I'm learning አማርኛ

ሰው — meaning in English: person

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

Guess the translation for person
ቅዱስ
በረድ
አዳም
ሰው
ተጓዝ
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
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 'ሰው' during everyday conversations when referring to individuals, such as when introducing someone or discussing a person's actions. For example, one might say, 'በዚህ ስፍራ ያለው ሰው ደህና ነው,' meaning 'The person here is fine.' It's common in both casual and semi-formal settings.
Synonyms & nuances
'ሰው' is often used interchangeably with 'ግለሰብ,' which also means 'person.' However, 'ግለሰብ' can carry a more technical or formal connotation, often used in legal or academic contexts. In casual conversation, 'ሰው' is the preferred term, making it more relatable and friendly.
Culture
'ሰው' has deep roots in Amharic culture, embodying the significance of humanity and individual identity. Over time, the word has remained central to social interactions in Ethiopia, emphasizing community and connection. Interestingly, the concept of 'ሰው' extends beyond mere definition, embodying respect and recognition for each person's unique role in society.
FAQ
Q.What does the Amharic word 'ሰው' mean?
'ሰው' means 'person' in English. It's a fundamental word in Amharic that is used frequently in everyday speech.
Q.How is 'ሰው' pronounced?
'ሰው' is pronounced as 'sew.' The 's' is soft, and the vowel sounds are short and clear, making it easy to use in conversation.
Q.Can 'ሰው' be used to refer to a group of people?
No, 'ሰው' refers to an individual. When speaking about a group, you would use 'ሰዎች' which means 'people.'
Learn amharic with Maspeak →
Amharic Vocabulary