Somali Greetings and Goodbyes
Just like in the English language, there are various ways to greet a person in Somali. This includes time-appropriate greetings like good morning, good afternoon, and good evening which are chosen based on the time of day.
Below you'll find a brief rundown of some popular greetings and goodbyes to get you conversing in Somali. Either scroll down for the full list, or use the quick links below to find the list of your choice.
Greetings and Goodbyes in Somali:
Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view these greetings from English to Somali.
Quick links:
How to Say Hello in Somali
Saying Timely Somali Greetings
How to Say Goodbye in Somali
How to Say Hello in Somali
Kulanti wanaagsan. ➔ Nice to meet you.
Ma nabad baa? ➔ Hello / How are you? (lit. Is there peace?)
Salaam alaykum ➔ Hello
Soo dhowow ➔ Welcome
Wakhti dheer kuma arag. ➔ Long time no see.
Saying Timely Somali Greetings
Subax wanaagsan ➔ Good morning
Maalin wanaagsan ➔ Good day
Galab wanaagsan ➔ Good afternoon
Waa nabad ➔ Good afternoon (lit. It is peace.)
Fiid wanaagsan ➔ Good evening
Habeen wanagsan ➔ Good night
How to Say Goodbye in Somali
Macasalaamo ➔ Bye (informal)
Nabadeey ➔ Goodbye
Nabadgelyo ➔ Goodbye
Safar wanaagsan. ➔ Have a nice journey.
*List of Somali greetings last updated: February 18, 2025.
Next Up
Common Somali Words and Phrases: Learn how to say common words and phrases in Somali.
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