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