Introduction

In today’s globalized world, mastering basic English communication is essential—especially for Somali speakers seeking to improve their fluency in daily conversations. This guide presents a collection of the most common English phrases alongside their accurate Somali translations. Whether you’re a beginner in English or looking to build confidence in speaking, these practical expressions will help you navigate everyday interactions with ease. From simple greetings to common commands and emotional expressions, this list is designed to be your quick reference for real-life situations.

What happened?
Maxaa dhacay?

Nothing happened
Waxba ma dhicin

What do you think?
Maxay kula tahay?

I’m not sure
Ma hubo

It’s not fair
Cadaalad ma’aha

I agree
Waan ogolahay

I disagree
Waan diidanahay

I’m so happy
Aad baan u faraxsanahay

I’m very sad
Aad baan u murugsanahay

I can’t wait
Ma sugi karo

I’m tired
Waan daalay

Sit down
Fadhiiso

Stand up
Istaag

Don’t touch that
Ha taaban taas

Be quiet
Aamusnow

Wake up
Toos

Go to bed
Tag sariirta

Turn off the light
Nalka dami

Turn on the light
Nalka daar

It’s time to eat
Waa waqtigii wax la cuni lahaa

Let me see
Aan arko

What is your problem?
Waa maxay dhibkaaga?

What is going on?
Maxaa dhacaya?

Can I come in?
Ma soo gali karaa?

Can I go?
Ma tagi karaa?

Are you okay?
Ma fiicantahay?

I missed you
Waan kuu xiisay

Do you need help?
Ma u baahan tahay Caawimaad?

Let me help you
Aan ku caawiyo

I’m busy right now
Hadda mashquul baan ahay

I’m free now
Hadda faraaqo baan ahay

It’s okay
Waa caadi

Let’s talk
Aan wada hadalno

I’m listening
Waan dhagaysanayaa

I believe you
Waan ku aaminsanahay

I don’t believe you
Kuma aaminsani

It’s not your fault
Qaladkaaga ma aha

Be patient
Samir yeello

Please wait
Fadlan sug

Just a moment
Hal daqiiqo kaliya

I’m on it
Waan ku guda jiraa

Wait for me
I sug

Wait for your turn
Markaaga sug

I’m late
Waan daahay

Speak slowly
Si tartiib ah u hadal

Everything is fine
Wax walba way fiicany yihiin

Thank you
Mahadsanid

Come here
Halkan kaalay

Go away
Tag

What time is it?
Waa imisa saac?

Are you ready?
Diyaar ma tahay?

I’m getting ready
Waan is diyaarinayaa

Don’t be late
Ha soo daahin

Why are you late?
Maxaad u soo daahday?

I don’t have time
Waqti ma hayo

Time is running out
Waqtigu wuu dhamaanayaa

Hurry up
Dhaqso

Don’t waste time
Wakhti ha lumin

I have to go
Waa inaan tagaa

Let’s go
Aan tagno

Let’s go outside
Aan dibadda u baxno

Come with me
I soo raac

Don’t be afraid 🥺
Ha baqin

Just do it
Kaliya samee

Let’s do it
Aan samayno

Try again
Mar kale isku day

Try your best!
Isku day intii karaankaaga ah!

Never give up
Weligaa ha quusan

Believe in yourself
Naftaada aamin

Do what you want
Samee waxaad rabto

Take your time
Waqtiga aga qaado

Do you understand?
Ma fahantay?

I understand
Waan fahmay

I don’t understand
Ma fahmin

What do you mean?
Maxaad ula jeeddaa?

I have no idea
Wax fikrad ah kama haysto

Try to understand
Isku day inaad fahanto

I know
Waan ogahay

Who told you?
Yaa kuu sheegay?

I don’t know
Ma garanayo

Don’t lie to me
Been ha ii sheegin

Is it yours?
Ma adigaa leh?

That’s mine
Taasi anigaa leh

Trust me
I aamin

I can’t believe it
Ma rumaysan karo

Don’t trust anyone
Cidna ha aaminin

Look at me
I eeg

Don’t look at me
Ha i eegin

What do you want?
Maxaad rabtaa?

I want nothing
Waxba ma rabo

It’s none of your business
Kuma quseeyso

Don’t disturb me
Ha i dhibin

Don’t blame me
Ha i eedeyn

We’ll see
Waan arki doonnaa

I’ll think about it
Waan ka fikiri doonaa

It doesn’t make sense
Wax macno ah ma samaynayso

That’s true
Taasi waa run

That’s not true
Taasi run maaha

That’s impossible
Taasi macquul maaha

That’s dangerous!
Taasi waa khatar!

Stop lying
Jooji beenta

Be honest
Daacad noqo

Tell the truth
Runta sheeg

I don’t care
Waxba igama gelin

Stop shouting
Jooji qaylada

Shut up your mouth
Afkaaga xidh

I can’t hear you
Kuma maqlo

Stay away from me
Iga dheeroow

Calm down
Is deji

Be careful
Is ilaali

I’m sorry
Waan ka xumahay

I’m just kidding
Waan kaftamayaa

Don’t make excuses
Cudur daar ha samaynin

Don’t worry
Ha welwelin

Don’t forget
Ha iloobin

I forgot
Waan ilaaway

Remind me
I xasuusi

Who are you talking to?
Yaad la hadlaysaa?

I’m with someone
Qof baan la joogaa

You’re right
Waad saxantahay

You’re wrong
Waad qaldantahay

Not really
Runtii maya

How do you feel?
Sidee dareemaysaa?

I’m feeling cold
Waxaan dareemayaa qabow

I’m feeling hot
Waxaan dareemayaa kulayl

It’s raining
Roob baa da’aya

I’m hungry
Waan gaajeysanahay

Can I ask you something?
Wax ma ku weydiin karaa?

Ask me
I waydii

Tell me
Ii sheeg

Show me
I tus

Help me
I caawi

Call me
I soo wac

Send me
Ii soo dir

Give me
I sii

Lend me
I amaahi

Forgive me
I cafi

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Conclusion

Learning a new language becomes easier when you start with useful, real-world phrases. This collection of English expressions with Somali translations serves as a practical tool for everyday communication, helping learners feel more confident and understood. By practicing these phrases regularly, you’ll gradually improve your speaking, listening, and comprehension skills. Keep this list close—and remember, every word you learn brings you one step closer to fluency.