Question Words

1. Maal?

   What?

   Usage

   The basic question word for things and events.

   Grammar Note

   maal = what; a question word usually stands just before the verb.

2. Eessa?

   Where?

   Usage

   The question word for places.

   Grammar Note

   eessa = where; "from where" is eessaa (Eessaa dhufte?).

3. Yoom?

   When?

   Usage

   The question word for time.

   Grammar Note

   yoom = when; the oo is long.

4. Eenyu?

   Who?

   Usage

   The question word for people.

   Grammar Note

   eenyu = who.

5. Maaliif?

   Why?

   Usage

   The question word for reasons.

   Grammar Note

   maaliif = why (maal "what" + -f "for").

6. Akkamitti?

   How?

   Usage

   The question word for manner or method.

   Grammar Note

   akkamitti = how; built on the same root as the greeting word akkam.

7. Meeqa?

   How many? / How much?

   Usage

   The question word for number, amount and price.

   Grammar Note

   meeqa = how many / how much.

8. Kam?

   Which one?

   Usage

   The question word for choosing among options.

   Grammar Note

   kam = which; it follows the noun (mana kam = which house).

9. Kun maali?

   What is this?

   Usage

   For asking about something in front of you.

   Grammar Note

   kun = this, maali = what is it (question form of maal).

10. Mana fincaanii eessa jira?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    The standard way to ask for the toilet.

    Grammar Note

    mana fincaanii = toilet (a house for urinating), eessa jira = where is it.

11. Sa'aatiin meeqa?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asking the time. In Ethiopia a clock counted from sunrise is also in everyday use, so check which one is meant.

    Grammar Note

    sa'aatiin = the clock / the hour (subject), meeqa = how many; literally "how many is the clock".

12. Gatiin isaa meeqa?

    How much is it?

    Usage

    The standard price question; point at the item.

    Grammar Note

    gatii = price, isaa = its, meeqa = how much; literally "its price how much".

13. Kana qabduu?

    Do you have this?

    Usage

    Asking in a shop whether they have an item.

    Grammar Note

    kana = this (object), qabduu = do you have (2nd person plural question form, polite). This sentence is composed from verified words with regular grammar; it is not copied from a source sentence. A native check is advisable.

14. Eessaa dhufte?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    Asking where someone comes from; Eessaa dhuftan? to an elder.

    Grammar Note

    eessaa = from where, dhufte = you (sg.) came.

15. Eessaa dhuftan?

    Where are you from? (polite / plural)

    Usage

    Asking an elder or a group where they come from.

    Grammar Note

    dhuftan = you (pl/hon.) came.

16. Maqaan kee eenyu?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    Asking someone's name; Maqaan keessan eenyu? to an elder.

    Grammar Note

    maqaa = name, kee = your (sg.), eenyu = who; literally "your name is who".

17. Maqaan keessan eenyu?

    What is your name? (polite)

    Usage

    The polite way to ask an elder or a stranger for their name.

    Grammar Note

    keessan = your (plural / honorific).

18. Umuriin kee meeqa?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking age; best kept for friends and children, as it can sound rude to elders.

    Grammar Note

    umurii = age, kee = your (sg.), meeqa = how many.

19. Dhugaadha?

    Really?

    Usage

    A reaction when surprised or wanting confirmation.

    Grammar Note

    dhugaa = truth, -dha? = is it; literally "is it true?".

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