Everyday words first
Greetings, family, food, getting around. Phrases you can use the same day, not stiff textbook speech.
Dobo is a mobile app for learning everyday Amharic. Short, playful lessons teach the words and phrases people actually use, in fidel, with transliteration and audio. And Dobo, our small purple friend, cheers you on the whole way.
What Dobo does
Greetings, family, food, getting around. Phrases you can use the same day, not stiff textbook speech.
Tap any word to hear it said out loud, then slow it down until it clicks.
Every word comes in fidel, the Amharic script, with a transliteration beside it. Start speaking before you can read.
How a lesson works
Each lesson brings up to three new words and a couple of phrases. A few minutes, and you're done for the day.
See it, hear it, say it.
Quick questions that stick.
Come back tomorrow. Repeat.
Practise any lesson to fill today's circle.
Inside the app
Practise a little every day and watch your streak grow.
Pick a goal that fits your day. Dobo keeps count for you.
A new everyday word each morning, with a little culture on the side.
A nudge at the time you choose, so a busy day doesn't break your streak.
Replay any word or phrase at a slower speed until your ear catches every sound.
Finish a unit to unlock drills that mix everything you just learned.
What we believe
Heritage learners, partners, travellers, and the curious. Dobo makes learning Amharic welcoming, accessible, and fun for everyone.
We teach how people talk now. Very formal forms are still there, clearly marked, so you know when to use them.
Spot a mistake? Tap the flag in any lesson. Want something new? Tell us. Every report is read, and the course keeps getting better.
Our story
We started Dobo because millions of people speak Amharic, yet there are very few fun, modern ways to learn it. We believe Amharic deserves the same engaging learning experience as other languages, with its unique alphabet and rich culture at the heart of it.
We want learners to understand everyday Amharic, read fidel, and communicate confidently in real life. Whether they are reconnecting with their roots or learning Amharic for the first time, we want them to feel comfortable using the language in their daily lives.
Say selam
Amharic. Simple. Easy.
Get started for free · Android coming soon