Language/Tigrinya/Grammar/Yes/No-Questions

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TigrinyaGrammar0 to A1 Course → Asking Questions → Yes/No Questions

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will learn how to form yes/no questions in Tigrinya. Asking questions is an essential skill in any language, as it allows us to gather information and engage in conversations. By mastering the proper word order and intonation, you will be able to confidently ask and respond to yes/no questions in Tigrinya. This lesson will provide a comprehensive guide to forming yes/no questions, with detailed explanations, examples, and exercises to practice what you have learned.

Word Order in Yes/No Questions[edit | edit source]

When forming yes/no questions in Tigrinya, the word order is slightly different from declarative sentences. In declarative sentences, the subject typically comes before the verb, but in yes/no questions, the subject and verb are inverted.

Let's take a look at some examples to understand the word order in yes/no questions:

  • Declarative Sentence: ኣብ ኤርትራ ሓደ ዓይኒ ነዓል (Ab Eritrea hade 'ayni na'ala) - I am from Eritrea.
  • Yes/No Question: ኣብ ኤርትራ ሓደ ዓይኒ ነዓል? (Ab Eritrea hade 'ayni na'ala?) - Are you from Eritrea?

As you can see, the subject "ኣብ ኤርትራ" (Ab Eritrea) and the verb "ሓደ" (hade) are inverted in the yes/no question. The question mark at the end also indicates that it is a question.

Let's explore more examples to solidify our understanding of the word order in yes/no questions:

  • Declarative Sentence: ማእከል አይኒ (Ma'ekel 'ayni) - I am ready.
  • Yes/No Question: ማእከል አይኒ? (Ma'ekel 'ayni?) - Are you ready?
  • Declarative Sentence: ሓዲሽ ኣብቲ ክትሓስብካ? (Hadishe abti kethasbeka?) - Is the food delicious?
  • Yes/No Question: ሓዲሽ ኣብቲ ክትሓስብካ? (Hadishe abti kethasbeka?) - Is the food delicious?

As we can see from these examples, the word order in yes/no questions remains consistent: subject + verb.

Intonation in Yes/No Questions[edit | edit source]

In addition to the word order, intonation also plays a crucial role in forming yes/no questions in Tigrinya. When asking a yes/no question, the pitch of your voice should rise at the end of the sentence. This rising intonation signals that you are asking a question and invites the listener to respond.

Let's look at some examples to understand the intonation in yes/no questions:

  • Declarative Sentence: ኣብ ኤርትራ ሓደ ዓይኒ ነዓል (Ab Eritrea hade 'ayni na'ala) - I am from Eritrea.
  • Yes/No Question: ኣብ ኤርትራ ሓደ ዓይኒ ነዓል? (Ab Eritrea hade 'ayni na'ala?) - Are you from Eritrea?

In the yes/no question, the rising intonation is indicated by the question mark at the end of the sentence. When speaking, make sure to raise your pitch towards the end of the question to convey the interrogative meaning.

Let's explore more examples to practice the intonation in yes/no questions:

  • Declarative Sentence: ማእከል አይኒ (Ma'ekel 'ayni) - I am ready.
  • Yes/No Question: ማእከል አይኒ? (Ma'ekel 'ayni?) - Are you ready?
  • Declarative Sentence: ሓዲሽ ኣብቲ ክትሓስብካ? (Hadishe abti kethasbeka?) - Is the food delicious?
  • Yes/No Question: ሓዲሽ ኣብቲ ክትሓስብካ? (Hadishe abti kethasbeka?) - Is the food delicious?

Remember to practice and mimic the rising intonation when asking yes/no questions in Tigrinya. It will make your questions sound natural and help convey the intended meaning.

Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]

In Tigrinya-speaking regions, asking yes/no questions is an integral part of everyday conversations. It is essential to show politeness and respect when asking questions, especially to elders or those in positions of authority. In these contexts, it is common to use honorifics and formal language to demonstrate respect.

Additionally, Tigrinya culture places great importance on hospitality and community. When asking yes/no questions related to invitations or offers, it is customary to respond with gratitude and appreciation, even if declining the invitation. This reflects the cultural value of maintaining harmonious relationships and showing gratitude for the gesture.

Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now, let's put your knowledge into practice with some exercises. Translate the following English sentences into Tigrinya yes/no questions. Remember to use the proper word order and intonation:

1. Are you going to the market? 2. Is she studying Tigrinya? 3. Are they coming to the party? 4. Is it raining outside? 5. Are we leaving tomorrow?

Solutions[edit | edit source]

Here are the solutions to the exercises:

1. ተሓለፈ ናይ ገንዘብ? (Tehalef nay genzeb?) 2. ይምስለይ ትግርኛ ትምህርቲ? (Yemsiley Tigrinya timherti?) 3. ይጽዓዕትለይ ናይ ፓርቲ? (Yetsa'atiley nay party?) 4. ኣብዚ ግዕዝ ጸላኢ ምዕልቲ? (Abzi ge'ez tsale'i meliti?) 5. ተወስኻን ናይ ምሽጉር? (Tewesekhan nay mishgur?)

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have learned how to form yes/no questions in Tigrinya. By understanding the proper word order and intonation, you can confidently ask and respond to questions in everyday conversations. Keep practicing and incorporating these skills into your Tigrinya language learning journey. Happy questioning!

Table of Contents - Tigrinya Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Greetings and Introductions


Alphabet and Pronunciation


Numbers and Time


Basic Sentence Structure


Common Verbs and Actions


Asking Questions


Food and Dining


Tigrinya Culture and Traditions


Nouns and Pronouns


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Travel and Transportation


Geography and History





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