Basic Words

1. Eeyyee.

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic yes; often enough on its own to keep a conversation moving.

   Grammar Note

   eeyyee = yes. Keep the doubled ee and the doubled y.

2. Lakki.

   No

   Usage

   The basic no; also works as a plain refusal.

   Grammar Note

   lakki = no.

3. Maaloo.

   Please

   Usage

   A polite word added to a request; it can also open a request like "excuse me".

   Grammar Note

   maaloo = please. Write the long oo.

4. Galatoomaa.

   Thank you

   Usage

   The standard thanks. Galatoomi is also used to one close person.

   Grammar Note

   From galata "gratitude"; the form for several people or a respected person.

5. Dhiifama.

   Excuse me / Sorry

   Usage

   Used to get attention or to apologise lightly.

   Grammar Note

   dhiifama = pardon, excuse; also the noun "apology". dh is an implosive d.

6. Dhiifama naa godhaa.

   Excuse me, please. (polite / plural)

   Usage

   A polite form when passing or addressing someone; Dhiifama naa godhi. to one close person.

   Grammar Note

   dhiifama naa godhaa = give me pardon; godhaa is the plural/honorific imperative.

7. Tole.

   OK

   Usage

   A reply that shows agreement or consent.

   Grammar Note

   tole = OK, agreed.

8. Hin hubadhu.

   I don't understand.

   Usage

   When you do not follow. Follow it with Maaloo, suuta dubbadhu. to ask for slower speech.

   Grammar Note

   hin = negative particle, hubadhu = I understand (from hubachuu); the verb comes last.

9. Nan hubadha.

   I understand.

   Usage

   When you have followed what was said.

   Grammar Note

   nan = affirmative ni + an (I); hubadha = understand.

10. Maaloo, na eegi.

    Please wait for me.

    Usage

    When you need someone to wait. Use Maaloo, na eegaa. to several people or an elder.

    Grammar Note

    na = me, eegi = wait (sg. imperative); the object na goes before the verb.

11. Maaloo, na eegaa.

    Please wait for me. (polite / plural)

    Usage

    To ask several people or an elder to wait.

    Grammar Note

    eegaa = wait (plural/honorific imperative).

12. Maaloo, na gargaaraa.

    Please help me. (polite / plural)

    Usage

    A request for help; Na gargaari. to one close person.

    Grammar Note

    gargaaraa = help (pl/hon. imperative); gargaarsa is the noun "help".

13. Maaloo, irra naaf deebi'i.

    Please say it again.

    Usage

    When you did not catch what was said.

    Grammar Note

    irra deebi'uu = to repeat, naaf = for me, deebi'i = imperative.

14. Maaloo, suuta dubbadhu.

    Please speak slowly.

    Usage

    When you need someone to slow down.

    Grammar Note

    suuta = slowly, dubbadhu = speak (imperative).

15. Afaan Ingilizii dubbachuu dandeessaa?

    Can you speak English?

    Usage

    A first question when communication is difficult.

    Grammar Note

    afaan = language, dubbachuu = speaking, dandeessaa? = can you?

16. Kun

    This

    Usage

    Used when pointing at something close.

    Grammar Note

    kun = this; for something farther use sun or sana.

17. Sana

    That

    Usage

    For something farther away or already mentioned.

    Grammar Note

    sana = that; the counterpart of kana.

18. As

    Here

    Usage

    A place word, as in Asitti na eegi. (wait for me here).

    Grammar Note

    as = here, asitti = at this place.

19. Achi

    There

    Usage

    A word for a place farther away.

    Grammar Note

    achi = there; achitti = at that place.

20. Ani

    I / me

    Usage

    "I". Often left out because the verb already shows the person.

    Grammar Note

    ani = I.

21. Isin

    You (polite / plural)

    Usage

    "You" for several people or one respected person; ati for one close person.

    Grammar Note

    isin = you (plural or honorific).

22. Waliin

    Together

    Usage

    "Together / with"; it follows the noun, as in isin waliin (with you).

    Grammar Note

    waliin = together / with, placed after the noun.

23. Amma

    Now

    Usage

    When you mean "right now".

    Grammar Note

    amma = now.

24. Nama tokko

    One person

    Usage

    For giving a head count, such as for a seat or an entrance.

    Grammar Note

    nama = person, tokko = one; the number follows the noun.

25. Nama lama

    Two people

    Usage

    To say there are two of you.

    Grammar Note

    lama = two; the noun is not pluralised.

26. Nama sadii

    Three people

    Usage

    To say there are three of you.

    Grammar Note

    sadii = three.

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