Maay Maay Expressions

English Maay Maay
Greeting Salan
Hello! Halow! ama Hay! (halo, ama hi)
How are you? Se’eta? (say’ ta)
I am Fine Ani Fayleya,(ani filay’nya)
Good Morning! Sekubari’di!
Good afternoon! Sekiherge’li!
Good evening! Sekiherge’li!
Good night! Sababari’ya!
See you tomorrow! Beri is araga’ne! ( Bari es araganay)
Goodbye! Nebed geli’yo!
Welcome! Sa dhowaw! (sad o wow’)
Yes Haa
No Ma’ya
Thank you Mahadsinta (mahadseen’ta)
Good luck! Nasiib wanagsin’)
Excuse me! Inka ra’li ahaw! (ahow’)
Sorry Kuhunya! (koohoon’ya)
Help Kalmo (calm’o)
Where? Intew? (in tay’)
What? Ma’ee? (my’ yee)
When? Amaa? (ah mah’)
Which? Kee? (kay)
Who? Keew? (koo way’)
Whom? Keewa? (kay’ wa)
Why? Sabab’?
How? Sideew? (see day’ o)
Parent Walid
Father Ba’ba
Mother Ma’ma
Grandfather A’wo
Grandmother Awoy’
Brother Walal’ Megel’
Sister Walash Bilaan (wala’she bee lan’)
Children Ilmo (il’ mo)
Daughter Gawar’ bilaan
Son Dhinan’ megel’
Girl Gawar
Boy Dhinan’ Megel’
Man Nin (neen)
Woman Bilan’
For a more detailed dictionary, see the Somali Bantu Community Development Council of Denver’s website