What Are the Top 3 Languages Spoken in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is a country of many people, with more than 80 languages used in its different regions. For tourists, the ability to communicate in the most commonly used language is essential to get the most out of their travel and get around. Here are Ethiopia’s 3 major languages and their importance to visitors.

1. Amharic (አማርኛ) – The National Language

Amharic is the official working language of the Ethiopian federal government and is widely spoken across major cities like Addis Ababa. It uses the Ge’ez script and is used in government, media, and public services.

• Where spoken: Nationwide, especially in urban areas (Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar) and central regions
• Cultural Note: Amharic uses the Ge’ez script, unique to Ethiopia, which you’ll see in churches and historical sites like Aksum.
• Useful for travelers:
  • Government signs, menus, and transport announcements are often in Amharic.
  • Basic phrases like "Selam" (Hello) and "Ameseginalehu" (Thank you) go a long way.

2. Oromo (Afaan Oromoo) — Most widely spoken Native language

Ethiopia's most widely spoken language of native speakers is Oromo. It is the first language of the Oromo people, the country’s largest ethnic group. Oromo is the first language of more than 35 percent of Ethiopians.

• Spoken: Oromia region (Adama, Jimma, Arsi), parts of the south and west
• Useful for travelers:
  • Useful when you are visiting the backcountry out of Addis, making a cultural visit or travelling by national park (Bale Mountains, Awash), or rural Oromia.
  • Key phrase: "Akkam?" (How are you?)

3. Tigrinya – commonly spoken in the north

Tigrinya, spoken by approximately 7% of the country’s population (around 8 million), is mainly found in the Tigray region and along the Eritrean border. It’s also spoken by the Tigray ethnic group in both the north’s urban and rural areas.

• Spoken: Tigray region and northern Ethiopia
• Useful for travelers:
  • Crucial for anyone visiting northern Ethiopia, especially the Tigray region and heritage sites like Aksum. Note: Lalibela is in Amhara, where Amharic is dominant.
  • Simple sentences such as “Kemey” (how are you) can warm the heart.

Other Information for Travelers

Aside from these three, there are other very important languages in Ethiopia, such as Somali, Sidamo, Wolaytta, and Afar, that also shape the colourful culture of the country.

English is widely taught in schools and used in higher education, making it a useful language for international visitors.

The official and top three spoken languages in Ethiopia — Amharic, Oromo, and Tigrinya —matter because they speak to the country’s ethnic diversity and regional identities. Knowing a few phrases enhances your experience and can make you connect more easily with the locals.