Verbs & TensesIntermediate1 min read
Somali Verb Conjugation
Master Somali verb conjugation patterns for past, present, and future tenses across all persons.
Somali verbs conjugate for tense, person, number, and gender. The verb system is rich and regular once you learn the patterns.
Present Tense
Formed with the infinitive + personal endings:
| Person | Suffix | Example (cun — to eat) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st sing. | -aa | waan cunaa |
| 2nd sing. | -taa | waad cuntaa |
| 3rd sing. m. | -aa | wuu cunaa |
| 3rd sing. f. | -taa | way cuntaa |
| 1st plur. | -naa | waan cunnaa |
| 2nd plur. | -taan | waad cuntaan |
| 3rd plur. | -aan | way cunaan |
Past Tense
| Person | Suffix | Example (cun — to eat) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st sing. | -ay | waan cunay |
| 2nd sing. | -tay | waad cuntay |
| 3rd sing. m. | -ay | wuu cunay |
| 3rd sing. f. | -tay | way cuntay |
| 1st plur. | -nay | waan cunnay |
| 2nd plur. | -teen | waad cunteen |
| 3rd plur. | -een | way cuneen |
Future Tense
Use the infinitive + doon + personal ending:
waan cuni doonaa — I will eat waad cuni doontaa — you will eat
Imperative
- Singular: cun! (eat!)
- Plural: cuna! (eat! — to a group)