This combination Amharic phrasebook and two-way Amharic-English dictionary is an essential reference for visitors to Ethiopia. The Hippocrene Dictionary & Phrasebook series allows you be a traveler, not a tourist, by connecting with the local culture and people in their native language.



Amharic is the official working language of Ethiopia, with approximately 30 million speakers. Amharic is the second most widely spoken Semitic language in the world after Arabic. Unlike Arabic, however, Amharic is written left-to-right and uses a distinct script called Ge’ez script.


This unique, two-part resource provides travelers to Ethiopia with the tools they need for daily interaction. The bilingual dictionary has a concise vocabulary for everyday use, and the phrasebook allows instant communication on a variety of topics. Ideal for businesspeople, travelers, students, and aid workers, this guide includes:




4,000 dictionary entries with Amharic script, transliteration and English translation
Phonetics that are intuitive for English speakers
Essential phrases on topics such as introductions, transportation, dining out, business, and emergencies
Concise grammar and pronunciation sections



For 45 years, Hippocrene Books has specialized in bringing the world to our readers. The Hippocrene Dictionary & Phrasebook series allows you be a traveler, not a tourist, by connecting with the local culture and people in their native language. Currently available in 86 languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Thai, Punjabi, Swahili, and Oromo.

Compiled by: Binyam Sisay Mendisu, Abdu Ahmed Ali