Common 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 yes and no, please and thank you, and useful phrases like how are you?, I am fine, do you speak English?, and I don't understand.
To learn the translations for these words and others, simply scroll below. Otherwise, if you want to skip directly to a certain section, you can also use the quick links that will take you wherever you want to focus on first.
Common Words and Phrases in Somali:
Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of basic words and phrases from English to Somali.
Quick links:
Somali Words for Yes and No
Saying Please and Thank You in Somali
Asking How Are You? in Somali
Asking for Help in Somali
Somali for Asking Someone's Age
Do you speak English/Somali?
Exchanging Names in Somali
Apologizing in Somali
Somali Words for Yes and No
Haa ➔ Yes
Maya ➔ No
Saying Please and Thank You in Somali
Fadlan ➔ Please
Mahadsanid ➔ Thank you
Wad mahadsantahay. ➔ Thank you.
Asking How Are You? in Somali
Iska waran? ➔ How are you?
Sidee ta'hay? ➔ How are you?
Nabad ➔ Good
Waan fiicanahay (fii'anahay) ➔ I am fine
Asking for Help in Somali
Caawi (aawi) ➔ Help
Booliiska soo wac! ➔ Call the police!
Somali for Asking Someone's Age
Immisa jir baad tahay? ➔ How old are you?
Do you speak English/Somali?
Maan fahmin ➔ I don't understand
Ingiriisiga ma ku hadashaa? ➔ Do you speak English?
Exchanging Names in Somali
Magacaa? ➔ What is your name?
Magacaagu muxuu yahay? ➔ What is your name?
Magacaygu (maga'aygu) waa… ➔ My name is…
Apologizing in Somali
Waan ku xumahay (humahay) ➔ I am sorry
*List of basic Somali words and phrases last updated: February 19, 2025.
Next Up
Somali Greetings and Goodbyes: Learn how to say hello and goodbye in Somali.
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