Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia. The name, derived from the Amharic words for 'new' (addis) and 'flower/gate' (ababa), refers to a city founded in the late 19th century and designated as the seat of imperial power; today it serves as Ethiopia’s major political, economic, and cultural hub. The phrase is spoken as two closely linked proper nouns and is typically pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable of each word.
Full pronunciation guide
