BasicsBeginner1 min read
Somali Question Words
A complete guide to forming questions in Somali using question words like maxaa, kee, and xaggee.
Somali has a rich set of question words. Understanding them is essential for everyday conversation.
Common Question Words
| Somali | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Maxaa? / Muxuu? | What? | Maxaa dhacay? (What happened?) |
| Kumaa? / Yaa? | Who? | Kumaa yimid? (Who came?) |
| Xaggee? | Where? | Xaggee baad u socotaa? (Where are you going?) |
| Goorma? | When? | Goorma ayaad imanaysaa? (When will you come?) |
| Sidee? | How? | Sidee tahay? (How are you?) |
| Immisa? | How many? | Immisa jir baad tahay? (How old are you?) |
| Waa maxay? | What is? | Waa maxay kani? (What is this?) |
| Kee? | Which? | Kee baad rabtaa? (Which one do you want?) |
Yes/No Questions
Prefix ma to form yes/no questions:
Wuu yimid. → He came. Muu yimid? → Did he come?
Way fiican tahay. → It is good. Ma fiican tahay? → Is it good?
Question Word Position
Question words typically come first in the sentence, followed by the focus particle baa/ayaa:
Kumaad tahay? — Who are you? Maxaad cunaysaa? — What are you eating?