Basic Somali Words and Phrases
On this page you'll find several basic words and phrases translated from Somali to English.
Among these translations, you'll find words like No, Please, and Thank you, and useful phrases like How are you?, I am fine, and I don't understand.
Note: Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of basic words and phrases from English to Somali.
Somali to English Key Words:
Yes and No
Haa ➔ Yes
Maya ➔ No
Please and Thank you
Fadlan ➔ Please
Mahadsanid ➔ Thank you
How are you?
Iska waran? ➔ How are you?
Sidee ta'hay? ➔ How are you?
Nabad ➔ Good
Waan fiicanahay (fii'anahay) ➔ I am fine
Help!
Caawi (aawi) ➔ Help
How old are you?
Immisa jir baad tahay? ➔ How old are you?
Do you speak English?
Maan fahmin ➔ I don't understand
Ingiriisiga ma ku hadashaa? ➔ Do you speak English?
What is your name?
Magacaa? ➔ What is your name?
Magacaygu (maga'aygu) waa… ➔ My name is…
I'm sorry
Waan ku xumahay (humahay) ➔ I am sorry
*List of basic Somali words and phrases last updated: March 7, 2018.
Next Up
Somali Greetings: Learn how to say Somali greetings and goodbyes.
Corrections?
As most of the translations in the list above are user submitted, it's quite possible for there to be mistakes on the page. If you speak Somali and have a correction you'd like to share, feel free to leave a message below. Thanks again for any help you can provide.