belto silk
yidewwilal.
1. Mets'hafun 'igezanna 'imeTallehue. 2. Ketemaree biet 'iqerinna 'ibiet

'iwilallehue. 3. Bunnawin TeTCHeenna sirashin CHerrishee. 4. Debdabbiewin
tsafinna lakew. 5. Temarotchu debteratchewin yiyizunna wode temaree biet
yihiedallu. 6. 'Issatchew danunna kehospeetal woTTu. 7. 'Astemarotchu
beìreftatchew 'izzeeh yimeTunna bunna yiTeTTallu. 8. 'Irswo genzebun
yisTunnyinna liheed. 9. Hitsanu wotetu beqqawinna mellesew. 10. 'Almaz
tiroTinna 'abbatwan tisimalletch. 11. 'Iqayien 'iyizinna wode 'agerie 'ihiedallehue.
12. 'Innante heedunna lijun Tirut. 13. 'Iseferatchihue 'iqoyyinna mata
wondimmatchihue bemekeena yiwosdennyal. 14. Mets'hafun 'isswa tiresawinna
yiTefal. 15. Hakeemotchu 'izzeeh walunna 'adderu.
D. Change the gerundive clause into a coordinate clause with -nna.

Example: Mekeenawan nedto yimeTal. Answer: Mekeenawan yinedanna
yimeTal.
1. Mekeenawan neditchie 'imeTallehue. 2. Debdabbiewin tsifo yilikewal. 3.

Kebalwa sheshta 'abbatwa biet hiedetch. 4. Neggaddiewotchu 'iqatchewin
shiTew CHerresu. 5. Sietotchu bunna TeTTitew sira jemmeru. 6. 'Ante dineh
kehospeetal woTTah. 7. 'Innya temaree biet qoyyiten 'innimeTallen. 8. 'Innante
teeyatirun 'aytatchihue tolo nu. 9. 'Inie 'ibiet gebitchie silk dewwolkue. 10.
'Issatchew bunna qedtew yiTeTTallu. 11. 'Irswo debdabbie tsifew CHerresu.
12. Yonas gwaddennyawin 'ayto Tebbeqew. 13. 'Astemaree honnyie bizu
àmet 'iserallehue. 14. Ketemaree biet woTta lemesrat tassiballetch. 15.
Besshitennyawin 'anchee beTam redteshiw dane.
E. Answer the following questions in the affirmative.

Example: Zarie beTam siledekkemeh titennyalleh? Answer: 'Awo zarie
siledekkemenny 'itennyallehue.
1. Tinantinna beTam 'ammot hospeetal hiede? 2. Rasatchewin

beeyammatchew tennyu? 3. Sile'ammemat sira 'alhiedetchim? 4. Siraw
dekmwatchew 'arrefu? 5. Tolo tolo silehiedatchihue dekkematchihue? 6. Tolo
tolo sileserrash dekkemesh? 7. SeeTemash wiha tiTeTCHallesh? 8. BeTam
Temtonny Tejj liTeTTa? 9. 'Innya qurs silebellan raben? 10. Tolo
'alrabatchihum? 11. Rabeh? 12. Gudday gebbatchew? 13. Timhirt
'algebbatim? 14. SeeTemawo Tella yiTeTTallu? 15. Timhirtu gebbah?
1. He got sick in the night and they took him to the hospital. 2. She is hungry
because she didn't eat her lunch. 3. I feel the cold of the rainy season and I am
going to bed. 4. Buy a blanket for me. 5. Since the baby is sick he won't eat
food. 6. The school is beside the hospital. 7. The city's lights went out and
haven't gone on yet. 8. The children were tired when they came from school,
and so they went to bed. 9. We did not understand today's lesson. 10. When
you (m) are thirsty, drink beer. 11. The police station is adjacent. 12. He has a
headache now, after drinking mead. 13. Laqetch bought a purse the day before
yesterday and lost it. 14. The baby's head is big. 15. When his eye hurts, he
doesn't go to the doctor. 16. His hand and leg ache. 17. My stomach aches so
i will go to the hospital. 18. Her teeth are very white. 19. The dog has long
ears. 20. What happened to your throat? 21. He drank a lot of mead and got
drunk.
G. Read and Translate
1. 'Izzeeh qomatchihue min tiserallatchihue? 'Izzeeh qomen zefen 'inzefnallen.

2. Lemin dekkematchihue? Bizu roTen dekkemen.
3. Liju lemin meTTa? Liju beTam ribot misa leebela meTTa.
4. Lemin hospeetal meTTatchihue? Àynatchinin 'ammon meTTan.
5. 'Irswo 'aTegeb liju min yiseral? Liju 'inie 'aTegeb qomo zefen yisemal.
6. 'ATCHiru temaree manew? 'ATCHiru temaree Birhanu new.
7. Ketemaw tilliq new? 'Aydellem; ketemaw tilliq 'aydellem.
8. Zebennyaw lemin tennya? Zebennyaw dekmot tennya.
9. Timhirtu gebbatchihue? 'Aydellem, timhirtu 'algebbanim.
10. Min TeTTita sekkeretch? T'ella TeTTita sekkeretch.
11. Lijotchu Tejjun lemin TeTTut? Lijotchu wiha Temtwatchew Tejjun TeTTut.
12. Poleesu liebawin lemin Tabeeya wossedew? Poleesu liebaw sheshto
seehied Tabeeya wossedew.
13. Ye'Almaz àyninna Tirswa Tiru new? 'Awo; ye'Almaz àyninna Tirswa Tiru
new.
14. 'Addeesu mets'hafih Teffabbih? 'Awo; 'addeesu mets'hafie Teffabbinny.
15. Yemanin 'igir liTeb? Yehitsanun 'igir 'iTeb.
16. Lieleet besint seàt neqqah? Lieleet be'assir seàt neqqahue.
17. Liju jorow yisemal? 'Aydellem; liju jorow 'aysemam.
18. Liju yet hiede? 'Itemaree biet zarie keseàt befeet hiede.
19. Yetinantinnaw beg yet hiede? Yetinantinnaw beg Teffa.
20. Liju misawin belto min serra? Liju misawin belto wotet TeTTito wode
temaree bietu temellese.
Dirset - cantinued from Timhirt 23
'Aseffanna 'andi 'ingida sew.
'Aseffa - 'Agerun lemmedut?

'Ingida - Tinnish tinnish.
'Aseffa - 'Ageratchin 'ahun kiremt new. Hulgeezie yizenbal. Gin kiremtu leewoTa
new.
'Ingida - Mechie yiwoTal?
'Aseffa - Meskerem seegeba kiremtu yiwoTal. 'Ageratchin begaw Tiru new.
Kiremtu yiberdal - bebega Tsehay new. Yimoqal. Zinab yellem. 'Ageru hullu
'abeba new.
'Ingida - BeTam Tiru; beTam Tiru. 'Irswo yezzeeh sefer sew newot?
'Aseffa - 'Awon; yezzeehu sefer sew nenny. 'Izzeehu 'inorallehue.
'Ingida - Sew biTeyyiqwo yawqallu?
'Aseffa - Man new 'issu?
'Ingida - Dan'iel Kebbede.
'Aseffa - 'Aydellem 'alawqewim.
'Ingida - Seferu 'izzeeh new. 'Addrashawin 'alawqim. Gin yesilkun quTir
'awqallehue; silk 'idewwilallehue.
'Aseffa - 'Izzeeh 'ager lemin meTTu?
'Ingida - Lesira new.
'Aseffa - Min yiserallu?
'Ingida - Hakeem nenny. Yiqirta; yezinab libsinna Tila ligeza 'ifelligallehue. T'iru
suq yawqallu?
'Aseffa - 'Awon; 'awqallehue. Tinnish ruq new.
'Aseffanna 'ingidaw yeDan'iel Kebbeden biet seefelligu walu. Sewimm Teyyequ.
Silk dewwolu. Dan'iel Kebbede yellem. 'Ingidaw ke'Aseffa gar wode biet hiede.
'Aseffamm wode liela sefer sayhied qerre. Ke'Ingidaw gara 'ibiet qwoyyenna
yezinab libs; CHammanna Tila leegeza wode suq hiedu.
Vocab. quTir = number sew = person, someone
('Almazinna Woyzero Fiqirte keBiete Kristeeyan wode bietatchew hiedu.

'Ibietatchew seedersu sile gabitcha gudday yinnegaggeru jemmer.)
'Almaz - 'Immamma; sile Yohannis min timekreenyallesh?
Wo. Fiqirte - 'Inie 'alawqim. Ye'abbatishin mikir bittisemee yisshalal.
'Almaz - Ye'ancheenimm 'assab mawoq 'ifelligallehue.
Wo. Fiqirte - Yohannisin 'anchee kewoddedshiw 'iniemm 'alTellawim. Neger gin
'abbatish seeyazzush 'inie minimm malet 'alchilim.
'Almaz - Tadya 'abbabba min yilallu?
Wo Fiqirte - 'Issatchew dehna lij yifelligullishal.
'Almaz - Dehna lij beehon 'inie kalwoddedkut min yiseral?
Wo. Fiqirte - Lijie! 'Abbatish yeFiqir neger leesemu 'ayfelligum.
'Almaz - 'Ancheess?
Wo. Fiqirte - Semmash 'Almaz; 'anchee beFerenj 'ager bizu geezie sileqoyyesh
'assabish 'aygebanim.
'Almaz - 'Immamma; 'anchee kalreddashinny chiggir wisT 'igeballehue.
Wo. Fiqirte - Gidd yelleshim. Yewolaj hod 'ayCHekkinim.
VOCABULARY
gabitcha - marriage; gudday - matter, affair; yinnegaggeru jemmer - they began
to canverse; 'immamma - address to mother or elder dawta; mekkere - he
advised, counseled; mikir - advice, counsel; 'assab - thought; kewoddedshiw - if
you loved, liked him; T'ella - he disliked, hated; kalwoddedkut - if I didn't love
him, unless I loved him; min yiseral? what's the use? what good will it do? Fiqir
- Love; Ferenj 'ager - Western countries; chiggir - trouble, problem; gidd
yelleshim - don't worry, never mind. CH'ekkene - it was cruel.
Lesson 29
COMPOUND GERUNDIVE
There is yet another verb tense to learn, called the Compound Gerundive. This
tense is used for a main verb (at the end of the sentence, i.e. NOT a dependent
clause) and it corresponds to what we call the 'present perfect' tense in English
("I _have_ done something", etc.)
[This is different from the last form we learned, the simple gerundive, that is a
perfect participle (dependent clause): "I having done something, ..."]
Also, compare the 'past perfect tense', as we already have seen, it's simply the
simple gerund + the word nebber, as in seritchie nebber, "I had worked."...
We call the 'present perfect tense' in Amharic the 'Compound Gerundive',

because it is a compound of the gerundive + a form of the verb of presense
('alle). Unlike the other compound tense (the Present-Future), the Compound
Gerundive suffixes are all shortened to -al, with the exception of -allehue and -
alletch. So the canjugation looks like this:
sebrwal - he has broken (sebro + -al)

sebralletch - she has broken (sebra + -alletch)
sebrehal - you m. have broken (sebreh + -al)
sebreshal - you f. have broken (sebresh + -al)
sebirrieyallehue - I have broken (sebirrie + -allehue)
sebrewal - they have broken (sebrew + -al) [also 'issatchew & 'irswo]
sebratchihwal - you pl. have broken (sebratchihue + -al)
sebrenal - we have broken
Similarly:
felligwal - he has wanted, sought

felligalletch - she has wanted
felligehal - you m. have wanted
felligeshal - you f. have wanted
felliggieyallehue - I have wanted
felligewal - they have wanted, also raspect
felligatchihwal - you pl. have wanted
felligenal - we have wanted
COMPOUND GERUNDIVE WITH THE OBJECT PRONOUN SUFFIXES
The Compound Gerundive tense may be used with object pronouns. When this
happens, the pronoun suffix comes in between, after the gerundive but before
'alle.
Example: Woriewin negronal. He has told us the report. (negro- + -n- + -al.)
Example with sebro and all the object pronouns:

Sebrotal. He has broken him (or it). sebro-t-al
Sebrwatal. He has broken her. from sebro-at-al.
Sebrohal. He has broken you m. sebro-h-al.
Sebroshal. He has broken you f. sebro-sh-al.
Sebronnyal. He has broken me. sebro-nny-al.
Sebrwatchewal. He has broken them. from sebro-atchew-al.
Sebrwatchihwal. He has broken you pl. from sebro-atchihu-al.
Sebronal. He has broken us. sebro-n-al.
COMPOUND GERUNDIVE OF BIRADICAL VERBS
Class SeMMa:
Type A: semtwal (he has heard), semtalletch, semtehal, semteshal,
semitchallehue, semtewal, semtatchihwal, semtenal, semtewal
Type B: lekkitwal (he has measured), lekkitalletch, lekkitehal, lekkiteshal,
lekkitchallehue, lekkitewal, lekkitatchihwal, lekkitenal, lekkitewal
Note that when palatalisation occurs in the 1st person singular, the -ie ending is
usually absorbed by the -allehue suffix.
Class QeRRe:
Type A: qertwal (he has remained), qertalletch, qertehal, qerteshal,

qeritchallehue, qertewal, qertatchihwal, qertenal, qertewal.
Type B: leyyitwal (he has separated), leyyitalletch, leyyitehal, leyyiteshal,
leyyitchallehue, leyyitewal, leyyitatchihwal, leyyitenal, leyyitewal.
Class SaMe:
simwal (he has kissed), simalletch, simehal, simeshal, simmieyallehue,
simewal, simatchihwal, simenal, simewal.
Class QoMe:
qomwal (he has stood), qomalletch, qomehal, qomeshal, qommieyallehue,
qomewal, qomatchihwal, qomenal, qomewal
These forms also appear with the u vowel, as qumwal, etc.
Class HieDe:
hiedwal (he has gone), hiedalletch, hiedehal, hiedeshal, hiejjallehue, hiedewal,
hiedatchihwal, hiedenal, hiedewal
These forms also appear ith the ee vowel, as heedwal, etc.
Class 'ALLeFe:
Type A: 'alfwal (he has passed), 'alfalletch, 'alfehal, 'alfeshal, 'aliffieyallehue,

'alfewal, 'alfatchihwal, 'alfenal, 'alfewal.
Type B: 'arrimwal (he has weeded), 'arrimalletch, 'arrimehal, 'arrimeshal,
'arrimmieyallehue, 'arrimewal, 'arrimatchihwal, 'arrimenal, 'arrimewal.
USAGE OF THE COMPOUND GERUNDIVE TENSE

As stated, the Compound Gerundive is a main verb, coming at the end of the
sentence. The difference in meaning from the past tense, is that the past tense
is used for an action that happened in the past at a definite time, whereas the
compound gerundive tense is for an action that started in the past, but with
results to the present. So it is well translated by the present perfect in English.
Compare:
Wondimmie yezarie sammint 'Addees 'Abeba derrese. My brother arrived in

Addis Ababa a week ago. (Past tense)
Wondimmie 'Addees 'Abeba derswal. My brother has arrived in Addis Ababa.

(i.e., he is still here)
Seen, the compound gerundive tense implies that the results still cantinue into
the present, thus correspondin to the present perfect tense of English. Other
examples:
T'orinnetu yezarie 'assir àmet 'alleqe. (past tense) The war ended ten years ago.
T'orinnetu 'alqwal. (comp. ger.) The was has ended (i.e., the war is over)
Ìdayien keffelkue. (past tense) I paid my debt.

Ìdayien kefiyyallehue. I have paid my debt (i.e. I have no debt now)
Verbs of a quality or cantinuous state, such as dekkeme, he was tired, qome,

he was standing, derrese, it was ready, often appear in this tense, where often in
English we would simply use the present tense "IS" + the quality or state in
English.
Examples:
Misa derswal. Lunch is ready. Feresie beTam dekmwal. My horse is very tired.
'Issu 'ahun qumwal. He is standing now. Wihaw berdwal. The Water is cold.
This tense has no negative form of its own. The negative past tense is used in
rasponse to this tense. Example: Misa derswal? 'Alderresem. Has lunch
arrived? It didn't arrive.
VOCABULARY
mesreeya biet - office

messele (A) - it / he resembled, looked like, seemed
menettsir - eyeglasses
rejjim - tall, long
qellal - easy, simple, not serious, not heavy; light
qemmese (A) - he tasted
qeTTele (B) - it /he cannected, cantinued
qeTTere (A) - he gave an appointment; he hired
qworreTe (A) - he cut, discannected
besshita - disease
'andi neger - something
'indiet - how?
wollede (A) - he birthed, begat
àmet - year
Body Parts (cont'd)
milas - tongue
sanba - lung
'af - mouth
'afinCHa - nose
kenfer - lip
T'at - finger
T'egur - hair (also tsegur)
feet - face
EXERCISES
A. Give the compound gerundive of the triradicals agreeing with the pronoun.
1. 'Inie (sebbere; mellese; keffete; wossede; derrese; 'allefe)

2. 'Ante (sebbere; qeTTere; àwwoqe; woddeqe; dewwole; keffele)
3. 'Anchee (sebbere; zeffene; jemmere; Teyyeqe; 'assebe; CHerrese)
4. 'Issu (sebbere; fellege; mellese; serreqe; 'addere; tekkele)
5. 'Iswa (sebbere; neggede; geddele; CHemmere; Teyyeqe; lemmede)
6. 'Innya (sebbere; 'akkeme; woddede; Tebbeqe; Teqqeme; sheffene)
7. 'Innante (sebbere; qerrebe; mellese; worrede; 'ammene; ferrede)
8. 'Innessu (sebbere; mellese; 'alleqe; derrese; lewwoTe; merreTe)
9. 'Irswo (sebbere; 'aTTebe; merreTe; Tebbese; qerrebe; sheffene)
10. 'Issatchew (sebbere; feqqede; 'azzene; Terrege; dekkeme; mellese)
B. Give the compound gerundive of the biradicals agreeing with the pronoun.
1. 'Inie (semma; hiede; lake; mote; qerre; 'ayye)

2. 'Ante (semma; same; roTe; sheTe; leyye; bella)
3. 'Anchee (semma; yaze; wale; TeTTa; hiede; qome)
4. 'Issu (semma; serra; shome; leyye; hiede; lake)
5. 'Isswa (same; bella; tsafe; hone; seTTe; lake)
6. 'Innya (semma; lake; gebba; roTe; hiede; bella)
7. 'Innante (semma; redda; lake; same; qome; hiede)
8. 'Innessu (semma; qwoyye; 'ayye; bella; lake; qome)
9. 'Irswo (semma; lake; roTe; hiede; qerre; bella)
10. 'Issatchew (semma; lake; same; bella; qome; hiede)
C. Give the compound gerundive tense agreeing with the pronouns.
1. Keffete ('inie; 'ante; 'anchee; 'issu; 'innessu)

2. Wossede ('ante; 'innante; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'innya)
3. Hiede ('anchee; 'issatchew; 'ante; 'innante; 'irswo)
4. Qerre ('innessu; 'inie; 'ante; 'anchee; 'issu)
5. Keffele ('issu; 'innante; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'innya)
6. Dewwole ('innante; 'inie; 'ante; 'innya; 'issatchew)
7. Bella ('irswo; 'inie; 'ante; 'anchee; 'innessu)
8. Tsafe ('isswa; 'issu; 'innante; 'irswo; 'issatchew)
9. T'errege ('innya; 'ante; 'innante; 'anchee; 'irswo)
10. 'Assebe ('issatchew; 'inie; 'ante; 'anchee; 'innessu)
11. 'Allefe ('ante; 'issu; 'innante; 'irswo; 'isswa)
12. Qome ('innante; 'innya; 'issatchew; 'ante; 'anchee)
13. SheTe ('anchee; 'irswo; 'innya; 'inie; 'ante)
14. Yaze ('irswo; 'anchee; 'innessu; 'issu; 'innante)
15. 'ATTebe ('innya; 'irswo; 'isswa; 'issatchew; 'ante)
D. Change from the past tense to Compound Gerundive tense.

Example: Liju woddeqe. Answer: Lijju wodqwal.
1. WoTun qemmesetch. 2. Gered QeTTere. 3. Liju 'abbatun messele. 4. Silkun

qeTTelkue. 5. Silkun qworreTkew. 6. 'Almaz lij wolledetch. 7. Temareewotchu
hiedu. 8. 'Astemareewotchu meTTu. 9. Besshitennyaw tennya. 10. 'Ante misa
bellah. 11. 'Issatchew kebeero qerru. 12. 'Irswo bizu 'iqa sheTu. 13. Sietotchu
kegebeya meTTu. 14. Bunnaw fella. 15. WoTu derrese.
E. Change from the Compound Gerundive into past tense.

Example: 'Inie qurs belitchallehue. Answer: 'Inie qurs bellahue.
1. 'Anchee bunna TeTTiteshal. 2. 'Inie silk dewwiyyallehue. 3. Birhanu

'aznwal. 4. Laqetch libs 'aTballetch. 5. Hakeemotchu siratchewin CHerrisewal.
6. Sietiyyowa debdabbie tsifalletch. 7. 'Innessu 'aytewnal. 8. Yezinab libs
yizenal. 9. Besshitennyaw dinwal. 10. Keerayun keflalletch.
1. The boy resembles his father. 2. My office is very far. 3. The doctor has
bought eyeglasses for him. 4. The new doctor is very tall. 5. The price of the
radio is little. 6. The maid tasted the stew and put salt in it. 7. Something has
cut his hand. 8. Yesterday he disconnected the phone and today he connected
it. 9. My teacher gave me an appointment but didn't show up. 10. The baby's
illness is not serious. 11. There are twelve months in a year. 12. How were you
(f) able to drive a car? 13. Did you forget something in my room? 14. Laqetch
gave birth to a boy this morning and is sleeping now. 15. The man has cut his
tongue. 16. Your (raspect) lung is well. 17. When the baby opened his mouth, I
saw his tooth. 18. Your nose is long. 19. Laqetch's lip is red. 20. The girl has
covered her head with a cloth. 21. The girl's fingers are long. 22. He washed
the baby's face.
G. Read and Translate:
1. Ye'Almaz lij manin yimeslal? Ye'Almaz lij wondimmien yimeslal.

2. Hakeemu besint seàt qeTrohal? Hakeemu besost seàt qeTronnyal.
3. Lemin 'ayayim? Menettsirun liju sebrobbet lemayet 'aychilim.
4. Sietiyyowa Tiru lij woldalletch? 'Awo; sietiyyowa Tiru lij woldalletch.
5. Hakeemu besint seàt qeTroshal? Hakeemu bezeTenny seàt qeTronnyal.
6. Silkun man qeTTelellish? Silkun Yonas qeTTilollinnyal.
7. Besshitawo qelal new? 'Awo; besshitayie beTam qelal new.
8. Yedorowin woT bemin qemmesetchiw? Yedorowin woT be'injera
qemmesetchiw.
9. 'Indiet meTTatchihue? Bemekeena meTTan.
10. Min ressatchihue? Mets'hafatchinin resten meTTan.
11. Qelalun womber 'indiet sebberew? Qelalun womber Tilo sebberew.
12. tilliqu mebrat bertwal? 'Awo; tilliqu mebrat bertwal.
13. Mebratu yiberal? 'Aydellem; mebratu 'ayberam; Teftwal.
14. Bezzeeh àmet 'addees biet serratchihue? 'Awo; bezzeeh àmet 'and
'addees biet sertenal.
15. Lemin dekmotal? Seesera wilo dekmotal.
16. Besshitah min norwal? Besshitayie yayn besshita nebber.
17. Rejjimun TerePPieza sebrehewal? 'Awo; rejjimun TerePPieza
sebirriewallehue.
18. Minew wiha Temtwatchihwal? Zarie minimm silalqemmesn wiha beTam
Temtonal.
('Almazinna 'innatwa keDejazmatch Gietatchew gar)
De. Gietatchew - Minew zimm 'alatchihue? Ye'assebatchihut neger 'alle?

Wo. Fiqirte - 'Awo; 'assab yizonal. 'Almaz yemmittiTeyyiqwot neger 'allat.
De. Gietatchew - Sile gabitcha new?
Wo. Fiqirte - 'Awo.
De. Gietatchew - 'Inie yemmassibewin lingeratchihue. Dejazmatch 'Abbebe
keTeyyequnny bizu àmet new. Lijatchewin tawqutallatchihue?
Wo. Fiqirte - Manew?
De. Gietatchew - Simun ressahue. BeTam Tiru lij new. 'Abbatumm tilliq sew
natchew.
'Almaz - Lijun 'alawqewim.
De. Gietatchew - Gidd yelleshim; 'inie 'awqewallehue.
'Almaz - 'Yemmalawqewin sew 'indiet 'ageballehue?
De. Gietatchew - 'Almaz! Wolajin 'imbee malet 'Igzier 'aywoddim.
Wo. Fiqirte - 'Almaz hitsan 'aydelletchim. Yesswanimm hassab mesmat 'allebbin.
'Almaz - 'Irswo beefeqdulinny Yohannisin lageba 'ifelligallehue.
De. Gietatchew - 'Ibakishin lijie zeratchinin 'attabbelashee.
Wo. Fiqirte - Bayhon Yohannisin yannegagrutinna kezzeeya behwala 'assabwon
yiqureTu.
De. Gietatchew - 'Isshee; 'indefeqqedatchihue. Liju 'Ihud yimTa.
Vocabulary: zimm 'ale - he was quiet; ye'assebatchihut - that you thought;

'assab yizonal - we are cancerned, lit. a thought has seized us.
yemmittiTeyyiqwot - that she will ask you. yemmassibewin - that I think;
keTeyyequnny - since he visited me; gidd yelleshim - never mind;
yemmalawqewin - whom I don't know; 'imbee 'ale - he refused; hassab - thought,
opinion; 'ibakishin - please! (f) zer - descent, genealogy, race, lit. 'seed';
'attabbelashee - don't spoil; bayhon - at least; anyway; yannegagrut - canverse
with him; 'assab qworreTe - he determined, decided; 'indefeqqedatchihue - as
you wish.
Lesson 30 Review
We have learned a lot of verb tenses and forms so far, and now might be a good
time to briefly review them, before movin fahwud with the test...
- the numbers in parentheses refer to lesson numbers -
I. Main Verbs: (placed at end of sentence)
PAST TENSE: sebbere - he broke (6,7,8)

PRESENT-FAHWUD TENSE: yisebral - he breaks / will break (11,12,13,14)
yisebr nebber - he would break (19)
yisebr jemmer - he began to break (19)
leesebr new - he is about to break (19)
JUSSIVE: yisber - let him break / may he break (24,26)
IMPERATIVE: siber - break! (24,26)
PAST PERFECT (PLUPERFECT): sebro nebber - he had broken (27)
PRESENT PERFECT (COMPOUND GERUNDIVE): sebrwal - he has broken
(29)
NEGATIVE PAST: 'alsebberem - he didn't break (9)

NEGATIVE PRESENT-FAHWUD: 'aysebrim - he doesn't / won't break (17)
NEG. JUSSIVE: 'ayisber - let him not break (24,26)
II. Dependent verb clauses, and verbals:
SIMPLE FORM: yisebr - (that) he break (17,18,19)

yisebr zend - that he might break (19)
seesebr - when he breaks (19)
beesebr - if he breaks (19)
beesebrimm - even though he breaks (19)
leesebr - in order that he breaks (19)
'indeesebr - " " (19)
'iskeesebr - until he breaks (19)
silemmeesebr - because he breaks (19)
sile sebbere - because he broke (28 note)
saysebr - before he breaks / without him breaking (19)
'indaysebr - lest he break / so that he doesn't break (19)
INFINITIVE: mesber - to break (24)
PARTICIPLE: sebaree - breaker (24)
GERUNDIVE: sebro - he having broken (27,28)
EXERCISES TO REVIEW LESSONS 26-29, AND THE VOCABULARY FOR

EACH LESSON:
A. Give the jussive or imperative agreein with the pronouns in parentheses:
semma ('innante, 'issu, 'innya, 'issatchew)

T'eTTa ('isswa, 'anchee, 'ante, 'innessu)
meTTa ('inie, 'irswo, 'isswa, 'issu)
mote ('issu, 'isswa, 'innessu, 'issatchew)
nore ('innya, 'anchee, 'issatchew, 'irswo)
qome ('innante, 'isswa, 'inie, 'innya)
sale ('issatchew, 'innante, 'issu, 'innessu)
dane ('anchee, 'isswa, 'innya, 'ante)
same ('ante, 'issu, 'innante, 'innessu)
hiede ('innessu, 'anchee, 'isswa, 'irswo)
sheTe ('issu, 'issatchew, 'innessu, 'ante)
tsafe ('inie, 'isswa, 'innante, 'innya)
leyye ('ante, 'innessu, 'issatchew, 'anchee)
qerre ('anchee, 'irswo, 'issu, 'inie)
shennye [he accompanied, escorted - type B] ('isswa, 'innessu, 'innya,
'issatchew)
B. Change the jussive (or imperative) to the correspondin negative form.

Example 1) Debdabbiewin yitsaf. Answer: Debdabbiewin 'aytsaf.
Example 2) Debdabbiewin tsaf. Answer: Debdabbiewin 'attitsaf.
1. Bietun Tiregee. 2. Libsun 'iTeb. 3. 'Issu mekeenawan yinda. 4. 'Irswo

Tiyyaqie yiTeyyiqu. 5. Misayien libla. 6. Mets'haf 'innigza. 7. 'Innante bietun
Tebbiqu. 8. 'Innessu lequrs ìnqulal yiTbesu. 9. 'Issatchew kemekeenaw
yiwredu. 10. Laqetch qemees timreT. 11. T'iyyaqiewin mellis. 12. Mebratu
yiTfa. 13. 'Addees 'astemaree 'innimreT. 14. Ye'ijjatchihun sira widedu. 15.
'Innya biet yideru.
C. Change the present-fahwud tense into the jussive or imperative, as required.
Example 1) Mets'hafun yimellisal. Answer: Mets'hafun yimellis.
Example 2) Mets'hafun timellisalleh. Answer: Mets'hafun mellis.
1. Shayun tiqedallinnyalleh. 2. Libsun taTbeewallesh. 3. 'Ahun tibelallatchihue.

4. Yedorowin woT 'attiqemsim. 5. 'Irswo yiferdullinnyal. 6. 'Anchee bebeàl
qen 'attarfeem. 7. 'Ante timhirtun tiCHerrisalleh. 8. 'Innante le'ashkeratchihue
feqad 'attiseTutim. 9. 'Anchee lijun bedenb tiqeCHeewallesh. [bedenb:
"properly"]. 10. 'Irswo bedenb yiferdallu. 11. Kebank genzeb 'atwosdum. 12.
Silkien nege tiqeTilillinnyalleh. 13. Geredeetun bedenb tinegreeyatallesh. 14.
Woriewin lennessu tinegrwatchewallatchihue. 15. 'Irswo le'ashkerwo denbennya
demoz yikeflutal.
D. Give the verb w. the appropriate prepositional pronoun suffix agreeing with
the preposition and pronoun in parentheses...
Example: 'Issu (lenie) mets'haf gezza. Answer: 'Issu mets'haf gezzallinny.
1. 'Almaz (lesswa) libs gezzatch. 2. Dannyaw (lessu) ferrede. 3. Geredeetu

(lenie) bunna qeddatch. 4. 'Issatchew (lante) migib 'azzezu. 5. Balish (lanchee)
meto birr lake. 6. Dannyaw (bennya) ferrede. 7. 'Astemareeyatchihue
(lennante) feqad feqqede. 8. Wondimmatchihue (lennante) debdabbie tsafe. 9.
Geredeetu (lessatchew) ìnqulal Tebbesetch. 10. Hakeemu (lerswo) beTam
'azzene. 11. 'Ihitotchie (lenie) menettsir yilikallu. 12. Neggadiew (lessu)
mekeena berikash yisheTal. [berikash: "cheaply"] 13. Temarotchu (lennessu)
mets'hafotchun yiwosdallu. 14. 'Innessu (lennante) silk qeTTelu. 15.
Libsatchinin (lennya) taTballatchihue.
E. Use the correct form of the gerundive for the 1st verb in parentheses to agree
with the subject, then put the 2nd verb in the a) past b) present-fahwud c) jussive
/ imperative and d) compound gerundive.
Example: 'Issu mets'haf (wossede) (meTTa).
a) 'Issu mets'haf wosdo meTTa.
b) 'Issu mets'haf wosdo yimeTal.
c) 'Issu mets'haf wosdo yimTa.
d) 'Issu mets'haf wosdo meT'twal.
1. Birhanu silk (qeTTele) (hiede). 2. Laqetch lij (wollede) (tennya) 3. 'Anchee

woTun (serra) (CH'errese) 4. 'Ante wotetun (qemmese) (TeTTa). 5. Misayien
(rabe) (bella). 6. 'Issatchew (dekkeme) ('arrefe). 7. Sietiyyowa misawan (bella)
(tennya). 8. 'Innessu Tella (qedda) (wossede). 9. 'Innante libsotchun ('aTTebe)
(hiede). 10. 'Innya lebeàlu 'addees libs (gezza) (lebbese). 11. 'Abebaw Tiru
(beqqele) (derreqe). 12. 'Irswo mesreeya biet (derrese) (meTTa). 13. Laqetch
Tiruwin qemees (lebbese) lezefen (hiede). 14. Radeeyonun bezeTena zeTenny
birr 'inie (sheTe) liela (gezza). [liela: "another"] 15. Wondimmie (dekkeme)
(tennya).
F. Change the clause with -nna into a gerundive clause...
Example: 'Addeesun qemeeswan lebbesetchinna hiedetch.
Answer: 'Addeesun qemeeswan lebsa hiedetch.
1. Med'haneet gezzatchinna TeTTatch. 2. Geredeetu shay qeddatchinna

seTTetchinny. 3. 'Innya nitsuh libs 'innilebsinna Timqet 'inhiedallen. [nitsuh:
"clean"] 4. 'Andi keelo sikwar tigezheenna timeCHallesh. [keelo: kg] 5.
'Issatchew Wiha Temmatchewinna hulett birCHiqqo Wiha TeTTu. 6. 'Innessu
tinantinna qeTTeruninna Teffu. 7. Serratennyotchu demozatchewin yiwosdunna
meTeT yiTeTTubbetal. 8. LeFaseeka 'agerie 'ihiedinna 'imeTallehue. 9.
Neggadiewotchu bizu genzeb Teffabbatchewinna lePolees neggeru. 10.
Temareew rabewinna misawin dabbo bella. 11. Lebesshitennyaw med'haneet
gezzahulletinna meTTahue. 12. 'Almaz besshitennyawin Teyyeqetchinna
meTTatch. 13. 'Ihitu kekifilwa 'andennya honetchinna 'astemarotchwa mets'haf
seTTwat. 14. Zebennyaw 'andi neger Teyyeqennyinna melleskullet. 15. Lieleet
ke'inqulfie neqqahunna wode beeroyie hiedkue. 16. Ye'Almaz bal Tejj
TeTTanna rasun 'ammemew. 17. Liebaw mesrequn 'ammenenna dannyaw
ferredebbet. 18. 'Anchee le'InquTaTash bedenb tilebshinna timeCHallesh. 19.
'Innante tinnish tarrifunna tiserallatchihue. 20. Zarie timhirtu gebbannyinna
meTTahue.
G. Change the past or present-fahwud verb, into the compound gerundive tense.
Example: 'Astemareew meTTa. Answer: 'Astemareew meT'twal.
1. 'Abebaw beqqele. 2. Beàlu tolo yidersal. 3. Denbennya radeeyon

tigezalletch. 4. 'Ansolawotchun 'aTballehue. 5. Lijotchu rabatchew. 6. 'Innante
bunna tiTeTTallatchihue. 7. Bezzeeh àmet yessatchew mekeena Teffa. 8. Liju
'abbatun yimeslal. 9. CH'ammaw lerswo likk yihonwotal. 10. Laqetch Tiru lij
wolledetch. 11. Kedorow woT tinnish 'inniqemsallen. 12. Dannyaw lennessu
ferredullatchew. 13. 'Astemareeh feqad yiseTihal. 14. Lieleet beTam
berredesh? 15. Tiru gered qeTTeretch. 16. Mebratu yiTefal. 17. Silkun
qeTTelellinny. 18. Debdabbie 'itsifallehue. 19. Meestun Teyyeqat. 20.
'Addeesun teeyatir 'innayallen.
H. Answer the questions in the affirmative.

Example: 'Ante dekmoh tennyah? Answer: 'Awo, 'inie dekmonny tennyahue.
1. 'Issu Wiha Temmaw? 2. 'Innante Wiha Temmatchihue? 3. 'Anchee ribosh

misawin tibeyallesh? 4. BeTam Tsehay hono beTam dekkemeh? 5. BeTam
Tsehay hono beTam dekkemew? 6. Bizu seezenb yiberdatchewal? 7.
Ribowatchew misatchewin bellu? 8. SeeTematchihue nitsuh Wiha
tiTeTTallatchihue? 9. Timhirt gebbatchihue? 10. Yetilantinna timhirt gebbah?
11. Tolo yidekmatchihwal? 12. Timhirt 'algebbashim?
I. Translate into Amharic.

1. The doctor ordered a medecine for him. 2. Later, when I'm rested, I will drink
the beer. 3. He will continue his work after Christmas vacation. 4. The fire went
out and the coffee was not ready. 5. They are hungry because they didn't eat
their lunches. 6. Have you (pl) understood the new lesson? 7. The maid tasted
the stew. 8. Tell (r.) us something. 9. I want pure Water for the medicine. 10.
The judge acquitted their friend. 11. He ordered them to do their work properly
starting today. 12. Almaz was very sorry for her friend (f). 13. We will wait for
you (pl) near the police station. 14. Since he was sick, the doctor treated him.
15. The child resembles his mother. 16. He is continuing his studies this year.
Dirset
Zarie yeSira qen new. Woyzero Laqetch ke'inqilfatchew beTiwat tenessu.

Geredatchewimm tenessatch. Lequrs bunna fella. WoTu moqe. 'Ato
Birhanumm ke'inqilfatchew tenessu. Qurs qerbo bellu. Geredeetu bunnawin
qeddatch. Bunnamm TeTTu. Kezzeeya behwala 'Ato Birhanu wode mesreeya
biet hiedu.
Woyzero Laqetch bunna TeTTitew tinnish 'arrefu. Nege yeFaseeka beàl

silehone Woyzero Laqetchinna geredatchew bizu Sira 'allebatchew. Geredeetun
bizu neger 'azzezwat.
Wo/ Laqetch: Doronna ìnqulal gezteshal?
Gered: 'Awon; tinantinna hulett doronna 'asra hulett ìnqulal gezitchallehue.
Wo/ Laqetch: T'iru; lemisa woT keserrash behwala dorowin tisereeyallesh.
T'ellawininna Tejjunimm behwala tiqejallesh. 'Injerawin gagreshal?
Gered: Yedorowin woT seritchie siCHerris 'igagirallehue 'imebietie. Nege
'innatien 'indiTeyyiq yifeqdullinnyal?
Wo/ Laqetch: Sirashin keCHerresish behwala littihiejee ticheeyallesh.
Zarie Faseeka new. 'Ato Birhanunna Woyzero Laqetch beTiwat wode Biete
Kristeeyan yihiedallu. Biete Kristeeyan bizu sew yihiedal. Biete Kristeeyan
qwoyyitew wode bietatchew yimeTallu. 'Ibietatchew kemeTTu behwala qurs
yibelallu. Tinnish karrefu behwala wodajotchatchewin lemeTeyyeq yihiedallu.
Mata wodajotchatchewin Tertew kennessu gara 'irat yibelallu. T'ellanna Tejj

yiTeTTallu. Beltew, TeTTitew, zefen yizefnallu.
Zefnew seedekmatchew 'ingidotchu wode bietatchew yihiedallu. 'Ato
Birhanunna Woyzero Laqetchimm tinnish qoyyitew yitennyallu.
VOCABULARY: tenessa - he woke up (lit. he arose); gaggere - he baked bread;

'immebietie - ma'am.
Answer the questions: 1. Beàlu min beàl new? 2. Geredeetu min tiseralletch?
3. 'Ato Birhanunna Woyzero Laqetch wodiet yihiedallu? 4. 'Ibiet kemeTTu
behwala min yiserallu? 5. Lerat manin Terru?
(Yohannisinna Dejazmatch Gietatchew)
Yohannis: Gietayie, sile 'Almaz liTeyyiqwot meTTahue.

De/ Gietatchew: 'Indiet?
Yohannis: 'iwoddatallehue.
De/ Gietatchew: Tadiyyass?
Yohannis: 'Isswamm tiwoddennyalletch.
De/ Gietatchew: 'Indie! Woddedkush woddedshinny malet mindin new?
Gabbitcha maletih 'indehone bittiresaw yisshalal. Lemehonu yeman lij neh?
Yohannis: Yemanimm lij 'aydellehum.
De/ Gietatchew: Semmah lijie; 'abbatien 'alawqim malet yemonny worie new.
Yohannis: 'Abbatiemm ye'Igzier diha new. 'Iniemm yediha lij nenny. Le'Almaz
liseTat yemmichilew Fiqirien bitcha new.
De/ Gietatchew: Fiqir bitcha min yiTeqmal?
Yohannis: Gietayie, beSiramm betimhirtimm kegwadennyotchie 'alanisim.
De/ Gietatchew: 'Iske 'ahun yeserratchihutininna yetimhirtatchihun firie
'alayyenim.
Yohannis: Sile timhirtie binegriwotimm leegebawot 'aychilum.
De/ Gietatchew: Min 'Igzier yeteTallew lij new; 'ibakatchihue?
Yohannis: Kemehiedie befeet 'andi neger linegriwot 'ifelligallehue. 'Irswo
beeniqunnyim 'Almaz 'alnaqetchinnyim. Beefeqdumm bayfeqdumm
'agebatallehue.
VOCABULARY: Lemehonu - anyway; monny - fool; diha - poor one;

yemmichilew - that which I can; 'annese - it was small; ke (x) 'annese, it was
smaller than x; firie - fruit; teTalla - fight, quarrel with; 'Igzier - God (short for
'Igzee'abihier); naqe - he scorned, looked down on, despised; 'agebatallehue - I
shall marry her.
Lesson 31
THE RELATIVE CLAUSE WITH YE- or YEMMI-
We have already learned that the prefix ye- is used with a noun to indicate
possession; e.g. Yehakeemu joro, "the doctor's ear" (ye + hakeem +u).
Another use of the prefix ye- is with a verb, to make it into a relative clause, that
is, to express the "relative pronouns" - who, that, which... (more on this beneath)
The relative prefix is ye- before a past tense verb, but it is yemmi- + the "simple
form" to express the present-fahwud tense.
Examples of ye- with Past tense verbs:
Yeserreqe sew = a man who stole.
[Note, the relative prefix, ye-, "who", added to the past tense verb serreqe "he
stole" = yeserreqe, he who stole, a relative clause that acts as a qualifying
adjective modifying the next word, sew "man"...]
Yeserreqetch siet = a woman who stole.

Yeserrequ sewotch = persons who stole.
[Note the agreemant in the verb endings. Also note that in English, the subject
comes first in the relative clause, "persons who stole"; but in Amharic, yeserrequ
"they who stole" comes before the subject, since it is treated like an adjective
modifying sewotch.]
For the negative past tense, the relative prefix ye- is added directly to the 'al-
prefix to form yal-... Also, the final -m of the negative is omitted in this case...
Examples:
yalserreqe sew = a man who didn't steal

yalserreqetch siet = a woman who didn't steal
yalserrequ sewotch = persons who didn'[t steal.
In all of the examples so far, the relative pronoun prefix ye- was translated as
"who." In English relative clauses, the words "that" or "which" can usually be
substituted (especially for non-human subjects) in place of "who" (especially for
human subjects) - but in Amharic, the same prefix (ye-) is simply added to the
past tense verb in all of these cases, and the verb-ending is made to agree.
Yemmi- + simple form to express a Present/Fahwud tense relative clause:
When added to a verb in the simple form, the relative pronoun prefix is still ye-,
but with an additional element -mm, to form the prefix yemm(i)- . This prefix
reacts with the other prefixes we already know for the simple form, as follows:
yemm- + 'i- = yemmi-; yemm- + yi- = yemmee; yemm- + ti- = yemmitti- or
yemmit-.
Therefore, we get all the following forms, in full:
yemmisebr = "I who break"
yemmittisebr (or yemmit'sebr) = "you m. who break"
yemmittisebree (yemmit'sebree) = "you f. who break"
yemmeesebr = "he who breaks"
yemmittisebr (yemmit'sebr) = "she who breaks"
yemminnisebr (yemminsebr) = "we who break"
yemmit'sebru (yemmittisebru) = "you pl. who break"
yemmeesebru = "they who break"
Examples:
Yemmeeserq sew - "a man who steals"

Yemmittiserq siet - "a woman who steals"
Yemmeeserqu sewotch - "persons who steal"
Yemm- added to the negative present prefixes becomes yemma-:
yemmaysebr - he who doesn't break

yemmattisebr / yemmat'sebr - she who doesn't break; you m. who don't break
yemmattisebree / yemmat'sebree - you f. who don't break
yemmalsebr - I who don't break
yammaysebru - they who don't break
yemmat'sebru / yemmattisebru - you pl. who don't break
yemmansebr / yemmannisebr - we who don't break
Examples: Yemmayserq sew - a man who doesn't steal

Yemmat'serq siet - a woman who doesn't steal
Yemmayserqu sewotch - persons who don't steal.
RELATIVE VERBS CAN TAKE THE ARTICLE
As we have seen in past lessons, whenever an adjective + noun combination

takes the definite article ("the"), the article suffix (-u, -wa, etc.) is added onto the
adjective, not the noun. Example: tilliqu biet = the big house.
And likewise with other modifiers treated as adjectives, such as the possesive:
yashkeru beqlo = the servant's mule, the mule of the servant
Since the relative clause with ye- or yemmi- is also treated like a modifying
adjective, it also takes any articles that might be added. However, these article
suffixes will take slightly different forms when used with the relative clause, and
so they are a little more complicated. The form of the article depends on the
verb-ending of the relative clause.
Here are the rules for adding articles to Relative Clauses:
If the verb-ending is in a vowel, the vowel can be -e, -a, -ee, or-u, because
these are all the vowel endings possible with the past tense and the simple form.
The article will be -w if the relative verb ends in the vowels -e, -a, or -ee, but the
article is -t with the forms ending in -u.
Examples:
Yeworredew sew - "The man who came down."
YemeTTaw sew - "The man who came."
'Anchee ìnCHet yemmit'sebreew sietiyyo - "You, the woman, who split wood."
Yeworredut sewotch - "The persons who came down."
If the verb-ending is in a cansonant, the article will be -ew, unless the cansonant
is -tch or -sh, then the article is -iw.
Examples:
Yeworredetchiw sietiyyo - "The woman who came down."
Yeworredshiw 'anchee nesh - "You f. are the one who came down."
but:
Yeworredkew 'ante neh
Yeworrednew 'innya nen
In addition, just like other words that have articles, a -n is required after the
article if it is the grammatical direct object of the main verb.
Yeworredewin sewiyyie 'ayyehut - "I saw the man who came down."
Omission of ye-
The prefix ye- of the relative is completely 'swallowed up' if you have any other
preposition prefixes on the clause.
Examples:
"Pay a salary for the workers who finished their work."

Siratchewin leCHerresut serratennyotch demoz kifel.
[Note, le- + yeCHerresut becomes leCHerresut, not *leyeCHerresut !]
"Pay a salary for the workers who will finish their work."
Siratchewin lemmeeCHerrisut serratennyotch demoz kifel.
[lemmeeCHerrisut - not *leyemmeeCHerrisut !]
Expression of "whom" in Relative clause:
In proper English, we use the relative pronouns "whom" (generally for human
objects) or "that" or "which" (generally for non-human objects) when the qualified
noun plays the role of the object of the relative clause verb, Example: "The man
whom you see is my teacher."
In Amharic, that object is expressed by adding the object pronoun suffixes

directly onto the relative clause verb, and these object pronoun suffixes must
agree in gender and number with the qualified noun.
Example: [** Textbook's examples, not mine!]
"The boy whom I flogged yesterday is his brother."

Tinantinna yegerrefkut lij wondimmu new.
Here, the relative clause verb is "I flogged" (gerrefkue); and "boy", while it is
indeed the subject of the main clause, is referred to in the relative clause as the
object - what was flogged. So in English we say "whom I flogged" and in
Amharic we say yegerrefkut. The -t of yegerrefkut agrees in gender and number
with lij "boy".
Another Example:
"The boys whom I flogged yesterday are his brothers"
Tinantinna yegerrefkwatchew lijotch wondimmotchu natchew.
In this sentance, the "whom" refers to more than one that was flogged. So it is
represented in Amharic by the object pronoun for "them", i.e. -atchew, added to
yegerrefkue to make yegerrefkwatchew...
An example for "that / which":

"The pencils that I bought yesterday dissapeared."
Tinantinna yegezzahwatchew 'irsasotch Teffu.
Here, the relative clause verb is "I bought" (gezzahue); and "pencils", while it is
indeed the subject of the main verb, is referred to in the relative clause as the
object - what was bought. So in English we say "that I bought" and in Amharic
we say yegezzahwatchew. The -atchew agrees with 'irsasotch.
Anyone have any questions or require more explanation, on this advanced

lesson, or any other lesson, please do not hesitate to bring them to the group
forum, or email rasfeqade@... JAH LOVE
VOCABULARY FOR LESSON 31:
hullu - all
haymanot - religion
mesgeed - mosque
seffee - wide, extensive
qenny - right (direction), on the right hand...
'ahiyya - donkey
'islam - a Muslim
'isir biet - prison
Kristeeyan - a Christian
keddene (A) - he covered; he thatched
ìdmie - age, lifespan
gra - left (direction), on the left hand
T'ebbeqe (B) - he guarded, tended, kept, watched, protected
T'ebbab - narrow
tsome - he fasted
tsom - a fast
Exercises
A. Make the first sentance a past tense relative clause and combine it with the
secand part.
Example: Temaree meTTa ('izzeeh yellem). Answer: YemeTTa temaree 'izzeeh
yellem.
1. Sew mote ('alayyehum). 2. Temarotch 'altsomum ('alTeTTum). 3. Mets'haf

Teffa (yenie new.) 4. Bunna 'alfellam ('attiTeTCHeem.) 5. 'Ingidotchu meTTu
(yigbu). 6. Wiha 'almoqem (Tiru 'aydellem). 7. Misa 'alderresem (meblat
'alchilim.) 8. Bunna berrede (yiwoddal). 9. 'Abebotch 'albeqqelum ('izzeeh
yellum.) 10. Siet dekkemetch (titennyalletch). 11. Sew 'almeTTam (yellem).
12. Siet 'alwoTTatchim (zinab 'ayzenbibbatim). 13. Temareew hospeetal hiede
('izzeeh 'alle.) 14. Lijagered 'azzenetch (mayet 'alwoddim) 15. Dannyotch bante
ferredu (yet natchew?) 16. Poleesotch sekkeru ('isir biet yigeballu.) 17. Wotet
'alfellam ('inniTeTTa.) 18. Lijageredotch 'ibiet meTTu ("gibu" belwatchew). 19.
Mets'hafotch Teffu (yessu natchew).
B. Make the first sentance a present / future tense relative clause, and combine
it with the other part.
Example: Temaree yitsifal (gwobez new). Answer: Yemmeetsif temaree gwobez
new.
1. 'Izzeeh sewotch yimeTallu (yellum). 2. Bunna tolo yidersal (beehon

'iqoyyallehue). 3. Misa tolo 'aydersim ('attisree). 4. Hitsanotch 'aytsomum
(wotet yiTeTTallu). 5. 'Ingida 'ager yilemdal (gwobez new). 6. 'Astemarotch
'aysekrum (Tiru natchew). 7. Siet 'at'siqim ('alwoddim.) 8. Dannyotch yiferdallu
(bizu natchew.) 9. Sew yiTeqmal (yellem). 10. Gwadennyotch 'ayredum (Tiru
'aydellum.) 11. Siet tiseralletch (gwobez nat.) 12. Liebotch mets'haf yiserqallu
('isir biet yigeballu). 13. 'Iqa 'ayTefam (yellem). 14. Mebratotch 'ayberum (Tiru
'aydellum). 15. Mebrat yiTefal ('alwoddim). 16. Sietotch yisiqallu (Tiru
'aydellum). 17. Mekeena yiTeqmal ('allenny). 18. Shay yifelal ('iwoddalehue).
19. Firie 'aybeslim (lehitsan Tiru 'aydellem.) 20. Bunna tolo 'ayfelam ('alfelligim).
C. Make the first sentance a relative clause, with the article, and combine with
the second.
Example: Temareew tsafe (manew?) Answer: Yetsafew temaree manew?
[manew = man new, who is it?]
1. Sietiyyowa timeTalletch ('innatie nat). 2. Temareew 'aytsomim (wondimmie
new). 3. Geredeetu woT serratch (qonjo nat). 4. 'Ansolaw 'alderreqem ('ibiet
new.) 5. Firiew bessele (kezaf woddeqe). 6. Temarotchu 'aymeTum (senefotch
natchew). 7. Liebaw serreqe (poleesu yazzew). 8. 'Ingidaw 'agerun lemmedu
('astemaree natchew). 9. Temareewa 'Amarinnya tichilalletch (yewondimmie lij
nat) 10. Sietiyyowa timeTalletch (yewondimmie meest nat) 11. Temarotchu
'ayserum (temaree biet 'aymeTum). 12. Temarotchu beseàt yidersallu
('astemaree yiwoddatchewal) 13. 'Astemareew 'ayseram (besshitennya new.)
14. Besshitennyotchu 'aldanum (hakeem biet natchew). 15. Liju 'abbatun
yimeslal ('innya kifil new.) 16. Liebaw 'alshesshem (poleesotchu derresubbet.)
17. 'Irat tolo yidersal (siree.) 18. CH'ammaw likk 'ayhonim ('attigza). 19. Misaw
derrese (bellahue). 20. Temarotchu timhirtatchewin 'altsafum (ketemaree biet
qerru).
D. Make the first sentance a relative clause with object pronoun representin
"whom" etc. and combine the clause as subject of the secand sentance...
Example: 'Astemareew temareewin tinant mettaw (zemedie new.) Answer:
'Astemareew tinant yemettaw temaree zemedie new.
1. Temareewin mettanew (zemedie new.) 2. Silkun nege 'iqeTililliwotallehue

('addees new). 3. WoTun qemmeskut (Tiru new). 4. Gwadennyotchishin
reddashatchew ('astemareewotch honewal?) 5. Besshitennyotchun
'akkematchihwatchew (dinewal?) 6. Mekeenahin TaTbatalleh (ligzah?) 7.
'Astemareewin 'innya 'innimerTewallen (gwobez new). 8. 'Anchee hitsanun
tiwodjeewallesh (qonjo new). 9. 'Irswo 'astemareewin Teyyequt (yesswa 'abbat
new). 10. Le'ashkeru demozun keffelnew (yet new?) 11. 'Innante bietun
Terregatchihue ('addees new). 12. Ìnqulalun Tebbesishiw (Tiru 'aydellem). 13.
Dannyawin 'awqewallehue ('aggwotatchin new). 14. Dannyawin 'ayyehew
(zemedu new). 15. Sureehin wossedk (yabbatih new?) 16. Mets'hafun
ketinantinna wodeeya mellesatchihue ('arogie new). 17. 'Ante TerePPiezawin
zarie gezzahew (qeyy new). 18. 'Anchee 'algawin keseàt behwala wossedshiw
(yeman new?) 19. 'Irswo lijotchun resswatchew (yewondimmwa lijotch
natchew). 20. 'Innante 'iqawotchun sheTatchihwatchew ('arogie natchew).
E. Translate to Amharic:
1. All the students go to church. 2. The religion that he likes is the Islamic
religion. 3. The mosque that you see is very big. 4. The merchant always gets
drunk. 5. The city that you (pl) saw yesterday is not large. 6. Everyone drives a
car on the right side of the street. 7. The church that stood near the road was
very old. 8. The sugar and tea that I bought yesterday have been used up [have
run out]. 9. Christians fast on Wednesday and Friday. 10. Cover (f) the plate of
stew with another plate. 11. What is your (r) age? 12. The house that you see
on the left side of the road is a mosque. 13. The city's streets are very narrow.
14. Christians and Moslems fast many times a year. 15. My friend, whom I like
very much, is a Muslim.
F. Read and translate:
1. Sewotch leTimqet yemmeelebsut libs neTCH new Tiqur? LeTimqet sewotch

yemmeelebsut libs neTCH new.
2. 'Ahun yalleqew menged 'addees new? 'Awo; 'ahun yalleqew menged 'addees
new.
3. Sewiyyiewin poleesotch lemin wossedut? Sewiyyiew beTam sekro
poleesotch wossedut.
4. YaTTebshiw 'ansola derqwal? 'Awo; yaTTebhut 'ansola derqwal.
5. Tinantinna yejemmerewin sira mechie yiCHerrisal? Tinantinna yejemmerewin
sira zarie yiCHerrisal.
6. Ìdmieyatchew sinti new? Zarie zeTena hulett àmet honatchew.
7. Leliju yeseffahullet kot likk hone? 'Aydellem; leliju yeseffahillet kot likk
'alhonem; beTam Tebbab hone.
8. Yeserratchiwin doro woT lemisa bellatchihut? 'Awo; yeserratchiwin doro woT
lemisa bellanew.
9. 'Iseferatchihue yallew mesgeed seffee new? 'Awo; 'iseferatchin yallew
mesgeed beTam seffee new.
10. Ye'Islam haymanot mesker yemmeefeqd haymanot new? 'Aydellem;
ye'Islam haymanot mesker yemmeefeqd haymanot 'aydellem.
11. Yerabew temaree yet hiede? Yerabew temaree misawin leebela wode biet
hiede.
12. Yegezzatchiw qemees qelemu min àynet new? Yegezzatchiw qemees
qelemu semayawee new.
13. 'Issatchew yegezzut CHamma likk honatchew? 'Aydellem; 'issatchew
yegezzut CHamma likk 'alhonatchewim.
14. YeqeTTeratchihut sewiyyie meTTa? 'Aydellem; yeqeTTernew sewiyyie
'almeTTam.
15; Yemmeetsom sew sira leesera yichilal? 'Awo; yemeetsom sew sira leesera
yichilal.
16; 'Izzeeh ketema yallut Biete Kristeeyanotch sinti natchew? 'Izzeeh ketema
yallut Biete Kristeeyanotch 'arba natchew.
17; 'Ageratchihue yallut Kristeeyanotch bizu natchew? 'Awo; 'ageratchin yallut
Kristeeyanotch bizu natchew.
18; 'Iqawin yewossedkibbet mekeena yeman new? 'Iqawin yewossedkubbet
mekeena yewondimmie new.
19. Yegezzahew mekeena 'addees new 'arogie? Yegezzahut mekeena beTam
'addees new.
20; 'Ahiyya yemmeeTebqew lij wodiet hiede? 'Ahiyya yemmeeTebqew lij wode
bietu hiede.
Asking for Directions
Jeem: T'iena yisTillinny.

Kebbede: T'iena yisTillinny.
Jeem: 'Ibakwo 'addeesu hospeetal beyet bekkul new? Leenegrunny yichilallu?
Kebbede: Kezzeeh Tiqeet ruq new. 'AqTaTCHawin linegrwo 'ichilallehue.
Jeem: 'Isshee Tiru new.
Kebbede: Yan yetrafeek mebrat yayutal?
Jeem: 'Awon.
Kebbede: 'Izzeeya seedersu wode qenny yiheedu. Feet lefeetwo 'andi tilliq
seeneema biet yagenyallu. Wode seeneema biet beqeTTita yiheedu.
Jeem: 'Isshee; kezzeeyass?
Kebbede: Seeneemaw biet seedersu liela yetrafeek mebrat 'alle. 'Izeeya
degimo wode gra yizurunna yiheedu. Tinnish 'indehiedu 'andi tilliq yemets'haf
suq 'alle. Yemmeefelligut hospeetal kesuqu bestehwala new. Gebbawot?
Jeem: 'Awo; 'Igzier yisTilliny.
Kebbede: 'Abro yisTen.
Vocabulary: Beyet bekkul = which way? 'agTaTCHa = direction; trafeek =

traffic; feet lefeet = across, facing; yagenyallu = you r. will find; beqeTTita =
straight; zore = he turned; bestehwala = in the back
'Almazinna Yohannis - part 16
De. Gietatchew: T'ejeetu! 'Almazin Tireellinny.

T'ejeetu: Tennyitalletch.
De. Gietatchew: Yemmaymesl worie; 'ahun 'indittimeTa!
T'ejeetu: Yihew; 'isswamm semta timeTalletch.
De. Gietatchew: Minew lijie? Minew min 'aderreghush?
'Almaz: Minew 'abbaba?
De. Gietatchew: Yanin balegie keyet 'ameTTashibbinny?
'Almaz: Yohannisin new?
De. Gietatchew: 'Awo! 'Isshee bilannyalletch yilal. 'Iwnet new?
'Almaz: 'Awo; 'iwnet new.
De. Gietatchew: Feqad sattiTeyyiqeenny?
'Almaz: Min ladrig?
De. Gietatchew: YaTfash lijie! YaTfash.
'Almaz: SalTeyyiqwo 'isshee maletie sihtet new?
De. Gietatchew: Yewolaj mikir minimm waga yellewim?
'Almaz: 'Abbaba! 'Irswo 'azzezunny 'injee 'almekkerunnyim. Ye'inien 'assab
leesemumm 'alfellegum.
De. Gietatchew: Hulettennya keliju gar mehiedishin 'indalsema. 'Iske 'ahun
yeserratchihut yibeqal.
Vocabulary: Yemmaymesl worie = an unlikely story, unbelievable. 'aderrege =

he made; balegie = a rude person, without manners. 'ameTTa, he brought;
bilannyalletch = she has told me; min ladrig? What should I do? yaTfash - lit.
"May He destroy you" but used as an admonition or reproach... sihtet - error,
mistake; waga - value; 'injee - yet, rather.
Lesson 32
RELATIVE CLAUSES: YE- / YEMMI- (CONT'D)
It is quite common in Amharic to find the Ye- / Yemmi- clause (see last lesson)
in various uses with forms of the verb new (to be, he is, etc.).
I. If the Ye- / Yemmi clause + new is used with a subject, it is translated simply
as a relative clause. Examples: (Note there is some slight flexibility with the word
order for this construction:)
Yewoddeqew 'abbatie new (OR, 'Abbatie new yewoddeqew)

"It is my father who fell."
Yemotew wondimmie new (OR, Wondimmie new yemotew)

"It is my brother who died."
Yewoddeqetchiw 'isswa nat (OR, 'Isswa nat yewoddeqetchiw)

"It is she who fell."
II. If the Ye- / Yemmi- clause + new is used with an adverbial or a direct object, it
describes an event. In this case the word new is fixed, that is, the word new is
not made to agree with the other subject, but is always new.
Yemotew zendiro new. (Zendiro new yemotew.)

"It is this year that he died"
Yemmitnorew 'Addees 'Abeba new ('Addees 'Abeba new yemmitnorew)

"It is in Addis Ababa that you m. live."
BirCHiqqowin new yesebberkew (Yesebberkew birCHiqqowin new)

"It is the glass that you m. broke."
Zarie new yemeTTatchihut (YemeTTatchihut zarie new)

"It is today that you pl. came."
Usually, the Ye-clause has the article in the above kinds of sentences. Also, the
new can appear in the past tense (nebbere or nebber) or future tense (yihonal),
or the negative forms of these. ('aydellem, 'alnebberem, 'ayhonim)
Yemmi- + Canjunction prefixes
The Yemmi- + simple form we learned last time for the Relative present-future
tense, is also used with the several canjunction prefixes. The Ye- part is
'swallowed up' by the other prefix, leaving only the -mmi- part after the
canjunction prefix.
The canjunction sile- "because, since" + yemmi- = silemmi-. This is then added
to the simple form as usual; Example:
Wondimmie kager biet silemmeemeTa layew 'ihiedallehue.
"Since my brother is coming from the countryside, I shall go to see him."
The canjunction 'iske- "until" + yemmi- = 'iskemmi-. Added to the simple form,
and often followed by the fixed word dres. Example:
'IskemmitmeTa 'iqoyyihallehue.
"I will wait for you until you come" Also: 'IskemmitmeTa dres iqoyyihallehue.
[The word dres frequently goes with 'iske-, as a "preposition - postposition
combo" encircling the verb...]
The canjunction 'inde- "that" + yemmi- = 'indemmi-; + added to the simple form;
Examples:
'IndemmeemeTa 'awqallehue. "I know that he will come."
The Impersonal verb Messele
Messele means literally 'It seemed' - but used as an impersonal verb (subject
expressed by object suffixes) it can be translated by the verb "to think"; i.e.
messelew, he thought; messelenny, I thought (literally, "it seemed (to) me") or in
the present, yimeslennyal, I think...etc This can then be combined with a
dependent clause, represented by past tense with ye-; or for the present/fahwud
tense, by the simple form, with or without yemmi-. Examples:
Tinantinna yezennebe yimeslennyal = I think that it rained yesterday.
Nege yemmeezenb yimeslennyal (OR Nege yizenb yimeslennyal) = I think that
it will rain tomorrow.
Possession in the past tense
As we learned in Lesson 23, The verb of possession (I have) is expressed by

the verb of presence 'alle with the possessor indicated by an object pronoun, e.g.
'allenny = I have. The past tense of this ("I had") is similarly expressed by
nebbere with the object pronoun - nebberenny = I had, nebberew = he had,
nebberat, she had, etc... If the thing possessed is treated in the feminine, the
object pronoun is added to nebberetch, and if plural, added to nebberu.
Examples:
Wondimm nebberenny - I had a brother; 'Ihit nebberetchinny - I had a sister;

lijotch nebberunny - I had children.
Special usage of yihonal
The verb yihonal, tihonalleh etc. (the present-fahwud tense of hone, it became)
as we know can be used to expressly signify the future, but a special usage of
the fixed form yihonal is to express the idea of 'possibly, probably,' when it comes
after the simple form. Example:
Nege yimeTa yihonal. "He might / will probably come tomorrow." Nege timeTa
yihonal. "You will probably come tomorrow."
The fixed form yihonal preceded by the simple form with the prefix li- indicates a
probable purpose. Examples:
'Izzeeh yemeTTaw 'anten leeyay yihonal "He came here probably to see you"
'Izzeeh yemeTTatchiw 'anten littay yihonal. "She came here probably to see
you."
Note that the first clauses are ye- + past tense; so this is literally translated "It
will be to see you that (s)he came here."
TRIRADICAL VERBS WITH SAME 2ND AND 3RD RADICALS (1.2.2.)
There are some Amharic tri-rad verbs where the 2nd and 3rd cansonants are
the same (redudicative) Examples: leqqeqe "he left / let go of (something)";
woddede "he loved, liked"; kettete "he gathered, collected, pouched, put,
included" 'azzeze "he commanded" seddede "he sent" and many others.
The type A of this class is pronounced like a regular tri-rad. But the feedel is
generally written only once in the forms where the last two cansonants come
together, i.e. the present-fahwud and gerundive. It is then pronounced as a
stressed cansonant. Examples: Yiseddal "he sends" is written [yi - se - da - li ]
with only one d, but is pronounced as two. Seddo "he having sent" is written [se
- do].
In type B, the last two cansonants never come together, so both are written in
feedel. Examples: qessese, (B) "he became a priest" - yiqessisal, he becomes /
will become a priest. mennene, (B) "he became a monk, a Nazrawee" -
yimenninal; sellele (B); "He spied" - yisellilal
Some basic forms of this class you will see are:
Type A:
woddede - he loved, liked
yiwodd - "simple form" (that) he love
yiwoddal - he loves, will love
yiwded - let him love, may he love
wided - "imperative" love!
woddo - he having loved
woddwal - he has loved
woddo nebber - he had loved
wodaj - "participle" friend, fan
mewded - to love
Type B:
mennene - he became ascetic, a monk
yimennin - (that) he become a monk
yimenninal - he will become a monk
yimennin - may he become a monk, let him become a monk
mennin - become a monk!
mennino - (he) having become a monk
menninwal - he has become a monk
mennino nebber - he had become a monk
mennany - a hermit
memennen - to forsake the world
VOCABULARY
hulettennya dereja - Secondary school, i.e. High School (lit. second level)
habtam - rich, wealthy
liyyu - different, special
hizb - people
Merkato - main market in Addis
mejemmereeya - beginning, first
serreze (B) - he canceled
sennefe (A) - he was lazy, grew idle
terrefe (A) - it was left over, remained
'andennya dereja - Elementary School (lit. first level)
kees - pocket
wil - agreemant, contract
ferra (A) - he feared, was afraid of
ferreme (B) - he signed (signature)
ferrese (A) - it was demolished, got destroyed.
'ammemew - he became sick (impersonal, redudicative verb)
'ATCHir - short
qeTTa - he punished
yetinnyaw - which one? (f. yetinnyawa)
EXERCISES
A. Convert these sentences to a ye- + new clause (either ye- or yemmi- as

appropriate) for the relative clause, after the example:
Example: 'Ante teeyatirun 'ayyeh. Answer: Teeyatirun yayyehew 'ante neh.
1. 'Issu simun serreze. 2. 'Issatchew hulgeezie simatchewin yiserrizallu. 3.

Birhanu silkun 'alqeTTelewim. 4. Yih dabo kequrs yiterfal. 5. Hitsanu 'ingida
'ayferam. 6. Temarotchu yehulettennya dereja timhirtatchewin yiqeTTilallu. 7.
Tilliqu biet tinantinna ferrese. 8. 'Innya 'andennya dereja timhirt biet
'innigeballen. 9. 'Innessu liyyu migib yifelligallu. 10. Laqetch ketinantinna
wodeeya Tiru lij wolledetch. 11. 'Innante Tiru gered qeTTeratchihue. 12. 'Inie
tinantinna hodien 'ammemenny. 13. Yeketemaw hizb 'addees dannya yimerTal.
14. 'Isswa wilun tiferrimalletch. 15. Habtamu neggaddie Merkato yinegdallu.
16. 'Issatchew mejemmereeya yiferrimallu. 17. Yih 'ansola 'alderreqem. 18.
'Irswo zarie sennefu. 19. 'Innante heesabun 'alkeffelatchihum. 20. 'Addeesu
mets'haf Teffa.
B. Convert these sentences to a ye- + new clause (either ye- or yemmi- as

appropriate) for the event clause, after the examples:
Example: Liju zarie mote. Answer: Liju yemotew zarie new.
Example: Temarotchu zarie fetenawin yalfallu. Answer: Temarotchu fetenawin
yemmeeyalfut zarie new.
1. Hulettennya dereja tinantinna gebbahue. 2. Negaddiewotchu wilun zarie

yiferrimallu. 3. 'Innya Àrbinna Rebuì 'innitsomallen. [Rebuì = Rob, another
name for Wednesday] 4. Bietotchu ketinantinna wodeeya ferresu. 5. 'Innante
tinantinna hospeetal 'alhiedatchihum. 6. Dannyaw qeTerwatchewin keseàt
behwala serrezut. 7. 'Almaz liyyu migib hulgeezie tibelalletch. 8. Sietotchu
Hamusinna Qidamie Merkato yihiedallu. 9. 'Issatchew besamint hulett qen siga
'aybelum. 10. 'Irswo hulgeezie Tejinna Tella yiTeTTallu. 11. Wode 'ageratchin
zarie mata 'inhiedallen. 12. Zarie Tiwat dannyaw liebawin ferredubbet. 13.
Tinantinna mata hitsanu 'iratun 'albellam. 14. Robinna Àrb qursien 'albelam.
15. 'Ashkeru Sennyonna Àrb libs 'ayaTbim. 16. LeT'imqet sietotchu hullu
'addees libs yilebsallu. 17. Besshitennyaw tinantinna lieleet hospeetal gebba.
18. Bankotch Qidamienna 'Ihud 'ayserum. 19. Hospeetalotchu hulgeezie
yiserallu. 20. Hitsanu lieleet yiribewal.
C. Review. Replace the forms of new with the correspondin past tense and
fahwud forms of nebbere and yihonal. Repalce forms of 'aydellem with
correspondin forms of 'alnebberem and 'ayhonim.
Example: Tilliq sew new. Answer: Tiliq sew nebber. Tilliq sew yihonal.
Example: Tilliq sew 'aydellem. Answer: Tilliq sew 'alnebberem. Tilliq sew
'ayhonim.
1. Tilliq temaree new. 2. 'ATCHir sew 'aydellem. 3. 'Inie 'astemaree

'aydellehum. 4. 'Isswa Tiru siet nat. 5. 'Innessu hakeemotch 'aydellum. 6.
'Innante neggaddiewotch 'aydellatchihum. 7. 'Innya serratennyotch nen. 8.
'Ante tilliq sew 'aydellehim. 9. 'Anchee Tiru siet nesh. 10. 'Issatchew Tiru
dannya 'aydellum. 11. 'Irswo zebennya newot. 12. Birhanu polees 'aydellem.
13. Yonas 'ingida new. 14. 'Innya Kristeeyan nen. 15. 'Innessu 'Islamotch
natchew.
D. Replace the English words with Amharic expressions and translate the whole
sentance.
Example: Because I'm tired wode temaree biet 'alhiedim. Answer:
Siledekkemenny wode temaree biet 'alhiedim.
1. Since he is coming 'iTebbiqewallehue. 2. That they are coming 'awqallehue.

3. Nege since it will be raining ketemaree biet 'inniqerallen. 4. Zarie that she is
coming neggerenny. 5. Wode biet since I'm going bemekeenah wisedenny. 6.
Sirawin until we finish demozatchinin 'aykeflenim. 7. Shayu until it boils kesuq
sikkwar gezitchie 'imeTallehue. 8. 'Innante bunna since you don't drink shay
lisTatchihue. 9. 'Isswa until she comes Tebbiqat. 10. Serratennyaw kebeero
since he always stays away 'Ato Birhanu qeTTaw. 11. Until he comes
'Itebbiqewallehue. 12. Sietiyyowa yekeerayun wil that she is going to sign
neggerunny. 13. That they are going to their country tinantinna semman. 14.
'Addees gered until he hires migibun hotiel yibelal. 15. That she would come
neggerunny.
E. Change the present tense of "have" with 'alle- into the past tense "had" with
nebbere-
Example: 'Inie mets'haf 'allenny. Answer: 'Inie mets'haf nebberenny.
1. Temareew debter 'allew. 2. Geredeetu genzeb yellatim. 3. 'Astemarotchu

sira 'allatchew. 4. 'Innante mekeena yelletchatchihum. 5. 'Innya bunna bietotch
yellunim. 6. Mengedu mebratotch 'allut. 7. 'Inie shemeezotch 'allunny. 8.
'Issatchew 'ihit 'aletchatchew. 9. Laqetch wondimmotch yellwatim. 10. 'Irswo
gered 'alletchiwot. 11. Hakeemu meest yelletchatchewim. 12. Serratennyotchu
bietotch 'allwatchew. 13. Sietiyyowa 'abbat yellatim. 14. 'Issu mekeena
yelletchiwim. 15. 'Anchee Tiru bal 'allesh.
F. Read and translate these Amharic sentances that show the ye- + new type
"event clause":
1. Habtamu sewiyyie yemeTTaw 'iqa leegeza yihonal.

2. Temaree biet yemmihiedew 'andennya dereja 'iskiCHerris new.
3. Hulettennya dereja megbat yemmeeferut bizu silemmayawqu new.
4. Merkato 'addees menged 'indemmeeseru yeneggerenny 'issu nebber.
5. Feres silemmeewodd mekeenawin yisheT yihonal.
6. 'Addeesotchun bietotch yeserranew lehizb new.
7. Kekeesie yewoddeqew debdabbie 'ihitie yetsafetchillinny new.
8. Tinant yewossedkut yeserrezatchihutin debdabbie new.
9. 'Astemareewin yefellegut tinant 'alnebberem?
10. Mets'hafun yewossedew temareew 'ayhonim.
1. I will enter high school in September. 2. The wealthy merchant sells cars. 3.
There weren't many people in the market today. 4. The patient eats special
food. 5. I am going to buy something at the Merkato. 6. Before we go to work,
we fill first tell the maid what she make for lunch. 7. He cancelled today's
appointmant. 8. Since he is lazy, the teacher punishes him. 9. There is some
chicken stew left over for supper. 10. I will finish elementary school in July. 11.
There were ten dollars in your pocket. 12. Who is it that signed the rent
agreemant? 13. The baby is very much afraid of his father. 14. Almaz and
Laqetch are going to sign the agreemant. 15. Because they are making a new
street in our village, all the old houses will be demolished. 16. Almaz likes her
friend very much. 17. Your (m.) Work is different from my Work.
H. Read and translate:
1. Hulettennya dereja yemmeegeba temaree hullu Tiru temaree new?

2. Yetinnyaw Bietatchihue new yeferresew? Yeferresew 'arogiew bietatchin
new.
3. 'Innessu min negrew'hal? 'Innessu wilun 'indeferremu negrewnnyal.
4. Hakeemu liyyu migib yemmeeyazzew leliyyu besshitennya new.
5. Lequrs min seTTetchatchihue? Kerat yeterrefewin doro woT lequrs
seTTetchin.
6. 'Arogiewotchu bietotch yemmeefersut mechie new? 'Arogiewotchu bietotch
yemmeefersut yezarie wor new.
7. Bezzeeh 'ager beTam bizu habtamotch 'allu.
8. 'Ahun sint hulettennya dereja temaree biet 'alle?
9. Borsah 'indiet Teffa? Borsayie kekeesie wodqo Teffa.
10. Dannyaw yezariewin qeTero serrezut? 'Aydellem, 'alserrezutim.
11. Yennante temaree biet hulettennya dereja new?
12. Silkun yemmeeqeTTilew mechie new? Kenege wodeeya new.
13. 'Almaz yewolledetchiw zarie new? 'Aydellem; 'Almaz yewolledetchiw
tinantinna new.
14. Ye'andennya dereja timhirtwan CHerresetch? 'AlCHerresetchim.
15. Sewiyyiew meestun yiferatal?
16. Wode temaree biet bemin yihiedal? Wode temaree biet beferes yihiedal.
17. Merkato 'Addees menged 'indemmeeseru man neggereh? Yeneggerenny
'issu new.
18. Mekeenawin yemmeesheTew lemin yihon? Feres silemmeewodd
mekeenawin yisheT yihonal.
19. 'Abbatih min 'indittisera 'azzezuh? 'Abbatie wode Merkato heejjie 'iqa
'indigeza 'azzezunny.
20. Habtamu sewiyyie yemeTTaw lemin yihon? Habtamu sewiyyie yemeTTaw
'iqa leegeza yihonal.
21. Wode Merkato sittihied bekeesih sinti birr nebbereh? Wode Merkato siheed
bekeesie haya birr nebberenny.
22. 'Almaz 'abbatwan beTam tiwoddalletch.
'Almaz - 'Indiet walk Yohannis?

Yohannis - 'Indiet walsh. Gietotch min yilallu?
'Almaz - T'aTa gebban.
Yohannis - Min 'addees neger 'alle?
'Almaz - Minimm.
Yohannis - Tadya min yisshalal? 'Inie 'assabien 'allewwoTkum. 'Ancheess min
yimeslishal?
'Almaz - Yennya gabitcha yemmayqer new. Neger gin zedie mefelleg 'allebbin.
Yohannis - 'Iwnetishin new. Shimagillie binnifellig yisshalal?
'Almaz - T'iru 'assab new. 'Abbaba Kebbeden 'inniTeyyiqatchew.
Yohannis - Kanchee 'indesemmahut 'Ato Kebbede Tiru sew yimeslallu.
'Almaz - 'Abbatie 'Ato Kebbeden mesmat bayfelligu min 'inhonallen?
Yohannis - Qelal new.
'Almaz - 'Indiet?
Yohannis - Yale 'abbatish feqad 'inniggabballen.
'Almaz - T'iqur wissha wilej bilew beeregmunnyiss?
Yohannis - 'Innayallen.
Vocabulary - T'aTa gebban - we are in trouble, we got in a problem. zedie -

method. 'iwnetishin new - You're (f) right. shimagillie - elder. yale - without.
'inniggabballen - we will be married. bilew - he (r) saying. reggeme - he cursed.
Lesson 33
The verb 'ale (he said) also displays some irregularities in the canjugations. [Not
to be canfused with 'alle (he was present / there), that is also irregular.]
The irregularities in 'ale can be traced to a historical (Gi'iz or Ethiopic language)

form, bihile. The b is no longer there in most tenses, but it reappears in the
jussive-imperative, gerundive, and participle forms. Let's look at the full
canjugation.
Past tense: 'ale, 'aletch, 'alk, 'alsh, 'alkue, 'alu, 'alatchihue, 'aln.
Simple form: yil, til, til, tiy, 'il, yilu, tilu, 'innil
Present-fahwud tense: yilal, tilalletch, tilalleh, tiyallesh, 'ilallehue, yilallu,

tilallatchihue, 'innilallen
Jussive:
yibel - let him say
tibel - let her say
libel - let me say
yibelu - let them say
'innibel - let us say
Imperative: bel (m) bey (f) belu (pl) - "say!"
Gerundive:
bilo - he having said
bila - she havin said
bileh - you m havin said
bilesh - you f havin said
biyyie - I havin said
bilew - they havin said
bilatchihue - unu havin said
bilen - we havin said
Compound gerundive:
bilwal - he has said
bilalletch - she has sais
bilehal - you m. have said
bileshal - you f. have said
biyyallehue - I have said
bilewal - they have said
bilatchihue - unu have said
bilenal - we have said
Past perfect: bilo nebber, bila nebber, bileh nebber, etc. "he, she, you etc. had
said"
Participle - bay "speaker, sayer"
Infinitive - malet "to say, saying, meaning"
USAGES OF 'ALE
Amharic uses "direct speech" more often than English, where indirect speech
would more often be used. For example, in English "They said they had started
their work today" uses no direct speech, but in Amharic this becomes:
Siratchinin zarie jemmern 'alu. Ideally one should change all the pronouns in the
sentence to agree with the point of view of the speaker. So it literally means
"They said <<we started our work today>>". ( It is, of course, still possible to
represent this with indirect speech, as in: Siratchewin zarie 'inde jemmeru 'alu.
but this is less common and "direct speech" is often preferred whenever possible.
) Another example: Nege 'almeTam 'ale. Translation: He said that he won't
come tomorrow. (literal: he said "I won't come tomorrow".)
The gerundive form of 'ale, that is bilo, etc., is often followed by various verbs like
commands, information, answers, questions, etc. When this happens, Amharic
uses direct speech where English might probably uses indirect. Examples:
Bietun dehna Tebbiqee bila 'azzezetchat. She ordered her to watch the house
well. (Lit: She ordered her saying "Watch the house well!")
Wondimmih yet new biyyie biTeyyiqew 'alawqim bilo mellesellinny.

"When I asked him where his brother was, he told me he did not know."
( Lit: If I ask him saying <<Where is your brother>> - he answered for me saying
<<I don't know.>> )
The imperative forms (bel, bey, belu) can also be used to express the idea
"Come on! Well then! So then!" in canversation. Examples:
Bel 'inniheed. "Come on, let's go!"
Belu mets'hafun mellisu. "Well then, give back the book. (pl)"
Bey woT siree. "Well then, prepare the stew."
The infinitive form (malet) can also be used to express the idea "meaning , to
mean" when asking what does something mean. Example: "What does this
mean?" Yihi min malet new? Example with possessive suffix: "What do you
mean?" Min maletih new?
Note idiomatic expressions where malet is repeated, like:
BeyeTiqeetu malet min malet new? BeyeTiqeetu malet tinnish betinnish malet
new. "What does 'beyetiqeetu' (gradually) mean? Beyetiqeetu (gradually)
means little by little." (literally: 'Gradually' meaning is meaning 'little by little'.)
Bamarinnya T'erePPieza malet be'Ingleezinnya min malet new? "What does
the Amharic word 'tereppieza' mean in English?"
The jussive expression Man libel? is a polite expression used for asking
someone's name over the phone or in person. It literally means "Whom should I
say?"
The following combination expresses imminence, that is, "when it / he was

about to" do something:
li+simple form of any verb + seel. (Seel is the si- + the simple form of 'ale).
Example: Baburu leehied seel derreskue. "I arrived when the train was about to
go."
COMPOSITE VERBS WITH 'ALE (TO SAY)
There are several two-word verbs in Amharic where the first word is a fixed
form, followed by the conjugated form of 'ale 'to say'. Examples:
Zimm 'ale - he was silent, quiet; quTCH 'ale - he sat down; biqq 'ale - he
popped in, appeared suddenly
bidigg 'ale - he stood up (quickly); qess 'ale - he was slow, careful.
Some examples come from other verbs - widdiqq 'ale, he fell hard, derived from
woddeqe, he fell; sibbirr 'ale, it was broken in half, from sebbere, he broke. raqq
'ale, it was at a certain distance, from raqe, he was far.
Note that the final cansonant of the fixed form word is stressed: zimm, bidigg,
widdiqq, etc. The part that is canjugated is the verb 'ale (malet): quTCH 'aletch
- she sat down; quTCH yilal - he sits, will sit; quTCHi bel - Sit down, be seated!
This type of composite verb with 'ale in the gerundive (bilo, bila etc.) functions
like an adverb: Mets'hafun tolo bileh mellis - Return the book quickly. QuTCH
bilo yibelal. He eats sitting.
Another verb in this class, dess 'ale(w) "he was/ is joyful, happy, pleased, Irie" is
impersonal (subject-as-object reversed). Hence, dess 'alenny, I am Irie (also,
dess yilennyal with 'ale in present tense, and dess bilonnyal in comp ger. Both of
these mean 'I am Irie"...)
Two more verbs: 'Isshee 'ale - he agreed (lit. he said okay) and 'imbee 'ale - he
refused (lit. he said no way)
VERBS OF TYPE C
There is a small number of verbs that the book calls 'type C', that have the
pattern GaLLeBe (first vowel is with the long a sound of the fourth order; secand
radical is stressed.) Examples: gallebe - he galloped; marreke - he captured;
gaggere - he baked (eg bread); barreke - he blessed. Also various biradicals:
qaTTa - he threatened to punish, laTCHe - he shaved. Sometimes the meaning
is specialized form of a type A verb, eg. leqqeqe (A), he let go, released,
alongside laqqeqe (C), he released a debtor after surety was given. The base
canjugation retains this fourth order 'long a' sound in all tenses:
gallebe - he galloped
yigallib - (that) he gallop (simple form)
yigallibal - he gallops / will gallop
yigalb - let him gallop
galb - gallop!
galbo - he having galloped
galbwal - he has galloped
galbo nebber - he had galloped
megaleb - to gallop
galabee - galloping, galloper
IRREGULAR VERB, TEWO 'HE QUIT'
There are a very few 'leftover' irregular verbs that do not fit into any other
classes we have studied. This includes the verbs tewo 'he stopped, ceased, quit'
and sha 'he wanted, looked for' ... [Note that in tewo, both letters are in the 1st
order, but w in the first order sounds more like wo than *we, so that's how I
transcribe it...]
Here's the irregular canjugation of tewo:
tewo - he quit
yitew - (that) he quit (simple form)
yitewal - he quits, will quit
yitew - let him quit, may he quit
tew - quit! (m)
tey - quit! (f)
tito - he having quit (gerundive)
titwal - he has quit
tito nebber - he had quit
teyee - quitter, quitting (participle)
metew - to quit
The imperative form tew (stop! quit!) is also used in canversation as an idiom to
mean 'really?' [The tone of voice is something like when some English speakers
say "Get outa here!" "Say it isn't so!"]
The textbook even mentions here the colloquialism tew babbatih as a way of
saying 'please', for instance Tew babbatih, mellisillinny "Please (for your father's
sake) give it back to me". [However, I myself would prefer to put expressions like
this one in the category of a mild oath, mainly because of the prefix be- = "by"
(including in oaths) and I would also question whether such phrases really ought
to be cansidered "Language of the King"...]
The irregular verb sha (meshat) 'he wanted, desired' is incomplete in its
canjugation, and will not be looked at in detail at this time.
INSTRUMANTAL
There is one more type of 'verbal noun', a form of the verb that functions as a
noun, that we will call the 'instrumantal' form. It usually expresses the
instrumant, or means, by which the action is performed; with some verbs it can
indicate time or place of the action. It is similar to the infinitive, starting in the
prefix me-, but with the additional suffix -ya (or -eeya) at the end (and this -ya / -
eeya does follow the rules of palatalisation, when in cantact with the appropriate
cansonants...)
Examples:
T'errege - he swept
meTreg - to sweep (infinitive)
meTregeeya, meTregya - broom (instrumantal)
leqqeme - he picked (fruit, etc.)

melqem - to pick
melqemeeya, melqemya - instrumant for picking
jemmere - he began
mejemmer - to begin
mejemmereeya, mejemmerya - beginning
The biradical classes SeMMa and QeRRe, i.e. the ones that add in the "T" with
gerundives (semto, qerto) and the infinitive (mesmat, meqret) do not include this
"T" with the instrumantal form. Hence:
semma (A) - he heard

mesmat - to hear
mesmeeya - means of hearing, instrumant for hearing
lekka (B) - he measured

melekkat - to measure
melekkeeya - instrumant for measuring
qerre (A) - he remained

meqret - to remain
meqreeya - time or place or means of remaining
leyye - he separated
meleyyet - to separate
meleyya - means (or time or place) of separation
Examples of the -ya / -eeya in cantact with the palatalised cansonants:
keffete - he opened
mekfet - to open
mekfecha - key [from *mekfet-ya or *mekfet-eeya]
keddene - he covered
mekden - to cover
mekdennya - lid, cover [note -nny- is stressed]
neqqele - he uprooted
menqel - to uproot
menqeya - instrumant for uprooting
Again, the normal meaning of a verb's instrumantal form is to designate an

instrumant or means of performing that verb. Examples designating a (specific)
instrumant: mekfecha - key (from keffete, he opened); maresha - plow (from
'arrese, he plowed); meTbesha - frying pan (from T'ebbese, he fried);
meTregeeya - broom (from T'errege, he swept)
Examples designating (non-specific) means: mesheffennya - a cover, anything
used to cover, including shawl, blanket, etc. (from sheffene, he covered);
melqemeeya - anything used to pick with; mesbereeya - any object used for
breaking with (from sebbere, he broke)
The meaning of this form with some other verbs is to denote time or place of
performing that action. Examples:
mewCHa - exit (from woTTa, he went out, departed) i.e. place of leaving
megbeeya - entrance, introduction, time or means of entering (from gebba, he
entered)
mattemeeya - printing shop, place of printing (from 'atteme, to print)
medresha - time or place of arrival, destination (from derrese, he arrived.)
mehieja - time of going, place where one goes (from hiede, he went)
Note these words: mejemmereeya - the beginning (from jemmere);

meCHerresha - the end (from CH'errese).
To review, here is an example for the instrumantal of all the major verb classes:
sebbere (A) - mesbereeya

jemmere (B) - mejemmereeya
semma (A) - mesmeeya
lekka (B) - melekkeeya
qerre (A) - meqreeya
leyye (B) - meleyya
tsafe - metsafeeya
qome - meqomeeya
hiede - mehieja
In the above instrumantals that end in -eeya, this ending can also be simply -ya,
as in mesberya, mejemmerya, etc.
hager - country
liyyu liyyu - various, different kinds of
mesqeya - coat hanger
seqqele (A) - he hanged, suspended something
sendeq àlama - flag
senef - lazy
shemma - Ethiopian type of cloak
quTCH 'ale - he sat down
bidigg 'ale - he stood up
'ale - he said
'imbee 'ale - he refused
'isshee 'ale - he agreed
'anbessa - lion
zimm 'ale - he kept quiet, did nothing
dess 'ale(w) - he was irie, happy (impersonal)
gallebe - he galloped (on a horse)
gaggere - he baked
T'ief - type of Ethiopian grain used to make 'injera
feres - horse
zewotir - continually (itinually)
qelem - color
EXERCISES:
A. Give past tense of these 3 verbs agreeing with the pronouns:

zimm 'ale, quTCH 'ale, 'isshee 'ale.
1) 'inie 2) 'ante 3) 'anchee 4) 'issu 5) 'isswa 6) 'innya 7) 'innante 8) 'innessu 9)
'irswo 10) 'issatchew
B. Make the verb agree with the pronoun in a) present-fahwud, b) jussive or

imperative, and c) compound gerundive tenses.
Example: 'inie (zimm 'ale) Answer: a) zimm 'ilallehue b) zimm libel c) zimm
biyyallehue
1. 'ante (quTCH 'ale)
2. 'anchee ('ale)
3. 'issu (zimm 'ale)
4. 'isswa (quTCH 'ale)
5. 'innya ('ale)
6. 'innante (zimm 'ale)
7. 'innessu (zimm 'ale)
8. 'irswo ('ale)
9. 'issatchew (zimm 'ale)
C. Give the instrumantal form of these verbs:

Example: lebbese. Answer: melbesha Example 2: sale Answer: mesayya
1. keffete 2. hiede 3. derrese 4. tsafe 5. mellese 6. woTTa 7. wossede 8. gebba
9. zeffene (he sang) 10. qome 11. keffele 12. nore 13. T'errebe (he hewed,
carved) 14. same 15. T'eqqeme
D. Translate the following sentances usin direct speech.

Example: She said that she would come to school today. Answer: Temaree biet
zarie 'imeTallehue 'aletch.
1. They said that they would come to school today. 2. I said that I would not go
to my office tomorrow. 3. She said that she would buy new clothes for New
Year. 4. You (pl) said that you would see the new play. 5. He said that he
would look for a new house. 6. You (r) said that you would pay me the money.
7. We said that we would wash the car on Friday. 8. You (f) said that you would
write us letters. 9. He (r) said that he would hire a new maid servant. 10. You
(m) said that you would not give her the book?
E. Substitute Amharic words for the English expressions and translate the whole
sentance.
Example: 'Astemareew seegeba temareew stands up. Answer: 'Astemareew
seegeba temareew bidigg yilal.
1. 'Astemareew seeTeyyiqew temareew keeps quiet. 2. Hitsanu 'innatun

seeyay he was happy. 3. Yebietun keeray lemekfel sewotchu agreed. 4.
'Astemareewotchatchew seemeTu temarotchu stood up. 5. 'Ashkeru yazzezutin
yiseral; he does not refuse. 6; Sietiyyowa dekkematinna she sat down. 7.
'Anchee beTam are happy. 8. 'Ante yemmeenegruhin neger simanna keep
quiet. 9. Yemmitnegrunnyin neger semitchallehue; I agree. 10. 'Innante zewotir
refuse. 11. 'Innessu fetena sileCHerresu they are happy. 12. 'Irswo
siledekkemewot sit down. 13. Hitsanu 'abbatun seeyay he kept quiet. 14.
'Issatchew sirawin lemesrat agreed. 15. 'Isswa lemin refused?

1. You buy different kinds of things in the Mercato. 2. When the worker comes
to the office, he hangs his coat on a hanger. 3. Why are you buying a coat
hanger in this shop? 4. Different countries have different kinds of flags. 5. The
lazy student sits in class without working. 6. The color of the Ethiopian shemma
is white. 7. When she is tired, she sits down. 8. When the teacher asks us
questions, we stand up. 9. He said that there was no lesson today. 10. When I
asked her to give me the money, she refused. 11. If we ask the teacher's
permission, he will cansent. 12. When the thief was stealing, the guard was
afraid and kept quiet. 13. Because the judge acquitted Berhanu today, his
friends are happy. 14. The childran like to gallop on the horse. 15. The maid is
baking tieff bread today. 16. Laqetch bought one hundred kilos of tieff. 17. The
horse likes to gallop.
G. Read and translate:
1. Yekot mesqeya mechie gezzah? Yekot mesqeya yegezzahut zarie new.

2. Kesuq min tigezallatchihue? Kesuq liyyu liyyu 'iqa 'innigezallen.
3. Yennante sendeq àlama qelemu min 'aynet new? Yennya sendeq àlama
qelemu 'arengwadie; biCHa; qeyy new.
4. Senef sew mindinew? Senef sew sira yemmaysera new.
5. Shemmawin hullu yemmeeyaTbew man new? Shemmawin hullu
yemmeeyaTbew 'ashkeru new.
6. Hitsanu min yiseral? Hitsanu quTCH bilo yisemal.
7. 'Issatchew 'indiet woddequ? 'Issatchew kewomberu layy bidigg seelu
woddequ.
8. Simwon man libel? Simie 'Aseffa new.
9. Wode hageratchin mechie 'inhiedallen 'alu? Wode hageratchin beNehasie
'inhiedallen 'alu.
10. Sewiyyiew yebietun keeray keffele? 'Aydellem; sewiyyie yebietun keeray
saykefl 'imbee bilo hiede.
11. 'Ashkeru T'iru yiseral? 'Awon, yazzezutin hullu 'ashkeru 'isshee bilo yiseral.
12. Yonas lemindinew dess yalew? Yonas dess yalew meestu
silewolledetchillet new.
13. 'Astemareew kifil seegeba temarotchu min yiserallu? 'Astemareew kifil
seegeba temarotchu zimm yilallu.
14. Feres yemmeegallibew lij wondimmih new? 'Awon, feres yemmeegallibew lij
wondimmie new.
15. Geredeetu min àynet 'injera tigaggiralletch? Geredeetu yeneTCHi T'ief
'injera tigaggiralletch.
16. Kotih yet 'alle? Kotie 'izzeeh new; seqiyyiewallehue.
17. Sewiyyiew min geddele? Sewiyyiew 'anbesa geddele.
18. BirCHiqqowin lisTih? Tewow; birCHiqqowin 'inie 'iwosdewallehue.
19. Hitsanu yet new? Hitsanu yennatu 'ihit biet new.
20. Mets'hafotchu yet natchew? Mets'hafotchu 'ibeero natchew.
Amharic Readins - Yeketema Nuro
Yeketema nuro beTam widdi new. Bizu sewotch gin yeketeman nuro beTam
yiwoddutal. Yeketema nuro bizu neger yiTeyyiqal. WoCHeew beTam bizu new.
Yeketema sew bizu woCHee 'allebbet. Yeketema sew lemigib; lebiet keeray;
legered; lezebennya; lemekeena lelielamm bizu neger bizu genzeb yiCHerrisal.
Lemisalie 'Ato Dan'iel yeketema sew new. 'Indiet yinoral? Bewor woCHeew sinti
new?
'Ato Dan'iel yebeero serratennya new. 'Andi tilliq ketema wisT yinoral.
Meestinna sost lijotch 'allut. Meestu 'at'seram. Dan'iel bewor lemigib bizu
yawoTal. Legered haya birr; le'ashker 'asra 'ammisti birr yikeflal. Lemebratinna
leWiha bewor selasa birr yikeflal. Lelijotchu timhirt bewor zeTena birr; lebiet
keeray seman'ya 'ammisti birr yikeflal. Gwaddennyotchun bizu geezie
yigabbizal. Gibzhaw hullu tilliq new. Lelijotchu debter; 'irsas; mets'haf; libs;
CHamma yigezallatchewal. 'Ihudinna Qidamie seeneema woynimm teeyatir
yiwosdatchewal. Lemeestu liyyu liyyu neger yigezallatal.
'Ato Dan'iel yewor woCHee kedemozu belay new. WoCHeew bizu new.
'Innatinna 'abbatun yiredatchewal. 'Innessunimm seereda betinnishu 'aydellem.
'Iketema bizu liyyu liyyu neger 'alle. Gin bizuw neger widdi new. 'Alga widdi
new. Firash widdi new. Birdi libs widdi new. Yebiet 'iqa widdi new. Libs widdi
new; migib widdi new; meTeTT widdi new. Rikash neger bizu yellem. Silezzeeh
genzebu yimeTal; yihiedal; yigebal; yiwoTal.
'Ato Birhanu 'andi liela yeketema sew new. 'Issumm yeketeman nuro beTam
yiwoddewal. Yebeero serratennya new. 'Ato Birhanu meest yellewim. 'Ihotiel
yinoral. Demozu lewor 'aybeqawim. Lemigibu kezeTena birr belay bewor
yikeflal. Lehotielu keeray; le'andi mennyita biet; metaTebeeya bietinna 'andi
tinnish salon seman'ya 'ammisti birr yikeflal.
'Andi qen 'Ato Birhanun 'imenged 'ayyehutinna Tebbeqhut. 'Ibunna biet
gebban. Bunna gabbezenny. Bunna sinniTeTTa sileketema nuro leenegrenny
jemmere. 'Iniemm 'iketema 'indinor Teyyeqenny. 'Iniemm neggerkut.
<<Lingerih Birhanu. Yeketema nuro 'ayTeqmennyim; dess 'aylennyim.
Demozie leketema nuro 'aybeqannyim. 'Ashkerinna gered behayanna beselasa
birr liqeTr 'alchilim. Yebiet keeray zeTena birr likefl 'alchilim. Begenzebie bizu
Tiru neger lisera 'ifelligallehue. Hulgeezie meTeTT; hulgeezie 'addees libs
gezitchie linor 'alchilim. Lenie ketema nuro beTam widdi new. Widdi nuro
'alwoddim. Yeketeman nuro 'alwoddewim. Widd... widd... widd... 'Inie lewiddi
nuro birr yellennyim.>>
Vocabulary: nuro - living, life; woCHee - expenses; lemisalie - for example;

'awoTTa - he spent; gabbeze - he invited for a meal; gibzha - banquet; ke...(x)
belay - above x; betinnishu - a little bit; metaTebeeya biet - washroom, bathroom

(Ye'Almaz 'aggwot 'Ato Kebbedenna 'abbatwa Dejazmatch Gietatchew.)
De. Gietatchew - Kebbede; 'ante talaq wondimmie neh. Yenien chiggir àwqeh
silemeTTah dess bilonnyal.
Kebbede - 'Almaz lijie netch; chiggirwa chiggirie new. Lantemm 'andi bitcha
netch. Ke'andwa lijih ke'Almaz gar 'indittiTala 'alfelligim.
De. Gietatchew - 'Iwnetihin new. Bitcha ya lij beTam balegie new.
Kebbede - BequTa bizu tenagrwal. Siletenaggerew neger hullu yiqirta
yiTeyyiqal.
De. Gietatchew - Lemehonu 'ante min yimeslihal?
Kebbede - Yohannis àwaqee lij new. BeFerenj 'ager bizu temrwal. 'Ahunimm
Mengist Deeriekter leeshomew new yilallu.
De. Gietatchew - 'Iwnet Yohannis Deeriekter leehon new? Tadeeya lemin diha
nenny yilal? Tilliq sew new.
Kebbede - 'Awo. Wondimmumm beFerenj 'ager shum new.
De. Gietatchew - 'Indiet?
Kebbede - YeNiguse Negestu wanna melaktennya new.
De. Gietatchew - 'Awo! 'Inie 'ikko 'Almaz monny 'aydelletchim biyyallehue.
Kebbede - Tadya Yohannisin bittageba Tiru 'aymeslihim?
De. Gietatchew - 'Imm...
Kebede - Gidd yellehim! Woyzero Fiqirtemm dess yilatal.
Vocabulary - chiggir - trouble, problem; bitcha - only, alone; teTalla - he

quarreled, fought. 'iwnetihin new - you m. are right; bequta - in anger; tenaggere
- he spoke; lemehonu - by the way; àwaqee - knowing; intelligent; adult;
temrwal - he has learned. Mengist - Governmant, Kingdom; shome - he
appointed (to office); shum - official; Niguse Negest - King of Kings, Emperor;
Wanna Melaktennya - chief envoy; 'ikko - sure, indeed, of course; bittageba - if
she marries; gidd - obligation, need, necessity; gidd yellehim - don't worry!
Lesson 34
As I typed these exercises, I found a few more vocab items I wanted to clarify...
terrefe - it / he was left over, also can mean 'he survived'

'aferrese, demolished, also used in sense of 'to break' an appointmant or a law
(rather than sebbere)
rase, it was soaked
Teyyeqe, he questioned, also means 'he visited' esp. sick person
EXERCISES / MELMEJAWOTCH
A. Change the basic stem verb to an a-stem verb, and make it agree with the
pronoun in a) past tense b) present/fahwud tense c) jussive or imperative and d)
compond gerundive tense
Example: 'inie (qerrebe). Answer: a) 'aqerrebkue b) 'aqerballehue c) laqrib d)
'aqribbieyallehue.
Type A)
1. 'inie (worrede) 2. 'ante (lebbese) 3. 'anchee (qemmese) 4. 'issu (wolleqe) 5.
'isswa (lemmede) 6. 'innya (derrese) 7. 'innante (qerrebe) 8. 'innessu (derreqe) 9.
'irswo (bessele) 10. 'issatchew (qerrebe)
Type B)
1. 'inie (woffere) 2. 'ante (CHelleme) 3. 'anchee (woffere) 4. 'issu (CHelleme) 5.
'isswa (woffere) 6. 'innya (CHelleme) 7. 'innante (woffere) 8. 'innessu (CHelleme)
9. 'irswo (woffere) 10. 'issatchew (CHelleme)
B. Change the basic stem verb to an a-stem verb, and make it agree with the
pronoun in a) past tense b) present/fahwud tense
Example 1) Misa derrese ('isswa). Answer: a) Misa 'aderresetch. b) Misa

tadersalletch.
Example 2) Wotetu berrede ('isswa). Answer: a) Wotetun 'aberredetch. b)
Wotetun taberdalletch.
1. Migib qerrebe ('issu) 2. Libs lebbese ('ante) 3. Wotetu berrede ('anchee) 4.

'Iqaw kemekeena worrede ('inie) 5. Temarotchu 'agerun lemmedu ('innante) 6.
Libsu derreqe ('irswo) 7. Berru wolleqe ('innya) 8. Kiflu CHelleme ('ante). 9.
Gudayu ledannyaw qerrebe ('isswa). 10. Bietu ferrese ('issatchew). 11.
Poleesotchu sekkeru ('innya) 12. MeTeTT qerrebe ('innante) 13. Besshitennyaw
terrefe ('inie) 14. Libsu wolleqe ('issu) 15. Sigaw bessele ('isswa) 16. 'Irat derrese
('innessu) 17. Bizu genzeb terrefe ('innante) 18. Qemeeswa beTam rezzeme
('issatchew) 19. QeTerow ferrese ('innante) 20. 'Isatu neddede ('inie)
C. Change the verb from an a-stem to a basic stem, keeping the same tense,
etc.
Example: 'aderrese Answer: derrese.
1. Taqerballetch. 2. 'Adersallehue 3. 'Alebbesetch. 4. 'Awridewal. 5. YaneTral.

6. Yawliq. 7. 'Asekkere. 8. 'Adrish. 9. 'Innalemdallen. 10. 'Albis. 11.
'Innaqmis. 12. 'Asennefe. 13. 'Aqerrebkue. 14. Yabeqlal. 15. 'Awridwal. 16.
'Aqribenal. 17. 'Albisshallehue. 18. Yazenbal. 19. Yadkim. 20. Tabrid. 21.
'Aderresk. 22. 'Aqerrebatchihue. 23. 'Innadkim. 24. 'Aqmishee.
1. I will prepare a nice lunch for you (f). 2. This year you (m) didn't make much
profit. What is the reason? 3. The pupil presented the teacher with the gift he
had bought. 4. We went on a picnic, cooked our lunch, and ate it. 5. The
teacher forgot the office key and the servant brought it to him. 6. Make (f) the
chicken stew with butter. 7. The train arrived on time and we returned. 8. While
the fire is burning, i will dry my shirt and then put it on. 9. Last year they pulled
down their old houses and built new ones. 10. I will present the case to the
judge. 11. The merchants made a lot of profit this year. 12. She did not read
the new book. 13. She lit the fire, and is about to make stew. 14. Sometimes
the merchants make a lot of profit; and sometimes they don't. 15. He took off his
clothes and went to sleep. 16. Unload (m) the things from the car. 17. I will
bring them to the airport in my car. 18. What are you doing here? It's time to go
to the office. 19. Why did you (f) break yesterday's appointment? 20. He is the
one who unloaded the heavy things from the car and brought them to the house.
21. The man fell down while running and his tooth fell out. 22. Laqetch's child is
a boy. 23. This year she made a lot of money and opened a new coffee house.
24. The maid ate stew for lunch and when she served it no one arrived to eat it.
25. Deliver (m) the letter to Mr. Birhanu in forty-five minutes. 26. I'm going to
buy a tire for my car.
1. 'Irat 'adrisalletch? 'Awo; 'innibla.

2. Hitsanun kot lemin 'alebbesetchiw? Shirrishirr sinnihied hitsanu 'indayberdew
kot 'alebbesetchiw.
3. Qulfun lastemareew 'aderresk? 'Awo; temaree biet hiejjie qulfun lastemareew
'aderreskue.
4. 'Addees yawroplan marefeeya serru? 'Awo; 'arogiewin yawroplan marefeeya
'afrisew 'addees serru.
5. 'Amnanna zendiro bizu 'aterrefk?
6. 'Addeesun mets'haf mechie tiCHerrisalleh? 'Addesun mets'haf behaya
deqeeqa 'anbibbie 'iCHerrisallehue.
7. 'Iqaw kebbad new? 'Awo; kemekeena 'awrideh 'ibiet wisedillinny.
8. 'Ingidotchun 'ager talemdatchewalleh?
9. Lehitsanu wotet seTTetchiw? 'Awo; lehitsanu wotet 'abrida seTTetchiw.
10. Yemekeenawin gomma man wossedew? Yemekeenawin gomma lieba
'awliqo wossedew.
11. Sigawin bemin liTbesew? Sigawin bezeyt 'absilesh Tibesheew.
12. Bababur sittihied mets'haf manbeb tiwoddalleh?
13. Zarie kerat behwala min tadergallatchihue? Zarie kerat behwala seeneema
'innayallen.
14. Min tadergallatchihue? Libsatchin bezinab riso 'isat 'andiden libsatchinin
'innaderqallen.
15. Qeterowin yaferresew manew? Qeterowin yaferresew 'Aseffa new.
16. Qidamienna 'Ihud min tiseralleh? Qidamienna 'Ihud bizu sira 'iserallehue;
'andandie seeneema 'ayallehue; 'andandie besshitennya 'iTeyyiqallehue.
17. Lemeestih siTota gezzahillat? 'Awo; lemeestie 'andi melkam siTota
gezzahullat.
18. Yedorowin woT bemin serrashiw? Yedorowin woT bezeyt serrahut.
19. Kesira lemin woTTa? 'Inie 'alawqim; mikniyat 'alseTTennyim.
20; 'Ikiflatchihue sinti sietotchinna wondotch 'allu? 'Ikiflatchin 'assir sietotchinna
'asra 'ammist wondotch 'allu.
21. Jibu 'ahiyyawan mechie bellat? Jibu 'ahiyyawan tinant mata bellat.
22. Misa derswal? 'Awo; misa derso geredeetu 'aqriballetch.
'Almazinna Yohannis (canclusion)
Yohannis - Yennya neger kemin derrese?

'Almaz - Dess yibelih! 'indefellegnew hone!
Yohannis - Min worie semmash?
'Almaz - Worie 'aydellem. 'Abbaba 'anten 'indageba 'azzewnnyal. :o)
Yohannis - :o) 'Iniem 'itazezallehue. Lemehonu 'indiet 'isshee 'alu?
'Almaz - 'Abbaba Kebbede 'annegaggerwatchew.
Yohannis - 'Ato Kebbede tilliq sew natchew.
'Almaz - 'Abbaba gabitchaw beGeeyorgees Biete Kristeeyan 'indeehon
yifelligallu.
Yohannis - T'iru! 'Innatishiss min 'alu?
'Almaz - 'Immama menoreeya biet littiseTen tifelligalletch.
Yohannis - Yetinnyawin biet?
'Almaz - 'Andi qonjo biet kePeeyasa betatch 'alle. Ye'innatie biet new.
Yohannis - Tilliq ìdil new. Yezarien qen mechem 'alresawim.
Vocabulary - 'indageba - that I marry; tazzeze - to be commanded, ordered; to

obey; 'annegaggere - he conversed with; ìdil - fortune; mechem - never
Lesson 35 Review
REVIEW EXERCISES
A. Give the relative clause for the verb in parentheses in a) past and b) present-
fahwud, agreeing with the pronoun.
Example: 'Inie (sebbere) Answer: a) yesebberkue b) yemmisebr
1. 'Inie (qeTTere) 2. 'Ante (wossede) 3. 'Anchee (woddeqe) 4. 'Issu (bella) 5.

'Isswa (TeTTa) 6. 'Innya (tsafe) 7. 'Innante (T'eyyeqe) 8. 'Innessu (jemmere) 9.
'Irswo (T'errege) 10. 'Issatchew (tekkele)
B. Change the main clause to a relative clause and combine with the secand
part.
Example 1) Temareew meTTa (manew?) Answer: YemeTTaw temaree manew?
Example 2) Temareew yimeTal (manew?) Answer: YemmeemeTaw temaree
manew?
Example 3) Libsu derreqe (libesew) Answer: Yederreqewin libs libesew.
1. 'Astemareew hiede (T'iru new). 2. Misa tolo yidersal (siree) 3. Bunnaw
'alberredem ('attiTeTCHee) 4. Bunnaw yifelal (TeTTitchie 'ihiedallehue). 5.
Hakeemu hospeetal 'ayhiedim (min yiseral?) 6. Besshitennyaw 'aldanem
(hospeetal new). 7. Libsu derreqe (yet new?) 8. Dabow terrefe (lenie siCHee). 9.
Siraw 'ayalqim (lemin jemmeratchihue?) 10. Sewiyyiew 'aytsomim (Kristeeyan
'aydellem). 11. Sietiyyowa feres 'atgallibim ('akistie nat) 12. Hitsanu tennya
(yesswa new). 13. Bietu yifersal (yAssefa new). 14. BirCHiqqow woddeqe
(TerePPiezaw lay nebber). 15. Firiew 'aybeslim (woddeqe). 16. Sietiyyowa
'attisekrim (bizu meTeTTat tichilalletch). 17. Mekeenawa qometch (yennya nat).
18. Mebratu yiTefal ('arogie new). 19. 'Irat derrese ('alle) 20. Lijeetwa
tiroTalletch (man nat?)
C. Change the relative clause into a main clause sentance.

Example 1) yeroTe lij Answer: Liju rote.
Example 2) yewoddeqew lij Answer: Liju woddeqe.
Example 3) 'Issu yemmeebelaw dabo Answer: 'Issu dabo yibelal.
1. Yebesselut firiewotch. 2. Yeberredew shay. 3. Yemmeefersut bietotch. 4.

WoT yemmit'seraw sietiyyo. 5. Yemmaysenfu temarotch. 6. Yederreqew libs.
7. Yemotew sewiyyie. 8. Yemmaymot lij. 9. Yemmaytsom sew. 10.
Yalsekkere polees. 11. Yemmayfersu bietotch. 12. Yemmeeqerbew migib. 13.
Yemmeewordew 'iqa. 14. Yemmeehiedew sewiyyie. 15. Yewolleqew berr. 16.
Yemmeeneddew 'isat. 17. Yalqerrebew guday. 18. Yemmeeferdew dannya.
19. Yemmayhiedew temaree. 20. Yemmaywoffir sew.
D. Change the main clause to a relative clause and combine with the secand
part.
Example 1) Tinantinna lijun 'ayyehut (tinnish new) Answer: Tinantinna yayyehut
lij tinnish new.
Example 2) Nege lijun 'ayewallehue (temaree biet yihiedal). Answer: Nege
yemmayew lij temaree biet yihiedal.
1. 'Ante zarie mets'hafun wossedkew (yenie new).

2. 'Iswa birCHiqqowin sebberetchiw ('addees nebbere).
3. Mekeenawan zebennyaw yiTebbiqal (ye'ingidotchu nat)
4. 'Anchee sigawin Tebbesishiw (yedoro new)
5. Temareew sureewin yilebsewal (zarie yaTbewal)
6. 'Innessu mets'hafun ketinantinna wodeeya mellesut (ye'astemaree new)
7. Hakeemu besshitennyawin 'akkemew (kebesshitaw dane)
8. Shayun qemmeskew (Tiru new?)
9. 'Issatchew mets'hafun gezzut ('arogie new?)
10. 'Innya sirawin 'injemmirallen (kebbad new?)
11. 'Inie mekeenawan 'iTergallehue (be'andi shee birr gezzahwat)
12. Birhanu 'abebotchun tekkelatchew (beqqelu)
13. 'Astemareew temareewin mettaw (senef new)
14. 'Isswa mekeenawan zarie gezzahwat (yedeerekteru netch)
E. Change from past tense into a) present fahwud b) jussive or imperative and c)
compund gerundive.
Example: Temareew quTCH 'ale. Answ: a) Temareew quTCH yilal b) Temareew
quTCH yibel c) Temareew quTCH bilwal.
1. 'Astemareew bidigg 'ale. 2. 'Ante zimm 'alk. 3. Laqetch dess 'alat. 4.

Lijotchu zimm 'alu. 5. 'Issatchew bietun lemeTreg 'isshee 'alu. 6. 'Innante
'imbee 'alatchihue. 7. Hakeemwa kifil gebta quTCH 'aletch. 8. 'Innya sanTeyyiq
zimm 'aln. 9. 'Irswo 'imbee 'alu. 10. 'Astemareew seemeTa bidigg 'alkue.
F. Give the participle, infinitive, and instrumantal forms of these verbs.

Example: T'errege. Answer: a) T'eragee b) meTreg c) meTregeeya
1. seqqele 2) gallebe 3) gaggere 4) ferrese 5) bella 6. T'eTTa 7. qeTTele 8.

tsafe 9. lake 10. qwoyye 11. ferreme 12. ferra 13. terrefe 14. hiede 15.
qome 16. sennefe 17. tsome 18. keddene 19. wollede 20. T'eqqeme
G. Change the basic stem verb to an a-stem verb, and give a) past, b) present-
fahwud, c) jussive or imperative d) compound gerundive, in agreemant with the
pronoun.
Example: 'Inie (derreqe) Answer: a) 'aderreqhue; b) 'aderqallehue; c) ladriq; d)
'adriqqieyallehue.
1. 'Inie (terrefe) 2. 'Ante (beqqele). 3. 'Anchee (qeTTele). 4. 'Issu (sennefe). 5.

'Isswa (woffere). 6. 'Innya (sekkere). 7. 'Innante (ferrese). 8. 'Innessu (derreqe).
9. 'Irswo (T'ebbeqe). 10. 'Issatchew (rezzeme).
H. Answer the questions.
1. Ìdmieh sinti new? 2. Zarie shirrishirr tihiedallatchihue? 3. Hitsanu wotetun

man aberredellet? 4. Debdabbiewin lastemareew man 'aderrese? 5.
Besshitawa kebbad new qelal? 6. Yaferresatchihut 'addeesun biet new woys
'arogiwin? 7. 'Addeesun womber kemekeena man 'aworredew? 8. Yekotu
waga sinti new? Widdi new rikash? 9. T'irsihin man 'awolleqew? Hakeem
new? 10. Wode bietatchihue yemmit'hiedut mechie new? Bemin
tihiedallatchihue?
1. The boy looks like his mother. 2. The merchant made a lot of profit. 3. The
teacher entered the room and sat down. 4. You (m) refused to write the letter.
5. We will not tell you (pl) the reason for which we came. 6. The doctor ordered
eyeglasses for my eyes. 7. Your (r) disease is serious. 8. All the women want
to sing songs in the church. 9. The living room is not very wide. 10. What is
your (m) age? 11. Last year I finished elementary school; this year I will enter
high school. 12. My maid served me special food today. 13. Who signed the
rent agreemant? 14. We will buy different kinds of things in the shop today. 15.
Take th coat hanger to Birhanu and come here. 16. Your (pl) flag's colours are
green, yellow and red. 17. You (m) sit down and keep quiet! 18. The girl's
father bought her new clothes and she is very happy. 19. Sometimes they go on
a picnic in their car. 20. He fell sick and went to the hospital.
Dirset
Àlee temaree new. Ìdmiew 'asra 'ammist àmet new. 'Amna keHarer wode
'Addees 'Abeba meTTa. 'Andennya dereja temaree biet gebba. 'Andennya
dereja temaree biet salle ke'abbatu wodaj gara yinor nebber. Àlee
yemmeenoribbet sefer ketemaree bietu beTam ruq nebber. T'iwat wode temaree
biet yemmeehiedew be'awtobus nebber. Zendiro Àlee 'Andennya derejawin
CH'errese. Hulettennya dereja temaree biet gebba. 'Adaree hone.
Àlee senef temaree 'aydellem. Betimhirtu gwobez new. Bizu kebbad mets'haf
yanebbal. Hulgeezie timhirtun yemmeejemmirew Tiwat behulett seàt new. 'Ikifil
beseàtu hiedo quTCHi bilo mets'haf yanebbal. 'Astemareew kalTeyyeqew
zimmi bilo quTCH yilal.
Àlee bizu gwaddenyotch yellutim. Ketemarotchu hullu gwadennyaw 'Aseffa
new. Hulgeezie 'Aseffanna Àlee yekifilu timhirt seeyalq wode biete metsahift
yihiedallu. Liyyu liyyu mets'haf yanebballu. 'Andandi geezie shirrishirr yihiedallu.
Ke'aratt àmet behwala Àleenna 'Aseffa timhirtatchewin CHerresu. Siratchew
melkam nebber. 'Astemarotchatchew bizu siTota 'aderregullatchew. Àlee
kekifilu 'andennya silehone 'astemarotchu hullu siTota 'aderregullet.
Àleenna 'Aseffa timhirtatchewin beCHerresubbet qen 'andi tilliq yehizbi beàl
nebber. Kebeàlu qen befeet temarotchu temaree bietatchew sefee mieda lay
'isat 'andidew; sendeq àlama seqlew yibelu; yiTeTTu; yizefnu; yisiqu nebber.
Behwala dekkematchew. Sendeq àlamawin 'awridew; yeterrefewin migib
lezebennyotch seT'tew hiedu. Meshto silenebber temarotchu wode mennyita
bietatchew hiedu. Àleenna 'Aseffamm 'abrew hiedu.
Àleenna 'Aseffa yehulettennya dereja timhirtatchewin CHerresu. Hulettumm
koliej beMeskerem yigeballu. Àlee 'Astemaree lemehon 'assibwal. 'Aseffa
hakeem lemehon yifelligal.
Vocabulary: 'adaree - boarder, boarding student; gwobez - diligent. hard working

(lit. brave); yanebbal - he reads (from 'anebbebe, he read); beseàtu - on time;
kalTeyyeqew - if he doesn't ask him; unless he asks him; biete metsahift - library;
siTota - gift; yehizbi beàl - national Holaday; koliej - College; mieda- meadow,
plain, field; sintennya - what place? (1st, 2nd, etc)
Answer the questions:

1. Àlee ìdmiew sinti new? 2. Àlee keyet new yemeTTaw? Bemin meTTa? 3.
YeÀlee gwadennya man new? 4. Àlee min lemehon 'assibwal? 'Aseffass? 5.
Àlee kekifilu sinennya hone?
SELAH
Lesson 36
A-STEM OF BIRADICALS
Before the review lesson 35, we started to look at the A-stem verbs (causative
prefix a-) in the triradical verbs... We will cantinue now with the a-stems of the
biradical classes. These are fairly predictable, with the same suffixes, and few
changes to the bases from the basic stem. (some slight changes to type A bases
are marked with * beneath)
Class SeMMa, Type A:

'agebba - he introduced, took or brought in, from gebba, he entered
yageba - simple present
yagebal - he brings in
yagba - let him bring in
'agba - bring in!
'agbito - having brought in *
'agbitwal - he has brought in *
'agbee - participle *
magbat - to bring in
magbeeya - instrumental
Reminder: a "participle" can be used as a noun or an adjective. As an adjective,

'agbee would mean something like 'introductory' or used to describe someone or
something that brings or takes or puts something else in... As a noun, 'agbee
would mean "a person who brings or takes or puts something in", or 'introducer'...
[note, these forms of the word 'introduce', I am not using in the sense of
'introduce two people to greet'; rather I am using it literally to show that 'agebba
means 'he brought or took or put something in' - as in "He introduced cars into
the country" or "he introduced a finger into his mouth" - for these sentences you
would use 'agebba, because the meaning is "brought or put something in, made
to enter"... If you mean to say 'he introduced two people to know each other"
you'd use a different verb, ('astewawwoqe), but not 'agebba - because when
speaking of people, 'agebba has the meaning "he married"... Thus, the participle
'agbee can also mean "marrying / one who marries" (adjective or noun)...]
Reminder cont'd: An instrumental is generally used as a noun. Hence magbeeya

would be interpreted "means (or time or place) of bringing, putting, or taking
something in, or marrying." Instrumental can also sometimes be used as an
adjective, especially when it pertains to time or place, then you would probably
see it as an adjective when modifying a word like bota or geezie, as in:
magbeeya bota "place of bringing something in" or magbeeya geezie "time of
bringing something in."
Class SeMMa, Type B:
'aTeTTa - he caused to drink, gave to drink

yaTeTTa - simple present form
yaTeTTal - he gives to drink
yaTeTTa - let him give to drink
'aTeTTa - give to drink! (imperative)
'aTeTTito - he having given to drink
'aTeTTitwal - he has given to drink
'aTeTCH - participle (drink-giving, drink-giver)
maTeTTat - to give to drink
maTeTCHa - instrumant for giving to drink; drinking fountain; water-spout
Some a-stems of class SeMMa include:

'ameTTa - he brought (from meTTa, he came)
'aseffa - he widened (from seffa, it was wide)
'aTerra - he filtered (from T'erra, it was filtered, cleared)
'afella - he boiled (transitive) (from fella, it boiled) (intransitive)
'aTeffa - he destroyed, extinguished (from T'effa, it perished, was lost, was
extinguished)
Some examples of a-stems in this class where the meaning isn't derived from a
basic stem:
aseTTa - he spread out (grain, clothes) to dry in the Sun
'aredda - he announced a death, broke the news of an obituary
(meaning is not derived from the basic stem verb redda "he helped")
'aTenna - he studied (not from T'enna "he / it was firm")
aworra - he related, reported (news) (probably derived from noun worie, report,
gossip)
'adella - he was partial, he favoured.
Class SaMe: (only one type)
'adane - he saved (also: healed, made well)

yadin - simple form
yadnal - he saves, will save
yadin - let him save
'adin - save!
'adno - having saved
'adinwal - he has saved
'adany - participle (saving / saver)
madan - to save
madannya - instrumental (means of saving)
Some verbs in the a-stem of this class:

'arase - he soaked, made wet (from rase, it was wet)
'araqe - he distanced, put at a distance (from raqe, it / he was far)
'alaqe - he made to excel (from laqe, it / he excelled, was superior)
'awale - he made spend the day (from wale, he spent the day)
'alase - he made lick (from lase, he licked)
'agale - he made red hot (from gale, it was red hot)
Not from a basic stem: 'amare - he / it was beautiful, handsome (with irregular
imperative 'imer "be beautiful", rather than *'amir...)
Class QeRRe, type A:
'amesshe - he spent the evening

yamesh - simple form
yameshal - he spends / will spend the evening
yamsh - may he spend the evening *
'amsh - spend the evening! *
'amshito - he having spent the evening *
'amshitwal - he has spent the evening *
'amsh, 'amshee - participle *
mamshet - infinitive (to spend the evening)
mamsha - instrumantal (place, time or means of spending the evening; evening
pastime)
Class QeRRe, type B:
'aqwoyye - he delayed
yaqwoyy - simple form
yaqwoyyal - he delays. will delay
yaqwoyy - let him delay
'aqwoyy - delay!
'aqwoyyito - having delayed
'aqwoyyitwal - he has delayed
'aqwoyyee, 'aqwoyy - participle
maqwoyyet - infinitive
maqwoyya - instrumantal
Some a-stem verbs of class QeRRe:

'amesshe - he spent the evening (as opposed to wale); from messhe - it dusked
'ashesshe - ? textbook says this means "he removed", dictionary says "he
harboured, took into safety"; but I would expect it to mean "he caused to flee"...
derived from shesshe, he fled...
'abejje - he fixed up; from bejje - it was suitable
'aqwoyye (B) (also written 'aqoyye) - he delayed (from qwoyye / qoyye, he
waited)
[remember, qwoyye and 'aqwoyye are class QeRRe, even when it is deceptively
spelled qoyye or 'aqoyye... this is because *we > wo, and *qwe > qwo > qo, in
Amharic morphology]
Without basic stem: 'agennye - he found
Class QoMe (only one type):
'aqome - he set up, established, made to stand; parked (car)

yaqom - simple form
yaqomal - he sets up, etc.
yaqum - let him set up
'aqum - set (it) up!
'aqumo - having set up
'aqumwal - he has set up
'aqwamee - participle
maqom - infinitive
maqomeeya - instrumental (eg. "a parking place")
Some a-stems in this class:

'aroTe - he made run, from roTe - he ran
'amoqe - he heated, from moqe - it was hot
'anore - he placed, saved, kept, put, from nore - he lived, existed, stayed
'azore - he made to turn or spin, from zore - it turned, revolved
No basic stem: 'ashofe - he teased
Class HieDe (only one type)
ahiede - he threshed (using animals)

yahied - simple form
yahiedal - he threshes
yaheed - let him thresh
'aheed - thresh!
'aheedo - having threshed
'aheedwal - he has threshed
'aheeyaj - participle
mahied - infinitive
mahieja - instrumantal
Some a-stem verbs in this class:

'ahiede, he threshed using animals, i.e. he "made (the animal) go" around to
thresh, from hiede - he went
'aTiese or 'aCHese - he smoked (cigarette, etc.) from T'iese (CH'ese) - it gave off
smoke
Not from basic stem:
'agiete - he decorated, ornamanted, adorned
'afieze - he mocked
EXPRESSION OF CANJUNCTIONS
Many of these have already been mantioned, let us review some of the
common canjunctions now:
'BECAUSE, SINCE, AS'
Past tense: sile + past tense (one or two words)

Present-fahwud: silemmi- + simple form (always one word)
(if you prefer, you can also think of it as sile- + relative form with ye- or yemmi-,
just be sure to drop the ye- part and repalce it with sile-)
Examples:
Wondimmie kebalager silemeTTa layew hiedkue. Because my brother came
from the countryside, I went to see him.
(In this example, silemeTTa can also be written sile meTTa)
Wondimmie kebalager silemmeemeTa layew 'ihiedallehue. Because my brother

is coming from the countryside, I will go to see him."
Nege silemmeehied hieden 'inniyew. Because he will go tomorrow, let us go and

see him.
Another way to express 'because, since, as' is with the suffix -(i)nna placed on
verbs. You already know that the suffix -(i)nna means "and"... but when it
comes on a verb, it also carries the significance of saying "and so" "and
cansequently" as a canjunction to the next clause. It is almost as strong as
saying "therefore" in this usage. But often, it is best translated by shifting the
word "as" or "since" to the preceding clause. Examples:
Wondimmie kebalager yimeTalinna layew 'ihiedallehue. Literally it seems to say

"My brother is coming from the countryside AND I will go to see him." But being
on a verb, it means more than just simply "and", it actually connotes the meaning
"so" or "cansequently", or to be more accurate still, yimeTalinna means "SINCE
he comes" (note that in English the word "since" is shifted to before the verb) so
the best translation of this sentence would be: "Since my brother is coming from
the countryside, I will go to see him."
Sirawin CHerriswalinna yiref - "Since he has finished his Work, let him rest."
Bizu yiTeTTa nebberinna mote - "Since he would drink a lot, he died."
Sirawin yiCHerrisalinna heesabun kifelew. "Since he will finish his Work, pay him
his bill."
'AFTER'
ke- + past tense + behwala. This same formula (using past tense) is used for all
tenses; the tense is determined from the main clause verb. Examples:
Kehiede behwala meTTahue. I came after he went.

Kehiede behwala 'imeTallehue. I will come after he goes.
'BEFORE'
ke + infinitive + possessive suffix referring to subject + befeet. Examples:
Gebeya kemehiedih befeet 'ahiyyawin meCHan 'allebbih. Before you go (before

your going) to the market, you have to load the donkey.
Sirawin kemeCHerresatchihue befeet layatchihue 'ifelligallehue. Before you pl.

finish (before your finishing) the Work, I want to see you.
Another way to express 'before' is: si- + negative simple form. (this can also
mean 'without'):
Gebeya sattihied 'ahiyyawin meCHan 'allebbih. "Before you go to the market,

you have to load the donkey."
'Anbessanna zihin sattigedil 'attifokkir. "Don't boast before you kill a lion and an
elephant."
SINCE (TIME)
Besides meaning "because", the English word "since" can also mean "ever
since" a certain time... In this case, it does not mean "because", and the formula
for this is ke- + past tense + jemmiro. Examples:
Sira keyaze jemmiro 'alayyehutim. I haven't seen him since he took up Work.
Timhirt biet kegebba jemmiro 'alserram. He hasn't worked since he entered
school.
WHEN (WHILE)
si- + simple form. Examples:
SeemeTa yibelal. He will eat when he comes.

Seebela tennya. He fell asleep while eating.
There is also another canjunction 'iyye- meaning specifically "while", but we will
cover that in a later lesson.
VOCABULARY
mahber - assembly, association, organisation

seejara - cigarette
tekkwose (B) - he ironed (clothes)
'amesshe - he spent the evening
'amoqe - he heated
'ameTTa (A) - he brought
'aqome - he set up, established, parked, made stop
'aqwoyye (B) - he delayed, kept waiting
'abella (A) - he fed
'aneqqa (A) - he woke (someone) up, awakened (transitive)
'awoTTa (A) - he sent away, sent forth, took out, expelled
'adane - he saved, healed, cured, made dehna
'agebba (A) - he brought in, he married
'agennye (A) - he found
'aTenna (A) - he studied
'aTeTTa (B) - he gave to drink, made to drink
'aTeffa (A) - he destroyed, extinguished
'aCHese - he smoked (transitive)
'afella (A) - he boiled (transitive)
(shay 'afella) - he made tea
(bunna 'afella) - he made coffee
kawiyya - iron (for pressing clothes)
wiTCH - outside, external
zinjero - monkey
T'inat - study (noun)
CH'ese - it smoked (intransitive) gave off smoke
EXERCISES
A. Give the verbs in a) past tense b) present-fahwud c) jussive or imperative and

d) compound gerundive, agreeing with the pronoun.
Example: 'Inie ('agebba). Answer: a) 'agebbahue b) 'ageballehue c) lagba d)
'agbitchallehue.
1. 'Inie ('amoqe; 'abella; 'aTeTTa)

2. 'Ante ('amesshe; 'adane; 'aCHese)
3. 'Anchee ('agebba; 'aqwoyye; 'adane)
4. 'Issu ('aqome; 'adane; 'ameTTa)
5. 'Isswa ('ameTTa; 'ashesshe; 'aCHese)
6. 'Innya ('aqome; 'awoTTa; 'aroTe)
7. 'Innante ('aTenna; 'adane; 'aqome)
8. 'Innessu ('amesshe; 'aroTe; 'adane)
9. 'Irswo ('agennye; 'agebba; 'aCHese)
10. 'Issatchew ('aqome; 'ameTTa; 'adane)
B. Change the basic stem to a-stem in a) past tense b) present-fahwud and c)

compound gerundive, agreeing with the pronoun.
Example: Bunna lequrs fella ('issu). Answer: a) Bunna lequrs 'afella. b) Bunna
lequrs yafelal. c) Bunna lequrs 'aflitwal.
1. Seejaraw CHese ('isswa). 2. Mekeenaw qome ('innessu). 3. WoTu moqe

('anchee). 4. Besshitennyaw dane ('issu). 5. 'Iqaw 'ibiet gebba ('innessu). 6.
'Iqaw meTTa ('innya). 7. 'Ingidaw 'ibeero qwoyye ('issatchew). 8. 'Isatu Teffa
('innante). 9. Yehitsanu wotet fella ('issatchew). 10. 'Ingidaw migib bella
('irswo) 11. Temareew Tejj TeTTa ('isswa). 12. 'Issu misa bella ('inie). 13.
Yeliju libs meTTa ('issatchew). 14. Mebratu Teffa ('anchee). 15. Mahberu
qome ('innya).
[Note: Don't forget, any subjects with articles that become the object are going to
take -n!! The example above was deceptive, because bunna doesn't have an
article here, so it didn't need to take the -n...! RFI]
C. Change the a-stem verbs to basic stem in the same tense, as in the
examples.
Example 1: Tella 'aTeTTatch. Answer: Tella TeTTatch.
Example 2: Besshitennyotchun 'adnewal. Answer: Besshitennyotchu dinewal.
(note loss of -n because besshitennyotchu is now the subject)
1. Migib 'abelallehue. 2. 'Issu yameTal. 3. Besshitennyotchun 'adnwal. 4.

'Ingidotchun 'amTitwal. 5. Seejara 'aCHese. 6. 'Ingidotchun Tej yaTeTTallu. 7.
Ke'inqilfish 'aneqqash. 8. Libsun 'alebbesetch. 9. Mekeenawotchun 'aqumwal.
10. Temareew yameTal. 11. Tej 'aTeTTitewal. 12. Misa 'ablitalletch. 13.
Mahber yaqomal. 14. Mebratun yaTfa. 15. Besshitennyotchun 'ayadinim.
D. Translate these verbs into English.
1. 'Amoqe. 2. Tamoqalletch. 3. 'AmTitchallehue. 4. 'Aqum. 5. 'Aqwoyyee.

6. Yabelallu. 7. 'Adnenal. 8. 'Agbitalletch. 9. TaTeTTallatchihue. 10. YaTfu.
11. YaCHees. 12. Lafla. 13. 'AmeTTa. 14. 'Innamuq. 15. TamTa. 16.
'Ablitwal. 17. 'ACHeeseshal. 18. 'Attadinim. 19. 'Alaqwoyyim. 20.
'Aflitatchihwal. 21. 'Ayagebam. 22. 'ATfee. 23. 'Alafellanim. 24. Taqum. 25.
'Aqribatchihwal. 26. 'AmTitehal. 27. 'Ablitatchihwal. 28. 'ATeTTitewal. 29.
Tafelalletch. 30. 'AnnameTam.
E. Translate into English.
1. Nege mets'hafun 'ameTallehue. 2. Mets'hafun 'amTitchallehue. 3. Min

'afellash? Bunna woyiss shay? 4. Seejara taCHesalletch? 5. Mets'hafun
'amTa. 6. Mets'hafun 'amTu. 7. Mets'hafun yamTu. 8. Mekeenahin 'aqum. 9.
Mets'hafun lamTaw? 10. Mechie tageballeh? 11. 'Ibiet 'innamsh? 12. Bunna
laTeTTah? 13. Qulfun 'agnyitchiewallehue. 14. T'inatun yaTenal. 15.
Mebratun 'alaTeffahutim. 16. LeeyaTena yifelligal. 17. Genzeb 'agenyallehue.
18. Sira 'agnyitatchihwal? 19. Min 'aqwoyyatchihue? 20. 'Atna. 21. Bizu
taCHesalleh? 22. 'Isswa 'attameshim. 23. 'Innya 'innameshallen. 24. 'Innessu
'amshitewal. 25. Bunnawin 'amuqalletch.
F. Substitute Amharic expressions for the English part and translate the whole
sentance.
1. Since lunch is ready 'innibla. 2. Birhanu meest since he is marrying

'abbatinna 'innatu dess bilwatchewal. 3. 'Iqawin until we return 'aqoyyullin. 4.
Habtamu besshitennya hakeemu because he cured him bizu genzeb keffelew.
5. Yonas 'ibeero because he spent the evening meestu mekeena laketchillet. 6.
Since she wrote me a letter 'iniemm 'itsifillatallehue. 7. So you will arrive soon
mekeenawin yilikillihal. 8. 'Addees mets'haf because he published bizu genzeb
seTTut. 9. Gwadennyayie mets'hafun since he kept it for a long time bante
mets'haf laTna. 10. Sira since they started 'alayyehuwatchewim. 11.
Timhirtihin before finishing wode suq 'attiheed. 12. Belteh after you have
finished 'inmeTallen bilewal. 13. Mets'hafotchatchinin after we buy
'innaTenallen. 14. Mets'hafotchaninin before we buy lenege Tinatatchinin
maTnat 'anchilm. 15. Temaree biet ever since they entered lemin 'alserrum?
1. We want to establish an association. 2. He smokes forty cigarettes a day. 3.

Where did you m. spend the evening? 4. She warmed the coffee, and gave it to
me to drink. 5. The doctor spent the evening working at the hospital. 6. Since
the stew has become cold, let her warm it up. 7. He has brought the book that I
gave him. 8. When the man drove the car on the left, the police stopped him. 9.
Why did you m. keep the book for a long time? 10. The doctor was not able to
cure the patient. 11. When the servant finishes washing his clothes, he will
make tea and drink it. 12. We got the money with which to buy the book. 13.
The doctor told him not to smoke. 14. The teacher likes a student who studies.
15. The boy's mother, having fed him, sent him to school. 16. Your husband
always spends the evening outside. 17. Study (pl) your lesson properly.
[properly = bedenb] 18. He washed his shirt and ironed it. 19. Her husband
woke her up at 6 AM. 20. I gave him to drink a glass of beer.
H. Read and translate.
1. Yeserratennya mahber littaqomu new? 'Awo, yeserratennya mahber

linnaqom new.
2. Seejara maCHes tiwoddalleh? Awo, 'iwoddallehue.
3. Min tadergalletch? YaTTebetchiwin libs titekkwisalletch.
4. Bunna TeTTah? 'Awo, Laqetch bunna 'aflitallinny TeTTahue.
5. Zarie begeezie timeTallatchihue? 'Aydellem, zarie 'amshiten new
yemminmeTaw.
6. Yemmitbelutin lisTatchihue? 'Awo; woTun 'amuqesh yemminbelawin
siCHeen.
7. Min lisra? Libsun 'aTbeh bekawiyya 'adriqew.
8. Yegezzahwatin mekeena negaddiew lemin 'aqoyyebbinny? Yegezzahatin
mekeena negaddiew zarie yilikillihal.
9. Besshitennyaw dane? 'Awo, hakeemu besshitennyawin bedenb 'akkimot
dane.
10. Shemeezun litekkwisew? 'Awo, shemeezun 'adriqesh tolo tekkwishillinny.
11. Bizu genzeb bittagenyu min tadergallatchihue? Bizu genzeb binnageny liyyu
liyyu mets'haf 'ingezallen.
12. Min geezie litennya? T'inatihin 'aTniteh sittiCHerris tennya.
13. Kemigib behwala seejara maCHes dess yilihal? 'Awo, dess yilennyal.
14. Mata 'ibeero lemin tameshalleh? Sirayie kebbad silehone mata 'ibeero
'amshitchie 'iserallehue.
15. Mekeenayien yet laqumat? Mekeenahin 'iwiTCH 'aqumatinna 'ibiet 'innigba.
16. Mets'hafun kekifil 'ameTTahew? 'Awo, 'ameTTahut.
17. Lijun min 'abellashiw? Lijun 'injera bewoT 'abellahut.
18. Zarie ke'inqilfwo man 'aneqqawot? Zarie ke'inqilfie meestie 'aneqqatchinny.
19. Besshitawin hakeemu 'adanew? 'Aydellem, besshitawin hakeemu
'aladanewim.
20. Birhanu manin 'agebba? Birhanu Laqetchin 'agebba.
21. Mebratun 'aTeffashiw? 'Awo, 'aTeffahut.
22. Sewiyyiew 'ibunna biet min 'aTeTTah? Sewiyyiew 'ibunna biet bunna
bewotet 'aTeTTanny.
23. Zinjerowin keyet 'agennyehew? Zinjerowin be'ammist birr kegebeya
gezzahut.
Errata: 'Amarinnya Timhirt 36
--- In amharic_online@yahoogroups.com, RasFeqade@a... wrote:
> 'agiete - he decorated, ornamanted, adorned

Should read 'agieTe
> 'Anbessanna zihin sattigedil 'attifokkir. "Don't boast before

you kill a
> lion and an elephant."
Should read zihon
Lesson 37
The TE- STEM:
Besides the A-stem, There is another prefix te- that can be added to any basic
stem verb to create new meanings. In the past tense, it can simply be added
right on to any basic stem verb without any other changes.
In this lesson, we will study the canjugation of the te- stem for the Tri-radicals:
from type A: sebbere "he broke" the te- stem is tesebbere "it was broken"
from type B: fellege "he wanted" the te- stem is tefellege "he / it was wanted"
from type C: marreke "he captured" the te- stem is temarreke "he / it was
captured"
The te- stem is the normal way to express the passive with transitive verbs. In
other words, it can turn an active verb into a passive one. Examples:
geddele "he killed", tegeddele "he was killed"

qeqqese "he boiled", teqeqqese "it was boiled"
CHemmere "he added" teCHemmere "it was added"
same "he kissed", tesame "he was kissed"
For the verbs that have active meanins in the a- stem, their passive meaning is
expressed by simply replacing the a- with the te-. Thus,
'anebbebe "he read", tenebbebe "it was read"

'aderrege "he did", tederrege "it was done"
'abeTTere "he winnowed", tebeTTere "it was winnowed"
'aneTTefe "he spread out", teneTTefe "it was spread out"
For some few transitive verbs, the te- stem can also change the meaning to
intransitive.
mellese "he returned" (something), temellese "he returned" (came back)

Example:
Mets'hafun mellese - "he returned the book", but:
Ketimhirt biet temellese - "he returned from school"
lewwoTe "he changed" (something), telewwoTe "he / it changed" (intrans.)
Example:
Libsun lewwoTe - "he changed his clothes"
BeTam telewwoTe - "he changed a lot"
These meanings are in addition to the regular passive meanings, so temellese

can also mean "it was returned" and telewwoTe can also mean "it was
changed"...
A few quite common verbs of all types (A, B or C) appear in the te- stem without
a correspondin basic stem. The basic meaning is expressed by the te- stem and
can be transitive or intransitive. Examples:
teqemmeTe - he sat down

tesellefe - he paraded
teshekkeme - he carried
tekettele - he followed
temennye - he desired
temare - he learned
teqebbele - he received, accepted
tebeddere - he borrowed (money)
tewase - he borrowed (object)
The causative of most of these verbs with no basic stem is formed with the AS-
stem, that we will cover later, in Lesson 39.
TE- STEM WITH TYPE C
Another important use of the te- stem, is when any basic stem (type A or B)
verb is changed into the form of a type C te- stem, in order to express active
reciprocity (they did something to each other) or mutual participation (they did
something together). In this case, only the plural is used, because it implies
more than one subject. Examples:
tegaddelu - they killed each other (from geddele, he killed)

temattu - they hit one another (from metta, he hit)
teqwasselu - they wounded one another (from qwossele, he was wounded)
temakkeru - they canferred, counseled, cansulted one another (from mekkere, he
advised)
telammedu - they got used to each other (from lemmede, he got used to)
teqalledu - they joked with one another (from qellede, he joked)
tekaffelu - they shared, partook, divided among one another (from keffele, he
divided)
Furthermore, putting a regular verb into this "te- + type C" form, when in the
present-fahwud tense, or as a participle, can give it the active meaning of an
action that one does habitually or is liable to do. This usually is a verb with some
negative, forceful or violent meaning. Thus: (we will learn the present-fahwud
canjugation for te- stems in detail a likkle further below)
From nekkese "he bit": yinnakkesal "he is in the habit of biting, is liable to bite, is
a biter"
From metta "he hit" - yimmattal "he is in the habit of hitting, is liable to hit"
From bella "he ate" - yibballal "he is liable to eat, in the habit of eating"
From seddebe "he insulted" - yissaddebal "he is in the habit of insulting, is liable
to insult"
From neTTeqe "he snatched" - yinnaTTeqal "he has the habit of snatching"
Examples of sentances:
YeSahlie wissha yinnakkesal - Sahle's dog has the habit of biting
Yihi wissha tenakash new - This dog is a biter (note participle in this case)
Tinnishu lij àwaqee yissaddebal - The little child has the habit of insulting adults
'Isswa tesadabee nat - She is an insulting type
'Isswa tenagaree nat - She talks a lot, is a talker
Finally, there are a few commonly used verbs of the "te- + type C" kind, that
have no basic stem, and they express the basic meaning themselves; again, the
meanings of some of these without basic stem are transitive; not all are
intransitive. Examples:
teshaggere - "he crossed" (eg, the street)

teCHawwote - "he played; he chatted"
terammede - he stepped, trodded
teqaTTele - it burned, was burnt (meaning is NOT from qeTTele, he cannected)
CANJUGATION OF THE TE- STEM
As said above, for the past tense, the only difference is the te- prefix added to the
beginning. This is also true for the Gerundive, Compound Gerundive, and
Participle; none of these forms have any other prefixes getting in the way of the
te-...
For the present-fahwud, Jussive, Infinitive, and Instrumantal, there are the other
prefixes we have learned, so the te- is dropped and instead, the first radical gets
stressed. Also, for these tenses, and for the Imperative (where there is no prefix,
so the te- is kept), the bases are slightly different from the basic stem, though all
the suffixes remain the same.
This, yinneggeral "he is told, will be told" yinneger "let him be told", menneger
"to be told" mennegerya "means of being told"
Here are the paradigms for types A, B, and C in the te- stem:
Type A:
teneggere - he was told
yinnegger - simple present form
yinneggeral - he is / will be told
yinneger - may he be told
teneger - be told!
tenegro - having been told
tenegrwal - he has been told
tenegaree - one who is told
menneger - to be told
mennegereeya - means of being told
Type B:
tefellege - he was wanted / searched for
yiffelleg - simp. form
yiffellegal - he is wanted, &c
yiffeleg - let him be wanted
tefeleg or tefelleg - be wanted!
tefelligo - having been wanted, looked for
tefelligwal - he / it has been wanted, &c
tefellagee - (partic.) one who is looked for, sought
meffeleg - (infin.) to be sought, wanted
meffelegeeya - means of being sought, &c
Type C:
temarreke - he was captured

yimmarrek - simp. form
yimmarrekal - he is, will be capture
yimmarek - let him be captured
temarek - be captured!
temarko - having been captured
temarkwal - he has been captured
temarakee - (partic.) one who is captured
memmarek - to be captured
memmarekeeya - (instrum.) means, time, place of being captured
THE TE- STEM OF CLASS 'ALLEFE

For the canjugation of verbs like 'allefe that naturally start off with 'a as the first
radical [[not to be canfused with verbs that are a-stems, like 'abejje]], the te-
stem combines with the first radical 'a- to form the prefix ta-, which is kept intact
in all tenses, and is stressed when following another prefix. Thus, from 'assere,
"he bound (tied), imprisoned", we get tassere, "he / it was bound (tied), &c"... To
show the paradigm of all tenses:
Type A:
tassere, he was bound, tied, imprisoned, jailed, etc.
yittasser - simp. form
yittasseral - he / it is, will be bound
yittaser - let him be bound
taser - be bound!
tasro - having been bound
tasro nebber - he / it had been bound
tasrwal - he / it has been bound
tasaree - one who is bound, jailed, etc.
mettaser - to be bound
mettasereeya, mettaserya - means, place, &c of being bound, jailed, &c.
Type B:
taddese - it was renewed (from 'addese, he renewed)
yittaddes - simp. form
yittaddesal - it is / will be renewed
yittades - let it be renewed
taddes - be renewed!
taddiso - having been renewed
taddiswal - it has been renewed
taddash - (partic.) one that is renewed
mettades - to be renewed
mettadesha - means of being renewed, etc.
Here are a few fairly frequent verbs of this class that occur only in the te- stem
(basic meaning, no basic stem):
taggele (A) - he struggled; taTTeqe (A) - he girded himself
taggese (B) - he was patient, he endured; tazzebe (B) - he criticized
VOCABULARY FOR LESSON 37:
seddebe (A) - he insulted

shimagillie - elder; old man
qess 'ale - he was slow
qess bilo - slowly, softly
qwanqwa - language
bizu geezie - many times, often
telammede - he got used to a place or person
telammedu - they got used to each other
telawweTe - he exchanged
temellese (B) - he returned (came back); it was returned, it was answered
temakkere - he canferred, cansulted
tesebbere (A) - it was broken, it broke (intr.)
tesakkeru - they got drunk together
tesaddebe - he habitually insulted
teshekkeme (B) - he carried
teshaggere - he crossed, went across
teqalledu - they joked around, kidded one another
teqammesu - they shared in tasting of food
teqemmeTe (A) - he sat down
teqebbele (B) - he raceived, accepted
teqaTTele - it was burnt; set ablaze
teqaTTere - he fixed an appointmant, agreed on meeting-place
tebeddere (B) - he borrowed (money, grain)
teneggere - it / he was told, it was announced
tenaggere - he spoke
tekettele (B) - it was followed
teCHawwote - he chatted, played
halafee - responsible; transitory
nigiggir - speech
gunfan - a cold (illness)
gunfan yazenny - I have a cold
T'orinnet - war
T'oTa - ape
CH'ewata - a game; chat, conversation
EXERCISES
A. Give the a) past, b) present-fahwud, c) jussive or imperative, d) compund

gerundive tenses for each verb agreeing with the pronoun.
Example: 'inie (tegeddele). Answer: a) tegeddelkue; b) 'iggeddelallehue; c)
liggedel; d) tegediyyallehue.
1. 'inie (temellese; tewollede; teCHawwote; taTTebe; temerreTe)

2; 'ante (takkeme; tenaggere; teshekkeme; temerreTe; teqebbele)
3; 'anchee (teTeyyeqe; tazzeze; teshaggere; tewollede; temellese)
4; 'issu (tefellege; tenaggere; teneggere; taTTebe; teTerrege)
5; 'isswa (teserreqe; tegeddele; taTTebe; tekeffele; teshaggere)
6; 'innya (temellese; takkeme; temakkere; tewoddede; teqemmeTe)
7; 'innante (teTeyyeqe; teqemmeTe; tegaddele; takkeme; teqeTTere)
8; 'innessu (tewossede; teCHemmere; takkeme; teserreqe; tekaffele)
9; 'issatchew (tegeddele; teqemmeTe; tebeddere; temellese; temakkere)
10; 'irswo (teshekkeme; takkeme; teqebbele; teTebbeqe; tawwoqe)
B. Change the basic stem verbs to te- stem, turning the object pronoun or noun
into the subject.
Example a) 'Inien seddebenny. Answer: 'Inie teseddebkue.
Examble b) Mets'hafun 'imellisallehue. Answer: Mets'hafu yimmellesal.
[Hint: Since the object will be the new subject when the verb changes from active
to passive, the original subject can be discarded. This is a difficult exercise; if
you get these ones right, you are truly a master of all that has been studied so
far!]
1. 'Issun geddelew. 2. 'Anten Teqqemeh. 3. 'Innanten yifelligal. 4. 'Isswan

wossedat. 5. 'Innessun yiqeTratchewal. 6. 'Ancheen Teyyiqoshal. 7. 'Inien
yazzennyal. 8. 'Iqawotchun yiwsedu. 9. 'Innessun Teqqematchew. 10.
'Irsasun mellisalletch. 11. 'Issatchewin merreTatchew. 12. Migib
'azizzhallehue. 13. 'Irswon yiTebbiqwotal. 14. Mets'hafun serqwal. 15. 'Innyan
neggeren. 16. Mekeenawin yiwosdewal. 17. 'Inien yiqeTrennyal. 18.
BirCHiqqowotchun sebrewatchewal. 19. 'Isswan 'akkimwatal. 20. Demoz
CHemmerellinny. 21. 'Anten yiTeyyiqihal. 22. Ìnqulalun Tebsalletch. 23.
'Innanten qeTTeratchihue. 24. Temarotchun merTenal. 25. Wilun yiferrimallu.
26. Womberotchun Tergenal. 27. Besshitennyotchun 'akkematchew. 28.
Keerayun keflewal. 29. Poleesun geddelut. 30. T'iru lij woldalletch.
C. Change the basic verb to "te- + type C" in a) past and b) present-future.
(Make sure it agrees with the subject!)
Example 1): Sietiyyowanna sewiyyiew (qellede). Answer: a) teqalledu b)
yiqqalledallu.
Example 2): 'Inienna 'issu (seddebe). Answer: a) tesaddebin. b)
'innissaddeballen.
1. Temareewinna 'astemareew (geddele). 2. 'Inienna hakeemu (qeTTere). 3.

Geredeetunna 'ashkeriyyow (qerrebe). 4. Poleesunna liebaw (fellege). 5.
'Inienna zebennyaw kot lekot (lewwoTe). 6. 'Ingidawinna 'innante (lemmede). 7.
Shimagilliewinna 'ashkeru (qellede). 8. 'Innyanna 'innessu (merreTe). 9.
'Antenna 'anchee (woddede). 10. Sietotchunna wondotchu (sekkere). 11.
Neggaddiewinna habtamu sewiyyie (geddele). 12. 'Isswanna 'ante (woddede).
13. 'Inienna 'issu (qeTTere). 14. 'Irswonna 'issatchew (lemmede). 15.
'Innyanna 'innante (qerrebe). 16. 'Inienna 'ante (qeTTere).
D. Translate into English.
1. T'iyyaqiewin timellisalletch. 2. Gudayun tenagralletch. 3. Mets'hafu zarie

yimmellesal. 4. 'Iqawin 'innisshekkemallen. 5. 'Innessu mengedun
teshagrewal. 6. 'Issatchew 'iwomberu lay teqemTewal. 7. 'Isswanna 'inie
beTam telamdenal. 8. Temareenna 'astemaree beTam 'ayiqqalledum. 9.
'Almazinna Birhanu yiwwaddedallu. 10. Poleesunna liebaw tinantinna
tegaddelu. 11. 'Innessu genzeb yibbedderallu. 12. Kedannyaw gara lenege
teqaTrenal. [ke... (x) gara = with (x)] 13. Sewotchu bizu Tej TeTTitew
tesakkeru. 14. 'Algaw lay tiqqemmeTalleh. 15. Yante 'ihit hulgeezie
tissaddeballetch. 16. Yonasinna Birhanu mets'haf lemets'haf telawwoTu. 17.
'Agerun 'altelammednewim. 18. Wilu teferrimwal. 19. Migib tazzwal. 20.
Sineewinna birCHiqqow 'altesebberum.
1. The boy is not responsible for this thing. 2. The old man will not return from
the city. 3. So as not to wake up the patients, the doctor speaks softly. 4. Is the
Amharic language hard or easy? 5. He will catch cold many times. 6. He will
not be late this evening, but will return on time. 7. The old man got sick and will
return from the trip. 8. The students are conferring about their education. 9. The
servant will carry all the things for me. 10. He fell while crossing the street; a car
hit him. 11. There is no chair. Let him sit on the bed. 12. They will not receive
their salary this month. 13. The houses were set on fire in the war. 14. We will
borrow money from the office and buy a car. 15. The teacher gave a good
speech. 16. You (pl) go first; I'll follow you. 17. We played different kinds of
games. 18. It is the teacher who gave the speech I heard yesterday. 19.
Because he (r) has a cold, he isn't going to the office. 20. The glass fell and
broke.
1. Mechie timmellesalleh? Qess biyyie 'and àmet qoyyitchie 'immellesallehue.

2. 'Amarinnya Tiru 'innaggerallehue? 'Awo; 'Amarinnya beTam Tiru
tinnaggeralleh.
3. 'Innatish mechie yimmellesallu? 'Innatie yezarie wor timmellesalletch.
4. Min yizo hiede? 'Iqawin hullu teshekkimo hiede.
5. Yetenaggerew nigiggir 'indiet new? Yetenaggerew nigiggir melkam new.
6. Yet mehiedih new? Demozien liqqebbel mehiedie new.
7. Yetebeddershiwin genzeb keffelsh? 'Aydellem; yetebedderkutin genzeb
'alkeffelkum.
8. Bezzeeh wor demozihin teqebbelk? 'Aydellem, bezzeeh wor demozien
'alteqebbelkum.
9. Mengedun 'indiet lisshager? Granna qenny mekeenawin 'ayteh qess bileh
teshager.
10. Min libelatchew? Mengedun qess bilatchihue teshageru belatchew.
11. 'Astemaree 'ikifil seegeba min 'innaderg? 'Astemaree 'ikifil seegeba zimm
bilatchihue teqemeTu.
12. Laqetch wode Merkato sit'hied man yikkettelatal? Laqetch wode Merkato
sittihied hulgeezie gered woym 'ashker yikkettelatal.
13. Bietu beeqqaTTel 'inie min 'ihonallehue? Bietu beeqqaTTel halafee
tihonalleh.
14. Gudayun mechie tinegrennyalleh? Gudayun kemeestie temakirrie
'inegrihallehue.
15. Min àynet CHewata tiTCHawwotalleh? Bizy àynet CHewata
'iTCHawwotallehue.
16. Shimagilliew min honu? Shimagilliew àynatchewin tammew hospeetal
natchew.
[the verb tammeme = 'ammemew]
17. Ye'Amarinnya qwanqwa tinnaggeralleh? 'Aydellem, ye'Amarinnya qwanqwa
beTam 'alinnaggerim.
18. Shimagilliew 'imin lay teqemmeTu? Shimagilliew 'alga lay teqemmeTu.
19. Min honk? Gunfan yizonnyal.
20. T'oTawan keyet 'agennyehat? T'oTawan wondimmie kebalager
'ameTTallinny.
SELAH
Lesson 38
BIRADICALS IN THE TE- STEM
Class SeMMa
Type A:
temerra - he was led, guided, from merra, he led

yimmerra - simple form
yimmerral - he is led, will be led
yimmera - let him be led, may he be led
temera - be led
temerto -having been led
temertwal - he has been led
temerto nebber - he had been led
temeree - participle "one who is led" (n. or adj.)
memmeret - infinitive "to be led"
memmereeya - instrum. "means (etc) of being led"
Type B
telekka - it was measured, from lekka, he measured

yillekka - simp. form
yillekkal - it is / will be measured
yilleka - let it be measured
teleka, telekka - be measured!
telekkito - having been measured
telekkitwal - it has been measured
telekkito nebber - it had been measured
telekkee - one that is measured (n. or adj)
mellekat - to be measured
mellekeeya - means etc. of being measured
Some common biradicals of this class, whose meanins occur only in the te- stem:
Type A: teredda (merredat) he was canvinced, he realized (note, meaning not

derived from redda, he helped)
Type B:
temekka (memmekat) he boasted
teqwoTTa (meqqwoTat) he became angry, he vexed
teTegga (meTTegat) he drew near, approached
For verbs in this class that naturally start with 'A, eg. 'amma "he backbited,
gossiped on someone", an example is tamma, he was backbitten:
tamma - he was backbitten

yittamma - simp. form
yittammal - he is, will be backbitten
yittama - let him be backbitten
tama - be backbitten!
tamto - having been backbitten
tamtwal - he has been backbitten
tamee - one who is backbitten
mettamat - to be backbitten
CLASS SaMe (only one Type)
telake - it (or he) was sent

yillak - simple form
yillakal - it is / will be sent
yillak - let him be sent
telak - be sent!
teliko - having been sent
telikwal - it has been sent
teliko nebber - it had been sent
telakee - one who is sent
mellak - to be sent
mellakeeya - means, etc. of being sent
Sommon common verbs in this class with meanings in the te- stem only are:
temare - he learned, studied

tewase - he was a guarantor; he borrowed objects
tegwaze - he journeyed, took a trip
teshale - it was better
(with impersonal verb having object suffixes: teshalew he felt better)
CLASS QeRRe
Type A
teneTCHe - it was plucked, from neTCHe, he plucked

yinneTCH - simp. form
yinneTCHal - it is / will be plucked
yinneCH - let it be plucked
teneCH - be plucked!
teneCHto - having been plucked
teneCHtwal - it has been plucked
teneCHee - one who is plucked
menneCHet - to be plucked
menneCHa - means &c of being plucked
Type B
teleyye - it was separated, was separate

yilleyy - simp. form
yilleyyal - it is / will be separate
yilley - let it be separated
teley - be separate!
teleyyito - having been separated
teleyyitwal - it has been separate
teleyy(ee) - one who is separate
melleyet - to be separate
melleya - distinction (means of being separate)
Common biradicals of class QeRRe with meanins only in the te- stem:
Type A: teqennye - he composed poetry (inf: meqqenyet)
Type B:
temennye - he desired, wished; (memmenyet)
temetche - it was suitable, comfortable (memmechet)
The verb tegennye, "it / he was found", from 'agennye, "he found", sometimes
expresses presence in the present-fahwud. Example:
Begebeya bizu sewotch yiggennyallu - There are many people in the market
(Lit. Many people are found in the market)
As an example of a verb with root starting in 'A- in this class of te- stem is tayye,
"it / he was seen, was visible, appeared" from 'ayye, he saw...
tayye - he, it was seen

yittayy - simp. form
yittayyal - he is / will be seen
yittay - let him be seen
tay - be seen!
tayto - having been seen
taytwal - it has been seen
tayto nebber - he had been seen
tay(ee) - one who is seen; visible
mettayet - to be seen
Class QoMe (only one Type)
teshome - he was appointed, from shome, he appointed

yisshom - simp. form ( reminder, I use -ssh- only to indicate the sound sh
stressed...)
yisshomal - he is, will be appointed
yisshom - let him be appointed
teshom - be appointed!
teshomo, teshumo - having been appointed
teshomwal, teshumwal - he has been appointed
teshwamee - appointee, one who is appointed
messhom - to be appointed
messhomeeya, messhomya - means &c of being appointed
[Note that in many classes, pronouncing the stress of the first radical is the only
way to tell the verb is passive, eg messhom, to be appointed, against meshom,
to appoint... You can't see this difference in feedel writing, as both words are
spelt the same...]
Class HieDe (only one Type)
tegieTe, it / he was adorned, ornamanted, decorated (from gieTe, he adorned)

yiggieT - simp. form
yiggieTal - it is / will be adorned
yiggieT - let it be adorned
tegieT - be adorned!
tegieTo, tegeeTo - having been adorned
tegieTwal, tegeeTwal - he has been adorned
tegeeyaCH, tegyaCH - participle (one who is adorned, n. or adj.)
meggieT - infinitive (to be adorned)
meggieCHA - instrumant or means, etc. of being adorned
The verb 'ale ("he said")
This verb has as an irregular te- stem; tebale "it was said, it / he was called"
with the B reappearing [Gi'iz bihle => Amharic 'ale]
tebale - it was said, he was called

yibbal - simp. form
yibbalal - it is or will be said / called
yibbal - let it be called / said
tebal - be called!
teblo, tebilo - having been called / said
tebilwal - it has been said / he has been called
tebay - one who is called (book says rarely used)
mebbal - to be called, to be said
EXPRESSION OF CANJUNCTIONS
(cont'd from Lesson 36)
'TIL, UNTIL'
'iske- + simple form (often followed by the word dres)

This can express the past tense or the present-fahwud tense, dependin on the
main verb.
T'elat 'iskeemeTa dres bageratchin bizu kifu neger 'alnebberem.

"Until the enemy came, there weren't many bad things in our country"
Misa 'iskeeders Tebbiqqiewallehue.

"I have waited for him until lunch was ready"
'IskitmeTa 'iqwoyyihallehue.
"I will wait for you until you come."
'IskiTegb 'ibelallehue. "I will eat until I am satisfied."
[The past tense for this canjunction can also be expressed by 'iske + past tense
(one or two words), and the present-fahwud tense also by 'iskemmi- + simple
form (one word). In all cases, it can be with or without the word dres following.]
'WHILE, ALL THE TIME THAT...'

'iyye- + past tense (always one word)
This expresses the idea of "while", that is, for an action taking place
simultaneously with the main verb. The two verbs can have the same or different
subjects.
Examples with same subject:
'iyyefetteletch tizefnalletch. "She sings while she spins, she sings while
spinning."
Qursun 'iyyebella temaree biet yihiedal. "He goes to school while eating his
breakfast; he goes to school eating his breakfast."
Examples with different subjects:
'Iyyefetteletch 'izefnallehue. "I sing while she spins."
'Iyyastemarkue tisiqalleh. "You are laughing while I am teaching."
The canjunction prefix si- + simple form, meaning "when", can also express
"while" sometimes. Seesiq 'astemareew meTTa. "The teacher came while
laughing, the teacher came laughing."
'WHEN'
be- + past tense + geezie

This is usually used for the past tense meaning, but it can also be used with the
main verb in the present-future tense. Examples:
Wode 'ager biet behiedkue geezie manninim 'alTeyyeqhum.

When I went to the country, I didn't visit anyone.
(lit. "At the time I went to the country..."
'Addees 'Abeba benebberkue geezie 'ayitchiehallehue.

I have seen you when I was in Addis Ababa.
'Addees 'Abeba bederreskue geezie 'ayihallehue.

I will see you when I arrive at Addis Ababa.
Debdabbie betsafkue geezie selamta 'aqerbilletallehue.

When I write a letter I will present greetings to him.
[Note: This formula can also appear as be- + past tense + -bbet geezie; that is,
with the addition of the suffix -bbet after the verb in the past tense; as in: Wode
'ager biet behiedkubbet geezie... 'Addees 'Abeba benebberkubbet geezie..., etc.]
Of course, the canjunction "when" can also be expressed by si- + simple present,
for example:
Gebeya seehied 'ayyehut.
I saw him when he went to the market, I saw him going to the market.
The only exception where si- is used with another tense, is with the verb of
presence 'alle, becoming salle. Example: 'issu 'ibiet salle poleesotch meTTu.
"The police came when he was in the house."
metta (A) - he hit, beat, struck

shome - he appointed to office
qeTTa (A) - he punished
temare - he learned
temetche (A) - he was comfortable; it was convenient, suitable; it suited
temennye (B) - he desired, wished
teshale - it was better
teshalew - he felt better
teqwoTTa (B) - he vexed, was angry at
tebale - it was said; it was called; he was named
techale - it was possible
tenessa (A) - he arose, got up
tewase - he lent, borrowed (things), insured
tegennye - it / he was found
teTalla - he quarreled (type C te- stem of Tella, he hated)
taTTebe (A) - he washed himself (lit. he was washed)
teTegga (B) - he drew near, got close
cheggere (B) - he was needy, troubled, in difficulty
'ikkul - equal; half
wonz - river
zemed - relative, cousin
diha - poor (adj); a poor person (n.)
T'erra - he invited, called.
EXERCISES
A. Give the verbs in a) past tense, b) present-fahwud, c) jussive or imperative, d)

compond gerundive, agreeing with the pronoun.
Example: 'Inie (tenessa). Answer: a) tenessahue b) 'innessallehue c) linnesa d)
tenesitchallehue.
1. 'Inie (teshome; telake; teTerra)

2. 'Ante (teqwoTTa, temare, tewase)
3. 'Anchee (tayye; tebale; tegennye)
4; 'Issu (temetche; tebale; tegieTe)
5; 'Isswa (teTegga; teshale; tenessa)
6; 'Innya (temerra; teredda; teleyye)
7; 'Innante (telekka; tegezza; temetta)
8; 'Issatchew (teyaze; teshome; tewase)
9; 'Innessu (teTerra; teressa; teseTTe)
10; 'Irswo (tebale; teTerra; tetsafe)
B. Translate into English.
1. yimmetchal. 2. tewiswal. 3. 'isshomallehue. 4. tibbalalletch. 5.

'Inniggennyallen. 6. teqoTTitehal [reminder: qo = qwo] 7. timmennyallesh. 8.
yimmarallu. 9. teTaltatchihwal. 10. tenessa. 11. teTeggee. 12. yisshalal. 13.
telikenal. 14. yittsaf. 15. yiTTeru. 16. teseT'twal. 17. yiggezal. 18.
'altebellam. 19. 'ayissheTim. 20. yilley. 21. teyizalletch. 22. teyazh. 23.
'innimmerallen. 24. tewasetch. 25. teneshee. 26. teTerrahue. 27. teshilwatal.
28. tegeztwal. 29. taytwal. 30. 'ayimmetchim. 31. tegennyitewal. 32. yilleyyal.
C. Change the sentance so that the verb is a te- stem, in a) past tense b)
present-fahwud, c) compound gerundive tense.
Example 1) Temareewin shomew. Answer: a) Temareew teshome. b)
Temareew yisshomal. c) Temareew teshomwal.
Example 2) Debdabbiewin lakew. Answer: a) Debdabbiew telake. b)
Debdabbiew yillakal. c) Debdabbiew telikwal.
1. 'Issun mettaw. 2. 'Issatchewin laknatchew. 3. 'Innessun lakatchew. 4.

'Irswon yazewot. 5. 'Innanten Terratchihue. 6. Liebawin 'ayyew. 7. 'Innyan
qeTTun. 8. Debdabbiewotchun tsafe. 9. 'Isswan 'ayyat. 10. Dabbowin bellut.
11. 'Inien shomenny. 12. Timhirtatchihun ressatchihut. 13. 'Anten 'ayyenih.
14. Mets'hafotchun sheTetchatchew. 15. 'Ancheen ressush. 16. Nigiggirun
semman. 17. 'Ashkerun Terrahut. 18. Lijun qeTTatchiw. 19.
Mekeenawotchun gezzan. 20. Bunnawin TeTTu.
D. Translate into English.
1. Simu Haylu yibbalal. 2. 'Astemareew hulgeezie yiqqoTal. 3. Kezemed

'ayiTTeggam. 4. Mekeenahin lenege 'iwwasallehue. 5. LeQidamienna le'Ihud
beqee migib 'altegezzam. 6. Debdabbiew tetsifo telikwal. 7. Simish man
yibbalal? 8. Timhirtun yimmaral. 9. Timhirtatchewin temrew CHerresu. 10.
YeTeffaw 'iqa tegennye. 11. Ketemaw temetchitonal.
12; 'ALgaw 'altemetchewim. 13; 'Addeesu 'astemaree yisshalal. 14. Ke'inqilfie
beTiwat 'innessallehue. 15. Shimagilliew ke'inqilfatchew tolo 'ayinnessum. 16.
Dihaw habtam lemehon yimmennyal. 17; Haylu kesew yiTTalal. 18;
Temarotchunna 'astemarotchu teTallu. 19; Liebaw seeserq tayto teyaze. 20.
Dabbow tebeltwal. 21. Tellaw teTeTTitwal. 22. 'Algaw yissheTal. 23. 'Iqaw
tegeztwal. 24. Guddayih 'alteressam. 25. Mekeenahin 'altewasem.
E. Substitute Amharic expressions for the English and translate the whole
sentance.
1. When it is convenient for you mets'haf lakillinny. 2. When they were in the
city taytewal. 3. When I am appointed zemedotchie yiTTeggunnyal. 4. Hul
geezie when he wakes up qurs yisseTTewal. 5. Balish until he is angry
'attisaqee. 6. Until he came debdabbiew 'altetsafem. 7. Migibu until it is bought
bunna 'inniTeTTa. 8. 'Innezzeeh mekeenawotch until they are sold àmetu
yalqal. 9. Besshitennyaw while being treated teshalew. 10. While fighting
yisiqallu. 11. While waking up ke'algaw woddeqe. 12. 'Ikifil while learning
tennyahue.
1. This chair suits me very well. 2. The patient does not feel better. 3. He will
wake up from his sleep at 7 o'clock. 4. The doctor and the patient quarreled. 5.
He studies at school in the day and works in the evening. 6. The poor always
want to be wealthy. 7. When I study my lesson, the teacher is not angry with
me. 8. The key that was lost has been found. 9. The baby does not get near
strangers. 10. The thief was seen stealing. 11. If you (m) want to be appointed
to an office, do your work properly. 12. What were you told to do? 13. He
borrows my things but does not return them. 14. When he (r) is in need of
money, he borrows from his servant. 15. We were all given an equal amount.
16. While crossing the river the man fell in the Water. 17. Since he found a
close relative the student is no longer needy. 18. The guard is very poor.
1. 'Ageru temetchatchihue? 'Aydellem, 'ageru 'altemetchenim.

2. Wonzun bekiremt messhager yitchalal? 'Aydellem, wonzun bekiremt
messhager 'ayitchalim.
3. Yittayihal? 'Aydellem; kifilu beTam sileCHelleme bizu neger 'ayittayennyim.
4. Ke'inqilfie sinnessa min ladrig? Ke'inqilfih sittinnessa feetihin taTeb.
5. Besshitennyaw kehospeetal min geezie yiwoTal? Besshitennyaw
kehospeetal seesshalew yiwoTal.
6. 'Indiet yinoral? Qen qen yimmaral, mata mata yiseral; 'iyyetemare yiseral.
7. Lemin teqoTTash? YeteqoTTahut 'astemareew befetena wodqeshal silalenny
new.
8. Mekeena mechie tigezallatchihue? Mekeena genzeb seeggenny 'ingezallen.
9. Dihaw zemed 'ayiTTeggam? 'Awo, beTam silemmeefera zemed
'ayiTTeggam.
10. Demoz 'indiet teCHemmerellet? Siraw tayto demoz teCHemmerellet.
11. Zarie man teshome? Zarie 'astemarotchu teshomu.
12. Hakeem sihon kelielotch hakeemotch timerTunnyallatchihue? 'Awon,
hakeem sittihon 'inmerTihallen.
13. Bimmenny habtam lihon 'ichilallehue? 'Aydellem; bittimmenny habtam
'attihonim.
14. 'Iqawin yimellisallu? 'Aydellem, 'innessu 'iqa 'iyyetewasu 'aymellisum.
15. Genzeb man yiseTenal? Betecheggeratchihue geezie bitnegrun genzeb
'inseTatchihwallen.
16. Poleesu keman gar teTalla? Poleesu kezebennyaw gar teTalla.
17. Yemmeekeflwatchew demoz 'ikkul new? 'Aydellem, yemmeekeflwatchew
demoz 'ikkul 'aydellem.
'And 'Anbessanna ZeTenny Jibotch
'And 'anbessanna zeTenny jibotch 'abrew yinoru nebber. 'Andi qen beTam
rabatchew. Qenu begga new; yimoqal. Wiha Temmatchew. Migibimm
yellatchewim nebber. Silezzeeh beTam 'aznew ke'andi zaf 'aTegeb 'arrefu.
BeTam dekkematchew. Kenferatchew derreqe; hodatchewin 'ammematchew.
Mehied 'alchalum nebber.
'Anbessa 'andi neger 'assibo lejibotchu - <<Wode CHakka hieden migib
'infellig>> 'alatchew. 'Anbessawinna zeTennyu jibotch 'abrew wode CHakka
hiedu. CHakka 'indederresu 'assir beriewotch 'ayyu. 'Assirun beriewotch yizew
wode 'anbessaw biet hiedu. 'Anbessamm zeTennyun beriewotch wosdo
'assirennyawin lezeTennyu jibotch seTTatchew.
ZeTennyu jibotch 'andun berie yizew wode bietatchew hiedu. Yejibotchu 'abbat
'iketema wilo seemeTa lijotchun 'ayyatchew. Lijotchu yet 'indewalu
beeTeyyiqatchew - <<Ke'anbessa gar CHakka hieden 'assir beriewotch yazin.
ZeTennyun 'anbessa wosdo 'andun 'innya yizen meTTan>> 'alut.
'Abbatatchew beTam 'azzene. <<'Indiet zeTenny berie le'and 'anbessa
tiseTallatchihue? 'Inie 'andun berie seTitchiew zeTennyun 'imellisallehue!>> 'ale.
Yejibotchu 'abbat 'andun berie yizo wode 'anbessa hiede. 'Indederrese
le'anbessaw selamta seTTewinna qome. Bezzeeh geezie jibu beTam ferra.
Jib: T'iena yisTillinny 'Ato 'Anbessa.

'Anbessa: Mindinew? Gudday 'alleh?
Jib: Yellem, 'Ato 'Anbessa. 'Andi neger semitchie beTam 'azzenhue.
'Anbessa: Mindinew?
Jib: Zarie kelijotchie gar CHakka hiedatchihue nebber.
'Anbessa: Tadeeyass?
Jib: 'Assir berie yizatchihue 'irswo ke'assiru zeTennyun mewsedwon lijotchie
neggerunny. 'Iniemm - 'Aydellem, 'assirumm berie ye'Ato 'Anbessa new
'alkwatchew. Silezzeehimm yihinin berie liseTwo new yemeTTahut.
'Anbessa: Lezzeeh new? T'iru 'assibehal. T'iru new.
Yejibotchu 'abbat 'assirennyawin berie le'anbessaw seTito wode bietu hiede.
VOCABULARY: 'indederresu - as soon as they arrived; tadeeyass - so what

about?
Lesson 39
THE AS- STEM
Besides the A- stem and TE- stem that we have learned, another stem that can
change the meanins of verbs is the AS- stem. For the past tense, the prefix 'as-
can be simply added to basic stem verbs of any type or class, with no other
change to the basic form. Examples:
type A: 'asqemmese, "he caused to taste", from qemmese "he tasted"

type B: 'asfellege "it was necessary", from fellege "he wanted"
type C: 'asmarreke "he caused to capture", from marreke "he captured"
The main uses of the as- stem are: 1) to express the causative meaning of a
transitive verb, or 2) to express the causative meaning of a passive verb.
1) Causative of transitive verbs:
Transitive verbs, as we know, are usually expressed by verbs either in the a-

stem, or by the basic stem (dependin on the verb)... In either case, the causative
meaning is expressed by the as- stem. Examples of causative verbs formed
from basic stem transitives:
'aswossede "he caused to take", from wossede, he took

'asqworreTe "he caused to cut", from qworreTe, he cut
'asTebbeqe, "he caused to quard" from Tebbeqe, he guarded
'aslemmene "he caused to beg" from lemmene, he begged
asmellese "he caused to give back" from mellese, he gave back.
Other transitive verbs appear in the a- stem; as we have learned, the a- stem
changes an intransitive verb to a transitive one (one that can take an object)...
the causative meaning for these transitive a- stem verbs is expressed by adding
the 'as- stem directly to the basic stem (dropping the 'a- stem)... Examples:
leffa - it was soft; 'aleffa - he softened; 'asleffa - he caused to soften

rezzeme - it was long; 'arezzeme - he lengthened; 'asrezzeme - he caused to
lengthen
meTTa - he came; 'ameTTa - he brought; 'asmeTTa - he caused to bring
qome - he stood; 'aqome - he set up; 'asqome - he caused to set up
Tebbeqe - it stuck together; 'aTebbeqe - he stuck; 'asTebbeqe - he caused to
stick
(Note: this is verb is identical in form to the other verb Tebbeqe meaning "he
kept, protected, guarded, awaited, watched, etc.)
messhe - it was evening; 'amesshe - he spent the evening; 'asmesshe - he
caused someone to spend the evening.
reffede - it is late in the morning; 'areffede - he was late in the morning; 'asreffede
- he caused someone to be late in the morning.
2) Causative of Passive verbs
Passive verbs, as we know, can be expressed either in the te- stem, or in the
basic stem, dependin on the verb. As before, the 'as- stem is simply prefixed to
the basic stem in either case to express the causative of the passive. Examples:
Zafun 'asqworreTew - he had the tree cut down

Zafun 'asqworreTe - " " " " (object may appear as suffix on verb, or not)
Lijun 'asnekkesew - he had the child bitten
T'elatun 'asgeddelew - he had his enemy killed
Bietun 'asTerregetchiw - she had the house swept
'Iqahin 'asmezzin - have your luggage weighed.
Note that in these sentances, the 'as- prefix + basic stem can also express the
causative of the transitive (see above)... So, the sentance Bietun
'asTerregetchiw, for instance, besides meaning "she had the house swept", might
also mean "she had him sweep the house"...
Sometimes the use of the 'as- stem connotes a sense of force or obligation...
Examples:
Yemmaywoddewin àsa 'asbellahut - I made him (forced him to) eat the fish that
he doesn't like.
YamelleTewin 'isrennya wode dannya 'asmeTTut - they forced the prisoner who
escaped to come to the judge.
Lijun 'Ingleez CHew 'asTeTTahut - I made the child drink Epsom Salts.
For the verbs where the regular meaning happens to be in the te- stem (with no
corresponding basic stem), the 'as- stem expresses the causative, dropping the
te- prefix... Examples:
teqemmeTe, he sat down; 'asqemmeTe, he seated, caused to sit; he placed, put

teshekkeme, he carried; 'asshekkeme, he caused to carry
temennye - he desired; 'asmennye - he / it caused to desire
tekettele - he followed; 'askettele - he made to follow
Similarly, for the verbs where the regular meaning happens to be in the a- stem
(with no corresponding basic stem), the causative is expressed by the 'as- stem,
dropping the 'a- prefix... Examples:
'aleqqese - he cried; 'asleqqese - he caused to cry

'amelleTe - he escaped; 'asmelleTe - he caused to escape
'akworrefe - he snored; 'askworrefe - he caused to snore
'agessa - he belched; 'asgessa - he / it caused to belch
Not to be canfused with this last type of verb, are the verbs that just happen to
start with 'A - as their first radical in the basic stem (see lesson 17)... for these
verbs, the causative is expressed by the 'as- stem (as usual), BUT - the 'a is not
dropped; rather, the 'as- combines wiith it to become 'asa-... Examples:
'assebe - he thought; 'asassebe - he caused to think; he suggested, reminded

'allefe - he passed; 'asallefe - he caused to pass
'atteme - he printed; 'asatteme - he published (literally, caused to print)
'ayye - he saw; 'asayye - he showed (literally, caused to see)
Conjugation (triradicals)
In the 'as- stem, there is no distinction between type A or B. All verbs in the 'as
stem are stressed, as if they were type B.
If the basic verb stem starts with sh, z, ts, or s as the first radical, the -s- of
the'as- prefix is assimilated to the other letter, causing it to be pronounced
stressed. This, 'as- + sheffene becomes 'assheffene, 'as- + zemmete becomes
'azzemmete; 'as- + tsafe becomes 'attsafe; 'as- + serra = 'asserra, 'as- + serreqe
= 'asserreqe.
The forms (present-fahwud, jussive, infinitive, instrumantal) that start off with
prefixes combine with the vowel 'a- of the 'as- prefix, assimilating the original
vowel. i.e., Yi-, ti-, 'i-, 'in-, li-, me- become yas-, tas-, 'as-, 'innas-, las-, mas-...
The other forms simply add the 'as- to the regular form. (past, imperative,
gerundive, participle.)
The suffixes are all the same. The base forms stripped of all prefixes and
suffixes are: (using 'asneggere as an example) are always as follows:
-NeGGiR- : Present-fahwud, jussive, imperative, gerundive
-NeGGaR- : Participle
-NeGGeR- : infinitive, instrumantal
The canjugation is thus:

'asneggere - he caused to be told
yasneggir - (simple form)
yasneggiral - he causes to be told
yasneggir - may he cause to be told
'asneggir - cause to be told!
'asneggiro - having caused to be told
'asneggirwal - he has caused to be told
'asneggaree - causing to be told, one who causes to be told
masnegger - to cause to be told
masnegger(ee)ya - means etc. of causing to be told
For regular verbs with initial 'a- :
'asaddese - he had something renewed

yasaddis - simp. form
yasaddisal - he causes to be renewed
yasaddis - let him have something renewed
'asaddis - have renewed!
'asaddiso - having caused to be renewed
'asaddiswal - he has caused to be renewed
'asaddash - one who has something renewed (n. or adj)
masaddes - to cause to be renewed
masaddesha - means of having something renewed, etc.
VOCABULARY
rezzeme (A) - it was long

reffede (A) - it is late in the morning
salon - living room
sihtet (or sitet) - mistake
qeddeme -(A) it / he preceded, went first, advanced
birtu - strong
biete metsahift - library
befittsum - (with negative verb) - completely, never, not at all
'arezzeme (A) - he lengthened
'aslemmede - he caused to get used to, helped to get accustomed; acclimatised
'asallefe - he caused to pass, let pass; he served a meal
'asammene - he caused to believe, canvinced, persuaded
'asrezzeme - he lengthened, caused to lengthen
'asreffede - he caused someone to be late in the morning
'asassebe - he caused to think, made concerned, reminded
'asqemmeTe - he placed, put down, seated
'asterrefe - he has something leftover
'astekkwose - he caused to be ironed (clothes),
'ascheggere - he troubled someone, bothered
'asakkeme - he helped someone get medical treatmant
'aswolleqe - he caused to fall out; cause to come off; caused to take off clothes
'asazzene - he made sad, saddened; caused pity, grieved
'asaddere - he had someone spend the night, had someone lodge
'asderreqe - he caused to dry
'asTebbeqe - he caused to guard, had something guarded, made someone wait
'asaTTefe - he caused to fold
'asfellege - it was necessary
'asfellegew (impersonal) - he needed
wolel - floor
ferreme (B) - he signed (a signature)
fetena - test, exam
EXERCISES
A. Give the a) past, b) present-fahwud, c) jussive or imperative, d) compound

gerundive, agreeing with the pronoun
Example: 'Inie ('asTebbeqe). Answer: a) 'asTebbeqhue; b) 'asTebbiqallehue; c)
lasTebbiq; d) 'asTebbiqqieyallehue.
1. 'Inie ('aswossede; 'asmellese; 'asgeddede)

2; 'Ante ('askeffele; 'askeffete; 'asakkeme)
3; 'Anchee ('askeffele; 'asneggede; 'asaddere)
4; 'issu ('asTerrege; 'asqemmeTe; 'aslemmede)
5; 'Isswa ('asderreqe; 'asTebbeqe; 'asazzene)
6; 'Innya ('asTebbese; 'asworrede; 'asferrede)
7; 'Innante ('asferrese; 'asneggede; 'asaTTebe)
8; 'Innessu ('asrezzeme; 'asqemmeTe; 'asaddere)
9; 'Irswo ('askeffete; 'asqemmeTe; 'asallefe)
10; 'Issatchew ('askeffele; 'asTeyyeqe; 'asammene)
B. Change the basic stem verbs in the sentance to 'as- stem in the same tense,
agreeing with the pronoun in parentheses as the new subject: (the old subject
will become the object)
Examples: a) Geredeetu bietun Terregetch ('innessu) - Answer: 'Innessu
geredeetun bietun 'asTerregat.
b) 'Ante tiferrimalleh .('issu) Answer: 'Issu 'anten yasferrimihal.
1. Zebennyaw bietun yiTebbiqal ('innessu). 2; 'Astemareew mets'haf wosdewal

('issu). 3; Sietiyyowa keerayun keflalletch ('Innya) 4; Geredeetu libsun
'aTTebetch ('innante) 5. Liju berrun yikeftal ('inie) 6; Temareew sirawin
yijemmiral ('ante) 7; Sewiyyiew yinegdal ('issatchew). Temarotchu fetenawin
'allefe ('innya). 9; Balwa 'amnwal ('isswa) 10; 'Ihitie ìnqulal tiTebsalletch ('Inie).
11; 'Ashkeru libs yiTergal ('innya); 12; 'Anchee keerayun tikefyallesh ('Issu).
13; Temareew mets'hafun wossede ('Irswo). 14; 'Ashkeru 'ansolawin yaTbal
('issatchew). 15. Hitsanu berredew ('isswa).
C. Translate into English.
1. 'Asworridewtal. 2. Yasallifatal. 3. 'Asrezzimmiewallehue. 4.

'Asassibenatchewal. 5. 'Asmelleskue. 6. 'Asferresatchihut. 7. 'Asworredut. 8;
'Asmellesut. 9. 'Aswolliqotal. 10; 'Asazzinwatchewal. 11; 'Ayasderrisewim.
12; Yaslemmidutal. 13; 'Asberredatchihun. 14; 'Asawwoqetchinny. 15;
'Innasterrifallen. 16; 'Asawwoqew. 17; 'Asamminishallehue. 18;
'Asakkimmiew. 19; Yasworridutal. 20; 'Innasazzizallen. 21; Yasderriqut. 22;
'AsaTTibew. 23; 'Innasqemmisatchiwallen. 24; 'Asfellegetchiw. 25;
'Asqeddemut. 26. Tasrezzimalletch. 27. 'Ayasqerribewim. 28. 'Alasreffidewim.
29. 'Innasaddiratchihwallen. 30. 'Asferredetchinny.
D. Read and Translate.
1. Biete metsahift yasfelligenal. 2. 'Atemareew fetena 'alasallefatchewim. 3.

Besshitennyawin tasakkimalletch. 4. Temareew genzeb yasfelligewal. 5.
'Ingidawin 'innasaddiratchew. 6. Mets'hafun yet 'asqemmeTshiw? 7.
'Astemareew 'iqawin betemaree 'aswossede. 8. 'Ansola 'asaTTiballehue. 9.
Birdi libsun 'alasaTTebetchim. 10. 'Abbatwan 'asammenetchatchew. 11.
Balwan tasamminewalletch. 12. Meto birr yasfelligwotal. 13. Migib
'alasfellegatchewim. 14. Meestu zarie 'asreffedetchiw. 15. Liju hul geezie
yasreffidatal. 16. Besshitennyaw hakeemun yascheggirewal. 17. 'Almaz
balwan 'attascheggirim. 18; Temarotchu 'astemareewin 'ascheggirewt 'aznwal.
19. Hitsanun kemekeena 'asworrijeew. 20. 'Astemareew fetenawin 'asallefenny.
21. Lerat woT tasterrifalletch. 22. 'Ingida 'ayasaddirum. 23. Min
yasfelligatchihwal? 24. Mekeenawon bezebennya yasTebbiqwatal. 25.
Wolelun 'alasTerreghutim. 26. Timhirtie beTam yasassibennyal. 27. 'Ante sirah
'ayasassibihim. 28. Besshitennyawin bemekeena 'innaswossidew. 29.
Libsatchinin 'innasaTTiballen. 30. Sinti birr yasfelligishal?
1. The mistakes that you made are very many. 2. It is very late in the morning;
why are you coming only now? 3. My students are strong. 4. The library is
always open. 5. He never came. 6. The teacher let us pass the exam. 7. The
wife canvinced her husband. 8. The lessons do not trouble the student. 9. She
had the patient treated. 10. The work that he (r) did grieves him. 11. Let us let
the visitor spend the night in our house. 12. She has the linen washed every
day. 13. The baby makes her mother late in the morning. 14. The students
bother the teacher. 15. Let them have the things taken in the car. 16. She will
have the floor swept for Saturday. 17. They have the library guarded by a
guard. 18. She needs money for food. 19. The floor of the living room is
swept. 20. The exam bothered us.
1. Biete metsahift yasfelligatchihwal? 'Awo, biete metsahift beTam yasfelligenal.

2. 'Astemareew fetena 'asallefatchew? 'Aydellem, 'astemareew fetena
'alasallefatchewim.
3. Hospeetal min tadergalletch? Besshitennyawin takkimewalletch.
4. Temareew min yasfelligewal? Temareew genzeb yasfelligewal.
5. 'Ingidawin 'innasaddiratchew.
6. Bietwan 'AsTerregetchiw.
7. 'Astemareew 'iqawin beman 'aswossede? 'Astemareew 'iqawin betemaree
'aswossede.
8. Bietun beman 'asTerregetch? Bietun begered 'asTerregetch.
9. Birdi libsun 'asaTTebetchiw? 'Aydellem, birdi libsun 'alasaTTebetchim.
10. 'Abbatwan 'asammenetchatchew? 'Aydellem, 'abbatwan
'alasammenetchatchewim; 'alchaletchim.
11. Balwan tasamminewalletch? 'Awo, balwan bedenb tasamminewalletch.
12; Sinti birr yasfelligennyal? Meto birr yasfelligihal.
13; Migib 'asfellegatchew? 'Aydellem, migib 'alasfellegatchewim.
14; Sinti birr yasfelligishal? Meto hamsa birr yasfelligennyal.
15; Zarie man 'asreffedewot? Zarie meestie 'asreffedetchinny.
16; Yemmeeyasassibatchew mindinew? Yemmeeyasassibatchew timhirtatchew
new.
17; 'Iqahin yet tasqemmiTalleh? 'Iqayien 'igwadennyayie biet 'asqemmiTallehue.
18; Timhirtu beTam yascheggiral.
19; Min 'asazzenat? Yebalwa memot beTam 'asazzenat.
20; YemmeeyasTebbiqish man new? YemmeeyasTebbiqenny zebennyaw new.
Lesson 40
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different apps, through certain sites... Hopefully this fixes it...
REVIEW LESSON 40
FETENA
A. Give the verbs in a) past, b) present-fahwud, c) jussive or
imperative, d) compound gerundive tenses, agreeing with the pronoun.
1. 'Inie (tegeddele; tebale; 'afella; 'asTerrege;

tegaddele; 'asqemmeTe; 'ameTTa; temellese)
2. 'Ante (temerreTe; 'asaddere; 'aferrede;
tebale; 'aqome; 'asreffede; temakkere; teserreqe)
3; 'Anchee ('ameTTa; temellese; 'aswossede; telake;
teshaggere; 'asreffede; teqeTTere)'
4; 'Issu (teshome; 'ascheggere; teqemmeTe; 'aCHese; tenaggere;
temare; tefellege)
5; 'Isswa (teCHawwote; tewollede; 'adane; 'afella; 'asTerrege;
tegennye; 'agennye)
6; 'Innya (teqeTtere; 'asferreme; 'aTenna; tematta; tayye;
telammede; 'asallefe; 'asjemmere)
7; 'Innante ('adane; teqemmeTe; teshaggere; 'asmessele; 'asammene;
teshale; 'asTeTTa)
8; 'Innessu ('aqwoyye; teshekkeme; teshome; 'askeffele; 'abella;
teferra; tenessa)
9; 'Issatchew ('asaTTebe; 'asawwoqe; 'aqwoyye; teqebbele; teTegga;
tewase; 'asTebbeqe; 'askeffele)
10; 'Irswo (tebale; temennye; 'aTenna; 'amesshe; tayye;
teTalla; 'asTeyyeqe; 'asTebbese)
B. Translate into English.
1. Teshomwal. 2. 'Ascheggiralletch. 3. 'Altenaggershim.

4. 'Aswossidallehue. 5. 'Alafellum. 6. 'AmTitatchihwal. 7.
TaCHesalleh. 8. Temellisewal. 9. 'AyiqqeTTerum. 10. TeCHawtehal.
11. 'Asferrimee. 12. 'Adinotal. 13. 'AsTerrig. 14.
YiqqeTer. 15. TaT'na. 16. Temattu. 17. Tayteshal. 18. 'Innilla
mmedallen. 19. 'Altenaggernim. 20. Yishomallu. 21. 'Ayinnessum.
22. YasTebbiq. 23. TelawwoTin. 24. 'Attaqwoyyew. 25. 'Ayibbali
m. 26. 'Asreffedkut. 27. LasTebbisilliwot. 28. TeT'allan. 29.
'Ayiwwasim. 30. Tiqqebbelalletch. 31. 'AsaTbehal. 32. 'AT'nee.
33. 'Alimmennyim. 34. Yasfelligenal. 35. 'Agenyitewal. 36. 'Alt
egennyum. 37. YiqqemmeTu. 38. 'Asammenatchihue. 39. 'Ayaskeffili
him. 40. 'AttiTTeqqemim.
C. Translate into English.
1. YeLaqetch bal teshome. 2. Mekeenawin 'aqwoyyubbet. 4. Genzeb

yasfelligihal. 5. Besshitennyawin 'asakkemnew. 6. 'Ageru 'altemetc
hennyim. 7. Zarie beTam teshilotal. 8. Bizu
neger 'innimmennyallen. 9. T'iru nigiggir tenaggerk. 10. 'Ashkerwo
tekettilwotal. 11. Bizu àynet
CHewwata 'inniTCHawwotallen. 12. Begeezie temellese. 13. Wonzun
lemesshager 'alchalnim. 14. Seejara 'attaCHeeshee. 15. Mets'hafun
tewiso 'aqwoyyebbinny. 16. Bunnawin
Tamuqilliwo. 17. Libsun 'alasaTTebetchiwim. 18. Bietu
teqaTTilwal. 19. 'Issatchew
ke'inqilfatchew 'altenessum. 20. Liebaw
seeserq 'altayyem. 21. Simatchew man yibbalal? 22. Yelijeetwa
sim 'Almaz
yibbalal. 23. Timhirtatchinin 'innimmarallen. 24. Kotien lemewwas
yifelligal. 25. Hamsa sebbat birr
yabeddirihal. 26. Libsun 'asTerrigeh
libes. 27. Mahber 'aqumewal. 28. 'Iqawin
taTballetch. 29. 'Andandie baliyyow meestun
yiqqoTatal. 30. Ingida 'ayasadrum.
D. Put the basic stem verb into the a-stem in the same tense,
making the pronoun in parentheses to be the subject.
Example: Bunna lequrs fella. ('Isswa) Answer: 'Isswa lequrs
bunna 'afellatch.
1. Mahiber qome. ('Innessu). 2. Seejaraw yiCHesal

(issu). 3. 'Iqaw meTtwal ('innya). 4. Misa 'aydersim
('anchee). 5. Wotetu moqe ('inie). 6. Kotinna sureew derqwal
('isswa). 7. Mebratu yiTefal ('innante). 8. Besshitennyaw dane
('issatchew). 9. Liju yibelal (isswa). 10. T'ella yiTeTTallu
('innya). 11. Berru yiwolqal ('issu). 12. Bietu zendiro yifersal
('innessu). 13. 'Irat qerbwal ('isswa). 14. Sigaw yibeslal
('inie). 15. Bizu genzeb terrefe ('irswo).
E. Put the basic-stem verb in the te- stem (making the object to be
the subject) in a) past, b) present-fahwud, c) compound gerundive
tenses.
Example: 'Inien seddebenny. Answer: a) 'Inie

teseddebkue. b) 'Inie 'isseddeballehue c) 'inie tesedibbieyallehue.
1. Lijun mettut. 2. QeTerowin ressanew. 3. 'Innyan

T'eyyeqen. 4. Debdabbiewin tsafe. 5. Mekeenawon
sheTnat. 6. Bietun T'erregut. 7. 'Isswan qeTTerwat. 8. 'Issun
shomnew. 9. Ìnqulal lequrs T'ebbesetch. 10. Wilun tinantinna
ferremin. 11. BirCHiqqowin sebberatchihut. 12. Keerayun
keffeletch. 13. T'erePPiezawin mellesk. 14. 'Innessun
T'eqqematchew. 15. Debdabbiewin lakin. 16. 'Anten
T'eyyeqeh. 17. 'Inien fellegunny. 18. 'Isswan
lakwat. 19. 'Ancheen reddush. 20. 'Issun shomut. 21. 'Innyan
qeTTerun. 22. 'Innanten mellesatchihue. 23. 'Innessun
seddebatchew. 24. 'Issatchewin merreTetchatchew. 25. 'Issatchewin
T'eyyeqhwatchew. 26. 'Inien T'eqqemenny. 27. 'Anten
qeTTah. 28. 'Ancheen 'ayyehush.
F. Translate into English.
1. Letimhirtu genzeb yasfelligewal. 2. Bietun

bezebennya 'asTebbiqewallehue. 3. Fetenaw
beTam 'ascheggironal. 4. Libs tasaTballetch. 5. Lieba
yewossedebinin 'iqa 'innasmellis. 6. Yebalwa memot beTam
yasazzinatal. 7. 'Ingidotchun 'ager 'innaslemmidallen. 8. 'Ingida
masader dess yilatchewal. 9. Neggadiew yemekeenawan
waga 'alaskeffelunnyim. 10. Yewondimmwa mettamem
beTam 'asassibwatal. 11. Temareew ke'astemareew gar wode kifil
seegeba 'astemareewin yasqeddimal. 12. Yemmitbelaw neger
lasTebbisillih. 13. Libsien 'asaTibbie 'astekkusalleh. [ku =
kwi] 14. Lijotchun kemekeena lay 'asworridatchew. 15. Habtamu
neggadie bizu neger yasneggidallu.
G. Replace the ye- + pronoun possessive, with the pronoun suffix

possessive.
Example: Yenien mekeena sheTkwat. Answer: Mekeenayien sheTkwat.
1. Yennante biete metsahift tilliq new. 2. Yennya fetena beTam

kebbad nebber. 3. Yante zemedotch bizu
genzeb 'allatchew. 4. Yessu 'abbat shimagillie
natchew. 5. Yanchee nigiggir beTam T'iru nebber. 6. Yennessu
CHewwata 'aygebashim. 7. Yerswo seejara
T'iru 'aydellem. 8. Yennya mahber beTam tilliq
new. 9. Yessatchewin kawiyya 'ameTallehue. 10. Yanten temaree
biet 'alawiqewim. 11. Yenie qulf yellem. 12. Yesswa
qemees 'addees nat. 13. Yennante 'awroplan marefeeya 'addees
new. 14. Yenie kees tilliq new. 15. Yessu 'abbat habtam
natchew. 16. Yennya 'astemaree gwobezz serratennya
natchew. 17. Yennessun mesgeed 'ayyehut. 18. Yerswo ìdmie sinti
new? 19. Yessatchew mesreeya biet ruq new. 20. Yanchee menettsir
widdi new.
H. Make up answers for the questions.
1. Simih man yibbalal? 2. Simwo man yibbalal? 3. Seejara

taCHesalleh? 4. 'Amarinnya tinnaggereeyallesh? 5. 'Ageratchihue
sint 'aynet CHewwata 'allatchihue? 6. 'Indiet 'adderu? 7. Lemisa
yemmeeyasfelligatchihun yizatchihwal? 8. Genzeb keyet
yiggennyal? 9. 'Ageru temetchatchihue? 10. 'Agerun
man 'aslemmedatchihue?
1. You need many things when you go to our country. 2. While she
was having the patient treated, he died. 3. She has her husband's
clothes cleaned. 4. Have the guest stay for the night at your
house. 5. The chair is not comfortable. 6. I feel better
today. 7. The baby woke up from his sleep. 8. What is your (f)
name? 9. All the visitors will return to their country. 10. We
play different kinds of games. 11. What kinds of games do you
know? 12. I speak Amharic. 13. How did you spend the
evening? 14. He (r) does not like to smoke cigarettes. 15. When
they get money, they send it to their relatives.
Dirset
Àlee koliej gebto timhirtun CHerrese. 'IwiTCH 'ager derso
temellese. Timhirtun CHerriso 'indetemellese 'astemaree
hone. 'Ageru ketemellese behwala 'andeet yemmeewoddat
lijagered 'agnyito agebbat.
Àlee 'ibalager yemmeenorutin zemedotchun kayyatchew bizu geezie
hunot nebber. Silezzeeh kemeestu gara wode balager heedo
zemedotchuninna wodajotchun lemeTeyyeq 'assebe. Silezeeh neger
kemeestu gara temakkere. Meestumm hassabun wodda 'isshee 'aletchiw.
Kemehiedatchew befeet lezemedotchunna lewodajotchu suree; kot;
shemeez; le'ihitotchu qemees; le'innatu melkam shemma gezza.
Lewodajotchumm yemmeehon liyyu liyyu siTota gezza. Lemengedatchewimm
yemmeeyasfelligathcewin neger gezza.
Yeàlee zemedotch yemmeenorut Harer new. Àleenna meestu wode
Harer lemehied ke'ayropplaninna kebabur yetinnyaw indemmeesshal
seeyassibu; be'ayropplan lemehied qorreTu. Àleemm hulett
ye'ayropplan teekiet 'asqorreTe.
Bemagistu T'iwat be'aratt seàt ke'Addees 'Abeba
tenessu. Be'ammist seàt Dirie Dawa derresu. Ke'ayropplan wordew
betaksee wode 'Alemmaya hiedu.
Àlemmaya seedersu Àleenna meestu wodaj biet 'arrefu. Bedenb
teqebbelwatchew. Wiha 'amuqew ;iggiratchewin 'aTTebwatchew. 'Irat 'a
bellwatchew. Kerat behwala bunna 'aflitew 'aTeTTwatchew. Àleenna
wodajotchu bizu CHewwata teCHawwotu. Àlee siletimhirtu; silemeestu;
wiTCH 'ager silayyewinna siletemarew neger neggeratchew. Yeàlee
meest gin siledekkemat bizu 'attinnaggerim nebber. Zimm bila
CHewwatatchewin tisema
nebber. SeeTCHawwotu 'amesshu. Dekkematchew. 'Inqilfatchew
meTTa. Kemetennyatatchew befeet Àlee lenegew mengedatchew
beqlo 'indeefelligullatchew wodajotchun neggeratchew.
Bemagistu yeÀlee wodajotch 'issunna meestu 'indayreffidibbatchew
beTiwat ke'inqilfatchew 'aneqqwatchew.
Beqlo 'agnyitewillatchewal. Be'andu beqlo 'iqa teCHane. Àleenna
meestu wodajotchun dehna hunu 'alwatchew. Àleenna meestumm bebeqlo
teqemTew mengedatchewin qeTTelu. Mengedun silemmayawqut 'andi sew
tekettilwatchew. Kemedresatchew befeet bizu wonz
teshaggeru. Kesimmint seàt behwala Àlee zemedotchu biet
derrese. Beqlwatchewin 'aqomu. Kebeqlo worredu.
YeÀlee 'innatinna 'abbat; wondimmotchunna 'ihitotchu bedessita
teqebbelwatchew. Àlee yameTTawin 'iqa lijotchu
kebeqlo 'aworredullet. 'Ibiet gebbunna Àleenna
meestu 'arrefu. Àlee yameTTawin libsinna liyyu liyyu neger
lezemedotchu seTTatchew. 'innessumm beTam dess 'alatchew.
Àleenna meestu kehulett sammint behwala wode 'Addees 'Abeba
temellesu.
VOCABULARY
wiTCH 'ager - abroad, foreign countries; qworreTe - he determined,
decided, made up his mind; literally: he cut (his
thoughts); teekiet 'asqorreTe - he bought a ticket; Àlemmaya -
place in Harer province; teCHane - it was loaded; bedessita - with
joy bemagistu - on the morrow.
Answer the question
1. Àlee manin 'agebba? 2. Àleenna meestu Dirie Dawa bemin

hiedu? 3. Àlee lezemedotchu min gezza? 4. KeDirie Dawa
wode 'Alemmaya bemin hiedu? 5. Àlemmaya seedersu yet 'arrefu?
References
All lessons taken from Amharic Online at Yahoo Groups
(amharic_online@yahoogroups.com)

Amharic Lessons

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Amharic Lessons

From Suliman Galal Suliman

This is not Lesson One; it is only a Preliminary to Lesson One.

To become fully literate in the Amharic language, of course it is necessary to learn to

Amharic Alphabet or Fidel

*ha hu hee ha hie hi ho "Hoy"

FIRST FORM - "GI`IZ"

SECOND FORM - "KA`IB"

THIRD FORM - "SALES"

FOURTH FORM - "RABI`"

Fifth form - "Hames"

Sixth form - "Sades"

Seventh form - "Sabi`"

Now, on to pronunciation of consonants... There are a few consonant sounds

Now, on to the other consonants:

A final piece of advice for pronouncing (and speaking) Amharic:

Amharic Lesson One

THE VERB 'TO BE'

newot you are

Further notes on pronunciation and spelling:

Now, fahwud with the grammar.

tilliq new = he is big OR 'issu tilliq new

'inie tilliq nenny = I am big

VOCABULARY for AMHARIC LESSON ONE (The LANGUAGE OF THE KING)

1. 'Ante 'astemaree ____. 2. 'Anchee lijagered _____. 3. 'Issu hakeem ____.

B. Fill in the blank with the correct personal pronoun.

C. Translate into Amharic.

D. Translate into English

1. 'Ante temaree neh? 'Awo, 'inie temaree nenny.

biet = house bietotch = houses

temaree = student temarotch = students

wissha = dog wisshawotch = dogs

USAGE OF THE PLURAL

If there is an adjective modifying a plural noun, the adjective is usually left

THE SUFFIX -SS IN QUESTIONS

Dehna neh? 'Igzee'abihier yimmesgen, dehna nenny; 'antess?

'Inie temaree nenny; 'antess?

'Issatchew 'astemaree natchew; 'irswoss?

'Inie temaree nenny; 'antess? 'Iniemm temaree nenny.

VOCABULARY FOR LESSON 2

A. Use the plural form of the noun in parentheses.

Example: 'Innya ('astemaree) nen. Answer: 'Innya 'astemarotch nen.

1. 'Innessu (temaree) natchew. 2. 'Innante ('astemaree) natchihue. 3. 'Innya

B. Change the entire sentence from singular form to plural.

Example: 'Inie hakeem nenny. Answer: 'Innya hakeemotch nen.

1. 'Ante temaree neh. 2. 'Issu hakeem new. 3. 'Inie 'astemaree nenny. 4.

C. Replace the number in each sentance with one number higher.

Example: 'Innezzeeh 'aratt womberotch natchew. Answer: 'Innezzeeh 'ammist

1. Yih 'and 'irsas new. 2. 'Innezzeeh 'aratt hakeemotch natchew. 3. 'Innezzeeh

D. Translate into Amharic.

E. Read and translate.

1. Yih mindin new? Yih womber new.

biet = house bietu = the house

temaree = student temareew = the student.

This -u or -w suffix is considered masculine (male) in gender. For nouns being

gered = maid geredwa = the maid

doro = hen dorowa = the hen

geredwa, geredeetu, geredeetwa } = "the maid"

nigusotch = kings nigusotchu = the kings

USE OF THE DEFINITE ARTICLE

THE WORD "OR" IN A QUESTION

THE WORD 'AND"

mets'hafinna 'irsas = "a book and a pencil"

mets'haf 'irsasimm = "a book and a pencil"

1. 'Ante 'astemaree __. 2. 'Anchee lijagered _. 3. 'Issu hakeem __.

1. tilliq 'astemaree neh. 2. beTam Tiru hakeemotch

1. 'Igebeya bizu sew . 2. Zarienna nege temaree biet .