Somali Questions

How?: Sidee?

What?: Maxay?

Who?: Kee?/Kuma?

When?: goorma

Why?: Waayo / Sabab?/Sababtee?

Where?: Halkee / Xagee?

These are sentences which include the above tools to ask questions. Asking questions is a very good way
to learn a language or start a conversation.

Why is it expensive?: Maxeey qaali u tahay?

Can I come?: Ma imaan karaa?

Do you know her?: Miyaa taqaanaa iyada?

Can I help you?: Ma ku caawin karaa?

Can you help me?: Ma i caawin kartaa?

Do you speak English?: Af Ingiriis ma ku hadashaa?

What is your name?: Magacaa?

What's your name?: Waa maxay magacaagu

My name is (John Doe): Magaceygu waa (John Doe)

What is this called?: Kan maxaa lagu magacaabaa?

What time is it?: Waa meeqo saac?

What is your place of birth ? xaggee ku dhalatay ?

What is your job ? shaqadaada waa maxay ?

What is your occupation ? shaqadaadu maxay tahay ?

What is that? : Taas maxah tahay?

what would you like to drink? : Maxaad jeclaan lahayd in aad canto?

What would you like to eat ? : Maxaad jeclaan lahaayd in aad cunto?

What is wrong with you? : Maxaa ka qaldan?

what do you want from me? : Maxaa igaa rabtaa?

What do you recommend? : Maxaad soo jeedin cahayd?

What is your problem? : Maxaa waye dhibka ku haysta?

what are you thinking? : Maxa ka fakaraysaa?

What are you doing? : Maxaad samaynaysaa?

What is the meaning of... : Maxay tahay micnaha.... ?

What do you mean?: : Maxaad uga jeeddaa

What is that called in Somali?: : Waxaas maxaa lagu dhahaa afkaaga sheeg

What does that word mean in English?: muxuu yahay micnaha eraygaas af ingiriiska?

What is your religion ? diintee baad haysataa ?

What happened ? : maxaa dhacay ?

What tribe do you belong to ? qabiilkaa ?

Who is this?: Waa kuma kan?

Who are you?: Kuma tahay adiga? (

Who is knocking at the door?: Yaa albaabka garaacaya?

Who is your leader ?: hoggaamiyahaagu yuu yahay ?

Who is your boss ? : yaa hoggaamiye ku ah ?

How many children do you have ? meeqa carruur ah baad leedahay ?

How old are you ? meeqaad jirtaa

How much is this?: Waa imisa / waa meeqa

How far is this?: Ilaa iyo intee in la'eg weeye kani?

How difficult is it?: Intee in la'eg beey adag tahay?

How many years old are you ? immisa jir baad tahay ?

How many women are there ? meeqa naagood ayaa joogta ?

How many men are there ? meeqa nimood ayaa jooga ?

How much do we owe ? imissa nalaga rabaa ?

How much money are you carrying ? waa meeqa lacagta aad wadato ?

How would you like to pay?: Sidee baad u jeceshahay inaad u bixiso?

When is your birthday ? goormeed dhalatay ?

When can we meet?: Goormaan kulmi karnaa?

Where are you going? Xaggee baad tagaysaa

Where do you work? Harkee ka shagecysaa?

Where are you from? Halkee ka timid

Where do you live ? xaggee ku nooshahay ?

Where is the nearest well ? ceelkee ugu dhow halkaan ?

Where is the nearest town ? magaaladee ugu dhow halkaan ?

Where is the nearest hospital ? xaggee isbitaal noogu dhow ?

Where is the nearest telephone ? xaggee taleefan ugu dhow ?

Where is the nearest airport ? eyraboorkee ugu dhow halkaan ?

Where is the toilet? Musqusha/Suuliga aawey?

Where is? Aawey?/Meeye?

Where is Waldo? Waldo aawey? Waldo meeye? Aawey Waldo? Meeye Waldo?

Mr.../ Mrs. .../ Miss...: Mudane / Marwo

Where are you from?: Xagee ka timid?

I'm from the U.S: Waxaan ka imid Mareykanka / Ameerika

I'm American: Waxaan ahay Ameerican / Maraykan/maraykan baan ahay

Where do you live?: Halkee ku nooshahay?

I live in the U.S: Waxaan ku noolahay Mareykanka / U.S/maraykankaan ku noolahay

What do you do for a living?: maxaad nolosha ka soo saarataa?

I'm a student: arday baan ahay

What time is it?: Waa meeqo saac?

It's 10 o'clock: Waa 10 saac

What's new?: Maxaa cusub?

Nothing new: Waxba ma cusba

How old are you?: meeqo sanaad jirtaa

I'm 33 years old: waxaan ahay saddex iyo soddon

How are you?: see tahay

I'm good, thanks: waan fiicnahay, mahadsanid

And you?: adiguna?

Can I have your phone number?: Teleefan nambarkaaga ma heli karaa / ma i siin kartaa?
Can I have your email?: IImeelkaaga ma i siin kartaa?

Can I practice with you: Ma kula tababaran karaa?

How old are you?: Meeqo sanaa jirtaa?

Are you married ? xaas miyaad tahay? /Ma xaasle baa tahay?

Are you free tomorrow evening?: Firaaqo ma leedahay berri fiidkii?

Do you have children?: Caruur ma leedahay?

Do you like it?: Ma jeceshahay / ma ka heshay?

I really like it!: Aad baan u jeclahay / aad baan uga helay!

How long have you lived at Mogadishu ?: muddo intee la eg ayaad ku noolayd Mogadishu ?

Do you have any children ? caruur miyaad leedahay ?

Are you married (asking a man) ? xaas ma leedahay ?

Are you married (asking a woman) ? ma xaas baad tahay ?

Do you understand ?: miyaad fahantay ?

We have a problem. : waxaa na haysto mashaakil

What is your question ? waa maxay su'aashaadu ?

For security reasons, I cannot address this question.: sabab nabadgelyo daraadeed, anigu kama
jawaabi karo su'aashaas

I would like to stop this interview. : anigu waxaan jecelahay inaan joojiyo wareeysiga

I am not qualified to answer that question. anigu uma qalmo inaan su'aashaas ka jawaabo

I will not answer this question.: anigu ka jawaabi maayo su'aashaas

I have no answer at this time.: anigu wax jawaab ah ma hayo xilligan xaadirkaa

I am sorry but you have to wait for the report.: anigu waan ka xumahay laakiin waa inaad sugtaa
warbixinta

I like you: Waan kaa helay

I love you very much: Aad baan kuu jeclahay

I love you: Waan ku jeclahay

I don't love you: Kuma jecli

You are very beautiful: Aad ayaad u qurux badan tahay

She is beautiful: Weey qurux badan tahay

You look beautiful! (to a woman): Waa qurux badan tahay!

You have a beautiful name: Magac qurux badan baa leedahay

Long time no see: Wax badan laguma arkin

I miss you a lot: Aad baan kuugu xiisay

I missed you: Waan ku tabay!

See you tomorrow: Beri ayaan is arkeeynaa

See you later!: Is arag danbe!

Talk to you later: Ha dhow ayaan kulaa soo hadlaa

I have to go: Waa inaan tago / baxo

I will be right back!: Waan soo noqonayaa!

Goodbye Nabad galyo (nabad GELyo)

Goodbye (informal) Macasalaama. ( )

Good day to you: Maalinta ha kuu wac naato

Have a nice day!: Maalin wacan oo wanaagsan

Have a good trip: Safar wanaagsan / Socdaal wanaagsan / Safar Salaama

Make yourself at home!: Soo dhawoow, ha is martiyeeyn / guriga waa gurigaagii

Do you like it here?: Halkaan ma ka heshaa?

You're very kind!: Aad baa u naxariis badan tahay!

Nice to meet you. Kulanti wanaagsan / Barasho wanagsan.

It was nice talking to you!: aad aayay u wanaagsanayd inaan kula hadlo adiga!

I'm pleased to meet you. waan ku farax sanahay la kulan kaaga

You're welcome!: Adaa mudan

Welcome!: Soo dhawoow!

We are happy: Waan farax sanahay

Oh! That's good!: Taasi aad beey u fiican tahay!

Really!: Runtii!

I'm single: Maya xaas ma ahi

Would you marry me?: Aniga ma i guursaneysaa?

I will see you: Waan is arkeeynaa

I see you: Waan kuu jeedaa

I saw you: Waan ku arkey

I saw you yesterday: Wanku arkay shalay

I'm just kidding: Waan iska kaftamayay

Iam hungry: Waan gaajoonayaa / Waan gaajeysanahay / waan baahanahay

I'm thirsty: Waan oomanahay

I enjoyed myself very much: Aad iyo aad beey nafteeydu uga heshay

I agree with you: Waan kugu raac sanahay

I would like to invite you for dinner: Waxaan jeclahay inaan casho kugu casumo
Does anyone speak English ?: qofna af ingiriisi ma ku hadlaa ?

Does anyone know English ?: qofna af ingiriisi ma yaqaan ?

Do you speak (English/Somali)?: ma ku hadashaa (ingiriis/afkaaga sheeg)

I speak English: waan ku hadlaa ingiriis

You speak French: waad ku hadashaa faransiis

She speaks Italian: way ku hadashaa talyaani

He speaks German: wuu ku kadlaa jarmal

I don't speak soomaali: Af soomaali kuma hadlo

I want to learn Spanish: Waxaan rabaa inaan Af Isbaanish barto

My mother tongue is German: Luuqadeeyda hooyo waa af Jarmal

I love the Japanese language: Waan jeclahay luuqada Jabaniiska

Spanish is easy to learn: Af Isbaanishku waa fudud yahay in la barto

I live in America: Waxaan ku noolahay Mareykanka / Ameerika

I want to go to Germany: Waxaan rabaa inaan Jarmalka aado

I came from Spain: Isbeeyn baan ka imaaday

I was born in Italy: Itaaliya baan ku dhashay

Japan is a beautiful country: Jabaan waa wadan qurux badan

Have you ever been to India?: Waligaa Hindiya ma aadey?

Malta is a wonderful country: Malta waa wadan fiican

Can you show me?: Ma i tusi kartaa?

I'm lost: Waan dhunsanahay

I'm not from here: Anigu halkaan ma dagani

Can I help you?: Ma ku caawin karaa?

Can you help me?: Ma i caawin kartaa?

It's near here: Halkaan beey u dhoow dahay

It's far from here: Halkaan weey ka fog tahay

Are you sure: Ma hubtaa

Of course: Dabcan

I don't mean it: Uma jeedin

I couldn't hear it: Ma maqli karin

I don't know!: Ma garanayo /ma aqaan (ma ogi)

I'm not interested!: Ma daneeynayo

Don't worry!: Ha wal-welin!/ Ha ka wal walin

Don't touch me: Ha i taban

don't talk: Ha hadlin

Do not resist. : ha naga hor imaanin

Do not touch. : ha taabanin

Do not remove. : ha ka bixinin

Don't be frightened.: ha baqin

Do not be afraid ! : ha baqin !

Do not be afraid ! : ha cabsan !

Do not cry ! : ha ooyin !

We don't understand: Ma fahamno

I don't understand: ma fahmin

I don't understand you: kuma fahmin

I understand you: waan ku fahmay

Please. Fadlan (FAD-lan)

Please come in: Fadlan soo gal

Please sit down: Fariisoo fadlan

Please close the door: Fadlan albaabka xir

Please be quite: Fadlan aamus

Please listen: Fadlan dhageyso

Please don't make so much noise: Fadlan buuq badan ha sayeeynin

Do you need help: Caawin ma u baahan tahay

Is it true or false: Ma runbaa mise waa been

Face to face: Waji ka waji

He is sleeping: Wuu hurdaa

Can i ask you something: Wax ma ku waydiin karaa

Give me your phone number: Numberkaga isii

Get out: Bax

I agree: Waan ogolahay

Your turn: Markaga

come quickly: Dhaqso imow

Qado( lunch)

They are coming: Weey imanayaan

Are you coming with me: Ma iso raaci

Come with me: Iso raac

Somali Places
Bank: Bankiga

Hospital: Isbitaal

Desert: Saxra

Earth: Dhulka

Forest: Kayn

Garden: Saggaro

Island: Jasiirad

River: Webbi

Lake: Harro

Sea: Bad

Sky: Cir

Sun: Qoraxd

Moon: Dayax

Stars: Xidigaha

Mountain: Buur

Beach: Xeebt

These are some expressions showing how you can use the above words in a complete sentence, after
including adjectives and personal pronouns.
I can see the stars: Waan arki karaa xidigaha

I want to go to the beach: Waxaan rabaa inaan xeebta ama badda aado

This is a beautiful garden: Waa saggaro qurxoon

The moon is full tonight: Caawa dayaxu waa buuxaa (dhameeystiran yahay)

Somali Jobs
Doctor: Dhakhtar

Policeman: Askari

Businessman: Baayacmushtar

Singer: Heesaa

Engineer: Injineer

Artist: Farshaxan

Actor: Jilaa (Atoore)

Actress: Atarisho (haweenay filimaanta jisha)

Nurse: Kalkaaliso

Translator: Turjume

These examples will help you answer the question "What do you do?" or "What do you do for a living?".
Note how the personal pronouns are used with the nouns in this sentence.

I'm looking for a job: Shaqo doon baan ahay

I'm an artist: Farshaxan yahan baan ahay

He is a policeman: Askari weeyaan

She is a singer: Waa fanaanad (waa heesaa)

I'm a new employee: Waxaan ahay shaqaale cusub

I have a long experience: Xirfad dheer baan u leeyahay

Somali Greetings
This is a list of greetings in Somali. Helpful when trying to check how others are doing or feeling during
different times of the day.

Hello. Salaam alaykum / Haye.

Okay. Haye.

Hi!: Haye! (iska waran!)

Good morning!: Subax wanaagsan! (subax wanagsen)

Good afternoon!: Galab wanaagsan!

Good evening!: Fiid wanaagsan!

Good night. Habeen wanaagsan (ha-BEN wanaagsen)

Good night, I am going to sleep Habeyn wanagsan, waan seexanaya.

Are you okay?: ma fiican tahay?

What's up? (colloquial) : Maxaa cusub?

I'm fine, thank you!: Waan fiicanahay, waad mahadsan tahay!

And you? (friendly): Adiguna?

And you? (polite): Adiguna sidee ayaad tahay?

Good: Waan fiicanahay

Bad: Ma fiicni

Happy: Farxad ama (waan faraxsa nahay)

Sad: Murugo (waan murugaysanahay)

How are you? Sidee tahay? / See tahay?

I'm fine, thanks, and you ? waan wanaagsan ahay, mahadsanid, adigana ?

Thank you. Mahadsanid (maHAD SaNid) / Waad mahadsan tahay!

Thank you very much!: Aad iyo aad ayaad u mahad san tahay!

Thank you for your help. waad ku mahad santahay kaalmadaada

Thanks for your cooperation. : waad ku mahadsan tahay wada shaqeeyntaada

Thanks for your understanding.: waad ku mahadsan tahay wax fahamkaada

Holiday Wishes Phrases

Happy birthday: dhalasho wanaagsan/Dhalasho wacan / Farxad dhalasho!

Happy new year: sannad wanaagsan/Farxada sanadka cusub!

Merry Christmas: kirismas wanaagsan

Congratulations: hambalyo

Good luck!: Nasiib wacan!

Bless you (when sneezing): Allaha ku barakeeyo

Best wishes!: Rajada ugu fiican!

Somali Mistakes
My French is bad: Af Faransiiskeeygu ma fiicna

I need to practice my French: Waxaan u baahanay inaan ku hadlo ama ku cel celiyo Af Faransiiskeeyga

Don't worry!: Waxba ha wal-welin!

Excuse me? : Iga raali ahaw(iigu celi)! Raali iga ahoow / iga leexo!

Sorry: Waan ka xumahay

forgive me: I cafii

It's okay: Wa cadii

No problem!: Wax dhibaato ah ma leh

Can you repeat?: Ma ku soo celin kartaa

Can you speak slowly?: Si tartiib ah ma u hadli kartaa?

Write it down please!: Fadlan qor!

I don't understand!: Ma fahmi karo!

Did you understand what I said?: Ma fahamtay waxaan iri?

What is this?: Waxani waa maxay1

I don't know!: Ma aqaani

What's that called in French?: Maxaa Af Faransii waxaas lagu dhahaa?

What does that word mean in English?: Maxaa af Ingiriis lagu dhahaa micnaha ereygaas?

How do you say "OK" in French?: Sidee baa af Faransiis loogu dhahaa "OK"

Is that right?: Taasi ma saxbaa?

Is that wrong?: Taasi ma khalad baa?

What should I say?: Maxaan dhahaa?

What?: Maxay?

These are some words from the above sentences that you might also need to use by themselves.

Mistake: Khalad

correct: sax:
wrong: khalad:

Yes. Haa (HAAH)

No. Maya (maYa)

No problem: dhib ma leh

Excuse me. (getting attention) Iga raali ahow ( )

I beg you. (begging pardon) . (waan-kuu bar'ee yaa )

I'm sorry. . Raali ahow / Waan ka xumahay.

Look out! Iska jir.

maybe: waa laga yaabaa

OK: waa yahay

Say again ! : ku soo celi !

Are you sure?: Ma hubtaa?

Be careful!: Taxadar!

Look!: Fiiri! / Eeg

Somali Numbers
0 - eber

1 - hal/kow/mid/xabbad -

2 - labo/laba (they have the same meaning)

3 - saddex

4 - afar

5 - shan
6 - lix

7 - toddobo

8 - sideed

9 - sagaal

10 - toban

(In the word form of numbers from 11 to 99 can be said by saying the tens unit first or the ones unit. For
example, "kow iyo toban" or "toban iyo kow" both mean "eleven". In the same vein, "afar iyo labaatan"
and "labaatan iyo afar" both mean 24. But beware, while both are used the "TENS and ONES" format is
much more common in numbers about 20.)

11- kow iyo toban

12- labo iyo toban

13- saddex iyo toban

14- afar iyo toban

15- shan iyo toban

16: lix iyo toban

17: toddobo iyo toban

18: siddeed iyo toban

19: sagaal iyo toban

20 - labaatan

30 - soddon

40 - afartan

50 - konton

60 - lixdan

70 - toddobaatan

80 - siddeetan

90 - sagaashan

100 - boqol

200 - labo-boqol

1000 - kun

9000 - sagialo-kun

10000 - toban-kun

100000 - boqol-kun

1000000 - milyoon

One thousand: Kun

Here are some examples in Somali for the cardinal numbers above.

Two thousand and fourteen: Labo kun iyo afar iyo toban

One million: Hal milyan

I'm thirty years old: Waxaan jiraa sodon sano

I have 2 sisters and one brother: Waxaa ila dhashay labo gabdhood iyo hal wiil

Now we move on to the ordinal numbers, which helps us organize things by order or rank.
First: kow

Second: labaad

Third: saddexaad

Fourth: afaraad

Fifth: shanaad

Sixth: lixaad

Seventh: toddobaad

Eighth: sideedaad

Ninth: sagaalaad

Tenth: tobanaad

Eleventh: kow iyo tobanaad

Twelfth: laba iyo tobanaad

Thirteenth: saddex iyo tobanaad

Fourteenth: Afar iyo tobnaad

Fifteenth: Shan iyo tobnaad

Sixteenth: Lix iyo tobnaad

Seventeenth: Todobo iyo tobnaad

Eighteenth: Sideed iyo tobnaad

Nineteenth: Sagaal iyo tobnaad

Twentieth: Labaatanaad

And here are a couple sentences related to the ordinal numbers above.

English is my first language: Ingiriisku waa luuqadeeyda koowaad

Her second language is Spanish: Luuqada labaad ee ay ku hadasho waa Isbaanish

Once: hal mar

Twice: laba mar

Plus: ku dar

Minus: ka jar

More than: ka badan

Less than: ka yar

Approximately: qiyaas ahaan

Somali Adjectives

Big: Wayn

Small: Yar

Long: Dheer

Short: Gaaban

Tall: Dheer

Thick: buuran

Thin: Caato

Wide: Balaaran

This table provides a list of adjectives of quality shown below. These are some of the most used

adjectives in Somali.

Bad: Xun

Good: Fiican

Easy: Fudeeyd

Difficult: Adeeyg

Expensive: Qaali
Cheap: Raqiis

Fast: Dheereeyn

Slow: Gaabin

Old: Waayeel

Old: Duqoow

Young: Yar

New: Cusub

Heavy: Culeeys

Light: Khafiif

Empty:

Full: Buuxa

Right: Sax

Wrong: Khalad

Strong: Xoogan

Weak: Daciif ah

These samples show how adjectives are used in Somali. Used in these examples with nouns,
prepositions and pronouns.

Is this a new or old book?: Liita / Tabar yar

Is the test easy or difficult?: Buugan ma cusub yahay mise waa buug hore / duqoobay

Am I right or wrong?: Ma saxanahay amase wan qaldanahay?

This is very expensive: Midkan aad bu qaalisan yahay

Is he younger or older than you?: Miyuu asiga ka yar yahay amase wuu ka weyn yahay?

Is she tall?: Iyada ma ka dheer tahay?

 Somali Adverbs
Now: hadda

Later: Hadhoo

Tonight: caawa

Last night: Xalay

This morning: Subaxda tan amase Saaka

Yesterday: shalay

Today: maanta

Tomorrow: berri

Next week: Sitimaanka Xigga / Todobaadka Xiga

Already: Goor hore

Recently: Dhowaaantaan / Mardhaw

Lately: aan gogayn

Soon: Dhaqso

Immediately: Dhaqsadii amase Durbaddii

Still: Weli

Yet: Weli

After the above adverbs of time, now we move on to adverbs of place.

Here: Halkaan

There: Halkaas

Everywhere: Meel walba

Anywhere: Meelna
Now adverbs of manners, used to describe how something happens. They are usually placed after the
main verb.

Carefully: Si taxadar leh

Alone: Cidlo

Very: Aad

Really: Run ahaantii

Quickly: Dhaqso

Slowly: Gaabin

Almost: Ugu dhawaan

Together: Wadajir

These are adverbs of frequency, which are used to answer the question "how often?".

Always: Markasta

Sometimes: Mararka qaarkood

Rarely: Dhif

Never: Waligeed

Somali Plural
Woman: haweeney

Women: haween

Language: Luuqad

Languages: Luuqado

Man: nin

Men: niman
Country: Wadan

Countries: Wadamo

Boy: wiil

Boys: Wiilal

Lake: Haro

Lakes: Harooyin

Girl: gabar

Girls: Gabdho

Pen: qalin

Pens: Qalimaan

These examples show a sentence with both singular and plural forms. The list includes the use of nouns,
numbers and pronouns.

I visited one country: Hal wadan baan booqday

She visited three countries: Waxeey booqaday sadex wadan

She has one sister: Hal gabar ah oo walaal ah beey leedahay

He has two sisters: Labo gabdhood oo walaalo ah buu leeyahay

We speak two languages: Waxaan ku hadalnaa labo luuqadood

They speak four languages: Waxeey ku hadlaan afar luuqadood

Somali Gender
Boy: Wiil

Girl: Gabar

Man: Nin
Woman: Naag

Father: Aabe

Mother: Hooyo

Brother: Walaal

Sister: Walaal (Walaashaa)

Actor: Fanaan (Jilaa)

Actress: Fanaanad (Jilaa)

Cat (m): Curi

Cat (f): Bisad

These examples show a sentence with both genders (masculine or feminine). The list includes the use of
nouns, adjectives and pronouns.

He is tall: Waa nin dheer

She is tall: Waa naag dheer

He is a short man: Waa nin gaaban

She is a short woman: Waa naag gaaban

He is German: Waa nin Jarmal ah

She is German: Waa naag Jarmal ah

Japanese men are friendly: Nimanka Jabaaniiskaa waa niman saaxiibtinimada ku tusinaya

Japanese women are friendly: Naagaha Jabaaniiska waa naago saaxiibtinimada ku tusinaya

Somali Pronouns
object pronoun subject pronoun possessive adjective

I: aniga Me: ani My: kayga

You: adiga You: adi Your: kaaga

He: asaga Him: asaga His: kiisa

She: iyada Her: iyada Her: keeda

We: annaga Us: annaga Our: keena

You (pl.): Idinka You (pl.): Idinka Your (pl.): Idinka

They: iyaga Them: iyaga Their: kooda

Here are samples to demonstrate how the is used in a sentence.

They are dancing: Weey ciyaarayaan / qoob ka ciyaar

I'm a (teacher/ artist/ engineer): Waxaan ahay (Macalin / farshaxan / injineer)

I like Maltese: Waxaan jeclahay Maltiiska

I'm trying to learn Maltese: Waxaan isku dayayaa inaan barto luuqada Maltiiska

I'm (twenty, thirty...) Years old: Waxaan jiraa (labaatan / sodon...) sano

I am your escort : anigaa ku wadi doona

He is your escort : isagaa ku wadaya

She is your escort : iyadaa ku wadaysa

You (pl.): Idinka

These are examples to demonstrate how the subject pronoun is used in a sentence.

Give me your phone number: Teleefoonkaaga i sii

I can give you my email: iimeelkeyga baan ku siin karaa

Tell him to call me: U sheeg inuu i soo waco

Can you call us?: Ma na soo wici kartaa?

We reach now the part, used to refer to thing we possess. Examples: "my, our, their ...".

Here are samples to demonstrate how the possessive adjective is used.

My phone number is . . .: Teleefoonkeeygu waa

His email is . . .: iimeelkiisu waa

Our dream is to visit Spain: Riyadayadu waa inaan booqano Isbeeyn

Their country is beautiful: Wadankoodu wuu qurux badan yahay

This is the possessive pronoun. Used as an alternative to the possessive adjectives above. Instead of
saying "It is my dog" you can say "It is mine".

Mine: Waxayga

Yours: Waxaaga

His: Wixiisa

Hers: Waxeeda

Ours: Waxeena

Yours (pl.): Wixiina

Theirs: Waxooda

These are some examples of the possessive pronoun in a sentence.

The book is mine: Buugan anaa iska leh

Is this pen yours?: Qalinkaan ma adiaa iska leh?

The shoes are hers: Kabuhu waa kuweeda

Victory is ours: Anagaa guusha leh

I am waxaan ahay

You are waxaad tahay

we are waxaan nahay

they are waxay yihiin

He is isaga waa

she is iyada waa

I want waan rabaa

I do not want ma rabo

I am a doctor dhaktar baan ahay

I am not a doctor dhaktar ma ahi

Somali Prepositions
On top of: Wax kor saaran

Under: hoos

Inside: gudaha

Outside: dibadda

Behind: ka gadaal

In front of: ka hor

Near: dhow

Between: u dhexeeya

These are more popular prepositions you might find useful at some point or another.
After: dib

Before: hor

With: ku jira

Without: la'aan

Since: Ilaa iyo

Until: Ilaa

Of: Ee

From: ka

To: ku

Instead of: Badalkeedii

In: dhex

Against: Ka soo horjeeda

As: La mid ah

About: ku saabsan

For: u ah

The following are conjunctions used to connect words, sentences, or phrases.

And: iyo

Or: ama

But: laakiin

So: Marka

Now is the time for some prepositions used in a sentence. We are using the following: (from, under,
inside, with, in, but) as examples.

I'm from Japan: Jabaan baan u dhashay / Jabaan baan ka imid

The pen is under the desk: Qalinku miiska buu hoos yaalaa
The letter is inside the book: Waraaqdu waxeey ku dhex jirtaa buuga

Can I practice Italian with you?: Af Talyaani ma kugula bar-baran karaa?

I was born in Miami: Miami baan ku dhashay

I speak French but with an accent: Waxaan ku hadlaa Af Faransiis laakiin lahjad baan ku leeyahay

Somali Negation
No: Maya

Nothing: Waxba

Not yet: Weli

No one: Qofna / cidna

No longer: Mar danbe

Never: marna

Cannot: Maba

Should not: ma haboonayn

The below examples demonstrate how to use the negation form in a sentence. Don't be shy to use of
these expressions if you don't know something.

I do not speak Japanese: Af Jabaniis ma ku hadlo

I cannot remember the word: Ereyga ma xasuusan karo

You should not forget this word: Ereyga ma xasuusan karo

This is wrong: Tani waa khalad

This is not correct: Tani wax ma ahan

No one here speaks Greek: Qofna Af Giriig ma ku hadlo

I'm not fluent in Italian yet: Weli si xiriir ah Af Talyaani uguma hadli karo
No talking. : hadal ma jiro

No problem!: Inaad iloowdo ma ahan ereygaan

Somali Comaprative
As . . . as: Sidii

Taller: Ka dheer

Shorter: Ka gaaban

Younger: Ka yar

Older: Ka weeyn

As tall as : U dheer sidii

Taller than: Ka dheer

Shorter than: Ka gaaban

More beautiful: Ka qurux badan

Less beautiful: Ka qurux yar

Most beautiful: Ugu qurux badan

Happy: Farxad

Happier: Ka sii faraxsan

Happiest: Ugu faraxsan / Farax badan

You are happy: Waad farax san tahay

You are as happy as Maya: Sida Maya oo kale baad u farax san tahay

You are happier than Maya: Adigaa Maya ka farax badan

You are the happiest: Adaa ugu farax badan

Good: Fiican

Better: Ka fiican

Best: Ugu fiican

Bad: Xumaan

Worse: Aanan wanaagsaneyn / Xun

Worst: Ugu xun

Somali Family
This is a list of words about family in Somali. You can name people such as your relatives as well as
extended family this way.

Daughter: Gabadhaada

Son: wiilkaaga

Sister: Walaasha

Brother: Walaalka

Baby: Cunug(Ilmo)

Child (m): Wiil yar (ilmo yar oo lab ah)

Child (f): Gabar yar (ilmo yar oo dhedig ah)

Father: Aabe

Mother: Hooyo

Husband: Seey (xaas)

Wife: Marwo (Naag)

Cousin (m): Ina adeerka (ina-abti, ina eedo, ina habreed)--

Cousin (f): Ina habreedeey, ina abtiday, ina eedaday, ina adeertay.

Aunt: Eedo, Habaryar

Uncle: Adeer, Abti

Grandfather: Awoowe

Grandmother: Ayeeyo
Nephew: Wiila aad habaryarta u tahay, ama eedada, ama abtiga ama adeerka

Niece: Gabadha aa habryarta u tahay, ama eedada ama abtiga ama adeerka.

Man: Nin

Woman: Haweeney (Naag)

Boy: Wiil

Girl: Gabar

People: Dad

These examples show how family words are used in a Somali sentence. Very useful when socializing with
other people. This can also show you how to ask questions.

What's your brother called?: Waa maxay magaca walaalkaa, ama maxaa walaalkaa loogu yeeraa

How old is your sister?: Imisa sano ayay walaashaa jirtaa

Where does your father work?: Aabahaa xagee buu ka shaqeeyaa

Your daughter is very cute: Gabadhaadu way qurux badan tahay

I love my husband: Waan jeclahay ninkayga (waan jeclahay odaygayga)

This is my wife: Tani waa xaaskayga

Somali Body Parts

This is a list of body parts in Somali. This can enable you describe parts of the human body with ease.
We focused on the main used ones.

Mouth: Af

Nose: San

Tongue: Carrab

Teeth: Ilko
Ear: Dheg

Eye: Il

Face: Waji

Head: Madaxa

Neck: Sur (luqun)

Arm: Dhudhun

Shoulder: Garab

Chest: Xabad (laabta)

Back: Dhabar

Fingers: Faro

Feet: Cago(Lugo)

Hair: Timo

Hand: Gacan

Heart: Wadne

Leg: Lug

Stomach: Calool(Uur)

These samples show how body parts are used in Somali. You will learn how to use nouns (parts of the
body) with adjectives and prepositions (such as the preposition "with").

She has beautiful eyes: Waxeey leedahay indho qurxoon

You hear with your ears: Dhagahaaga ayaad wax ku maqashaa

We see with our eyes: Indhaheena ayaan wax ku aragnaa

I smell with my nose: Sankayga ayaan wax ku uriyaa

He feels with his hand: Gacmahiisa ayuu wax ku dareemaa

She tastes with her tongue: Carabkeeda beey wax ku dhadhamisaa

 Somali Articles
Here are examples of the articles in Somali. This includes the use of (a, the, many, and some). As well as
demonstrative adjectives (this, that ...).

This: Kan

That: Kaas

Here: Halkaan

Example: Come here halkan imoow

Stay here halkan joog

Wait here halkan igu sug

A French teacher is here: Halkaan buu joogaa macalinka Af Faransiiska

The French teacher is here: Macalinkii Af Faransiiska halkaan buu joogaa

There: Halkaas

This is my house: kani waa gurigeyga

That restaurant is far: makhaayaddaasi way fog tahay

Give me this!: Tan isii!

Take this! (when giving something): Kan qaado

How much is this?: waa imisa kani

What is this?: kani waa maxay?

This is my wife: Tani waa xaaskeeyga

This is my husband: Kani waa odaygeeyga / ninkeeyga

The yellow pen is easy to find: Weey fududahay in la helo qalinka jaalahaa

A yellow pen is easy to find: Weey fududahay in qalin jaale ah la helo

Some languages are hard: Qaar luuqadaha ka mid ah waa adeeyg

Many languages are easy: Luuqado badan ayaa fudud

The student speaks Korean: Ardeydu waxeey ku hadlaan Af Kuuriyaan

A student speaks Korean: Arday baa Af Kuuriyaan ku hadla

Some students speak Korean: Qaar baa ardayda Af Kuuriyaan ku hadla

Many students speak Korean: Arday badan baa Af Kuuriyaan ku hadasha

This student speaks Korean: Ardeygaanu Af Kuuriyaan buu ku hadlaa

That student speaks Korean: Ardeygaasu Af Kuuriyaan buu ku hadlaa

These students speak Korean: Ardeydaanu Af Kuuriyaan beey ku hadlaan

Those students speak Korean: Ardeydaasu Af Kuuriyaan beey ku hadlaan

Somali Colors
This is a list of colors in Somali. This will help you find ways to describe the colors of clothes, objects and
much more.

Black: madow

Blue: buluug

Brown: kafee

Gray: calow

Green: cagaar

Orange: Huruud (oranji)

Red: guduud

White: caddaan

Yellow: jaalle

Dark color: Midab madoow

Light color: Midab khafiif ah

Colors: Midabo
These examples show how colors are used in Somali. This is a good way to demonstrate how adjectives
(colors) are used with nouns and verbs.

The sky is blue: Cirku waa buluug

Your cat is white: Bisadaadu waa cadaan

Black is his favorite color: Midabka uu ugu jecel yahay waa madoow

Red is not his favorite color: Gaduudku ma aha midabka uu ugu jecel yahay

She drives a yellow car: Waxeey wadataa gaari jaale ah

I have black hair: timahaygu way madawyihiin

Time in Somali

Days: Maalmaha

Monday: isniin

Tuesday: talaado

Wednesday: arbaco

Thursday: khamiis

Friday: jimce

Saturday: sabti

Sunday: axad

Now we move on to the 12 months of the year. What fun!

January: Janaayo

February: Febraayo
March: Maarso

April: Abril

May: Meey

June: Juun

July: Luulyo

August: Agoosto

September: Sebteember

October: Oktoobar

November: Nofeembar

December: Diseembar

Now let's learn about the seasons, hour, minutes and second...

Autumn: Dayr

Winter: Jiilaal

Spring: Gu'

Summer: Xagaa

Seasons: Xiliyada

Months: Bilo (Bilooyin)

Time: Waqti

Hour: Saacad

Minute: Daqiiqad

Second: Ilbidhiqsi

labo casho in two days

sadex casho in three days

sitimaanka danbe next week

bisha danbe next month

Finally we get to the senences section. This is where you will see some of the above time related words
used in a common phrase.

Yesterday was Sunday: Shalay Axad bay ahayd

Today is Monday: Maanta waa Isniin

I will visit you in August: Waxaan ku soo booqan doonaa Agoosto

Winter is very cold here: Jiilaalka halkaan aad buu u qaboow yahay

I was born in July: Waxaan dhashay Luulyo

Morning- Subax 10-11AM- Barqo

Afternoon- Duhur

Evening- Casar

Sunset- Maqrib

Evening: fiid

Night- Habeen 8-10PM- Cisha

Midnight- Saqdadhaxe

Early Morning (5-6 AM)- Anoor

Months

January - Bisha Koobad,

February- Bisha Labaad,

March- Bisha Saddexaad,

April- Bisha Afraad,

May- Bisha Shanaad,

June- Bisha Lixaad,

July- Bisha Todobaad,

August- Bisha Sideedaad,

September- Bisha Sagaalaad,

October- Bisha Tobnaad,

November- Bisha Kow iyo Tobnaad,

December- Bisha Laba iyo Tobnaad

AM- SN (Subaax Nimo), PM- GN (Galab Nimo)

Now: hadda

Yesterday: shalay

Today: maanta

Tonight: caawa

Tomorrow: berri

In The Morning: Subaxdii

In the evening: Fiidkii

At Night: Habeenkii

Somali Clothes
Coat: koodh

Dress: Canbuur (Toob)

Hat: Koofiyad

Jacket: Jaakad

Pants: Surweel(nigisyo)

Shirt: Shaar
Shoes: Kabo

Socks: Sharabaadyo (iskaalsooyin)

Underwear: hoos gashi

Sweater: funaanad

Suit: Suut (jaakad iyo surweel isku eg)

Tie: Taay

Belt: suun

Gloves: Gacmo gashi (galoofyo)

Umbrella: Dalad

Wallet: Boorso yar

Watch: Saacad

Glasses: Ookiyaale

Ring: Faraanti

Clothes: Dhar

Now we will see some of the expressions used above in a sentence. They could be used when trying new
clothes or when complementing others.

These shoes are small: Kabahaani way yar yihiin

These pants are long: Surweeladaan aad bay u dhaadheer yihiin

I lost my socks: Iskaalsaheeygii baa iga dhumay

She has a beautiful ring: Faraanti qurux badan beey haysataa

Do you like my dress?: Ma jeceshahay canbuurkeeyga

It looks good on you: Wuu kugu qurxoon yahay

 Somali Food
This is a list of food in Somali. This can be very useful when going to the supermarket to buy groceries or
simply when asking for breakfast.

Milk: Caano

Butter: Subag

Cheese: Burcad

Bread: Rooti

Meal: cuno

Breakfast: Quraac

Lunch: Qado

Dinner: Casho

Salad: Ansalaato

Sugar: Sonkor

Salt: Cusbo

Orange juice: Liin bambeelmo biyaheeda

Soda: Cooka Cola

Coffee: Bun

Tea: Shaah

Fish: Kalluun (Malaay)

Meat: Hilib

Chicken: Digaag (dooro)

Pizza: Biisa

Eggs: Ukumo

Sandwich: Saanwiij
Ice cream: Jalaato

Water: Biyo

Food: Cunto

These samples show how food items can be incorporated into a sentence in Somali. You will also be able
to express your feelings of hunger or thirst.

I'm hungry: Gaajaa i haysa (waan baa hanahay)

Are you thirsty?: Ma oon baa ku haya

Do you have a bottle of water?: dhalo biyo ah ma haysaa?

Breakfast is ready: Quraacdu waa diyaar

What kind of food do you like?: Cunto sidee ah baad jeceshahay

I like cheese: Waxaan jeclahay Burcadka

Somali Fruits & Vegetables

Lemons: Liin dhanaan

Apples: Tufaax

Oranges: liin macaan (bambeelmo)

Peaches: Qumbe

Figs: Figs

Pears: cambaruud

Pineapples: Caano naas

Grapes: Canab

Strawberries: Istarawbari

Bananas: Moos

Watermelon: Qarre(xab xab)

Avocados: Afakaadho

Now here is the list of some commonly used vegetables:

Carrots : Kaarooto (dabocase)

Corn: Galleey

Cucumbers: Qajaar

Garlic: Toon

Lettuce: Ansalaato

Olives: Saliid Saytuun

Onions: Basal

Peppers: Qaji

Potatoes: Baradho

Pumpkin: Bocor batiiq

Beans: Digir

Tomatoes: Yaanyo

The following sentences include some fruits and vegetables mentioned above to show you how you can
use them in your daily conversation.

This fruit is delicious: Qudaartani aad ayeey u macaan tahay!

Vegetables are healthy: Qudaartu waa caafimaad

I like bananas: Mooska aad baan u jeclahay

I don't like cucumber: Qajaarka ma jecli

Bananas taste sweet: Moosku macaan buu u dha dhamaa

Lemons taste sour: Liin dhanaantu waxeey u dhadhantaa si dhanaan

 Somali Animals
This is a list of animals in Somali. You will find common words including domestic pets, farm livestock,
wild creatures and even insects.

Bird: Shimbir

Cat: Bisad (yaanyuur, dumad)

Cow: Sac

Dog: ay

Donkey: Dameer

Eagle: Gor gor

Elephant: Maroodi

Goat: Ri'

Horse: Faras

Lion: Libaax

Monkey: Daanyeer

Mouse: Walo sandheer

Rabbit: Dabangaale

Snake: Mas

Tiger: Shabeel

Sheep (pl.): Ido

Spider: Caaro

Insect: Cayayaan

Mosquito: Kaneeco

Butterfly: Balanbaalis

Bear: Dhali (Beer)

Animal: Xayawaan

Farm: Beer

Forest: Kayn

The following sentences might come in handy in a conversation when socializing or in a pet store.

I have a dog: Ay baan leeyahay

She likes cats: Bisadaha ayay jeceshahay

Tigers are fast: Shabeeladu aad bay u dheereeyaan

Monkeys are funny: Daanyeerku waa qosol miidhan

Do you have any animals?: Wax xayawaan ah ma leedahay?

Do you sell dog food?: Cunto Ay ma gadaa?

Somali Shopping
This is a list of expressions about shopping in Somali. Useful in supermarkets, sightseeing, and when
haggling to get a good bargain.

How much is this?: Kani waa meeqa?

Can you take less?: Wax intaa ka yar ma ku qaadan karta?

I'm just looking: Waan iska fiir-fiirinayaa

This is too expensive: Kani waa qaali!

Do you accept credit cards?: Karedhit Kaar ma qaadataa?

Only cash please!: Fadlan lacag kaliya!

The following vocabulary is related to shopping places where you might need to buy goods or services.

Expensive: Qaali

Cheap: Raqiis

Cafe: Biibito

Cinema: Shaneemo

Supermarket: Suuqa weeyn

Gas station: Kaalin Shidaal

Museum: Madxafka

Pharmacy: Farmashi

Credit card: Kaarka amaahda

Cash: Lacag

Check: Jeeg

Parking: Meesha gaariga la dhigto

Somali Restaurant
Where is there a good restaurant?: Xageebay maqaayad fiican ku taalaa?

I'm vegetarian: Hilibka ma cuno

What's the name of this dish?: Waa maxay magaca cuntadaan?

Waiter / waitress!: Kabalyeeri / Kabalyeeriyad / Mudalab

May we have the check please?: Fadlan jeegeena ma heli karnaa?

It is very delicious!: Aad bay u macaan tahay!

What do you recommend?: Maxaa nagula talin lahayd inaan cuno?

The bill please!: Fadlan lacagtaan bixinayno noo sheeg!

The following items can be found in restaurants as well as kitchens. Which means it would be useful to
memorize them.

Spicy: qaji leh

Sweet: Macaan

Salty: Cusbeeysan

Plate: Saxan

Fork: Fargeeto

Knife: Mindi

Spoon: Qaado

Table: Miis

Menu: Buuga cuntada laga dalbado

Food: Cunto

Dessert: Mac-macaan

Water: Biyo

A cup of: Koob ah

A glass of: Bakeeri ah

Salad: Ansalaato

Soup: Maraq

Bread: Rooti

Black pepper: Fil-fil

Salt: Cusbo

Tip: Baqshiish (lacagta kabalyeeriga)

Napkin: Istaraasho / Af maris

 Somali Travel
Airplane: Diyaarad

Airport: Garoonka diyaaradaha

Bus: Bas

Bus station: Meesha baska laga raaco / Istaanka

Car: Baabuur / Gaari

Flight: Duulimaad

For business: Ku saabsan baayac mushtar

For pleasure: Raaxo / Dalxiis ku saabsan

Hotel: Hoteel

Luggage: Boorsooyin

Parking: Gaadhiga meesha la dhigto

Passport: Baasaboor

Reservation: Carbuunasho

Taxi: Tagsi

Ticket: Boono

Tourism: Dalxiis

Train: Tareen

Train station: Meesha tareenka laga raaco

To travel: In la safro

Help Desk: Miiska la iska caawiyo

By train: Tareenka

By car: Gaariga

By bus: Baska
By taxi: Tagsiga

By airplane: Diyaarada

Now we will use the Somali words above in different sentences related to tourism and travel.

Do you accept credit cards?: Karedit Kaar ma aqbashaa / ma qaadataa?

How much will it cost?: Meequu beecu noqon doonaa?

I have a reservation: Balan baan sameystay / boos celis

I'd like to rent a car: Waxaan jeclahay inaan gaari ijaarto

I'm here on business/ on vacation.: Waxaan halkan u joogaa baayacmushtarnimo / dalxiis

Is this seat taken?: Kursigaan miyaa lagu fadhiyaa?

I have a reservation: wuu ii carbuunan yahay

Do you have rooms available?: miyaad haysaa qolal bannaan

I would like a non-smoking room: waxaan jeclaan lahaa qol aan sigaar lagu cabin

How much it costs per night?: waa maxay qiimaha habaynkiiba

Waiter: kabalyeeri

Somali Survival
Headache: madax xanuun

Stomach ache: calool xanuun

Medicines: dawooyin

Pharmacy: farmashi

Doctor: dhaqtar

Ambulance: ambalaas

Hospital: isbitaal

Help me: i caawi

Poison: sun
Accident: shil

Police: boliis

Danger: halis

Stroke: Dhiig maskax furan

Heart attack: Wadne joogsi

Asthma: Neef

Allergy: Alarji

These phrases deal with different types of emergencies. We recommend memorizing them in case you
need them for yourself or to help someone.

Call the police!: Wac askari / booliiska

Call a doctor!: Wac dhakhtarka!

Call the ambulance!: wax ambalaaska

I feel sick: Xanuun baan dareemayaa / waan xanuun sanayaa

Where is the closest pharmacy?: aaway farmashiga ugu dhow?

It hurts here: Halkaan baa i xanuuneysa

It's urgent!: Waa dag-dagsiinyo

Calm down!: Is daji!

Stop!: Joogso!

Fire!: Dab!

Thief!: Tuug!

Are you okay?: ma fiican tahay?

I am sick: waan jirranahay

I need a doctor: dhakhtar baan u baahnahay

Help: caawi
Call the ambulance: wax ambalaaska

Your child is sick. : cunugaaga wuu jiran yahay

Call the police: wac boliiska

Somali Directions

Go straight: Horay u soco

Turn left: Bidixda u leexo

Turn right: Midigta u leexo

One moment please!: in yar ii kaadi

Come with me!: Aniga i soo raac!

How can I get to the museum? : Sidee baan u gaari karaa madxafka?

How long does it take to get there?: Imiseey qaadaneeysaa inaan halkaas gaarno?

Downtown (city center): Magaalada hoose (xarunta magaalda)

The following are words which might be used alone or in combination with other words to ask or give
directions.

Near: Dhoow

Far: Fogg

Right: Midig

Left: Bidix

Straight: Horey

There: Halkaas/xagga

Here: Halkaan/inta
To walk: In la socdo

To drive: In baabuur la ka xeeyo

To turn: In la leexdo

Traffic light: Nalka isgooyska

Turn right: midig u leexo

Turn left: bidix u leexo

Turn to the right: midigta u leexo

Turn to the left: bidixda u leexo

Go straight: aad tooskaaga

Go to the north: woqooyiga aad

Go to the east: bariga aad

Go to the west:: galbeedka aad

Go to the south: koonfurta aad

Somali Weather
Cloudy: daruur leh

Cold: qabow

Foggy: Ciiryaamo

Humid: Hanfi

Hot: kulayl

Warm: qandac

Rain: Roob

Rainy: roob leh

Snow: Baraf

Snowing: baraf leh

Sun: Qorax

Sunny: qorrax leh

Wind: Dabayl

Windy: dabayl leh

Spring: Gu'

Summer: Xagaa

Autumn: Dayr

Winter: Diraac / Jiilaal

Umbrella: Dalaayad / Dalad

Storm: Duufaan

These examples put some of the above words about weather in a sentence to show you how those
expressions can be used.

Today is nice weather: Maanta cimiladu weey wanaagsan tahay

Yesterday was bad weather: Shalay cimiladu weey xumeeyd

It is raining: Roob baa da'aya

It is sunny: Waa qoraxeeysan tahay

It is windy: Waa dabeeyl / dabeeyleysan tahay

It is cold: Waa qaboowsan tahay / waa qaboow

It's hot: Waa kuleeyl

Languages in Somali
English: ingiriis

Arabic: carabi
Chinese: shiineys

Brazilian: Baraasiliyaan

French: faransiis

German: jarmal

Greek: giriig

Hebrew: Hibruu

Hindi: hindi

Irish: Ayrish

Italian: talyaani

Japanese: jabaan

Korean: Kuuriyaan

Latin: Latino

Persian: faarisiin

Portuguese: Boortaqiis

Russian: ruush

Spanish: isbaanish

Swedish: iswiidhish

Urdu: Urdu

Nationality in Somali

British: Ingiriis

Moroccan: Marookaan
Chinese: Shiineeys

Brazilian: Baraasiiliyaan

American: Mareykan / Ameerikaan

French: Faransiis

German: Jarmal

Greek: Giriig

Israeli: Israaiil / Yuhuud

Indian: Hindi

Irish: Ayrish

Italian: Talyaani

Japanese: Jabaaniis

Korean: Kuuriyaan

Iranian: Eeraaniyaan

Portuguese: Boortuqiis

Russian: Ruush

Spanish: Isbaanish

Swedish: Iswiidhish

Pakistani: Bakistaani

Now we will put some of the words above into a sentence which you might use in a regular conversation
about citizenship. All you need is to swap the nationality but keep the same sentence structure.

I'm Italian: Talyaani baan ahay

My wife is Korean: Xaaskeeygu waa Kuuriyaan

My father is Greek: Aabahay waa Giriig

I have an American car: Waxaan leeyahay gaari Mareykan ah

I love French cheese: Waxaan jeclahay farmaajada Faransiiska

He has a Moroccan rug: Wuxuu leeyahay roog Marooko lagu soo sameeyay

Countries in Somali
Britain: Ingiriiska

Morocco: marooko

China: shiinaha

Brazil: Baraasiil

America: Maraykan / Ameerikan

France: faransiiska

Germany: jarmalka

Greece: giriiga

Israel: Yuhuud

India: hindiya

Ireland: Ayrlaan

Italy: talyaaniga

Japan: jabaanka

Korea: Kuuriya

Iran: Eeraan

Portugal: Boortuqiis

Russia: ruushka

Spain: isbayn

Sweden: iswiidhan

Pakistan: Bakistaan
 School in Somali
Book: buug

Books: guugag

Pen: qalin

Dictionary: qaamuus

Library: maktabad

Desk: kursi

Student: arday

Teacher: macallin

Chair: kursi

Paper: warqad

Page: bog

Pencil: qalin qori

Notebook: Buuga wax lagu qorto

Laptop: Laabtoob / Kambuyuutar

Question: su'aal

Answer: Jawaab

School: Dugsi / Iskuul

University: Jaamacad

To write: Wax qorid

To read: Wax akhris

To speak: In la hadlo

To listen: In la dhageeysto

To think: In la fakaro

To understand: In wax la fahmo

These are a couple sentences you might need to use in a classroom.

I have a question: Su'aal baan qabaa

What's the name of that book?: Waa maxay magaca buugaas?

House in Somali
Bed: sariir

Bedroom: qolka jiifka

Carpet: Kaarbed

Ceiling: safiito

Chair: Kursi

Computer: Kambayuutar

Desk: kursi

Door: Albaab

Furniture: qalab

House: guri

Kitchen: jiko

Refrigerator: firinjiyeer

Roof: Saqaf

Room: qol

Table: miis

Television: taleefishin

Toilet: musqul

Window: daaqad
Stove: Istoof

Wall: Derbi

The following sentences contain some of the household items above which you might find handy.

I'm watching television: Waxaan daawanayaa Teleefishin

I need to use the toilet: Waxaan u baahanahay inaan musqusha isticmaalo

Can you close the door?: Albaabka ma xiri kartaa?

Can you open the window?: Daaqada ma furi kartaa?

This room is very big: Qolkaan aad buu u weeyn yahay

I need to use the computer: Waxaan u baahanahay inaan Kambuyuutarka isticmaalo

Somali Present
To see: In la arko

To write: In la qoro

To love: In la jeclaado

To give: In la bixiyo

To play: In la ciyaaro

To read: In la akhriyo

To understand: In la fahmo

To have: In la yeesho / la haysto

To know: In la yaqaano

To learn: In la barto
To think: In laga fakaro

To work: In la shaqeeyo

To speak: In la hadlo

To drive: In la kaxeeyo

To smile: In la dhoole cadeeyo

To find: In la helo

These samples show how the verbs above are conjugated in the present tense in a sentence which
includes all the object pronouns (I, you, she...).

I write with a pen: Waxaan wax ku qoraa qalin

You love apples: Tufaaxa baad jeceshahay

You give money: Lacag baad bixisaa

You play tennis: Teenis baad ciyaartaa

He reads a book: Buug buu akhriyaa

He understands me: Wuu i fahmaa

She has a cat: Bisad / Mukulaal beey leedahay

She knows my friend: Waxeey taqaanaa saaxiibkeey / saaxiibteey

We want to learn: Waxaan rabnaa inaan wax barano

We think Spanish is easy: Waxaan ku fakarnaa in ay luuqada Isbaanishka fududahay

You (plural) work here: Ma halkaan baad ka shaqeeysiin?

You (plural) speak French: Ma af Faransiis baad ku hadashaa

They drive a car: Waxeey wataan gaari

They smile: Weey dhoola cadeeyaan

Somali Past
To see: In la arko

To write: In la qoro

To love: In la jeclaado

To give: In la bixiyo

To play: In la ciyaaro

To read: In la akhriyo

To understand: In la fahmo

To have: In la yeesho / la haysto

To know: In la yaqaano

To learn: In la barto

To think: In laga fakaro

To work: In la shaqeeyo

To speak: In la hadlo

To drive: In la kaxeeyo

To smile: In la dhoole cadeeyo

To find: In la helo

These samples show how the verbs above are conjugated in the past tense in a sentence which includes
all the object pronouns (I, you, she...).

I wrote with a pen: Waxaan ku qoray qalin

You loved apples: Waxaad jeclaatey tufaaxa

You gave money: Lacag baad bixisey

You played tennis: Teenis baad cayaartay

He read (past) a book: Buug buu akhriyey

He understood me: Wuu i fahmey

She had a cat: Mukulaal / bisad beey lahayd

She knew my friend: Waxeey taqaaney saaxiibkeey / saaxiibadeey

We wanted to learn: Waxaan rabnay inaan wax barano

We thought Spanish is easy: Waxaan u maleyney inuu af Isbaanish fudud yahay

You (plural) worked here: Ma halkaan baad ka shaqeeyseen

You (plural) spoke French: Ma af Faransiis baad ku hadashay

They drove a car: Gaari beey wateen

They smiled: Weey dhoola cadeeyeen

Somali Future
To see: In la arko

To write: In la qoro

To love: In la jeclaado

To give: In la bixiyo

To play: In la ciyaaro

To read: In la akhriyo

To understand: In la fahmo

To have: In la yeesho / la haysto

To know: In la yaqaano

To learn: In la barto

To think: In laga fakaro

To work: In la shaqeeyo

To speak: In la hadlo

To drive: In la kaxeeyo

To smile: In la dhoole cadeeyo

To find: In la helo

These samples show how the verbs above are conjugated in the future tense in a sentence which
includes all the object pronouns (I, you, she...).

I will write with a pen: Waxaan ku qoridoonaa qalin

You will love apples: Waad jeclaan doontaa tufaaxa

You will give money: Lacag baad bixin doontaa

You will play tennis: Teenis baad ciyaari doontaa

He will read a book: Buug buu akhrin doonaa

He will understand me: Wuu i fahmi doonaa

She will have a cat: Mukulaal / bisad beey lahaan doontaa

She will know you: Weey ku garan doontaa

We will want to see you: Waxaan dooni doonaa inaan ku aragno

We will think about you: Waan kaa fakari doonaa

You (plural) will work here: Halkaan baad ka shaqeeyn doontaan

You (plural) will speak French: Af Faransiis baad ku hadli doontaa

They will drive a car: Gaari beey wadan doonaan

They will smile: Weey dhoola cadeeyn doonaan

Stop ( joogso)

Move dhaqaaq

Do not move ha dhaqaaqin

Be quiet : aamus

Calm down. : is deji

Hurry up!: Dhaqso!

Quickly: Si dhaqso ah

To speak: In la hadlo

Slowly: Si tartiib ah

Slow down. : tartiib

Speak slowly !: tartiib u hadal !

Move slowly. : tartiib u dhaqaaq

gacmaha madaxa saara Hands up.

hoos u dhig gacmahaaga Lower your hands.

dhulka seexo Lie down.

caloosha dhulka dhig Lie on your stomach.

Get up. : kac

Surrender. : is dhiib

You are a prisoner. : maxbuus baad tahay

We must search you.: waa inaan ku baarnnaa

Turn around. : dib u jeeso

Walk forward. : horey u soco

Form a line. : saf sameeya

One at a time. : hal-hal

You are next. : adigaa ku xiga

You can leave.: waad bixi kartaa

Go. : bax

Go home. : guriga aad

Open. : fur

Close. : xir

Beware. : la soco

Distribute.: qaybi

Fill: buuxi

dhig Put

Take: qaad

Follow them : iyaga raac

You will ride with them. : ayagaad raacaysaa

Drop your gun !: dhig qoriga !

Don't run !: ha cararin !

Are you carrying weapons ?: hub ma sidataa ?

Give (me) the gun ! : keen qoriga !

Are you fighting for anyone ?: ma cid baad u dagaallameysaa ?

Do you have any information that can help us ? : wax war ah oo na caawinaya ma haysaa ?
I visited France: waxaan booqday faransiiska

I will drink milk: waxaan cabi doonaa caano

A little bit: in yar un

It was nice talking to you: way wanaagsanayd inaan kula hadlo

Transportation: Gaadiid

It's freezing: Aad beey u qaboow dahay

So so: Waa iska caadi

Help me.: i caawin

Show me.: i tusi

Tell me.: ii sheeg

Bring me.: ii keen

Give me. : i sii

Follow me : i soo daba soco

Come with me : i soo raac

Take me to __ : ii gee

Also note the following complicated pronunciations.

dh

Can be viewed as flapped d or r depending on the speaker - either way you'll get it right. Set your mouth
to pronounce as normal d or r, but then curl your tongue right up so that the bottom touches the top
part of your mouth. As you try you'll fell your tongue flapping forward.
x

It's more of an emphantic version of h. Take the exhaling sound you make when you've just burnt your
mouth after taking a sip of boiling hot soup, push it right back into the very back of your mouth, making
sure your tongue also goes back and that should be a good approximation.

If you follow the same pronunciation rules for x, with the tongue and back of the mouth all pressed up
against the back of the throat then simply change the hiss of the h to a sound using your vocal cords. If
you're then sounding if you being choked then that's it. Hint: Think of c as a vowel modifier and if
listening to a natie speaker, note how it changes thevowel in its vicinity 'pharyngealized' the vowel,
sending half the sound up the nose.

It's pronounced like a k but right back in the mouth at the throat end, in the same area as c and x.
Imagine you've got a marble in the back of the throat and that you're bouncing it using only the glottis
and make a k sound at the same time.

kh

It's the rasping ch in Scottish loch and German ach. It's also pronounced like the Spanish jota.

'

It's what's called the glottal stop. You simply close the glottis at the very back of the mouth/top of
throat, and then release the built-up air. The result is a light uh sound with a very slight grunt just before
it. Althought it's not written, it occurs in the conversational speech of nearly all English speakers, being
most noticeable in the pronunciation of words like bottle as 'bo'el' by many Londoners