Useful Somali phrases you need to learn

A collection of useful phrases in modern Standard Somali:

( Remember the letter X is pronounced as “H” and the letter C as short “A”)

Greetings

• Hello – Haye
• Peace be upon you – Assalaamu calaykum
• (Response) Upon you be peace – Wa calaykuma ssalaam
• Welcome – Soo dhawoow
• Pleased to meet you – Waxaan ku faraxsanahay inaan kula kulmo
• Goodbye – Nabadgelyo
• Until we meet again – Ilaa iyo kulan dambe

General

• Yes – Haa
• No – Maya
• Maybe – Waa laga yaabaa
• I hope so (God willing) – Waxaan rajeynayaa (haddii Eebbe idmo) – In shaa’ Allaah
• Please – Fadlan
• Thank you – Mahadsanid
• You´re welcome – Adiga ayaa mudan
• Excuse me – Iga raali noqo
• Let’s go – Aan tagno
• Congratulations! – Hambalyo!
• Do you speak English? – Ingiriisi ma ku hadashaa?
• How are you? – Sidee tahay?

Numbers

• 0 – Eber
• 1 – Kow
• 2 – Labo
• 3 – Saddex
• 4 – Afar
• 5 – Shan
• 6 – Lix
• 7 – Todobo
• 8 – Sideed
• 9 – Sagaal
• 10 – Toban
• 100 – Boqol

Introductions

• My name is… – Magacaygu waa …
• What is your name? – Magacaa
• Where are you from? – Xagee ka timid?
• How old are you? – Meeqa sano ayaad jirtaa?

Shopping

• How much? – Meeqa?
• Do you sell…? – Ma iibisaa…?
• I want to buy… – Waxaan rabaa inaan iibsado…
• I want to pay… – Waxaan rabaa inaan bixiyo…
• Price – Qiimaha
• Receipt – Rasiidka

Dining out

• The menu please – Menu-ga fadlan
• Water – Biyo
• Salt – Milix
• Sugar – Sonkor
• The bill please – Biilka fadlan

Directions

• Right – Midig
• Left – Bidix
• Straight on – Toos
• Airport – Madaar
• Bank – Bangi
• Beach – Xeeb
• Hotel – Huteel
• Toilet – Musqul
• Where is…? – Aaway/waa xagee…?
• I am lost – Waan lumay
• How can I find a taxi? – Sideen ku heli karaa taksi?
• I would like to go to… – Waxaan jeclaan lahaa inaan aado