I'm learning አማርኛ

ቀድሞ — meaning in English: Already

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for Already
ይወዳል
ቀድሞ
እንዴት ነህ?
ስልኩ
አሳፋሪ
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Amharic for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
informal common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'ቀድሞ' in everyday conversations when discussing past actions or experiences, usually in casual settings among friends or family. For example, one might say 'ቀድሞ ወደ እንቅልፍ ሂደኝ' meaning 'I already went to sleep,' when recounting their day.
Synonyms & nuances
'ቀድሞ' can be compared to 'ማለት' which also implies 'already.' However, 'ማለት' is more about stating something as a fact, while 'ቀድሞ' emphasizes the timing of actions, often carrying emotional weight, like a sense of urgency or inevitability.
Culture
'ቀድሞ' is a fascinating word that reflects the Amharic language's rich oral tradition. In Ethiopian culture, storytelling is important, and using 'ቀድሞ' can help emphasize the timeline in a narrative, making it a crucial part of recounting events accurately. Historically, the word has evolved from a sense of completion, marking a transition from past to present, and serves as a linguistic bridge in conversations.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 'ቀድሞ' in English?
'ቀድሞ' translates to 'already' in English, indicating that something has happened prior to the current time or another event.
Q.How do you use 'ቀድሞ' in a sentence?
You can use 'ቀድሞ' when referring to actions completed in the past, such as 'ቀድሞ ወተ ተመልሰኝ,' meaning 'I already returned.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'ቀድሞ'?
A common mistake is using 'ቀድሞ' when discussing future actions. It strictly pertains to past contexts, so ensure you are referring to something that has already occurred.
Learn amharic with Maspeak →
Amharic Vocabulary