Verbs & TensesIntermediate1 min read
Somali Past Tense Verbs
A detailed guide to Somali past tense conjugation, including regular and irregular verb patterns.
The Somali past tense describes completed actions. It follows regular conjugation patterns that are essential for storytelling and daily conversation.
Regular Past Tense Conjugation
Example with cun (to eat):
| Person | Conjugation | Full Form |
|---|---|---|
| 1st sing. | cunay | waan cunay |
| 2nd sing. | cuntay | waad cuntay |
| 3rd sing. m. | cunay | wuu cunay |
| 3rd sing. f. | cuntay | way cuntay |
| 1st plur. | cunnay | waan cunnay |
| 2nd plur. | cunteen | waad cunteen |
| 3rd plur. | cuneen | way cuneen |
Common Irregular Verbs
Imid (to come)
waan imid — I came waad timid — you came wuu yimid — he came
Tegid (to go)
waan tagay — I went waad tagtay — you went wuu tagay — he went
Dhashay (to be born)
waan dhashay — I was born
Negative Past Tense
Prefix ma and use the special negative form:
ma cunin — did not eat ma iman — did not come ma tagin — did not go