Somali is a warm and lively language to learn.
It’s relatively phonetic and is written with the Latin alphabet, so what you hear is often what you’ll read.
A good way to get started is to learn a few everyday phrases and some small pronunciation cues, then build from there.
In this guide, I have rounded up simple and super useful conversational Somali examples to help you get talking.
Whether you’re learning for fun, work or travel, these phrases will give you a solid foundation to communicate with confidence in everyday life.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
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What Somali is at a glance
- Language family: Cushitic, part of the Afro-Asiatic family.
- Where it’s spoken: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and by Somali communities worldwide.
- Dialects: There are several. The main distinction is between Northern/Southern Somali dialects (often grouped under “Standard Somali” for writing) and Maay (spoken in parts of the south). Mutal intelligibility exists but differences matter for listening/reading.
- Writing systems: Somali today is usually written in a Latin-based alphabet (the standard in education and media). Other scripts have historical or niche use (Osmanya, Arabic script).
- Language vibe: It’s an everyday, practical language for conversation and media in the Somali-speaking world. Grammar is different from English in ways that may feel unfamiliar (pronouns, verb forms, sentence structure), but consistent and learnable with steady practice.
Key things to consider before you start
- Your goal: Travel, work, family or cultural interest? Your goal will shape which dialect to focus on and which materials to use.
- Dialect choice: Decide early so you can stay consistent.
- Script preference: Starting with the Latin script is practical since most modern learning materials and media use it. If you’re curious about Osmanya or Arabic-script texts later, you can explore them after you’ve built a foundation.
- Resources and environment: Availability of tutoring or language partners, listening materials and texts in your chosen dialect will shape your plan. It helps to mix structured courses with real-world listening (radio, podcasts, songs) in Somali.
- Time and consistency: Short, daily practice beats long, sporadic study. Even 15–20 minutes most days leads to steady progress.
- Realistic expectations: Somali has different grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary from English or other languages. Progress is gradual; celebrate small milestones like basic introductions, common verbs or everyday phrases.
- Cultural context: Learning about Somali culture, etiquette and manners will help you connect with speakers and use the language more naturally.
A simple starter plan (first 4–6 weeks)
- Week 1–2: Decide dialect and script, set goals and learn 50–100 essential words/phrases (greetings, numbers, days, basic questions, common verbs). Start listening to slow, clear Somali audio daily.
- Week 3–4: Learn basic sentence patterns and a small set of verbs in present tense. Practice repeating short phrases aloud. Start a minimal vocabulary notebook with example sentences.
- Week 5–6: Begin short listening comprehension with beginner-friendly materials. Try simple conversations (introductions, asking for directions, ordering in a shop). Find a language partner for 1–2 short sessions per week if possible.
- Ongoing: Expand vocabulary by topics you care about (work, family, travel). Add more listening (podcasts, radio) and occasional reading practice with beginner texts. Review regularly with spaced repetition.
Practical study tips
- Start with phrases you’ll actually use: greetings, polite questions and routine questions (where you’re from, what you do, where you’re going).
- Use a single primary resource to avoid confusion and supplement with authentic listening materials in your target dialect.
- Include listening and speaking early: shadow short phrases, repeat after native speakers and try to describe your day in simple Somali.
- Keep a small, portable vocabulary list or flashcards (digital or paper) and review daily.
- Seek feedback: a language partner, tutor or community group can correct you and keep you motivated.
- Be mindful of dialect differences: a phrase in one dialect may differ in another. When in doubt, ask for confirmation or use universally understood expressions first.
Starter steps you can do right now
- Pick your dialect and commit to it for the next 6–8 weeks.
- Find 1–2 beginner-friendly resources (a course or textbook and a listening/listening-comprehension source in your chosen dialect).
- Start a 10–15 minute daily routine: learn a handful of new words, review 5–10 old ones, and listen to a short Somali audio clip.
- Note down any questions or phrases you want to learn, and plan to practice them with a partner or tutor.
Conversational Somali examples
The following everyday phrases are a great way to build confidence, connect with Somali culture and support your learning.
Basic conversational Somali Phrases
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- Haa – Yes
- Maya – No
- Fadlan – Please
- Mahadsanid – Thank you
- Aad baad u mahadsantahay – Thank you very much.
- Iga raali noqo – Excuse me
- Adaa mudan – You’re welcome
- Waxba maaha – It’s nothing
Useful Somali phrases for beginners
- Ingiriis ma ku hadashaa? — Do you speak English?
- Haa, Ingiriis waan ku hadlaa. — Yes, I speak English.
- Ma ku celin kartaa taas? — Can you repeat that?
- Ma fahmin. — I don’t understand.
- Fadlan ku celi. — Please repeat.
- Ma ii tarjumi kartaa?? — Can you translate for me?
- Si tartiib ah ma u hadli kartaa? — Could you speak slower?
- Af-Soomaaliga si fiican uguma hadlo. — I don’t speak Somali very well.
- Ma ku caawiyaa?? — May I help you?
- Maya, mahadsanid. — No, thank you.
- Haa, mahadsanid. — Yes, thank you.
Travelling conversational Somali phrases
- Maxaad u baahan tahay? — What do you need?
- Waxaan u baahanahay xoogaa xog ah. — I need some information.
- Musquluhu waa midigtaada. — The toilets are on your right.
- xagee u socotaa? — Where are you going?
- Aaway huteelka? — Where is the hotel?
- Ma garanayo.— I don’t know.
- Waan lumay. — I’m lost.
- Waa kulayl.. — It’s hot.
- Waxaan aadayaa guriga. — I’m going home.
- Adaa mudan. — With pleasure.
- Cimiladu waa sidee? — What’s the weather like?
- Waxaan jeclaan lahaa qaxwo. — I would like some coffee.
- Kuraastaas waa la qaatay.. — Those seats are taken.
Social Somali phrases
- Sidee shaqadu u socotaa?— How is work going?
- Ma rabtaa shaah?— Do you want to get tea?
- Reerkaagu waa sidee?? — How’s your family?
- Ma isiin kartaa lambarkaaga?? — Can you give me your number?
- Hadhow i soo waca.. — Give me a call later.
- Waxaan jeclaan lahaa inaan mar kale ku arko. — I would like to see you again.
Popular Somali greetings
- Is ka warran?– Hello!
- Waryaa! – Hey there!
- Hayeh! – Hi!
- Maxaa jira?– What’s up?
Somali phrases to say goodbye
- Nabad gelyo — Goodbye
- Caawa ayaan is arkeynaa.— See you tonight.
- Berri ayaan is arkeynaa — See you tomorrow.
- Is arag danbe— See you later.
- Goordhow ayaan is arkeynaa.— See you soon.
- Maalin wanaagsan.— Have a nice day.
- Habeen wanaagsan.— Have a good evening.
- Ilaa wakhtiga xiga.— Until next time.
- Nabadgelyo — Forever