11/26/2025
Understanding Yilugnta is important for our well-being.
“Yilugnta” (ይሉኝታ) - pronounced Yi-loo-n-ta - is an Amharic word with no exact English translation. It describes a culturally rooted form of politeness that asks us to put others first, even when it comes at the cost of our own needs or boundaries.
While it comes from a place of respect, it can also lead to chronic people-pleasing, emotional exhaustion, and silence around our own well-being.
This post is a reminder that honouring our culture and honouring ourselves can exist together. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you disrespectful - it makes you human.