Ethiopic Syllable Zwa

It represents one syllable; read its sound as part of a word.

Ethiopic is a syllabary: each sign represents a spoken syllable, commonly built around a consonant with a vowel. “Zwa” is the Latin-script transliteration label for ዟ; it does not guarantee identical pronunciation in every language that uses Ethiopic.

The script developed to write Geʾez and is historically connected to Old South Arabian writing, though the exact route is debated. Clearly defined Ethiopic script is attested in inscriptions from the second/third century CE, and the vocalization system had developed by the fourth century. As of 2026, Ethiopic writing serves languages including Amharic, Tigre, and Oromo; Geʾez is used mainly in liturgy.

How do I type ዟ?

Use an Ethiopic keyboard or input method; the keys vary.

Unicode does not prescribe one keyboard shortcut. Some input methods turn a short consonant-and-vowel key sequence into the full syllable; if yours groups signs by consonant family, choose the family containing ዘ and then its ZWA form.

The encoded syllable is separate from its font drawing. Another font may shape ዟ differently, so a change in appearance alone does not mean it is a different character.