Translate Somali to English
Paste your Somali text above and the English translation will appear instantly. Click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation or copy the result.
Common Somali to English translations
| Somali | English | Pronunciation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salaan | Hello | sah-LAHN | ||
| Subax wanaagsan | Good morning | SOO-bahkh wah-NAHG-sahn | ||
| Mahadsanid | Thank you | mah-HAHD-sah-nid | ||
| Fadlan | Please | FAHD-lahn | ||
| Imisa ayuu yahay? | How much is this? | ee-MEE-sah ah-YOO YAH-hai | ||
| Musqusha meesha? | Where is the bathroom? | MOOS-koo-shah MEE-shah | ||
| Ma fahmin | I do not understand | mah FAH-meen | ||
| Ma i caawin kartaa? | Can you help me? | mah ee CHAH-ween kar-TAH | ||
| Waxaan doonayaa shaah | I would like tea | wah-KHAHN doh-NAH-yah shaah | ||
| Biilka, fadlan | The bill, please | BEEL-kah FAHD-lahn | ||
| Waan ku faraxsanahay | Nice to meet you | wahn koo fah-RAKH-sah-nah-hai | ||
| Nabadgelyo | Goodbye | nah-BAHD-gel-yoh | ||
| Dhakhtar baan u baahnahay | I need a doctor | DHAHKH-tar bahn oo BAHH-nah-hai | ||
| Raali noqo | Excuse me | RAH-lee NOH-koh |
Tips for Somali to English translation
Somali uses the Latin alphabet with no special characters except occasional use of apostrophe and the letter combinations dh, kh, sh for single sounds.
Somali has a focus particle system that English lacks. The word order and particle choice indicate what information is new vs. already known. This nuance is lost in English translation.
Somali dialects (Northern/Standard, Benaadir/Coastal, Maay) differ considerably. The translator handles Standard Somali (Northern) best.
Somali text may include Arabic phrases, especially in religious contexts. These are handled as standard Somali vocabulary.
About the Somali language
Somali is spoken by about 22 million people in Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia (Somali Region), Kenya (northeastern), and by one of the largest refugee diasporas in the world. Major Somali communities exist in the US (Minnesota has the largest Somali population outside East Africa), UK, Canada, and Scandinavia.
Somalia has a rich oral literary tradition featuring poetry that serves social, political, and artistic functions. Somali poetry is highly respected, and poets hold a special status in society. The written standard was established in 1972 using the Latin alphabet, chosen over Arabic and a custom script called Osmanya.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Unlimited use.
Yes. All Somali characters processed.
Yes. Speaker icon available.
Good for everyday texts. Professional review for important documents.
No.
Visit our English to Somali page.
Over 100 pairs available.
Yes.
100 words per request.
Yes. MP3 format.
Looking for the reverse? Try English to Somali translation.
