Somali Verbs
Welcome to the 10th lesson about verbs in Somali. We will first learn about the present tense, followed by the past tense, and future tense. We will also analyze some grammar rules, and finally practice how to ask for direction in Somali.
Verbs are used to express an action (I swim) or a state of being (I am). The present tense in Somali conveys a situation or event in the present time. Here are some examples:
| Present Tense | Somali |
|---|---|
| I speak English | waan ku hadlaa ingiriis |
| you speak French | waad ku hadashaa faransiis |
| he speaks German | wuu ku kadlaa jarmal |
| she speaks Italian | way ku hadashaa talyaani |
| we speak Arabic | waan ku hadalnaa carabi |
| they speak Chinese | way ku hadlaan shiinays |
The past tense in Somali conveys a situation or event in the past time. Here are some examples:
| Past Tense | Somali |
|---|---|
| I visited France | waxaan booqday faransiiska |
| you visited Italy | waxaad booqatay talyaaniga |
| he visited Morocco | wuxuu booqday marooko |
| she visited China | waxay booqatay shiinaha |
| we visited Mexico | waxaan booqannay mexico |
| they visited Kenya | waxay booqdeen kenya |
The future tense in Somali conveys a situation or event which is anticipated to happen in the future. Here are some examples:
| Future Tense | Somali |
|---|---|
| I will drink milk | waxaan cabi doonaa caano |
| you will drink coffee | waxaad cabi doontaa qaxwo |
| he will drink tea | wuxuu cabi doonaa shaah |
| she will drink water | waxay cabi doontaa biyo |
| we will drink apple juice | waxaan cabi doonnaa sharaab tufaax |
| they will drink tea | waxay cabbi doonaan shaah |
Now let's take a break and refresh our vocabulary by learning the body parts.
ear dheg | eye il | mouth af | nose san |
hair timo | face waji | head madax | heart wadne |
hand gacan | fingers faro | leg lug | feet cago |
Travel Phrases in Somali
Imagine yourself in some Somali speaking country. The following travel phrases are highly important and can help you avoid misunderstanding. Try to memorize them and practice!
| English | Somali |
|---|---|
| Can you help me? | ma i caawin kartaa |
| Can I help you? | ma ku caawin karaa |
| Where is the airport? | aaway garoonka diyaaradaha |
| Go straight | toos u bax |
| Then | ka dib |
| Turn left | bidix u leexo |
| Turn right | midig u leexo |
I hope this lesson about the verbs in Somali was not hard for you. If you have any question about this lesson please contact me here. Now it's time to check the next lesson below.
| Somali Audio |
Inspirational Quote: Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. Goethe |