English - Afaan Oromo Dictionary

a little n. - guurtoo-ni 

a lot n. - gurmuu-ni

a while ago n. - qaataa-ni

aardvark n. - olokee-ni; awwaaldiduu-ni

aardwolf n. - goolloo-ni

abandon v. - dida-didda; iraa gora; shaara-rta (Amh.); lakkisa-kifta; onsa-sita

abscess n. -dullaa

abdomen n. - huffaa-ni

abide v. - qubadha-batta

ability n.- qarumaa-ni

able (adj.) - mooti

able, be v. - dandaha-deeta

abode n .- ciisaa-i

abortion n. - salleesa-i

and - - fi (suffix between two nouns)

above (prep.) - gararroo; gubbaa; irra; ola-olitti

above, be v. - olaana-nta

abscess n. - dhullaa-ni; qanyara-i; qoorama-i; gilindee-ni

absolve v. - araraama-mta; hiika-hitta

absorb v. - dhuga-dhudda; liqimsa-sita; xuuxa-xuuxxa

abstain v. - miira-miirta; hanqadha-qatta; laama-mta; laga-ladda;

qooqaqooxxa-qooqahaqoofta; agaaba-bda
abstinence n. - lagata-i
abstinence n. - laamaa-ni; laamisa-i
abundance n. - quufa; jafuna-i (Som.); birrii-ni; coonii-ni;

(of milk) - mirga-i; badhaadha-ni; birrii-ni

abundant (adj.) - badhaadha, badhaatu, badhaadha; xuxxuphe

Abyssinian n. - Abashaa-ni

accept v. - fuudha-fuuta; fuudhadha-dhatta

accident n. - danuu-ni; mudaa-ni

acclaim v. - ililisa-lifta

accompany v. - gegeessa-sita

accomplish v. - fita -fitta; v. - tuula-lta

accusation n. - himachaa-ni; himachuu-ni; xoophee-ni

accuse v. - himadha; kasasa-cca (Amh.) ; hima-himta

accustomed to - v. mataqa-taxxa; matafadha-fatta

ache v. - abaha ; mamarqama-mta

acid, be v. - haddhawa-dhoofta

acquire v. - bita-bitta

act (quickly) v. - jarjara-rta; aariifadha-fatta

act badly v. - galafadha-fatta

act foolishly v. - sirga'a-goofta

act slowly v. - babadaladha-latta

add to v. - idaha-idaata; naqa-naxxa



A



A



add v. - dabala-lta; fufa-fufta; fuffadha-fatta; mareera-rta;

itti dara-darta
addiction n. - araadda-i
addition n. - mareeroo-ni
adhere v. - maxana-nta
adjust v. - taasisa-sifta
adjustment n. - ta'isa-i

administrator n. - shuumii-ni (Amh.); bulcaa-ni
adopt v. - oromsa-sita
adopted n. - xuxii-ni
adore v. - lelisa-lifta; maleela-lta
advice n. - marii-ni; (for marriage) hayuma-i
adze n. - qottoo-ni
afar (adv.) -laato
affair n. - dubbii-ni
afflict v. - godaha-daata

afraid, be v. - luuxaha-xoofta; qaanjiba'a-boofta
after (adv.) - duuba; eegi; egeri; gula; jennaani
afternoon n. - saafaha-i; (mid afternoon) safaha guddaa; (late) safaha diqqaa;

dufura-i
afterwards (adv.) - duraana; gulaana; gana (Amh.); duuba- eegi; jennaani
again (adv.) - ammalle
again and again (adv.) - laakummaani
age-set n. - hariyyaa-ni
aggravate v. - findhaara-rta
agile (adj.) - sabla, sablo, sablo
agreement n. - kontoraata-i (Ital.)
aim v. - daganna-nta
aim, to v. - abirra-rta
aimlessly (adv.) - lafiifo
air n. - qileensa-i

airplane n. - xuyyuura-i (Arabic); eroplena-i
alarmed, be v. - fodarisa-rifta
alcoholic drink n. - arraaqee-ni
align v. - coroora-rta
alike (adj.) - qixxee
alive, be v. - jira -jirta
all n. - jimla; cufa-ti; jiblaa-ni (Amh.)
all days (adv.) - takhaan
ally n. - kalchaa -ni
aloe n. - hargeessa-i
alone (adv.) - callaa; kopha; - tuu (suffix);

be v. - ceeka'a-koofta; koomadha-matta

along (adv.) - dhawwatu; dhaatu



A



alongside (adv.) - dhawwatu; dhaatu; qarqara-i
also (adv.) - ammalle; -lie (suffixed to a noun.);

even if- when added to a verb
alternation n. - foloqa-i
aluminum n. - saldaqqaa-ni
always (adv.) - cufta-ti; yo chufa
amaryllis n. - abraasaa-ni
amass v. - tuula-lta
amaze v. - mamsiisa-siifta

amazed, be v. - mama-mamta; qunqumfadha-fatta
amazement n. - bonbontii-ni

ambush v. - ripha-phta; gaada-gaadda; hoomuu-ni + ciisa
\mhara n. - Sidaama-ti
amniotic fluid n. - oota-i
among (prep.) - hiddu; jiddu; keessa, ke
amount n.- lakawaa-ni; henna; haga-i; (large) - ruukoo-ni; (small) - xuunee-ni;

qocaa-ni
ancestor n- abbaaboo-ni, abbuturoo-ni
ancient, be v. - rereepha-phta

and so forth - -faa (suffix); e.g. . . . kudanifaa - about ten
angel n. - malaikaa-ni (Swa.); ergattu Waaqa
anger v. - si'eesa-sita; n. si'a-i; si'eesaa-ni; aara- i; dalansu-ni
angle n. - solonqee-ni; dagalcha
angry, be v. - dallana-nta; dheekama-mta; romma-ita; hinaafa-fta; mufadha-

fatta; qunqumfadha-fatta; si'awa-si'oofta; wacifa-cifta
angry, become v. - dheekama-mta; boba'a-beeta; gaaldaha-daata
angry, make - bittisa-tifta
animal n. ( hand-raised) - kunuuna-i; (wild) - bineensa-i, busawwa-i; (tame)

hori-ni
anklet n. (of metal) - koomee-ni
announce v. - dha'a-doofta; odeessa-sita; lalabba-bda
announcement n. - beesisa-i
annoy n. - ceeqadha-qatta; dhiba-dhibda; gaalla-lta; hifachiisa-chiifta;

maassa-sita; mitissa- sifta; nyagisa-gifta; nyalla-nyalta; gama-gamta
annoyed, be v. - dallana-nta; hifadha-fatta; mufadha-fatta
annul v. - jijjira- rta
anoint v. - muuda-muudda
anointment n. - muuda-i
another n. - dhibii-ni; tokkolle; takkalle
answer v. - jalaa qaba-qabda; owaadha-owaatta
ant n. - xuxii-ni; suutaguba-i; (red) n. - mixaa-ni
antagonistic, be v. - nyanyaha-yoofta
anteater n. - olokee-ni; awwaaldiduu-ni
anthill n. - kooba-di



anthrax n. - cirmalee-ni

anticipate v. - firisa -rifta

anus n- bondee-ni; uduu-ni; munnee-ni

anxiety n. - dhindhisaa-ni

anything n.- womaa; womu; homaa

apart (adv.) - gargari; kopha; qofa

appear to be v. - fakkaadha-kaatta

appear v. - futisa-tifta; suddenly - futuqa-tuxxa; mulladha-latta

appearance n. - ila-ilti; malkii-ni (Amh.); bifa
appendix n. - mata xeerii-ni

appetite n. (big) - sabdi-ni (person with )

appointment n. - qataroo-ni

applaud v. - ililisa-lifta

appreciate v. - jaaladha-latta

approach n.- dhiaadha-aatta; gareera-ta; uga-ugita

approve v. - ee'ee jedha

apron n. - (for the back) habaa-ni

area n. - reera-i; fullaa-ni

argue v. - falama-mta; falma-mita; morka-kita; morma-mita; morooma-mta

argument n. - lolla-i; mormaa-ni; moroomaa-ni

argumentative n .- araadda-i

arid, be v. - goga-godda

arm n. - harka-i

armband n. - arboora-i

armlet (ivory) n. - laakaa-ni; meeta-i

armpit n. - bobaa-ni

arms n. - masaraa-ni (Amh.)

aroused, be v. - cokkisa-kifta

arrange v. - coka-cotta- midhaassa-sita; taasisa-sifta; tolcha-chita

arrangement n. - ta'isa-i

arrest v. - qaba-qabda

arrival n. - dhufa-ti; dhufisa-i; hordooffa-i

arrive v. - dhaqaba-bda; dhufa-dhufta; gaha-geeta

arrogance n. - koora-i

arrow n. - lawwee-ni; (poisoned) - xiyya-ti; guubee-ni; laa-i;

artery n. - gooha-i; idda-i

artillery n. - masaraa-ni (Amh.)

artisan n. - fuundii-ni (Swa.); ogeessa-i

as before (adv.) - haguma silaa

as long as (adv.) - haga

ascend v. - kora-korta

ashamed, be v. - ceera-rta

ashes n. - daaraa-ni; iyaha-iyata

ask v. - gaafadha-fatta



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aspect n. - fula-i

ass n. - rundee-ni; randa-iti; hudduu-ni; teessuma; tafa-i

assemble v. - guura-rta; walti ba'a-baata

assembly n. - kora-i

assist v. - qorqora-rta

assistant n. - makala-i; jaalaba-i (to a hayyu); qadadduu-ni; qadaddicha

assumption n. - seetii-ni

astonished, be v. - mama-mamta

astonishment n. - mama-i

at (prep.) - gara

at least (adv.)- -lie (suffixed to a noun.); even if- when added to a verb

at once (adv.) - yoosu

at this/that time (adv.) - yoona-i

attach v. - fanissa-nifta; maxtansa-sita

attached to, be v. - qunxulefadha-fatta (a feeling); raraha-raata

attack v. - duga-dudda; hadha-haata

attain v. - ta'a-taata

attempt v. - halaaqadha-qatta

attendant n. - makala-i

attractive n. (person or thing) - dabboo-ni; bissiqa-i

auction n. - naadiaa-ni (Amh.); munaada

auctioneer n. - naadituu-ni

aunt - n. (maternal) areeraa-ni; (paternal) adaadaa-ni

authority n. - baallii-ni; maftii-ni (Amh.)

automobile n. - baabura-i (Amh.); konkolaata; mekinaa-ni

aversion n. - balfa-i- jibba-i; jibbaa-ni; lolochiaa-ni;

have v. didaha-doofta

avoid v. - bokeefadha-fatta; ra mura-rta; ga-ladda; miliqa-lixxa;

qooqa-qooxxa; qooqaha-qoofta; akkaara-rta; jiila, jiilta
avoidance n. - lagata-i
awaken v. - dammassa-sita
away (prep.) - duraa
away from (prep.) - biraa; irraa
awe n. - saala-i; sodaa-ni
awl n. - mutaa-ni
awning n. - sharaa-ni (Amh.)
axe n. - sookaa-ni (Swa.); agaraa-ni
axe handle n. - suka-keeti



A



babble v. - batatisa-tifta; hofomfoladha-latta; n. - bakobarakoo-ni

baboon n. - jaldeessa-i

baby n. - cuqaa-ni; daima-i

bachelor n. - qeeroo-ni

bachelorhood n. - qeerumaa-ni

back (of person) n. - dudda-i; (middle of...) habrattaa-ni; dubatta -ni

backbiting n. - hammachaa-ni

backbone n- dugunguruu-ni

backside (of something) n. - duddaduuba-i; duddaduuboo-ni

bad (adj.) - hammaa, hamtuu, hammo; (something) n. - sababba-i

bad character n. - baddeesa-i

bad luck n. - marqa-i; marqitii-ni

bad mood n. - bagoo-ni

badger n. - hammaa-ni

bad-tempered, be v- si'awa-si'oofta

bag - n. karerisa-i; borsaa-ni (Ital.); seeqa-i; kintaala-i; qaratiitii-ni;

saanxaa-ni (Amh.); subba-i
baggy, be v. - shoboka'a-koofta
bake v. - wadda-waddita
bald (adj.) - molu; be v. - moolawa-loofta;

molmola-lta; molmmolfadha-fatta; n. mooluu-ni; boddaa-ni
ball n. - kwaasii-ni
banana n. - muuzii-ni (Amh.)
band n. - maceera-i
bandit n. - sargoo-ni; shiftaa-ni
bangles n. - qilqilee-ni
baptism n. - battisoo-ni (Swa., Eng.)
baptize v. - battisa-tifta
bar v. - danqara-rta (close with a bar/pole)
barbecue v. - waxala-ta
bare (adj.) - qullaa; sulla

bare one's teeth v. - qiida-qiidda; n. qiidaa-ni; qiidee-ni
bare, be v. - qullawa-loofta
bark ( of tree) n. - qunchee-ni
bark and chatter (of baboons) v. - bokisa-kifta
barley n. - garbuu-ni

barrel n. - barmeela-i' barmeena-i (Swa.); fuustaa-ni; fuutaa-ni (Ital.)
barren, be v. - barbadda'a-doofta
barren (animal) n. -harkuu-ni
barren (woman) n. - masseena-i
barren, place without water, hard soil n. - adaala-i
barricade n. - meerii-ni; v. mereessaa-sita; (build a barricade)
barrier n. - galloo-ni; ittisaa-ni
barter v.- jijjira-rta; gurgura-rta



B



,1



ase n. - jala-i; halkoo-ni; hunda-i
basin n. - gabatee-ni (Amh.); saafa-i
basket n. - dambishii-ni
bat n. - raaree-ni
bawl v. - carrisa-rifta
be v.- jira -jirta
be well v. - tola-tolta
bead n. - immuu-ni; maka'ii
beak n. - afaan

bean, n. - baqilaa-ni (Amh.); halquuqaa-ni
bear v. - baadha-baata; dhala-lta; obsa-obsita
bear witness v. - dhugeessa-sita
beard n. - areedda-I
beast of burden n. - geejiba-i

beat v. - buburusa -sita; babatisa-tifta; batisa-tifta; dana-dofta; dhaana-nta
dhawwa-dhoofta; horda-dita; jaarsa-jaarsita; miica-miicca; qu'a-quuta;
sukuuma-mta; tuma-tumta
beating n. - dha'icha-i

beautiful (adj.) - bareeda; midadu; midhaaga-midhaaddu; midhaago
beauty n. - baredumaa-ni; midaguuma-ti
because (conj.) - qooda+fi
become light v. - bari'a-barita
become v. - ba'a-baata; ta'a-taata
bed n. - siriira-i (Gabra); sirree-ni; weeluu-ni
bedbug n.- kitiyaa-ni
bedroom n. - dhiibuu-ni
bedsheet n. - buluu; ansolaa (Amh.)
bee n. - rassaa-ni; waabee-ni
beehive n. - gagura-ti

beer n. - biiraa-ni; (honey beer) daadhii; bordee-ni (Amh.); farsoo
beetle n. - bombii-ni (especially dung beetle)
before (prep.) - qara; adoo, atoo
beg v. - gunadha-natta; waakha-waatta
beget v. - dhala-lta
begin v. - jala qaba-qabda

beginning n. - hunda; idda; sarii-ni (Amh.); qabaa-ni; qabiisa-i ; yayyaba-i
behavior n. - addaba-i
behind (prep.) - duuba
beige (adj.) - magaala
belch n. - de'uu-ni
belief n. - dhugeefachaa-ni
believe v. - amana-nta, dhugefadha-fatta
belittle v. - cunqursa-sita; sambaaba-bda
bell (wooden) n. - kokee-ni; haafaloo-ni



B



bellow v. - barooda-rootta; n. barooduu-ni; gooha-goota; oa-oota;

olola-lta; marradha-tta; n. olola-i; ololchuu-ni
bellowing n. - marra-i; marritii-ni; marrachaa-ni; marraareeba-i
belonging to - tamuu (fern.); kamuu (masc.)
belly (large) n. - borcii-ni
bellows n. - buufaa-ni
below (prep.) - gadi; ga; Jala; jalaa
belt n. - gurdaa-ni; mishibii-ni; qabatoo-ni
bench n. - marchumaa-ni; barchumaa-ni
bend (downwards) v. - cilaqaha-qoofta
bend n. - daba-i; meeluu-ni; mookoo-ni; qonyee-ni; v. qonyisa-nyifta;

goba-bda
beneficial (thing) n. - olaanicha-i
bent v. - qonyadha-yaata; dhamooqa-mooxxa; meeladha-latta;

mookadha-katta; gomphoola-Ita
beside - (prep.) bira; cina (Guji); dhaatu; dhawwatu; gara
better, be v. - gooma-mta
between (prep.) - hiddu; jiddu
beyond (in number) (prep.) - afaan
big (adj.) - guddaa, guddoo, guddoo
big (something) n. - kuma-i
bigmouth n. - falqa-i
billow v. - bokora-rta
bind v. - duudha-ta; hidha-hiita
bird n. - simpirree-ni; (tick bird) cirri-ni
birr n. - birrii-ni (Amh.) Ethiopian currency
birth n. - da'isa-i; v. - dhala-lta
birth, give v. - da'a-deeta; dhala-lta; dibimbira-rta
biscuit n. - biskutii-ni (Ital.)

bit n. - cophaa-ni; saara-i; boocha-i (a small amount of something)
bite v. - ciniina-nta; nyaadha-nyaata
bits, small pieces n. - billee-ni; bit (little) n. - fooqoo-ni
bitter, be v. - haddhawa-dhoofta
bitter/poisonous n. - boraara-i
black (adj.) -guraacha,guraatti,guraalle
blackleg n. - harkaa-ni
blacksmith n. - tumtuu-ni
bladder n. - afuffaa-ni
blade (of spear) n. - baliyoo-ni

blanket n. - barangeeda (Swa.); birdilipsii-ni (Amh.); badoo-ni
blaze v. - balalia-lita
bleat v. - obobsa-ita

bleating n. - marra-i; marritii-ni; marrachaa-ni
bleeding n. - iddanaa-ni

8



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B



less v. - eebbisa-bifta
blessed (adj.) - badhaadha, badhaatu, badhaadha
blessing n. - eeba-eebbiti; baraka-i (Amh.); ayaana
blind person n. - ballaa-ni
blind, be v. -jaama-mta
blindness n. - ballooma-i
blink v. - liphisa-phifta; qisa-qicca
blister v. - buqacha'a-choofta; risa-rifta or richa
bloat n. - daraboota-I ( of cattle )
bloated (adj.) - raba
block (cement)n. - blokeetii-ni (Eng.)
blockage n. - ittisaa-ni
blond (adj.) - culluu

blood n. - dhamma-ti; dhiiga-i; (coagulated) - laabee-ni
blood vessel n. - haammareessa-i
blossom v. - oboora-rta; daraara-rta
blouse n. - ubaara-i
blow v. - buufa-fta; bubbisa-bifta
bluff v. - jaja-jajja

blunt (adj.) - dooma; sigiga,sigiddu, sigigo
blush v. - diimeessa-sita
boast v. - balda-dilta; n. - koora-i; baleela-lta; buupha-phta; buxuula-lta;

dhaada-dhaadda; fokora-rta (Amh.); fuca-fucca; jaja-jajja; koora-rta;

sibadha-batta
boastful behaviour n. - buuphaa-ni
boat n. - markaaba-i
body hair n- dabassaa-ni
body n. -nafa-i

bogey man n. - olokhinna-i; bulguu-ni
boil n. - dhullaa; qanyara-i; nyaqarsa-i
boil v. - owwisa-wifta; waca-wacca
boldness n. - jannooma-i; jannuma-i
bolt for survival v. - xillisa-sita
bolt v. - xiilladhaaba-bda
bomb n. - bombii-ni (Eng.); fengi (Ita.)
bone n. - lafee-ni; donkoo-ni; goblola; cabbata-i
bonfire n. - goola-i
book n. - kitaaba-i (Swa.)
booty n. - dhiiroo-ni

Borana n. - Boraana-i; Boraana boroo-Borana of the East, the original Borana
border n. - daarii-ni; qarree-ni
borrow v. - liqeefadha-fatta
bosom n. - harma-i
boss v. - moha-moota; n. mohaa-ni



B



both n. - lacuu-ni

bother n. - moosaa-ni

bother v. - caqacaqa-caxxa (Amh.); garagalca-cita; galma-galmita

gorteefadha-fatta; maassa-sita
bothersome person n. - nuumaassaa-ni
bottle n. - dulloo; xaannusii (Amh.)
bottle-top n. - qorkii-ni (Eng.)
bottom n.- jala-i
boundary n. - daarii-ni
bow n.- guubee-ni
bowels n. - saaba-i
bowl n. - (of steel or plastic) baqulii-ni (Swa.); (wooden) - dhameelaa-ni;

qorii-ni
bowlegs n. - bagajaa-ni
bowstring n. - ribuu-ni

box n. - sanduuqa-i (Swa.); saatinaa-ni (Amh.)
boy n. - (young) mucaa-ni; gurbaa-ni
bracelet n. (aluminum) - qasa'a-i; qashawaa-ni; (ceremonial) - saqaa-ni;

(copper) - laduu-ni; (plastic) - aagii; irroo-ni; maldaha-i; umura-i; xirroo
brag v. - faarfadha-fatta; geerara-rta
brake n. - farena-i (Ital.)
branch n. - dammee; nimitaa-ni

branch (for closing the kraal) n. - butumee-ni; butuma-ni
brand n. - guba; milikeeta-i (Amh.); heeroo-ni; sumuda-i; v. - guba-gubda
brave (person) n. - janna-i
bravery n. - jannooma-i; jannuuma-i
bread n. - daaboo-ni; qixxaa; furnoo-ni (Ital.)
break v. - cabsa-ita; basaqa-saxxa; baqaqa-qaxxa; carassa-sita; kuta-kutta;

qu'a-quuta; qurta-tita
break in pieces v. - butucha-chita; buburusa-sita
break loose v. - buuba-bda
breakfast n. - qursii-ni (Amh.)
breast n. - gurruu-ni; harma-i; qoma-ti; guntuuta
breath n. - dhikee-ni; hafuura-i; qileensa-i
breathe noisily v. - kuruufa-fta; korisa-rifta
breed n. - idda-i
brevity n. - gabaabina-i
bribe n. - gubboo-ni (Amh.); gumboo
bridewealth n. - qarata-i
bridge n. - dildila-i
bridge of nose n. - qofee-ni; konoona
bridle n. - lugama-i

brief (adj.) - gabaaba, gabaabdu, gabaabo
bright (adj.) - qulqulloo; n. hadhoo-ni

10



B



lighten v. - caama-mta

)rim n. - fitee-ni; qota-i

)ring closer v. - gadiisa-dififta

oring together v. - naaneessa-sita; walti dhi'eesa-sita

bring v. - fuudha-fuuta; fida-fidda (Amh.)

brink n. - edeeda-i; fitee-ni; ginrangira-i ; edeeda-i

broad (adj.) bala, balo, balo; bakila

broad, be v. - galma-mita

broaden v. - fada-fadda

broken, be v. - busuqa-suxxa; caba-bda; cita-citta

brood v. - kumuda-mudda

broom n. - haxawoo; haxawii; mataregiaa-ni (Amh.)

brother n. - obboleesa-i; (pi.) obboleeyyaani

brotherhood n. - obbolumaa-ni; obboleeyyuma-ti

brother-in law n. - wasiila-i

brown (adj.) - magaala

browse v. - dheeda-dheedda

bruise n. - dirmamuu-ni

brush n. - burushii-ni (Eng.)

brush v. - riga-ridda

bubble up v. - burqa-qita

bubble v. - koqa-koxxa; waca-wacca; ; n. koqisa-i

bubbling v. - duta-dutta

buck v. - filinqadha-qatta

bucket (leather) n. - okholee-ni; (of giraffe hide) - ejabulaa-ni; baldii-ni (Amh.)

bucking n. - filinqoo-ni

buckle (metal) n. - libaaba-i (Amh.)

bud - v. arareesaha-soofta, biqila-lta; tusa-tucca; tucha-chita

buffalo n. - gafarsa-i; (calf) jadii-ni; amaartoo-ni (female buffalo); diramuu-ni

bugs n. - khookoo-ni

build v. - jaara-rta; ijaara-rta

bulge v. - bokora-rta; okholadha-latta

bulging, be v. - golompadha-fatta

bull n. - hancaffa-i

bullet n. - xiyyitii-ni

bully v. - raka-ratta

bullying n. - malfachaa-ni; rakuu-ni

bundle n. - korojaa-ni

burble v. - koqa-koxxa

burden n. - baa-ni; ba'oo-ni; baachaa-ni; faa-ni

burial n. - irreesa-i

burn v. - boba'a-beeta; guba-gubda

burning (feeling) v. - qarqarsa'a-soofta

burning n. - bobaha-i

11



burrow n. - dhukuu-ni; fuutuu-ni

burst v. - baqaqa-qaxxa

burst out v. - meexama—mta

bury v. - irreessa-sita; awwaala-lta

bush (area) n. - dagala-i; raaqa-i; danqaraa

bush (thick) n. - bassa-i

bush baby n. -gargarakaatoo-ni

bush country n. - caaka-i (Amh.); danqaraa, raasaa; dagala

bush crow n. - qaaqa'ii-ni

bush n. - haafa-i; raaqa-i

bushbuck n. - dikkulaa-ni

bushy (hair) n. - geedii-ni; ginda-i

business n. - daldala-i (Som.); dubbii-ni

business, do v. - nagadha-gadda

bustard n. (lesser) - laakama-i; hanqabii-ni

but (conj.) - ammo; immoo; immooye; silaa; yokaani

butt (of rifle) n. - sadaffi-ni (Amh.)

butter v. - muuda- muudda; n. dhadhaa-ni, addanuu-ni ( fresh white butter)

butterfly n. - billaachaa-ni

buttock n. - rundee-ni- tafa-i

button n. - qulfii-ni (Amh.); v. - qulfa-fita

buy v. - bita-bitta

buzz v. - burisa-rifta; ginniisa-iifta; huursa-sita; xiixa-xiixxa

buzzing n. - bureesa-i; ginneesa-i

by the way - (Interjection) hayyee



B



cab n. - (of car or lorry) gabbiinaa-ni (Ital.)

cabbage n. - gomana; shaanaa-ni (Amh.)

cafe n. - hotelii-ni (Swa.); buna bet (Amh.)

calabash n. - balka-i; buqee-ni

calf (camel) n. - orgee-ni; orgolee-ni

calf (elephant) n. - lammee-ni; dannaba

calf (of leg) n. - sarbaa-ni

calf n. - waatii-ni (while suckling); waatiyee-ni; yabbii-ni (pi.) yabbiyyee-ni)

call v. - iya-iyita; lalabba-bda; yaama-mta; n. iyana-ti;

calling n. - yaamaa-ni; yaamicha-i

callus n. - farsima-i

calm down v. - bayanadha-natta

calves n. - kateebuu-ni

camel n. - dhufaala-i; gaala-i; ( male ) dareena-i ; gurboo-ni; (pi) gurboota-ti

camel (type) n. - orqii-ni; ogoree-ni; (female) hallaa-ni

camera n. - kameraa -ni (Eng )



12



C



amp n. - kambii - ni( Eng )

amp (of cattle) n. foora-i

an n. - kubayee-ni

ancel v. - dhiisa-dhiifta

andle n. - shamaa-ni (Amh.)

andy n. - karamellaa (Ital.)

anoe n. - hoboloo-ni

antle (of saddle) n. - randee-ni

anvas n. - sharaa-ni (Amh.)

any on n. - horraa-ni

ap n. - koofia-ni; gulubii-ni

ape n. - kaabbaa -ni(Amh)

apture v. - booji"a-jita

ar n. - makinaa-ni (Ital.); konkolaata; mekina

aracal n. - gurraqaroo-ni

arbuncle n. - nyaqarsa-i; dhullaa

are for v. coka-cotta; ukha-utta

are n. - hidhanuu-i

areen v. - tittima-mta

are free person n. - daaggaa-ni

arefully (adv.) - laana; (emph.) laanuma; leeke; shonaani, sonaani

areless person n. - adayyuu-ni; boosaha, shufuroo-ni, sufuroo-ni (Amh.)

areless, be v. - gaffa-gafta

aress v. - hoosa-sita; lelisa-lifta

arry v. - baadha-baata

arton n. - kartoonii-ni

artridge belt n. - korojoo-ni

arve v. - boca-bocca; hoqonqola-lta

ash n. - beessee-ni

astrate v. - tuma-tumta

astrated n. - kolaa-ni

atapult n. - guluba-i

atarrhal fever n. -tummaa-ni

atch fire v. - boba'a-beeta

atch v. -ca'a-ca'ata

attle n. - looni

aught v. - xurifama-mta

auldron n. - hibriiqa-i

ause n. - marroo-ni

:ause trouble v. - godaha-daata

:auterize v. - guba-gubda

:autious, be v. - eegadha-gatta

:autiously (adv.) - leeke; laanuma

:ave n. - goda-i

13



C



cavity n. - boolee-ni; goda-i

caw v. - kaakkisa -kifta

cedar n. - hindheensa-i

celebration n. - jila-ti; bahaalii-ni (Amh.)

cement n. - seementoo-ni (Eng.)

center n. - wadhakkaa-ni; waljajjii-ni; badaassaa-ni; jidduu-ni

ceremony n. -jila-ti

certainly (adv.) - silaafta; mirkanna!

cervix n. - muluuqaa-ni

chaff n. - galabaa-ni; qola

chain (metal) n. - sansalaata-i (Amh.)

chair n. - marchumaa-ni; barchumaa-ni

chalk n. - haama-i

challenge v. - dorsisa-sifta; findhaara-rta; morka-kita

challenge v. - findhaara-rta

chameleon n. - gararraa-ni

chance n. - boddaa-ni; milkii-ni; kaayoo-ni

change v. - gargala-ta; jijjira- rta; milisa-sita; n. - foloqa-i

channel n. - dololloo-ni

chaplet n. malmalaa-ni

character n. - amala-i; miira-i

charcoal n. - cilee; cileettii-ni; kasala-i (Amh.);

chase (for mating) v. - kurkura-rta

chase away v. - gussa-gussita

chase v. - reeba-bda; oria-orita; yaasa-yaafta; n. - bu'aa-ni

chat v. - hasaha-soofta

chatter v. - manaaga-naadda; (of baboons) v. - bokisa-kifta

cheapness n. - kasaraa-ni (Swa.)

cheat v. - daga-dadda; malteessa-sita; soba-sobda; daaleessa-sita

cheater n. - falfaltuu-ni

cheating n. - maltee-ni

cheek n. - mallaa-ni

cheerful n. - bissiqa-i

cheetah n. - deeroo-ni

cherish v. - amnadha-natta

chest n. - handaraafa-i; qoma; laphee-ni; gollaa-ni

chew v. - buburusa-sita; nyaadha-nyaata

chick n. - ciiqoo-ni; cuqaa-ni

chicken n. - lukuu-ni

chickpeas n. - shumburaa-ni (Amh.)

child n. - ilma-i; (pi.) ilmaan; ijoollee-ni

childhood n. - hagamaa-ni

chili pepper n. - barbaree-ni

chilly, be v. - maganaha-noofta; chill n.- maganuu-ni



14



C



chin n - areedda-i

chip v. - wakara-rta; n. - falaana-i; filida-i
chirp v. - xiixa-xiixxa
chisel n. - maroo-ni; hooxxoo;
choice n. - filaa-ni; filachaa-ni
choke v. - fe'a-feta
choking n. - fe'uu-ni

choose v. - fila-filta; flladha-latta; kuradhaa-dhoofta
Christian n. - kiristanaa-ni
Christianity n. - kiristanumaa-ni
chunk n. - karannee -ni
churn v. - raasa-fta
cigarette n. - sigaraa-ni (Swa.)
circle n. - gaangoo-ni; korboo-ni
circumcision n. - dhaqanqabaa-ni; v. dhaqanqaba qabda
circumstance n. - hojjaa-ni
cistern n. - boola-iti
j civet cat n. - qirinjii-ni
| clamor v. - dhuqisa-qifta
| clan n. - gosa-i

(clap v. - dhachisa-chifta; dhophisa-phifta
(clapper (of bell) n. - misaa-ni
I clasp n. (metal) - libaaba-i (Amh.)
[ class n. (generation) - lubba-i
j clatter v. - dhachisa-chifta
i clavicle n. - ho'ee-ni
! clay n. - faara-i

clean (adj.) - adii; laala-i (Arab.); qulqullo
clean off v. - xuruuradha-ratta
clean v. - lambuuba-bda; riga-ridda; soqa-soxxa; sossa-sitaa;

yuukha-yuutta
cleanse v. - fala-falta
cleansing n. - fala-i; falachaa-ni
clear v. - soqa-soxxa; adj. - claqi
clear, become v. - caama-mta
clearing (small) n. - baqalla-ti; iblee-ni
clearly (adv.) - diideese
cliff n. - edeeda-i

climb v. - kora-korta; yaaba-bda; ol ba'a-baata
cling v. - maxana-nta

clip n. (bullet clip of rifle) gaanii-ni (Amh.)
clitoris n. - likina-i
clock n. - sa'atii-ni (Amh.)
close (be) (prep.) - aana; bira



15



C



c



close (distance) n. - ejata-i

close to, be v- olaana-nta; uga-ugita; ruga-rudda

close v. - cufa-cufta; cuqqaala-lta; (eyes) v. - dununfadha-fatta

close well v. - xurisa-rifta

closure n. - mingaa-ni

cloth n. - carqii-ni (Amh.); wayaa-ni; bututuu-ni; jersii-ni (Som.); kurnyii-ni;

cloth (coloured) n. - kulumphaa-ni; (fringed) - garbisaara-i; (white) - boftaa-ni;

(for tobacco) - kitambaa-ni (Swa.); gaabii-ni (Amh.); white. cotton cloth.;

shiritii-ni; abuyyadii-ni; obolloo-ni;(cotton, with pattern) - leensoo-ni
clothe oneself v. - keeyyadha
clothe v. - uyyisa-yifta; keeyyadha
clothing n. - gaadha-i
clouds n. - hafarfajii-ni
clump n. - citaha-i
cluster n. - jaldoo-ni

cluster together v. - citaha-toofta; dira-dirta (always with wal)
clutch v. - maxana-nta
coagulate v. - kudhuba-da; itita-ititta
coals n. - cilee-ni; cileettii-ni
coat n. - kootii (Eng.)
cobweb n. - raaphuphaa-ni; saaphuphaa-ni
cockroach n. - barbaree-ni

coenurosis n. - neural sickness of animals, n. - sirgoo-ni
coerce v. - gibirsa-siita; ukuma (Amh.)
coffee n. - buna-i; liilla-i
coffeepot n. - jabannaa-ni (Amh.)
cold n. - diilala-ti; diilaluu-ni; domfoofa-i; donfoofa-i;

(weather) n. - dhamoocha-i; maganuu
cold, be v. - maganaha-noofta; shiblalaha-loofta
cold, feel v. - bitataha-toofta
coldness n. - diilala-ti; diilaluu-ni
collapse v. - cicha-cichita; jiga-jidda
collarbone n. - ho'ee-ni
collect v. - coonca-cita (usually + walti); faafa-fta; tuuteesa-sita; fila-fllta;

guura-rta
colobus n. (monkey) - weenii-ni
colon n. - xeerii-ni

color n. - bifa-ti; malkii-ni (Amh.); rangii-ni (Swa.)
colostrum n. - kekii-ni; silla-i

comb n. - fila-i; filansa-i; v. - fila-fllta; n. fila-i; filansa-i
combine v. - maka-matta
come v. - dhufa-dhufta
come! - koottti!; koottaa!
come after (prep.) - aana

16



c



come down v. - konkolada-laata

come erratically v. - birrisa-rifta

come near v. - dhi'adha-aatta; hiiqa-hixxa

[come quickly v. - aariifadha

jcome together v. - naanaha-noofta; walda'a-deeta

coming (adv.) - gadhufu; n. - dhufa-ti; dhufisa-i

[commerce n. - daldala-i (Som.)

icommittee n. - koomtee-ni

[communicate v. - dhageesisa-sifta

community n. - uumata-i; warra-i; warreena-i

jcompanion n. - garayyuu-ni; flra-i; tolaa; miila-i; waheela-i

jcompassion n. - bojuu-ni

jcompel v. - gibirsa-siifta; mitissa-sifta

(compete v. - dogoma-mta; falama-mta; falma-mita; morka-kita

competent (adj.) - mooti

competition n. - dogomaa-ni; morka-i; morkachaa-ni

I complain v. - gadooda-dda; nyalla-nyalta

complete, be v. - hobaha-baata

completely (adv.) - dhiko; sukumi

comportment n. - amala-i

compound n. - kambii -ni (Eng )

compress v. - shona-nta

compulsion n. - mitoo-ni

conceal v. - dhossa-sita

concern n. - hidhanuu-ni; yaalicha

conclude v. - cufa-cufta

condemnation n. - mura-i; muransa-i

conduct v. - oofa-oofta

confer v. - kenna-kennita

confidence n. - dhugeefachaa-ni

confound v. - mamsiisa-siifta

confused, be v. - jonja- jita; midhika-dhitta; bada-badda; goofisa-sifta; janja-jita

confusion n. - wajaga-i

congeal v. - kudhuba-da

connivance n. - maltee-ni

conquer v. - curda-dita; dabsadha-satta ; danqa-qita ; jaarsa-jaarsita

conscience n. - beekumaa-ni; beeka-i

consider v. - herrega-redda; laala-laalta; yaada-yaadda; kajeela -lta

considerate (adj.) - naaso

construct v. - jaara-rta; ijaara

construct v. - kala -kalta

consult v. - mariadha-riatta

consultation n. - mariachaa-ni

container n. - (for water) ammuyuu-ni; butee-ni; (wooden) dibbee-ni; ciicoo-ni

17



container n. (4 gallons) dhebee-ni; (for butter) - buudaa-ni;

(for soda) kateela-i; killa-i; sh'oo-ni
contemplate v. - herrega-redda; kajeela -lta; yaada-yaadda
contempt n. - balfa-i ; tuffii-ni
content, be v. - gammada-madda
contest n. - falamaa-ni; lolla-lolta
continue v. - fufa-fufta
continue v. - unta-untita; guula-lta
contract n. - kontoraata-i (Ital.)
converse v. - hasaha-soofta
convulsions, have v. - birbirfadha-fatta
cooked well v. - bilchaadha-chaata
cooking pot n. - eelee-ni; sufuriaa-ni (Swa.); diftii; distii
cool v. - kufa-kufta
coolie n. - kulii-ni
copper n. - sagaya-eeti
copse n. - haafa-i
copy v. - fakkeessa-sita
cord n. - miseensa-i

corner n. - konaa-ni (Engl); jiroo-ni (Ital.); dagalee-ni; rakkoo-ni; roga-i
corpse n. - reefa-i
corpulent (adj.) - tiira
correct (adj.)- sirri; dhugaa
correct v. - midhaassa-sita
correct, be v. - diriira-rta

correctly (adv.) - sirri; dhugaa; shonaani; sonaani; dhugumaa
corrode v. - dandaha-doofta
cost - n. gatii-ni

cotton n. - jirbii-ni(Amh); shuufii-ni (Amh.)
cotton plant n. - fuutaa-ni
coucal (bird) n. - urdudee-ni
cough v. qufaha-ta

coughing n. - fe'uu-ni; gororsaa-ni; luuxa-i
councilor n. - adullaa-ni

count v. - heda-hedda; lakaha-koofta (Orom.); to'adha-atta
counting n. - lakawaa-ni

country n. (flat) - gaarjala-i; country(side) n. - badiaa-ni
country person n. - nama badiaa; nama rayaa-ni (Swa.)
courage n. - onnee-ni
courageous, be - jabaadha, baatta
cousin n. - dubrii-ni
cover v. - daha-daata; - cubussa-sita; daboola-lta; diba-bda; suuqa-suuxxa;

uyyisa-yifta; keeyyadha-atta; n. - gulubii-ni
cover something v. - ilatefadha-fatta

18



C



covet v. - dareena-nta

cow n. - sa'a, (pi.) sa'awani; (young female) goroomsa-i; raada; looni

coward n. - daafanaa-ni; dannabaa-ni

coward, be v. - abeeba-bda

cowbell n. - korree-ni; saankura-i

cowdung n - (dry) kosii-ni; (wet) dhoqee; cancana

cowhide n. - itillee-ni

co-wife n. - massanuu-ni

cowrie (shell) n. - eleelaani

crack v. - baqaqa-qaxxa; basaqa-saxxa; cira-cirta; falaxa-xxa;

dhachisa-chifta; n. baqaqaa-ni; cabaa-ni
crack, have v. - bututa, tutta
cracked, be v. - falaana-nta; cita-citta
crackle v. - baraqisa-qifta; kakisa -kifta; xaaxaha-xoofta
crackling (sound) n. - wakii-ni
cracklings n. - gugublee-ni
cramps (of stomach) n. - maxana
cranky, be v. - bitataha-toofta
crave v. - dharaha-raata
craving n. - dhawwa-dhoofta
crawl v.- curruuqa-ruuxxa
crazy person n. - maraataa-ni
creak v. - baraqisa-qifta; kakisa -kifta
create v. - uuma-ta
creation n. - uumaa-ni; uumama-i
crevice n. - gootuu-ni
cricket n. - korophuu-ni
cripple n. - naafa-i; v. naafisa-fifta
crippled, be v. - kokotaha-toofta; okola-lta
criticize v. tukiffadha-fatta
croak v. - kaakkisa -kifta
crocodile n. - nyaacha-i
crook n. - mookoo-ni
crooked, be v. - golompadha-fatta
cross n. - masqala-i (Amh.); fannoo (Bor.)
cross over v. - taakka-kita; dabra-barta;kara murre-murte
cross, be v. -bitataha-toofta; bukana'a-noofta
crotch n. - gombora-i ; kaaraa
crouch v. - ripha-phta
crow n. - haranqeessa-i

crowd n. - beena-i; biyya-yiti; gumi; gubbaa-ni ; hedduu-ni; uumata-i
crowd, be v. - guma-gumita; gobba-bita; tuuta'a-toofta; tucha-chita
crowded (adj.) - mijuu
cruel (adj.) - hammaa, hamtuu, hammoo

19



C



c



crumble v. - burkutaha-toofta; caccabsa-ita;; buburusa-sita
crush v. - carassa-sita; hurrawa-roofta; macarsa-sita; tuma-tumta;

urba-urbita
crushed, be v. - busuqa-suxxa
crust (of salt) n. - muludee-ni
cry v. - boo'a-boota; nyonyola-lta
cry loudly v. - wakala-lta
cry out v. - kolissa-sita
cub (lion) n. - kublee-ni
culmination n. - mingaa-ni

cup n. - buduunuu-ni; muduunuu-ni ; kokii-ni (Amh.); kokobee-ni; kubayee-ni
curds n. - itituu-ni; (of camels) chuuchee-ni; kalbaa -ni
cured, be v. - fayya-fayyita
curls n. - martii-ni
curse v. - arabsa-sita; n. - abaara
curtain n. - sharankii-ni (Gab.)
curve n. - mookoo-ni; daba-i
cut (fodder) v.- oka'a-okeeta
cut (the throat) v. - gorraha-rata
cut n. - madaa-ni

cut off v. - bassa-bassita; irraa mura-rta

cut v. - (grass) haama-mta; (bush) cira-ta; cira-cirta; kuta-kutta; mura-murta
cyst n. - xandacha-i



dagger n. - billahaa-ni; billawaa-ni

daily (adv.) takhaan

dais n. - madabbii-ni (Amh.)

damage v. - madeessa-sita; nyaadha-nyaata; yakka-kita

damp v. - qomora-rta; dhukuuda-kuutta; (adj.) jiida, jiitujiido

dampen v. - dhukuusa-sita; quyisa-yifta; pers. quyifadha-fatta; - bilbila-lta

dampness n. - dabana-i

dance n. - sirba-i; v. sirba-bita; v. dhawwa-dhoofta

dandruff n. - renjii-ni

dangle v. - fanafadha-fatta; raraha-raata; rootisa-tifta

dangling (thing) n. - soontoo-ni

dark and dirty, be v. - leemaha-moofta

dark and nice (thing) n. - kuula-i

dark, become v. - bolgoda-dda; qaqa'a-qoofta

darken v. - kuuladha-latta

darkness n. - siphee-ni; dukkana-ti

dash around v. - garmaama-mta

date palm n. - meexii-ni

daughter n. - dubra-dubarti; intala-lti

20



D



dawn n. - barii; boruu-ni; n.- haachata-i; ganama-i; ; v. - bari'a-barita:

ganama-mta; haachata-chatta; bari'a-rita; iffa-ifta
day n. - ardhaa-ni; guyyaa-ni
day after tomorrow n. - iftaan
daybreak n. - biiftuu-ni; ganama-i
daylight n. - guyyaa-ni; orraa-ni; guyyaa guddaa
death n. - du'iisa-i
debt n. - liqee-ni(Amh.)
decade n. - kurnya-i
decay v. - shama-mta
decayed v. - hofoofa-foofta
deceit n. - sosobachaa-ni
deceitful (person) n. - mixixama-i

deceive v. - dogongora-rta; soba-bda; sosoba-bda; malteessa-sita
decide v. - kuta-kutta; mariadha-riatta; mura-murta; itti mura-rta
decision n. - maftii-ni (Amh.); marii-ni
declare v. - baana-nta; diideesa-sita; hima-himta
decorate v. - midhaassa-sita

decrease v. - hamussa+jedha; v. - irraa mura-rta; kosa-kocca
decree v. - seera-rta
deep (adv.) - dheera; gadi; ga
deepness n. - qilee-ni
defeat v. - curda-dita; dabsadha-satta
defend n. - cibra-rita; sima-simta
defense n. - simaa-ni; simana-i
deformation n. - madara-i
defy v. - findhaara-rta; qiriba-bda; tura-turta
deliberate v. - mariadha-riatta
delicious, be v. - miyawa-yoofta
deliver v. - kenna-kennita
delivery n. -da'isa-i
demolished v. - hofoofa-foofta
demon n. - jinni-ni (Amh)

den (hiding place) n. - aaroo, ni; goda-i; mandhee-ni
dense vegetation n. - rima-i
dense, be v. - gobba-bita; bora-borta
dent n. - kakalawee -ni; mudhii-ni; v. mudheessa-sita
dented, be v. - dhamooqa-mooxxa; mookadha-katta
deny v. - dida-didda; kijjiba-bda
depend on v. - abda, abdita
despise v.- goyeessa-sita; qalada-ladda (Amh.)
depopulate v. - onsa-sita
depress v. mudheessa-sita



21



D



depression n. - dareera-i; (small) n. - kolbaa-ni; - kakalawee -ni;

kiliwee-ni; malbee-ni; malkaa-ni; mudhii-ni;
deprive v. - dhabsiisa-siifta
depth n. - dhidhima-i; dhimphuu-ni; qilee-ni
deranged, be v. - midhika-dhitta
descend v. - bua-buuta

descendants n. - eegee-ni; miiloo-ni; maatii-ni; maayamaatii-ni
desert n. - barayaa-ni; gammoojjii-ni; golboo-ni
deserted place n. - alloo-ni
deserted, be v. - ona-onta
deserter n. - kaadaa -ni (Amh)
desire v. - araadda-i; dareena-nta; daalaa-ni; v. daarima-mta; halcha-chita;

mirqanna-nta; fedha-fetta; dharaha-raata; n. dharraa-ni; fedhii-ni
despair v. - ufi jibadha-tta; abdi inqabu-bdu; n. - jibbaata-i
despise v. - burungaha-goofta; balfa-fita; burungaha-goofta; miidha-miitta;

tuffadha-fatta
despising n. - qaldii-ni
destiny n. - dhaacii-ni
destitute v. - qolla'a-loofta; daara-rta
destroy v. - laaba-laabda; qola-qolta; qunquma-mta; raawachiisa-chiifta;

yakka-kita
destroyed, be v. - raawadha-watta; dhuma-dhumta
destructive, be v. - nyanyaha-yoofta; n. nyanyoo-ni
detach v. - hiika-hitta
detest v. - abaara-rta
detour n. - martoo-ni
devastate v. - onsa-sita
develop v. - dagaga-gaada
development n. - limaatii-ni (Amh.)
devil n. - shexaana-i
devious (person) n. - si'aasa-ni (Swa.)
deviousness n. - si'aasaa-ni
devoted to n. - marroo-ni
dew n. - fixeesa-i
dewlap n. - malulaa-ni; maala-i
diarrhoea n. - albaatii

diarrhoea, have v. - curra-rita; albaha-ta; ka'a-kaati gaaraa
die v. - cicha-cichita; dua-doota; hobaha-baata
different (adj.) - gargari
difficult (situation) n. - hooloo-ni
difficulty n. - dhiphuu-ni; dhiba; rakkoo-ni; nartii-ni (Amh.); raraha-i;

difficulty v. have rakkadha-katta; gaargala-lta; sababba-i;

dig v. - qota-qotta

digging n. - qotii-ni; qotiisa-i

22



D



D



dikdik n. - tarrii-ni

diluted v. - soolaha-loofta; (adj.) soolicha, soolitti

dim, be v. - wara'a-roofta; bcome dimimiisa-miifta

diminish v. - caba-bta ; kosa-kocca; luha-lutta ; qaqalladha-latta

diminished, be v. - koolataha-toofta

dim-witted n. - gowwaa-ni

dip (medicine) n. - gandaa-ni

dip v. - cuupha-phita

dipper - n. - buduuqoo

direct (adj.) - qajeela, qajeeltu, qajeelo; v. qeefadha-fatta

direction n. kara -ni

directly (adv.) - burunto (Ital.)

dirt n. - xurii-ni; dibiqii-ni (Amh.)

dirty (adj.) - xurawa, xurooftu, xurawo; be v. - kotota-totta

disagree v. - wal dida-didda

disagreeable, be - v. haddhawa-dhoofta

disagreement n. - ababaha; wal badii

disappear v. - cali + jedha; bada-badda; (suddenly) - futuqa-tuxxa

disapprove v. - balfa-fita

disbelieve v. - ciicadha-catta; seessa-sita

discord n. - wal badii

discourage v. - balfisiisa-sifta

discover v. - arga-gita

discuss v. - qora-qorta

discussion n. - marii-ni; marumaa-ni

disdain n. - tuffii-ni

disgrace v. - ceersa-sita; qaaneessa-sita (Amh.)

disgust n. - balfa-i; v. - balfa-fita

disgusted, be v. - lilikha-litta

dish n. - sahanii-ni (Swa.)

dishonest (adj.) - hammaa, hamtuu, hammoo

dishonestly, behave v. - ofadha-fatta

disintegrate v. - baqa, baxxa

disinterested v. - irriha-rita

dislike n. - lolochiaa-ni; v. - baga-badda; busheefadha-fatta; didaha-doofta;

jibba-jibbita; qoxxisa-xxifta
dislocate v. - miliqa-lixxa

dislocated v. - buqa'a-qaata; n. - meeluu-ni; v. meeladha-latta
dislocation n. - buqa'a-ni
dismantle v. - diiga-diidda
disoriented, be - janja-jita
dispersed, be v. - firfirfama-mta
disposition n. - amala-i; miira-i
dispute v. - falama-mta; falma-mita; n. falamaa-ni; morma-mita; morooma-mta;

23



disrespect v. - ceeqadha-qatta; tufadha-ta
dissolve v. - baqa, baxxa; bulbula-lta; dhuuba-bda

distance (adv.) - haloola; at a qorro

distant (adv.) - fagoo; qalaama-i

distended, be v. - xillibba'a-boofta

distinct (adj.) - gargari

distort v. - falfala-lta

distracted, be v. - irranfadha-fatta

distribute v. - hirra-hirta; qooda-qoodda

distribution n. - qooda-i

distrust v. - ciicadha-catta

disturb v. - caacursa-sita ; cunqursa-sita; tuqa-tuxxa; laaba-laabda;

disturb v. - makharsa-sita; xaaxaha-xoofta

disturbance n. - baqaa-ni; xaaxaa-ni

disturbed, be v. - bakaka-katta; goofisa-sifta

ditch n. - boola-iti

dive v. - lixa-lixxa

divide v. - firfirsa-sita; firfita-fitta; foo"a-ta; fotoqa-toxxa; kuta-kutta;

qooda-qoodda
divided, be v. - cita-citta
divination n. - faala-i
division n. - qooda-i
dizziness n. - xiraa-ni
dizzy, be v. - wareera-rta
do v. - goodha-dhatta (Shoa) ; tolcha-chita
do again v. - lammeessa-sita
do bad things v. - falfala-lta
do quickly (adv.) shafi (used with jedha)
do rapidly v. - sampha-phita
docile (adj.) - kasso

doctor n- (traditional) cirreessa-I; doktor (Eng.); daktarii (Swa.)
dodder v. - leleqa-lexxa
dog n. - sarree-ni; cuqaa-n; sologee-ni
donkey n. - harree-ni; (stallion) - moochoo-ni; foal n. - bukura-i ;

(female) bukee-ni
door n. - sanqaa-ni (Amh.); balbala; korboo-ni
doorjamb n. - mikikila-i
doorway n. - balbala-ti
dossier n. - doosii-ni (Fr.)
double v. - lammeessa-sita
doubled n. (something) - miirree-ni
doubt v. - busheefadha-fatta; seessa-sita; seessefadha-fatta;

n. - bonbontii-ni; tantammii-ni
dove n. - saphaliisa-i

24



D



D



downpour (of rain) n. - tamna

dowry n. - qarata-i

doze v. - hirriiba-bda; hochiisa-chiifta; muga- mudda

drag v. - tirsa-sita

draw a line v. - taraara-rta

draw close v. - hiiqa-hixxa

draw out v. - baasa-baafta

draw water v. - too'a-toota; waraaba-bda

draw-bar n. - gindaa; mofara-i (Amh.)

dread n. - sodaa-ni

dream n. - daayyaa-ni; objuu-ni; v. - objadha-jatta

dress up v. - fefadha-fatta

dress v. - keeyyadha-yatta; n. - (leather) gorfoo-ni; (of leather) - gabbara-i;

wayaa
dribble v. - goroora-rta; gilgila-lta
drink v. - dhuga-dhudda; liqimsa-sita
drinking glass n. - burchuqoo-ni (Amh.)
drip v. - biifa-fta; copha-cophxa; dhimpha-phita
drive away v.- gussa-gussita
drive v. - oofa-oofta; sulcha-chita

drizzle v.-gilgila-lta; n. - ebelee-ni; gilgil; qachacha-i; sorroo-ni
drool v. - goroora-rta; lolochia-chita
drop n. - cophaa-ni
droppings n. -buruurii-ni
drought n. - bona-i; oolaa-ni
drown v. - liqimisa-sita
drowsiness n. - muusoo-ni
drowsy, be v. - muga-mudda; (adj.) muga, mudda,muga;

muusaha-soofta
drum (metal) n. - barmeela-i; barmeena-i (Swa.); dibbee-ni
drum v. - dhawwa-dhoofta
drunk, be v. - macha'a-choofta
dry n. - gorma (Amh.); (completely) v. - qawwisa-wifta; kafafa -fta;

boneessa-sita; goga-godda; gossa-sita; xoolaga-laadda
dry area n. - barayaa-ni
dry season n. - bona-i
dry, be v. - buka'a-kaata
dry, become v. - qorqooraha-roofta; gu'a-guta
duiker n. - (red) abrojii-ni - see abroolee; kuruphee-ni
dull (adj.) - dooma; sigiga, sigiddu, sigigo
dumplings n. - kurkurfaa-ni (Konso)
dung n. - faandoo-ni; udaani
dusk, become - dimimiisa-miifta; bolgoda-dda; n. galgala-i



25



dust n. - awaara; sha'ee-ni; dibiqii-ni (Amh.); bubuka;

dhukee-ni; ruruma-i; ruusoo-ni
dust v. - haxaha-xata
dustpan n. - harmoo-ni
dusty, be v. - buka'a-kaata
dusty, become v. - hurantaha-toofta; burquqa-xxa; burquqaha-qoofta;

dhukawwa-koofta
dwarf n. - ruphaa-ni
dwarfish (adj.) - tuura
dwell v. -jira- jirta
dye (red) n. - machallaa-ni
dye v. - halla-lita; hallu-ni
dynamite n. - baruda-i



each one n. - namuu-ni

eagle n. .- risaa-ni

ear n. - gurra-i; (of sheep) n. - nyuura-i

earlobe n. - nyabaa-ni

earnestly (adv.) - shonaani, sonaani

earth n. - biyyee-ni; lafa-ti

earthworm n. - dubriisa-i

earwax n. - gurra-i; guurii-ni

east n. - boroo-ni

easy (adj. ) dhedhanno

eat v. - nyaada-ta; rumma-rumta; well v. - gaadha-gaatta;

(greedily) v. - raama-ta;

(too much) v. - quranqurawa-roofta;

echo n. - hogaa-ni; echo v. - giria-sifta; qilisa-lifta; n. qileesa-i

economize v. - qusadha-satta

edge n. - edeeda-i; raraatoo-ni;; qarqara-i; gombisa-i; fitee-ni; giraaba-i;

qarree-ni;
egg n. - buuphaa-ni, okokaani
eight n. + adj. - sadeeti
eighth n. - sadeeteessoo-ni
eighty n. - sadeetama
ejaculate v. - naqa-naxxa
elastic, be v. - huruffaha-foofta
elbow n. - ciqilee-ni

elderly n. - (person) jaarsa-i; jaartii-ni (pi.) jaroollee-ni- jaroota-ti
elect v. - kuradhaa-dhoofta

elephant n. - arba-i; dannabaa-ni; calf n. - rodisa-i

elope v. - hawasha-wadda; heeruma-mta
elopement n. - heeruma-i

26



D



E



emaciated, become v. - haaladha-latta

embankment n. - edeeda-i; goobsoo-ni

embarrass v. - ceersa-sita; qaaneessa-sita (Amh.); dhiba-dhibda;

dhajiifadha-fatta
embarrassed, be - ceera, rta; luuxaha-xoofta; luuxaha-xoofta
embarrassing, do v. - faffaha-faffoofta
emerge safely v. - qobadha-batta
empty, be v. - barbadda'a-doofta; ona-onta; qullawa-loofta;

(adj.) duwwa; qullaa; sigiga, sigiddu, sigigo; sulla
encircle v. - marsa-sita
encircled, be - gingeesa-sita
enclosure n. - gola-ti; maraa-ni; moonaa-ni
end n. - mummee-ni; v. mummaha-moofta; mingaa-ni; qitisuu-ni; qota-i;

qutisuu-ni
end part n. - eegee-ni
end v. - fita-fitta
endurance n. - obsa-i; obsaa-ni
endure v. - obsa, obsita
enemy n. - nyaapha-i; siddii-ni
energetic (adj.) - jabaa, jadbuu, jaboo; (pi.) jajjabaa
enjoy v. - gammada-madda
enlarge v. - hiifadha-fatta
enmity n. - ormooma-i

enormous n. - bachaa-ni (Guji); waan guddoo
ensete n. - qaancha-i (Amh.); warqii
enslave v. - booji'a-jita
enter v. - duuda; seena-nta
entertainment n. - kofalchiisaa-ni
entrails n. - marumaani
entrance n. - afaan
entrust v. - kenna-kennita
enumerate v. - to'adha-atta
envelope n. - postaa-ni (Ital.)
envy v. - qoxxisa-xxifta; n. qoxxee-ni; hinaafaa-ni
ephemeral fever (cattle) n. - buta-i
equal n. - wadhakkaa-ni; qixxee
era n. - bara; jabanna-i; hojjaa-ni
erect v. - dhaaba-dhaabda: (adj.) - looko
erectness n. - huriisa-i
err v. - lufa-lufta; wallaala-lta
erupt v. - farqadha-qatta
escape n. - baqa-i; ba'iisa-i; fitee-ni; v. - duraa ba'a-baata; jalaa ba'a-baata;

duraa mura-rta; fiiga-fiidda; miliqa-lixxa
escort n. - waheela-i

27



E



esophagus n. - liqimsaa-ni

establish v. - qubadha-batta; teessisa-sifta

esteem n. - saala-i; v. - saada-saadda

et cetera - -faa (suffix)

eunuch n. - mureessa-i

euphorbia n. - adama, harkeena; hangayyaa-ni; finger euphorbia - aanoo;

harkeena
evade v. - duraa ba'a-baata; jalaa ba'a-baata
evaporate v. - damfa-fita
evaporation n. - aara-i
evasion n. - miliqa-i; baqa-i
evasive (person) n. - mixixama-i

even - -lie (suffixed to a noun.); even if- when added to a verb
even if, even though - ado+lle
evening n. - galgala-i
everybody n. - namuu-ni
everything n. - cufa-ti; jiblaa-ni (Amh.); jimla
evil (adj.) - hammaa, hamtuu, hammoo
evil (person) n. - gudaabee-ni
evil eye n. - budaa-ni; buda-ti; dhora-ti
evil spirit n. - jinnii-ni (Amh.); shexaana-i
evildoer n. - mookicha-i; haraamticha-i
exactly (adv.) - uma (suffix); qixxee
exaggerate v. - boonsa-sita; wirsa-sita; gumbisa-fta
examination n. - fatana-i (Amh.); ilaalachaa-ni
examine v. - ilaala-lta; marmaara-rta; midhaafadha-fatta
example n. - fakkeena-i; falakeesa-i; qota-i; raraha-i; roga-i
exasperate v. - hifachiisa-chiifta
exasperated, be v. - aara-rta
excavate v. - qota-qotta
excavation n. - qotii-ni; qotiisa-i
exceed v. - caala-lta
excel v. - caala-lta
excellent (adj.) - fullaa
except (prep.) - malee
exchange v. - gurgura-rta; jijjira -rta
excite v. - laaba-laabda
excited, be v. - buraaqa-raxxa; cokkisa-kifta; mirqaana-nata; rifadha-fatta;

wareera-rta
excitement n. - koqisa-i; rifachaa-ni
excreta n. - udaani
excused, be v. - dhiifama-mta
exhale v. - aara-rta
exhaust v. - fita-fitta; ijeesssa-ijeefta

28



E



exhausted, be v. - mamarqama-mta; dadhabba-bda; gagaba-bda

existence n. - adunyaa-ni ; jira -jirta

expand v. - buupha-phta;; tiibba'a-boofta

expect v. - eega-eedda

expectation n. - eegachaa-ni

expert (about horses) n. - boquu-ni

expert n. - fuundii-ni (Swa.); ogeessa-i

explain v. - diideesa-sita

explode v. - dibbisa-bifta; tokka'a-kaata (Amh.)

exploiter n. - nyaatuu-ni

explosion n. - billa-i (Amh.); bombii-ni; dibbeesa-i; dibbiisaa-ni; dibla-liti

express v. - maladha-latta

extend v. - diriirsa-sita; unta-untita

extensive, be v. - galma-galmita

exterminate v. - rawachiisa-chiifta

exterminated v. - raawadha-watta

exterminated, be v. - dhuma-dhumta

extinguish v. - dhaamfa-fita

extremity n. - fiixee-ni

exult v. - faarsa-sita

exzema, contagious n. - adarraa-ni, a disease of cattle

eye (swollen) n. - bokkoo-ni

eye n. - ila-ilti

eye socket n. - jeema-i

eyeglasses n. - mititirii-ni

eyelet n. - funaleessa-i



E



F



face n. - fuula-i

factory n. - fabrikaa-ni (Ital.)

fade v. - xoolaga-laadha

faeces n. - udaani

fail v. - dhaba-bda; baadha-baatta; dhibaadha-baatta; hanqadha-qatta; jiga-jidda

fail one's duty v. - babadeessa-sita

faint v. - gagaba-bda: (adj.) - coora-i

fair (adj.) - culluu

faith n. - dhugeefachaa-ni; amantii-ni

fake v. - buxuula-lta

falcon n. - qoree-ni

fall v. - bua, buuta; qaari'a-rita; jiga-jidda; konkolada-laata

falsify v. - jijjira -rta

falter v. - silala-ta

fame n. - gurra-i

familiarity n. - geerumaa-ni

29



family n. - warra-i; warreena-i

famine n. - beela-ti

fan n. - hafarree-ni

fang n. - gaadee-ni

far (adv.) - fago (of time or space)

far away (adv. ) - dhidhima-i

farmer n. - gabbaree-ni (Amh.)

fart n. - shikee-ni; dhuufa-i; v. shikisa-shikicca; koka-kotta; dhuufa-ta

fast v.- agaaba-bda -ni; burunto (Ital.)

fasten v. - fanissa-nifta

fastened v. - xurifama-mta

fasting n. - agabuu-ni; xoomii-ni (Amh.)

fat (adj.) - gabba, gabbo, gabbo; n. ( around the stomach) n. - moora-i;

cooma-i; dhadhaa-ni; qorra-i; fat (of throat) - qunee-ni;

(person) - kotomboola-i

fat, be v. - dhofaha-foofta; dhodhofaha-foofta; dhofoka-fotta; kulalaha-loofta

father n. - abbaa-ni

fatherhood n. - abbooma-i

fatness n. - gabbina-i

fatty (adj.) - cooma, coomtu

fault n. - yakka-ni

fear n. - birraa-ni; sooda; bokaraa-ni; bokarfachaa-ni; v. bokeefadha-fatta;

bakaakaa-ni; birradha-ratta; naasuu-ni; rifachaa-ni; sodaa-ni; umna-i;

koolee-ni; koolawaa-ni; giddaha-doofta; laga-ladda; nyaraha-raata;

saalfadha-fatta
fearful, be v. - na'a-naata
fearlessness n. - jannooma-i; jannuuma-i
feather n. - koola-i

feeble (thing or person) n. - laacaa-ni

feeble, be v. - mujuja-mujujja; qodhabaha-boofta; soonso'a-soofta
feeble, become v. - qerebadha-batta; n. animal - qerebaa-ni;

qerebduu-ni
feebleness n. - lulama-i; lulamaa-ni
feed v. - gololca-chita; soora-rta
feeding n. - golola-i

feel better v. - bayanadha-natta; miira-miirta
feel unwell v. - golgolaha-loofta
feelings n. - ribuu-ni
female donkey n. - bukee-ni
fenugreek n. - fixoo-ni
fermented, be v. - buka'a-koofta
fertile place n - rifanoo-ni
fertile, be v. - haawwoma-mta; hosooba-bda
fetch v. - fuddha-fuuta; fida-fidda (Amh.); (water) v. - dhaacha-chita;

30



F



fetters n. - haabbaassa-i (Amh.)

fever n. - qandhoo-ni

feverish, be v. - qandhadha-dhatta

few (adj.) - gari; saara-i

field n. - obru; masaa-ni (Amh.)

fifty n. - shantama-i

fig tree n. - odaa-ni

fight n. - lolla-i

figs (wild) n. - qilxaa-ni

file (metal) n. - shiifa; sofaa-ni (Amh.); masagaba-i (Amh.); moroda-i (Amh.)

fill v. - cubussa-sita; (up) v. - tinfa-fita (for solids)

fill a hole v. - suxa-suxxa; duucha-chita; guuta-guutta; quubsa-sita

filled, be v. - conaha-noofta; quufa-fita

film n. - qooflraa-ni

filter v. - dhimbiiba-bda; n. dhimbiiboo-ni

filth n. - xurii-ni

filthy (adj.) - xurawa, xurooftu, xurawo

filthy, be v. - kodhofaha-foofta

final (thing) n. - qitisuu-ni

final decision n. - mummee-ni

final one n. - qutisuu-ni

financial loss n. - kasaraa-ni (Swa.)

find v. - arga-gita; mullisa-lifta

fine n. - gatiii-ni; qitaatii-ni (Amh.); qakhee-ni

finger n. - quba-i

fingernail n. - qeencha-i

finish (a case) v. - itti mura-rta

finish v. - buufadha-fatta; fita-fitta; keessaa ba'a-baata; mummaha-moofta;

mummeessa-sita; qola-qolta; qunquma-mta; n. qutisuu-ni
finished v. - laayyuu, to form the past perfect;

completely v. - mutuqa-tuxxa;

(adj.) - muluuqi; dhuma-dhumta; dhumadha-mattta ; hobaha-baata
fire n. -ibidda-i
firefly n. - bilituu-ni
firesticks n. - uchuma-ti
firewood n. - qoraani
firing pin n. - qulaa-ni
firm, be v. - bora-borta
first(ly) (adv.) - qara; tokkeesso
first thing n. - matooma-i
first-born n. -(son) angafa-I
fish n. - qurxummii-ni
fist n. - tantoomoo-ni; tantoomuu-ni
five n. (adj.) - shani

31



F



flame n. - ibidda-i; bobaha-i

flap n. - gurra-i

flash v. - hanga'a-gaata; ibsa-sita

flashlight n. - batterii-ni (Eng.)

flat, be v. - haffalaha-loofta

flatten v. - looba-bda; luceesa-sita

flatulate v. - koka-kotta; dhuufa-ta

flay v. - dhubissa-bifta

flea n. - taffii-ni

flee v. - fiiga-fiidda; soka-kita; xillisa-sita

flesh n. - fooni; radduu-ni

flicker v. - liphisa-phifta

flight n. - baqa-i; barrisaa-ni; reebuu-ni

flood v. - farqadha-qatta; lollaha-laata; n. lollaa-ni

flour n. - (wheat) duqe; burkii-ni; (maize) boshee-ni;

(in general) - daakuu-ni

flourish v. - sararfadha-fatta

flow v. - madda-maddita; yaa'a-yaata

flower(s) n. - daraaraa-ni; obooraa-ni

flutter v. - holladha-latta

fly n. - bokee-ni; sorondiisa-i; tiite-ni; hiddaa-ni

fly out v. - finiina-nta

fly v. - barrisa-rifta; xuyyuura-rta

fly whisk n. - dhowwaa-ni

foal n. - (of donkey) bukura-i

foam n. - hoomacha-i

fodder n. - oka'a-i

foetus n. - rimaha-i; rimaya-i

fog n. - hurii-ni

foggy, be v. - huraha-roofta

foggy, become v. - hurantaha-toofta

follow closely v.- himaana-nta

follow v. - boona-nta; hordooffa-fta; reeba-bda

following (prep.) - gula

food n. - sagalee-ni, anqarsa-ni (first food given to a newborn baby);

; for journey - wareega-i; n. - soora-ti

fool n. - daallee-ni; monyii-ni (Amh.); gadareesa-i; roodaa-ni

foolish (adj.) - gowwa

foot n. - miila-i

foot and mouth disease n. - gaandilee-ni; oyallee-ni

foot of mountain n. - wadaa-ni

footprint n. - faana-ti

for - -fi (suffix)

for instance - -faa (suffix)

32



F



for reason that (conj.) - qooda+fi

for you - sii (dative)

forbid v. - dhoqqa-dhowwita; dhowwarta-dhorta

force v. - gibirsa-siifta; sulcha-chita; ukuma-mita (Amh.); xixa-xixxa;

n. - irree-ni
ford n. - malkaa-ni
forearm n. - dhundhumoo-ni; irree-ni
forecast v. - faga-fadda
forefather n. - abbaaboo-ni
forehead n. - adda-iti
foreigner n. - ferenji-ni (Amh.);
foreleg n. - harka-i; irree-ni
foresee v. - faga-fadda; raaga-raadda
foreskin n. - qolofa-i

forest n. - (dense) bassa-i; cakka-i (Amh.); danqaraa, raasaa.
forestall v. - firisa-rifta
foretell v. - raaga-raadda
forget v. - coora-coorta; irranfadha-fatta
forgetful, be v.- wagaggaha-goofta
forgive v. - araraama-mta
forgiveness n. - bojuu-ni

fork n. - kaaraa; dhanquu-ni; for eating - shuka-i

fork v. - bargafadha-fatta

forked n. - kabeeloo -ni

form (good) n. - foormii-ni (Ital.)

formerly (adv.) - qara

fortify v. - dhikissa-sita

fortunate (adj.) - badhaadha, badhaatu, badhaadha; milkawa-koofta

fortune n. - dhaacii-ni; gaara-i; milkii-ni; kaayoo-ni; ayaana-i

forward v. - erga-gita

foster (parent) n. - gayya-ni

foul-smelling n. - burantaa-ni

foundation n. - hunda-i; yayyaba-i

four n. (adj.) - abraanu, afuri

foursome n. -abraanuu

fourth n. (adj.) - abreesso, afreesso

fox n. - gedala-ti; bat-eared maddaa-ni

fractured v. - busuqa-suxxa
fragile (adj.) - happhi; qafiifa
fragrance n. - ulaa-ni
fragrant, be v. - urga'a-goofta
frail (adj.) - happhi; qafiifa
frail, be v. - wintaha-toofta
frame (wicker) n. - manoo-ni



33



F



F



francolin n. - caaqarrii-ni; gororii-ni; cuuquruu-ni

frantic, be v. - wareera-rta

fraud n. - sosobachaa-ni

free v. - hiika-hitta

freed, be v. - baafama-mta

freedom n. - (Orom.) bilisumaa-ni; balchumaa; ba'iisa-i; dhiifama-i; dhiisama-i

frequency n. - guddina-i

fresh (adj.) - qabana, qabantu, qabana; qabanawwwa, qabanooftu, qabana'o

fresh (thing) n. -kachuu -ni

fresh, be v. - bosoona-nta; faltaha-toofta

freshness n. - qabana-nti

Friday n. - arbii-ni

friend n. - fira-i; garayyuu-ni; tolaa-ni; toltuu-ni

fright n. - gugachaa-ni; murgama-i; sodaa-ni; umna-i

frighten v. - lubbeessa-sita ; naasisa-sifta; rifachiisa-chiifta; sodaachisa-chifta;

xixa-xixxa
frightened, be v. - cicha-cichita; murgama-mta; rifadha-fatta
frisk v. - garmaama-mta
frog n. - raacha-i

frolic v. - garmaama-m-nita; sambaaba-bda
from (prep.) - haga
from above (prep.) - irraa
from what place? - garami?
from where? - me?
front n. - fuula-i
front room n. - badaa-ni
froth n. - hoomacha-i
fruit n. - midhaani
fry v. - kalankalla-lta
fulfill v. - guuta-guutta
fulfilled v. - laayyuu, to form the past perfect
full (adj.) - mijuu; xili
fumigate v. - qoraasa-raafta
function poorly v. (caus.) - moosa-sita
fungus n. - marqoo-ni
funnel n. - dhimbiiboo-ni
fur n. - rifeensa-i
furrow n. - boii-ni

future (adv.) - egeri; eegee-ni; in the takaa tana

fuzz n. - biilaa-ni



34



G



gadaa-ni n. The Borana generational class system; (cf.) daballee,

gammee, kuusa, raaba didiqqaa, raaba gugurdaa; gadaa,

yuuba, gadaamoojjii
gallon container n. - rubaa-ni (Amh.)
gang together v. - suurkaha-koofta
gap n. - baqaqa-ni ; boroqa-i; - fuloo-ni; ( between teeth) - karruu -ni; qaa'a-i:

seelee-ni
garden n. - obru; masaa-ni (Amh.)
garlic n. - qulubii-ni
gate n. - sanqaa-ni (Amh.); korbo
gateway n. - balbala-ti; karra -it
gather together v. - tuuta'a-toofta; tucha-chita
gather v. - dira-dirta (always with wal); naanaha-noofta;naaneessa-sita;

walti ba'a-baata
gathering n. - waldeenna-i
gazelle n. - hiddii-ni
gelding n. - kolaa-ni; mirgoo-ni
generation n. - miseensa-i
generosity n. - holaa-ni
generous (person n. - lamsa-i (Guji); (person) - arjaa-ni ; balchaa-ni; tolaa-nii

toltuu-ni
generous, be v. - tola-tolta
genes n. - fincaani
genet n. - moree-ni
genitals n. - kofa-i; (male ) - misaa-ni
gently (adv.) - suuta; laanuma
gerenuk n.- guguuftoo-ni
germ n. - sanyii-ni' (Amh.)
germinate v. - biqila-lta; qunxa-xita
gesticulate v. - wila-wilita
get lost v. - algala-lta
get out of trouble v. - dhibaafadha-fatta
get used to v. - mataqa-taxxa; matafadha-fatta
ghost n. - ekeraa-ni

gift n. - faroo (milkii); gumaata-i; khaatoo-ni; shelemaatii-ni (Amh.); galata
giraffe n. - satawwaa-ni
girl n. - dubra-dubarti
give v. - hirra-hirta; kenna, kennita
glade n. - batala-ti; baqalla-ti
glance n. - liphee-ni
gland n. - xandacha-i
glans penis n. - maatee-ni

glass (for drinking) n. - burchuqoo-ni; bakeerii-ni (Amh.)
glisten v. - fiila-fiilta

35



G



glitter - v. bibiliqa-lixxa; billiqa-lixxa; calalaqa-laxxa; qanqaa-ni

gloomy, be n. - bolgoda-dda; kumuda-dda; huraha-roofta

gloomy, become v. - bolgoda-dda

glory n. - guddina-i

glossy n. - dooqa-i; doti

glow n. - qaanqee-ni

glow-worm n. - bilituu-ni

glutton n. - afuuraa-ni, sabdii-ni ; bukicha-i; ; boolicha-i; boolittii-ni;

bukittii-ni; garaadee-ni; agarii
gluttony n. - bukittii-ni; agari; sabdii-ni
gnat n. - bokee-ni
gnaw v. - qorra-rta; qorradha-ratta
gnawing n. - qorraa-ni
go v. - dhaqa-dhaxxa; deema-mta; yaa-ta
go! - beeni, pi. beena; deemi, deema
go! (imperative) - meeni!; meenaa!; beeni!-beena!;
go around v. - qixisa-xifta
go away! - kuti!

go back and forth v. - soloola-lta; sololaha-laata
go down v. - bua-buuta; lixa-lixxa
go near v. - dhi'adha-aatta

go off v. - algala-lta; (food spoiling) qamansa-sita
go out v. - ba'a-baata; yaasa-yaafta
go up v. - ol ba'a-baata
goat n. - (young male) korbeesa-i; (pi.) korbeeyyii-ni; qobolee-ni; sangaa re'ee

elaba-i; lalleesa-i; ree-ni (both sheep and goats)
goat enclosure n. - qaara-i; dhoqooba
goatskin n. - qoola-i
go-away bird n. - waayyuguutoo-ni
God n. - Waaqa; Rabbii-ni
going out n. - ba'iisa-i
gold n. - warqii-ni (Amh.)
gonorrhea n. - coftuu-ni
good (adj.) - qajeela, qajeeltu, qajeelo; mooti; fullaa;

midhaaga, midhaadu, midhaago; wayya
good (person or thing) n. - dabboo-ni
good condition n.- suga-i; v. - wardaha-deeta; martaha-toofta
good fortune n. -kaayoo -ni
good life n. - meela-i
good place n. - miriga-i
good things n. - faaya-i
good time n. - miriga-i

goodness n. - dansuma-ti; holaa-ni; midhaaguma-ti
gorge n. - balee-ni ; horraa-ni; rakkoo-ni

36



G



gossip n. - hamma-ti

gourd n. - balka-i; dullooo-nicloud - dumaansa-i;

(for weddings) - baaree-ni; (small) qabee-ni; buqee-ni; balka-i
governor n. - mohaa-ni
grab v. - buta-butta; qola-qolta; saama-mta; sakaba-bda
grace n. -kaayoo -ni
grade n. - kifilii-ni

grain n. -boqoloo-ni (Amh.); kartuu-ni; midhaani; sanyii-ni (Amh.)
granary n. - kodhoo-ni; gootaraa-ni (Amh.)
grandfather, grandchild n. - akaakuu-ni
grandmother, grandchild n. - akkoo-ni
grasp v. - tindhisa-dhifta
grass n. - buyyoo-ni; marra-ni; alaansuu-ni (the first grass which comes up after

the rains begin); micicaa-ni; (fresh and abundant) - misa-i
grasshopper n. - dhiitabulee-ni; korophuu-ni
gratify v. - quubsa-sita
gratitude n. - galata-i
gravedigger n. - awwaaldiiduu-ni
gravel n. - cirracha-i
graze v. - boba'a-baata; dheeda-dheedda
grazing n. - maaruu-ni; tika-i
greasy, be v. - xunxuna-nta
greatness n. - guddina-i
greedy, be v. - sakaba-bda
green (adj.)- doti
green vegetable n. - raafuu-ni
green, be v. - hosooba-bda
greeting n. - yooyyoo-ni
grenade n.- bombii-ni

grey - (adj.) (dark) bulee; boora; magaadoo
grieve v. - qarcha'a-chaata
grill v. - ruruuqa-xxa; wadda-waddita
grin v. - qumaada-dda
grind v. - qara-qarta; qara'a-raata
grinding mill n.- woofchoo-ni (Amh.)
grinding stone n. - majjii-ni (Amh.); dhakaa daakuu
grip v. - birdifadha-fatta; habooqa-booxxa; qadhaba-dba
gripping n. - qaftuma-i
grit v. - ciniinadha-natta
groan v. - waadha-waatta
groin n. - mudanmuddii-ni
gross (as in grossly fat) n. - arfuuqa-i

group n. - gumi; daga-daddi; - citaha-i; gollii-ni; (often) n. - kurnya
group together v. - suurkaha-koofta; citaha-toofta

37



G



grow v. - barduma-mta; ba'a-baata; qunxa-xita

grow well v. - firawa-firoofta

growl v. - waadha-waatta; gururia-rita

grown-up v. - cima-cimta

growth (fresh) n. - fura-i

growth n. - waciba-i

grudge n. - kootoo-ni; haaloo

gruel n. - uujii-ni

grumble v. - gunguma-mta; gururia-rita; nyalla-nyalta

grunt v. - bokamsa-sita; waadha-waatta

guard v. - eega-eedda; qorqora-rta; tissa- sita; salfa-fita

guest n. - keessumaa-ni

guide v. - ayiisa-ayiifta

guilty, be v. - yakka-kita

guineafowl n. - solooliaa-ni

gully n. - bohaa-ni; bowwaa-ni; dolollo-ni ; gootuu-ni

gulp v. - dhudaha-daata; habuuqa-buuxxa

gummy v. - hodanaha-noofta

gums (red, of mouth) n. - mulloo-ni

gun powder n. - baruda-i

gunshot n. - dibbeesa-i; dibbiisaa-ni

gush v. - madda-maddita

guzzle v. - dhudaha-daata



(hand)bag n. - marraa-ni; saanxaa-ni (Amh.)

habit n. - amala-i

hack v. - kaakkisa -kifta

haemorrhoids - qormaddee-ni

hair n. - refeensa-I; body hair - bunjii-ni; dabassaa; (curly) n. - martii-ni;

(fringe) gammee-ni; (short and brisly) kinaa-ni
hairpin bend n. - sokharee-ni
hairstyle n. - mataa-ni; (ceremonial) guduruu-ni
hairy, be v. - qiicha'a-choofta
half n. - wahakkaa-ni; quntaa-ni; qumtaa-ni (Amh.)
halter v. - faxoora-rta (cover the face); n. - fuuloo-ni; noonioo-ni; noonoo-ni;

faxooroo
hammer n. - burisa-i; madoshaa; v. - tuma-tumta
hand n. - harka-i
handcart n. - gaarii-ni; konyee-ni

handkerchief n. - maharaabii-ni (Swa.); maraabii-ni; bututuu-ni
handle - n. karaara -i; fannoo-ni; (of axe) - suka-keeti
handsome (adj.) - midhaaga-dhaadha; n. - qalaamaa-ni
hang v. - fanissa-nifta; fanifadha-fatta; raraha-raata

38



H



happen v. - ta'a-taata

happiness n. - nagaa-nageeni; nagaya; qilixama-i; qilixamsuu-ni

happy, be v. - buraaqa-raaxxa; gammada-madda; qilixama-mta

harass v. - gaalla-lta

hard (thing) n. - siidaa-ni

hard, be v. - qulmuuda-dda; sibra-brita

harden v. - sibrisiisa-siifta

hare n. - hileensa-i

harm n. - eebee-ni

harmed, be v. - elaha-loofta

harsh (voice v. - hichinnawa-noofta

hartebeest n. - qorkee-ni

harvest v. - mura-murta; muradha-ratta; n. mura-i; muransa-i

hasten v. - aariifadha-fatta; arreeda-dda

hat n. - koofiaa-ni

hate v. - burungaha-goofta; baga-badda

have plenty v. - badhaadha-dhaatta

have v. - qaba-qabda

have young v. - latta-latta

hawk n. -qoree-ni

haze n. - aara, i; qayoo-ni; qayoota

head n. - mataa-ni; dhamna-i

headache v. - bowwafadha-fatta

headband n. - sabatta-i

headrest n. - boraatii-ni

headscarf n. - shashii-ni (Amh.); - hagoogoo-ni

health n. - furfuura-i; meela-i; fayyaa-ni; nagaa-nageeni; nagaya

health worker n. - hakimii-ni (amh.)

healthful v. - sifaa-ni; sifeesaa-ni

healthy (adj.) - baara, baartu, baara (pi.) babbaaro; doti; moosanee; mooti

sugicha, sugitti, suga'o; wadalla
healthy, be v. - daada-daadda; wardaha-deeta; budulaha-loofta; carfa'a;

fayya-fayyita; fufuura-ta; martaha-toofta; ribaha-boofta

heap n. - tuulaa-ni; up v. - tuula-lta

hear v. - dhagaha-geetta

heartburn n. - bardhaddee-ni

hearthstone n. - sunsuma-i

heat v. - bulussa-sita; owwisa-fta; koosa-sita

heat, be in v. - daarima-mta; n. daarima-i

heavens n. - waaqa-i; aaga

heavy (tall and heavy) n. - albuu-ni

heavy (adj.) - gabba, gabbo, gabbo; ulfa, ulfo, ulfo

heavy, be v. - kulalaha-loofta

heavy, become v. - bamma-mita ; tiibba'a-booftaa

39



H



hedge n. - dallaha-i

heel n. - hirba-i

heifer n. - goroomsa-i; raadda-di; (pi.) raaaddowaani

help n. - bu'aa-ni; hirkoo-ni; kililla-ta; qarqaara-rta;

gargaara-rta; ukha-utta
help, a call for help n. - arreesa-i, gargarsa-i
help, need of v. - lubbaha-boofta
helper n. - qadadduu-ni; qadaddicha-i; waheela-i
helpful (adj.) - naaso; (thing) n. - doobla-i
hem v. - gooda-goodda; n. - xiyyoo-ni
hen n. - lukuu-ni

henceforth, from now on (adv.) - armaa
herb n. - buyyoo-ni
herd n. - looni; v. - tissa-sita
herding n. - tika-i
here (adv.) - arma; garana
heritage n. - dhaala-ni
hermaphrodite n. - xapheenoo-ni
hernia n. - quuqaa-ni
herself (pron.) - ufi
hesitate v. - tura-turta

hiccup v. - gurbadha-batta; hirqifadha-fatta
hidden n. - dukoo-ni

hide n. - (of young animal) tolee-ni; gogga-ni; (of camel) gubla-i
hide oneself v. - ripha-phta; dhokadha-tta
hide v. - baafadha-fatta; balleefadha-fatta; dhofadha-fatta;

dossa-sita; golla-gollita; jalaa mura-rta; miliqa-mixxa;

milisa-sita; qiirsa-sita; suuqa-suuxxa; yuuba-bda
hideout n. - da'oo-ni; kaabii -ni (Amh)
hiding place n. - mandhee-ni; suuqa-i
high (adj.)- dheera
higher (adj.) - gararroo
highlands n. - baddaa-ni

hill n. - kobbee-ni; kooba; (small) kubii-ni; gaara-i; tulluu-ni; carii-ni
hilt n. - karoora -i
himself (pron.) - ufi

hinder v. - dhowwa-dhowwita; dhowwarta-dhorta
hindrance n. - dallamsaa-i; gufuu-ni; gugufaa-ni
hip n. - (of animals) - mogolee-ni; luqeetuu-ni
hippopotamus n. - roophii-ni
hire v. - qatara-rta (Amh.)
hiss v. - shifisa-fifta; shifisiisa-siifta
hit v. - dha'a-dhoofta; tuqa-tuxxa
hoarse, be v - hichinnawa-noofta



40



H



H



hobble n. - gaadi-nin.

hoe n. - qottoo obruu: jembe

hold back v. -gunufadha-fatta

hold tightly v. - birdifadha-fatta

hold v. - hidha-hiita; qadhaba-bda; tindhisa-dhifta

holder n. - (wicker frame to hold a water container) - cancala-i

holding n. - qaftuma-i

hole n. - boola-i; bohaa-ni; boroqa-i ; qaa'a-i; have - qaawa-qoofta

holla-hollita; boolaa-loofta; facanaha-noofta; n. urachaa-ni; urata-i
hollow n. - kakalawee -ni; kiliwee-ni; komoora-i; qaa'a-i;

be - qaawa-qoofta

hollow v. make facaneessa-sita; dhaamaha-moofta;

dhooqa-dhooxxa; modhoka-dhotta
holy (adj.) - qulqulloo
holy (man) n. - reedimeessa-i
homosexual n. - midiisa-i
hone v. - qara-qarta; qara'a-raata
honestly (adv.) - dhugumaa
honesty n. - dansuma-ti
honey beer n. - daadhii-ni; xajjii-ni (Amh.)
honey n. - daamma-i; daamuu-ni; nadhii-ni; xuunnalee-ni
honeybee n. - kiniisa-i
honeycomb n. - riga-i
honor n. - saala-i
hoof n. - kotee-ni; qeencha-i
hook n. - fannoo-ni
hooked stick n. - hookoo-ni
hoop n. - gaangoo-ni
hope for v. abda-abdita
hope n. - bagga-i; v. - dhabadha-batta
hopeless (situation) n. - giwwee-ni

horn (of buffalo) n. - kolbaa-ni; gaafa-i; (rhinoceros) dheekii-ni
hornbill (ground) n. - humoo-ni; qottoo-ni
horns n. - saaloo-ni
horse expert n. - boquu-ni
horse n. - farda-i; (pi.) fardoollee-ni; maca-i
hose n. - tubboo-ni
hospital n. - mana hakimii
hot, feel v. - fuura-rta
hotel n. - albergoo-ni (Ital.)
hour n. - sa'atii-ni (Amh.)
house n. - mana-i

household group n. - qaballee-ni (Amh.)
housewife (untidy) n. - bosaha-i; adayyuu-ni

41



how (adv., conj.) - akka
how? - akkami
howl v. - yuusa-fta
huddled v. - qondhofadha-fatta
hum v. - burisa-rifta
human n. - nama-i
humiliated, be v. - dhokadha-katta
hump n. - dalluu-ni; goboo; roga-i
hunchback n. - farra-i

hunched - v. - korophaha-phoofta; xuupha'a-phoofta
hundred n. - dhibba-i
hung, be v. - raraha-raata
hunger n. - beela-ti; garacha-i
hungry, be v. - buudhaha-dhoofta; laphisa-phifta
hunt v. - (for food) kola-kolta; hadha-daata
hunting n. - moo-ni
hurl v. - furgugaha-goofta
hurricane n. - hobombolatii-ni

hurry v. - arreeda-dda; fulaaha-laata; kuunka-kita; kuunka-kita;
husk n. - balkii-ni; galaba-ni; qola; hoofee-ni
hut n. - hoosa-i

hyena n. - waraabeesa-i; darafeesa-i

hypocrisy n. - sosobachaa-ni; sosoba-i; v. ukhukuba-bda; akabsadha-satta;
shafi jedha-tta (always used with jedha)



I (pers. pron.) - ana, na

idea n. - herrega, mala, asaaba-i (Amh.)

idle, be v. - seseega-seseedda

idler n. - ranjula-i; algalaa; sanafii-ni (Amh.); seseega (Bor.)

if (conj.) - adoo, atoo; yo + perfect tense

if not (conj.) - silaa; yokaani; yokini

ignorant (adj.) - sigiga, sigiddu, sigigo

ignore v. - hooga-hoodda; waakadha-katta

ill at ease, feel v. - sulfaama-mta

illness n. - himatoo-ni

imagine v. - yaada-yaadda

imitate v. - akeeka, akeetta; fakkeessa-sita

imitation n. - falakeesa-i

immature (adj.) - dheedhi

immediately (adv.) - ammumma; burunto (Ital.); hure; yoosu

immerse v. - cuupha-phita; lixa-lixxa; lixissa-xiifta

impatient, be v. - hifadha-fatta

implore v. - gunadha-natta; kadhaa -katta; waakha-waatta



42



H



]



important (adj.) - gararoo; guddaa, guddoo, guddoo; ulfa, ulfo, ulfo

impoverish v. - taadheessa-sita

imprison v. - booji'a-jita

improve (health) v. - lilanaha-noofta; fala-falta; filma-mita; fura-furta

in - (prep.) keessa; ke

in order that (conj.) - akka

in the future (adv.) - egeri

in this way (adv.) - akkana

incense n. - hixana-i (Amh.); qayya-i

incest n. - haraamuu-ni

incisor n. - qarifaani

incompetent, be - v. abeeba-bda

increase (weight) v. - bamma-mita

increase v. - buki tolcha; mullisa; dabala-lta; fira-firta; fufa-fufta; fufadha-fatta

horra-horta; ribeessa-sita; sabaaqa-baaxxa; taaba-taabda
indifferent, be v- rincica-cicca; - gaffa-gafta
indigestion n. - waldoo-ni
infected, be v. - bacawa-coofta
infection (of uterus) n. - qarbaa-ni; uludii-ni
inferior (adj.) - gadi; ga
inflamed, become v. - boba'a-beeta
inflate (price) v. caradha-ratta
inflate v. - bakisa-kifta; afuufa-fta
inflated, be v. - bota'a-toofta
inform v. - dhaama-mta; hima-himta
informer n. - haaxoo-ni; xoqaamii-ni (Amh.)
infuriate v. - bittisa-tifta
inhabit v. - taa'a-teetta
inhale v. - xuuxa-xuxxa
inherit v. - dhaala-lta
inheritance n. - dhaalaa-ni
inhibit v. - uka-ita

injera n. - budeena-i (Amh.) thin bread made of teff.
injure v. - qooma-mta
injustice, do v.- giica- giicca
in-law n. - soddaa-ni; (pi) soddota-i; (f.) soddowaani
in-law relationship n. - soddoma-i
inn n. - albergoo-ni (Ital.)
inquire v. - barbaada-badda; gaafhada-fatta
insane, be v. - sirga'a-goofta
inside (prep.) - keessa; ke

insipid n. - bangee-ni; (something unpleasant); busha'a-bushoofta
inspect v. - qorqoradha-ratta; soqa-soxxa
instruct v. - barsiisa-siifta

43



I



instruction n. (for marriage) hayuma-i

insult v. - arabsa-sita; n. - abaara-i; xeeraa-ni; arabba-i; horda-dita

insulted, be v. -xeera'a-roofta

insulting n. - rakuu-ni

integrity n. - qulqulluma-mti

intellect n. - qalbii-ni

intelligence n. - qalbii-ni

intelligent (adj.) - qaro

intercourse, have v. - roofa-fta; wali rafa-fta

interest n. - yaalicha

interpret v. - se'a-seeta

interpreter n. - afinaqii-ni (Amh.); turjubaana-i

intestines n. - gadameessa-i (small); uusa-i; marimaani

intimidate v. - uka-ita; farrifadha-fatta

introduce v. - beesisa-sifta

investigate v. - abuura-rta; dooyadha-yatta

invisible, make v. - daha-daata

invitation n. - qataroo-ni

iron n. - sibiila-i

irrelevantly (adv.) - lafiifo

irritate v. - nyagisa-gifta

irritated v. - dallana-nta

isolated (adj.) - kopha; qofa; v. - sulfaama-mta; ulfaama, mta

itch v. - nyaadha-nyaata; roba'a-boofta

itchy, be v. - haamrnaraha-roofta



jackal n. - gedala-ti

jaw n. - boqoo-ni

jawbone n. - lafee boqoo; dhamna; ndaa-ni

jealous, be v. - hinaafa-fta; xxisa-xxifta;

person - qoxxicha-i; qoxxitti-ni

jealousy n. - hinaafaa-ni; qoxxee-ni

jerrycan n. - litaa-ni (Ital.)

jigger n. - (Amh.) dhuudhuu-ni; (Swa.) moyaalee-ni; tafii

jingle v. - qilisa-lifta

job n. - hujii-ni

jog v. - gulufa-fta; sagarra-rta

join together v. - walti dhi'eesa-sita; fafa-fta; fufa-fufta; takhaala-lta

joint n. - mitaa-ni

joint (of bone) n. - gawwee-ni; (of hip) n. - luqee-ni

joint pain n. - qiiqee-ni

joke v. - balqa-ita; kobla-koblita; kofalta; n. kobla-i; qoosa-qooca;

taphadha-phatta

44



oking n. - tapha-i

ourney (long) n. - kunna-i

oy n. - qilixama-i qilixamsuu-ni

oyful, be v. - dambooba-bda

udge v. - itti buufadha-fatta; mura-murta; n. - qortuu-ni

iidgment n. - mura-i; muransa-i; kora-i; qoraa-ni; qorsumaa-ni;

(about payment of a fine) - mataha-toofta
ugular (vein) n. - ama-ti; gooha-i
limp v. - ce'a-ceeta
unction n. - gorsumaa-ni; jiroo
iiniper n. - hindheensa-i
List (adv.) - uma (suffix); qulqulloo
List now (adv.) - ammumma
astice n. - dhugaa-ni

jstify v. - qulleefadha-fatta; qulqulleefadha-fatta
Din v. - fufa-fufta

eep v. - hambisa-bifta

eep away v. - simana-nta

eep quiet! - xuphi!

eep separate v. - sima-simta

eep silent v. - waada-waadda

ernel n. - firee-ni (Amh.); kilee-ni

erosene lamp n. - fanusa-i (Amh.)

ettle n. - hibriiqa-i

ey n. - furraa-ni (Amh.)

hat n. - caati (Amhj.)

ick v. - dhiita-dhiitta; n. dhiitachaa-ni

idnap v. - buta-butta; hata-hatta

idney n. -kalee-ni

ill v. - fita-fitta; ijeesa-fta

ilo n. - kiiloo-ni (Ital.)

indling n. - huuxxii-ni; qeetii-ni

indness n. - dansuma-ti

iss v. - dhungadha-gatta; n. dhungachaa-ni; dhungoo-ni

ite (bird) n. - culullee-ni

:lipspringer n. - siiqee-ni

:nead v. - sukuuma-mta; supha-suphta

nee n. - jilba; cokaancokkee-ni

nife n. - billaha, ablee-ni, seenti-ni ; (large) aflameeda ; suluudda-i

nob n. - bokkuu-ni

nock-knees n. - dallabahal-i

aiot v. - gudunfa-fita; n. gudunfaa-ni

45



J



K



know v. - beeka-beeta

knowledge n. - barnoota-i; beekumaa-ni; beeka-i; dhugeessaa-ni;

geerumaa-ni; hubachaa-ni; qarumaa-ni
knowledgeable (person) n. - sirnya-i; saricha; saritti-ni
kudu n. - gadamsa-i



K



L



labourer n. - bozonee-ni; hojaatu-ni

lack respect n. - fokadhaba-i

lack v. - baadha-baatta; dhibaadha-baatta; dhaba-bda; hanqadha-qatta;

seela'a-loofta; xupha'a-phoofta
lacking (adj.) - duwwa; qullaa
ladder n. - massalaalii-ni (Amh.); riqaa-ni (Bor.)
ladle v. - ciqqisa-qifta; n. - mooqaa-ni
laggard n. - ma'eessa-i
lair n. - mana-i
lake n. - garba-i; abaayaa-ni
lameness n. - naafachaa-ni
lamp n. - fanusa-i (Amh.); kuraz
land n. - (open and flat) diida-i
language n. -afaan
lap (up) v. - araaba-bda; mallasa-sita

large (adj.) - guddaa, guddoo, guddoo; (thing) n. - obbee-ni

large amount n. - ruukoo-ni

large, be v. - siba'a-boofta

larva n. - dakhoo-ni; raamoo-ni

larynx n. - lubbuu-ni

last night (adv.) - edda

late, be v. - gaana-nta

later (adv.) - duraana; gulaana; gana (Amh.); egeri

latrine n. - shoroonii-ni (Swa.); shintebeet (Amh.)

latter part n. - ba'ima-i

laugh v. kobla-ita; bissiqa-sixxa; bissiza-sixxa; v. kobla-koblita; n. kobla-i;

waawwee-ni; waawwoo-ni; (of hyena) - humbua-buta
launder v. - miica-miicca
law n. - seera-i
lawful n. - halaala-i (Arab.)
lay v. - ka'a -keeta

lazy (person) n. - duriyyee-ni (Amh.); algala
lead v. - daaddisa-difta; geesa-sita

leader n. - bulchaa-ni; hayyuu-ni; soreessa-i; soreettii-ni; (pi.) - gammeenii-ni
leadership n. - shuumanoota-i
leading animal n. - soreessa-i; sorreettii-ni
leaf n. - baala-i; obeensa-i; koola-i

46



eak v. - dhimpha-phita

earn v. - barradha-ratta; tamaara-rta (Amh.)

eather strap n. - seemsaa-ni

eave behind v. - dida-dadda; iraa gora; shaara-rta (Amh.);

eave it! - laki!

eave quickly v. - xiilladhaaba-bda

eave v. - ka'a -kaata; keessaa ba'a-baata; lakkisa-kifta;

shaara-rta (Amh.); irra gora; dhiisa-dhiifta
eavings n. - qaarmii-ni (of grain)
edge n. - miiljaloo-ni
eft (side) n. - bitaa-ni
eftovers n. - bu'aa-ni; gaggaa-ni
eg n. - miila-i; (lower) n. - manyee-ni
egacy n. - dhaala-ni
egume n. - baqilaa-ni (Amh.)
eisure n. - forfachaa-ni; forfataa-ni
emon n. - loomii-ni (Amh.)
end v. - liqeessa-sita
ength n. - dalla-i; hojjaa-ni
engthwise (adj.) - dalla

eopard n. - qeeramsa-i; qeeramsa guraacha; qeeroo
eper n. - qomaaxicha-i; qomaaxitti-ni
eprosy n. -qomaxaa-ni

esson n. - barnoota-i; barsiisaa-ni; tamaarii-ni
etter n. - dabdabee-ni (Amh.); xalayaa (Oro.); tataabee-ni (Amh.)
evel (adj.) - diriira, diriirtu, diriiro
ever v. - mida-midda

iar n. - falfaltuu-ni; kijjibaa-ni, kijjibduu-ni;; (pi.) kijjibdoole-ni
iberate v. - furgaasa-gaafta
ick v. - araaba-bda; gondolcha-chita; mallasa-sita
ie down v. - adadha, adadtta, (lie on one's back, stretch out on the ground)

abuura-rta; ciisa-ciifta
ie n. - garoo-ni; kijjibaa-ni
ie v. - cocana-nta; kijjiba-bda; soba-bda; dobba-bda; falfala-lta;

malteessa-sita; sosoba-bda; buufa-fta. n. buufaa-nl
ife n. - jireena-i, adunyaa-ni, finna; lubbuu-ni; naphsee-ni; qooqee-ni
ife-giving n. - suga-i; finna-i
ift up v. - ol fuudha-fuuta
ift v. - hamphaara-rta
ifting n. - ka'iisa
igament n. - maceera-i
ight (adj.) - sabla, sablo, sablo
ight brown (adj.) - birtee
ight, become v. - bari'a-rita

47



L



ightning n. - hangaasuu-ni

ike (adv. + conj.) - akka

ike before (adv.) - haguma silaa

ike this (adv.) - akkana; akkasi

ikewise (adv.) - yoosi

ily n. - abraasaa-ni (Amaryllis)

imit n. - mummee-ni

ine n. - cororeessa; salfii-ni (Amh.); oroofa

ine n. - leenii-ni (Eng.); qarree-ni; taraaraa-ni; gogeessa-i

ine up v. - goggeessa-sita

ion n. - nyencha-i; garmaa-ni

iquefy v. - bulbula-lta; dhuuba-bda

isp v. - cabaqa-baxxa; bopphisa

isten v. - caqasa-qafta; dhagaha-geetta

ittle (adj.) - (of no importance) baaku; diqqaa, diqqoo, diqqoo

ittle (bit) n. - toora-i; (thing) n. - quucoo-ni; boocha-i

ive v. - bula-bulta; qubadha-batta

ive-giving n. - finna-i

iver n. - tiruu-ni

ivestock n. - looni; horii-ni

izard n. - dhangalaasaa-ni ; dublee-ni; dhootuu-ni; dhootisa-i; lotuu-ni;

matawallee-ni; qarcoo-ni; quuyyee-ni
oad n. - baa-ni; ba'oo-ni; baachaa-ni
oad v. - faa-faata

oan n. - fulkaaya-i; fulka'a-i; liqee-ni (Amh. )
ocality n. - ardaa-ni; reera
ocation n. - fullaa-ni
ock n. - qulfii-ni (Amh.); v. - qulfa-fita
ocust n. - awwaniisa-i, (young) siqoo-ni
oincloth n. - marxoo-ni
oins n. - moo-ni; hirma-i
oiter v. - qorra-rita
oiterer n. - ma'eessa-i
onely, be v. - ceeka'a-koofta
ong (adj.) - dheera
ook after v. - ukha-utta
ook at v. - arga-gita
ook carefully v. - milladha-latta
ook for v. - barbaada-badda
ook good v. - fefadha-fatta; chokadha

oose, be v . - reeqisa-qifta; buk'a-koofta; socoha-coota; chocoha-coota
oose, become v. - mulqadha-qatta; soloola-lata; sololaha-laata
oosen v. - buqifadha-fatta; fura-furta; furgaasa-gaafta; gadhiisa-dhiifta;

hiika-hitta



48



L



loot v. - saama-mta; n. - bojuu-ni

lord n. - gooftaa-ni (Amh.); abboo

lorry n. - baabura-i;(Amh.); loorri;konkolaata-i (Oro.)

lose v. - dhaba-bda

lose competence v. - silala-ta

lose sexual desire v. - tirra-tirta

loss n. - badii-ni; rakasa-i; rakiisa-i

lost n. - waaree-ni; v. - bada-badda

lost, get v. - balla'a-leetta

lot - n. - raphtaa-ni

love v. - jalaaadha-ta; maleela-lta; n. jalaala; maleela-i; jaalala; sisinnii-ni

lover n. - garayu-ni; jaala; jaalto

low (adj.) - gabaaba, gabaabdu, gabaabo; gadi; ga

lowlands (hot) n. - gammoojii-ni

lubricant n. - qibaati-ni (Amh.)

lubricate v. - muuda-muudda

luck n. - kaayooma; ayaana, milkii-ni ; gaara-i; hixaa-ni (Amh.);

kaayoo-ni; (good or bad) faroo-ni
lukewarm, be v. - buluqa-luxxa
lumbar (region) n. - moo-ni

lump n. - karannee -ni; mucee-ni; mucura-i; waciba-i
lung n. - somba-i

lush, be v. - bosoona-nta; ganna-gannita

lust n. - mirqaana-i; dareena-nta; dharaha-raata; dharraa-ni; dharraa-ni
luxuriant v. - dunfura-rta
lymph nodes n. - gonanaa-ni



L



M



machete n. - bangaa-ni (Swa.); goraadee-ni; sholee-ni (Guji);

maggot n. - hiffa-fiti; raamoo-ni; daariqa-tti

magnify v. - gumbisa-fta

maintain order v. aadaha-doofta

maize n. - boqoloo-ni (Amh.); (boiled) - karshaa -ni; korankora-i;

asheeda; jengaa-ni (Swa.)
make v. - jaara-rta; ijaara-rta
make good v. - tolcha- chita
make place v. - siqa-sixxa
make single line (file) v. - hariira-rta
make way v. - gora-gorta
malaria n. - binii-ni
male (animal or person) n. - korma-i; (cattle) n. - jibbicha-i; jibboota-i (plu.);

(strong) n. - koromtoo-ni; ilma-i
man n. - dhiira-ti
manner n. -kara -ni

49



M



many n. - gurmuu-ni; hedduu; hidduu; kunkii-ni; haguu-ni; qacaa-ni

many, be v. - guma-gumita

many, very many (adj.) - allabii, heddu

map n. - kartaa -(Ital.)

mark v. - milikeefadha-fatta

market (for cattle) n. - munaada-i (Amh.); (place) -n. gabayyaa-ni

markings n. - shaafa-i

marriage n. - fuudha-i; oroosa-i (Swa.)

marrow n. - dhu'a-ti; qoosaa-ni

marry v. - fuudha-fuuta; fuusisa-sifta

mass n. - nafa-i

massage v. - mimiica-miicca

master n. - gooftaa-ni (Amh.); abboo

match n. - kibiriita-i (Swa.)

mate v. - yaaba-bda (horses and donkeys)

material n. - nafa-i

matter n. - dubbii-ni; haajaa-ni (Swa.)

mattress n. - farashii-ni (Amh.); itillee-ni

mature n. - buleessa-i; become mature - buleessawa-soofta

mature (girl) n. - gaaltama-i; v. gaaltama-mta

mature thing n. - buleessa-i

mature, be v. -cima-cimta; bilchaadha-chaata

maybe (adv.) - gaafiini; malaafi; malaafu

me (pron.) - na; ana

mead n. - daadhii-ni

meager (adj.) - huqqaa, huqqoo, huqqoo

measles n.- finnoo-ni

measure v. - biima-biimita (Swa.); fiiriha-rita; heda-hadda; haammaara-rta

measurement n. - ciqilee-ni; waarii-ni (Amh.)

meat n. - fooni; (dried) n. - jajii-ni; qoonxaa-ni (Amh.)

meddler n. - qorqortuu-ni

medicine n. - kiniina-i (Ital.); qorsa-i ; daawwee-ni

medicine (for tapeworm) n. - koosoo-ni (Amh.); qorsa-i

meditate v. - yaada-yaadda

meet v. - arga-gita

meet together v. - walda'a-deeta

meeting n - kora-i; qorbaa-ni; sabsabaa-ni (Amh.); gubbayii-ni (Amh.);

waldeenna-i
melt v. - bassa-bassita
melted, be v. - baqa-baxxa
membrane n. - qoofiraa-ni
menace v. - ukhukuba-bda
mend v. - erba-erbita
menstruation n. - uwwa-iti

50



mentally dull n. - raatuu-ni

meow v. - nyao jedha-jetta

merchant n. - nagaadee-ni

merciful (adj.) - naaso

mercy n. - naasuu-ni

mercy, have v. - kililla-ta

merely (adv.) - calla

mess up v. - marqa-qita

message n. - ergaa-ni

messenger n. - dabaree-ni; ergattuu-ni;

ergamtuu-ni (pi.) ergamtoota-ti
messy, be v. - huuraha-roofta; hoxxaha-xoofta
metal n. - sibiila-i

middle n. - badaassaa-ni; jidduu wayaa.; wadhakkaa-ni
midnight n. - waarii-ni
midway n. - waljajjii-ni
migraine v. - bowwafadha-fatta
mildew n. - damansa-i
militia n. - xoorsaraawwitii-ni (Amh.)

milk n. - anaani, (colostrum) silla, conee, areerra-i; (fresh) n. - mii-ni
milk v. - (camel) sharama-mta; (illegally) - luuga-luudda; cona, conta;

elma-elmita
milk, v. - (completely milk a cow) cirissa-sita
milking n. - eleemaa-ni; waaree-ni
milkpot n. - buree-ni; (Gabbra) gira-i, golondii-ni; gorfa-i;

gorjoo-ni; - madaala-i; (wooden) soroora-i
millipede n. - miilkuma-i; hanqareessa-i
mine (pron.) - kiyaa-tiyya; kiyyuma, tiyyuma
minute n. - daqiqaa-ni (Amh.)
mirage n. - sankulee-ni; siribii-ni; qayanqayoo-ni
miscarry v. - salleessa-sita
miserable, be v. - golgolaha-loofta
misfortune n. - dabuu-ni
miss v. - daga-dadda
missing, be v. - seela'a-loofta
mist n. - hurii-ni; qayoo-ni; qayoota
mistake n. - baasa-i; yakka-ni ; n. dokonkora-i;

make v. - wallaala-lta; dokonkora-rta;

mistreat v. - daga-dadda

mistreating n. - rakuu-ni

mistress n. - jaalto-ni;garayu-ni

misunderstand v. - wal bada-badda; wal miliqa-lixxa; wal mura-rta

mix (and eat) v. - kuruma-mta



51



M



M



mix (together) v. - walti naqa-naxxa; bulbula-lta; dorqa-qita;

kokorsa-sita; maka-matta
mixture n. - makaa-ni
moan v. - gadooda-dda; waadha-waatta
mock v. - arabsa-sita; goyeessa-sita; qalada-ladda (Amh.); qoosa-qooca
mocking n. - qaldii-ni
moist (adj.) - jiida jiitu, jiido
moisture n. - dabana-i
molar n. - haoo-ni; aoo-ni
moment n. - hojjaa-ni
Monday n. - Senyo (Amh.)
money n. - beesee-ni (Swa.)
mongoose n. - curree-ni; moree-ni; hammaa-ni
monkey (vervet) n. - qamalee-ni
monster n. - bulguu-ni
month n. - ji'a-ji'i
mood n. - miira-i

moon n. - ji'a; ji'i; (new) - baatii-ni; (full) goobana-ti;
more than (adv.) - afaan

morning n. - dirama-i, (early morning, before dawn) baraaqa-i; ganama
mortar n. - moyee-ni
mosque n. - mesgida; masajida (Arab.)
mosquito n. - binii-ni
moss n. - areedda-i
moth n. - billaachaa-ni

mother n. - haadha-ti; haa-haatii; (voc.) haatoo-ni; aayyoo-ni
motive n.- marroo-ni

motorcar n. - makinaa; konkolaata; gaarii; motokaa-ni (Eng.)
mottled n. - warareeba-i
mould n. - damansa-i
mouldy, become v. - damansaha-soffta
mound (termite) n. - kooba-di; kobbee-ni; kubii-ni
mount v. - yaaba-bda; kora-rta
mountain n. -gaara-i
mouse bird n. - waraabata-i
mouse n. - barroo-ni; (gray) illaada-i; hanatuta; sulli'oo-ni; halakhee-ni;

(young) dhakii-ni
moustache n. - hafaroo-ni
mouth n. - afaan

move v. - reeqisa-qifta; choco'a-cota; ( move with difficulty) jaatanaha-noofta
move (household) v. - madaba-bda
move (steadily) v. - munyuuqa-yuuxxa
move away v. - godaana-nta
move slowly v. - siriiqa-riixxa; sirnya-nyita

52



move together v. - shona-nta; sona-nta

movement n. - akhuu-ni; siqansa-i

moving n. - godaana-ti; madaba-i (Amh.)

moving together n. shanaca-i (also, being together)

much (adv.) - guddoo; haguu-ni; hedduu; hidduu; qacaa-ni

mucous n. - furroo-ni; (dried) - xanxammaa-ni

mud n. - cancana-i; dhoobboo-ni; dhoqee-ni; dhooba-i; suphee-ni

muddy n. - borxoxxee-ni

mule n. - gangee-ni; gangeellee-ni

mumble v. - bopphisa-phifta; cabaqa-baxxa

mumps n. - qandadaa-ni

murmur v. - gunguma-mta; hasaasa-hasaafta; shawisa-wifta

muscles n. - sarbaa-ni

mushroom n. - abbaa marqoo-ni

must v. - male; malte

mutter v. - bopphisa-phifta; gunguma-mta

muzzle (of a gun) n. - afumosii-ni (Amh.)-i

muzzle n. - funaani

my (pron.) - kiyya, tiyya; kiyyuma, tiyyuma

myrrh n. - (tree) qumbii-ni

myself (pron.) - ufi

mystery n. - bonbontii-ni; mistirii (Eng.)

shawwee-ni (Amh.); badallaa-ni; boqoloo-ni (Amh.)



nag v. - dorsisa-sifta; findhaara-rta

naked, be v. - daara-rta

name (for mother-in-law) n. - kumakitili

name n. - maqaa-ni; gurra-i

namegiving n. - gubbisa-i

nanny goat n. - re'eetii-ni

nap v. - rafa-rafta; hochisa-chiifta; n. hocheesa-i

nape n. - sammuu-ni; qaaceera

narrow (adj.) - dhipha, dhipho, dhipho

narrow passage n. - rakkoo-ni

narrow, be v. - xiixa'a-xoofta

nation n. - gosa-i

nauseous, be v. - lilikha-litta

navel n. - handhura-ti

near (prep.) - aana; bira; dhi'o; cina (Guji)

near, be v. - ruga-rudda

nearby (prep.) - bira

nearby (place) n. - naaboo-ni

necessary, be v. - fedha-fetta



53



M



N



necessity n. - dhiphuu-ni

neck n. - lubbuu-ni; lukuma-ti; lummee-ni; morma-i

necklace n. - hayaama-i; lootii-ni

need v. - fedha-fetta; barbaada-baadda; n. - dhiphuu-ni;

(feel a strong need) araada-dda; n. araadda-i
needle n. - binkii-ni; marfe (Amh.); limee-ni
neglect v. - tassa-tacha
neigh v. - fookisa-kifta; imimisa-sita
neighbor n. - ollaa-ni
nerve n. - morgaha-i; ribuu-ni
nest n. - mana-i
nevertheless (adv.) - ammoo
new (adj.) - haraa; n. (something) - bamboo-ni
newborn n. - caraqa-i; caraqqoo-ni
news n. - da'imtuu-ni; oddu; (vague) n. - lasiitii-ni
next (adv.) - gadhufu
next day n. - boriyyaa-ni
next to (prep.) - dhaatu; dhawwatu

nibble v. - alalacha-chita; dheeda-dheedda; durduura-rta; funaana-nta
nice - (adj.) bareeda; dansaa; kilimphee
nice (person or thing) n. - dabboo-ni; faaya-i

night - n. (early) halkani; (late) halkan guddoo; bultii-ni; gunna-i; waarii-ni
nightjar n. - raphachoo-ni
nighttime n. - bultii-ni
nimble (adj.) sabla, sablo, sablo
nine n. - sagali
ninety n. - sagaltama-i

ninth n. - sagaleessoo-ni; salaani; saleesso; sagaleessoo
nipple n. - mucha-i
no! - hiyyoo!

noise n. - billa-i (Amh.); dibbeesa-i; dibbiisaa-ni
noise, make v. - caara-rta; n. caara-i; ; waca-wacca
nonetheless - malee
nook n. - suuqa-i
noon n. - guyyaa guddaa
north n. - ola-olitti
nose n. - funaani

nosebleed v. - funuuna-nta; n. funuuna-i
nostril n. - qaa'a funaani
not as good. ..better than - manna.. .wayya
notify v. - jedha-jetta
nourish v. - soora-rta
nourishment n. - soora-ti
now (adv.) - amma

54



N



numb, be v. - hadooda-doodda; somb a-bita

number n. - haga-i

numerous, be v. - gobba-bita

nurse n. - hakimii-ni

nut (for a bolt) n. - bilooni (Amh.); dado

nutrition n. - meela-i

nutritional n- finna; meela; koshee-ni (Gab.)

nylon n. - lailoonii-ni



oath n.- kakuu -ni

obey v. - caqasa-qafta; saalfadha-fatta; sarma-mita

obligation n. - baa-ni; ba'oo-ni; baachaa-ni; kakuu -ni

obliterated, be v. - raawadha-watta

obscurity n. - dukkana-ti; bonbontii-ni

observe v. - jiba-jibda; doofadha-fatta

obstacle n. - galloo-ni ; gufuu-ni; gugufaa-ni

obstinacy n. - siriima-i; morka-i; morkachaa-ni

obstinate, be v. - morka-kita

obstruct v. - duucha-cita

occasion n.- fullaa-ni; gaafa

ocean - n. abaayaa-ni; baarii-ni

offend v. - tuqa-tuxxa; yakka-kita

offended, be v. - xeera'a - roofta

offense n. - arabba-i; eebee-ni; baasa-i; cubbuu-ni; xeeraa-ni

office n. - biiroo-ni, beroo-ni (Fr.)

offspring n. - ilmee-ni; daaraa-ni; eegee-ni; maatii-ni; maayamaatii-ni

ogre n. - goorjama-i; olokhinna-i; bulguu-ni

oil n. - dhadhaa-ni; qibaaati-ni (Amh.); motor oil - zeit (Amh.)

okay (adj. + adv.) - dansaa; ee'ee; (adj.) - wayya

old (adj.) - dullacha, dullatti, dullacha; moofa, mooftu, moofoo;

(people) rapha; raqa-i
old and dry v. - buquqa-xxa; buquqaha-qoofta; n. burquqaa-ni
old woman (women) n. - beera-ti
old, be v. - goblola-lta; - hoorofaha-foofta; subuqa-buxxa
old, become v. - hacimpheera-rta; rereepha-phta
old, worn out v. - subuqa-buxxa
older sibling (brother) n. - aaddaa
olive (tree) n. - ejersa-i
omen n.- dhangaa-ni
omit v. - lakkisa-kifta
on (prep.) - gubbaa; irra
on high (prep.) - gubbaa
on top of (prep.) - gubbaa

55



N



O



once (adv. + conj.) - takkee-ni; tokko; takka
one n. + adj. - tokko; takka; one only tokkumaa;

takkumaa; tokkocha-i; gumaa-ni
one person (one body) n. - mutaraa-ni
one time n. - takkee-ni
only - callaa; kopha; tuu; qofa (Gab.)
ooze v. - madda-maddita
open space n. - batala-ti
open v. - bana, banta; fura-furta; qoobsa-sita ;

saaqa-saaxxa; diiga-diidda
opening n. - afaan; qaa'a-i; urachaa-ni; urata-i
openly (adv.) - diideese
opinion n. - asaaba-i (Amh.), herrega, mala
opportunity n. - boddaa-ni; findhaara-i
oppose v. - dida-didda; morma-mita

oppress v. - ijeessa-ijeefta; mitissa-sifta; raka-ratta; reeba-bda; riiqa-riixxa
oppression n. - mitoo-ni
or (conj.) - yokaani
or? - mo?
orange n. - birtee
orator n. - falqa-i
order n. - erga (Amh. ajaja-ajajja)
organize v. - taaba-taabda; tolcha-chita
orifice n. - qaa'a-i

origin n. - balchaa; xintii-ni (Amh.); hunda-i; idda-i
oriole n. - hawantee-ni; awantee-ni
ornament (head ) n. - kalacha-i
oryx n. - saalaa-ni
osteomyelitis n. - uludii-ni
ostrich (chick) n. - randhuu-ni; ruboo-ni; guchi-ni
other(s) n. -dhibii-ni; jarra-i; biyya-yiti
otherwise (adv. + adj.) - silaa; yokaani
ought to v. - himmalle
ought v. - male; malte
out (prep.) - keessaa
out of sorts v. - bukana'a-noofta
outbid v. - caradha-ratta
outcome n. - faidaa-ni (Swa.)
outer part n. - ala-i
outmaneuver v. fuluusa-sita
outside n. - ala-i; diida
outsider n. - orma-i
outsmart v. - fuluusa-sita
outstretched (adj.) - dalla

56







o



oval n. - korboo-ni

over (adv.) - ola-olitti

overcome v. - dabsadha-satta

overeat v. - qallulama-mta

overhang n. - raraatoo-ni; raraha-i

oversee v. - eega-eedda; qorqora-rta

overstate v. -gumbisa-fta

overtake v. - dura mura-rta; firisa-rifta

overturn v. - cunqursa-sita; garagala; galabatama-mta (Amh.)

overweight n. - botora-i

overwhelm v. - mitissa-sifta

owl n. - urunguu-ni

ox n. - qubla-i; mirgoo-ni; sangaa-ni

oxen n. - hancaffa-i; (old) -karaaba -di;

(pair) - ximmaadii-ni (Amh.); xindii-ni (Amh.)



pack animal n. - faa'ilee-ni

pack camel n. - ooroo-ni; rochoo-ni

packet n. - baakoo-ni

paddock n. - gola-ti

pail n. - baldii-ni (Amh.)

pain (stomach) v. - qaqata'a-toofta; dhukkuba-i; gurgurtuu-ni

pain v. (chronic) hooraha-roofta; feel v. - mamarqama-mta

pain, have v. - abaha-aboofta; elaha-loofta; (constant) - uma'a-moofta;

n. eloo-ni
paint n. - bifa; rangii-ni (Swa.); - qalaamii-ni (Amh.); v. - bifa-bifta; diba-bda
pair n. - lakuu-ni
pale (adj.) - adii

paleness n. - addeenna-i, aagii qalani
palm n. - ganaa-ni

palpitate v. - dhudhukadha-katta; n. dhudhukachaa-ni
palpitations n. - xiraa-ni

pancake n. - chappaattii-ni (Swa.); budeena-i (Amh.); injeera
panic v. - gugadha-gatta ; n. gugachaa-ni
pannier n. - sabbaqee-ni
pant v. - dhaana-nta; hara-harta; harganna-nta
pants n. - bololee-ni (Amh.); boggee-ni; hidhaa
papaya n. - phaapa'ii-ni (Eng.)
paper n. - karatasii-ni (Swa.); waraqata-i (Amh.)
parable n. - mamaassa-i
parallel, make v. - obra-obrita
paralysis n. - naafachaa-ni
paralyzed (person) n. - naafa-i

57



P



paralyzed, be v. - naafadha-fatta
pardon v. - araraama-mta; dhiisa-dhiifta
part n. - gamma-i; gar; goomolee-ni; moggaa-ni
partner n. - garayyuu-ni; fira; tolaa

pass v. - darba-bita; (by) v. - dabra-barta

pass n. - rakkoo-ni

pass over v. - taakka-kita

pass through v. - huluuqqa-luuxxa; shila'a-laata (Amh.)

pass under v. - huluuqqa-luuxxa

passage n. - rakkoo-ni; fuloo-ni

passion n. - maleela-i; mirqaana-i; onnee-ni

passport n. - mashenyaa-ni (Amh.); waraqata karaan deemani (Bor.)

past (adv.) - duri

past time n. - dhengadda-i; gaafa

past year n. - barana

pasta - n. paastaa-ni (Ital.)

pasture n. - marra-i; v. - maarsa-sita

pasturing of sheep and goats n. - arjaala-i

patch (of grass) n. - leensaa-ni

patch v. - erba-erbita; (cloth) n. - erbaa-ni; haafa-i

patches n. - qarichoo-ni

patching n. - maxansaa-ni

paternity n. - abbooma-i

path n. - kara -ni

patience n. - obsa-i; obsaa-ni

patient, be v. - obsa-obsita

patiently (adv.) - suuta; laanuma

paunch n. - borcii-ni; borcooca-i - person/animal with a paunch.

paunch, have v. - borca'a-coofta

pauper n. - hiyyeessa-i; hiyyeettii-ni; qollee-ni

pause n. - forfachaa-ni; forfataa-ni

paw n. - kotee-ni; tantoomoo-ni; tantoomuu-ni

pay attention v. - caqasa-qafta; dhageefadha-fatta; caqasaa-fta; eegadha-gatta

peace n. - nagaa-nageeni; nagaya

peaceful, be v. - dambooba-bda

peak n. - flixee-ni

peasant n. - gabbaree-ni (Amh.)

pebbles n. - cirracha-i

pedal n. - faanoo-ni

peddler n. - nagaadee-ni

peel v. - qunchiisa-chiifta

peeled, be v. - luqaha-qaata; quncaha-caata

peg n. - fannoo-ni

pellets n. - cirracha-i; tussii-ni

58



P



pen n. - qalaamuu-ni (Swa.); biirii-ni (Amh.)

penetrate v. - lixa-lixxa; seena-nta

penis n. - (adults) cidaani; bixii-ni; shundooni; nafa saalaa;

qorichoo-ni; (small boy) dhungitii-ni; quxuu-ni; geebaa-ni
penis (of camel) n. - megenna-i

people n. - biyya-yiti; biyyee; jarra-i; nama-i; warra-i; warreena-i; benna-i
pepper (red chili) n. - barbaree-ni; bisarii (Swa.); qaaraa-ni (Amh.)
perfectly (adv.) - qixxee
perforate v. - ura- urta
perfume n. - (for the hair )qayya mataa; quromfidii-ni; (Amh.);

shitoo-ni; marashii-ni
perfume v. - qayyadha-yatta; n. qayya-i
perfumed, be v. - urga'a-goofta
perhaps (adv.) - malaafi; malaafu; yokaani; gaafiini
period n. - bara-i; jabanna-i ; (Amh.) gizee-ni
perish v. - hobaha-baata
permission n. - feqaada-i (Amh.); eeyama-i
permission, have v. - balala-lta
persecute v. - makharsa-sita
persecution n. - dhiba; rakkoo; nartii-ni (Amh.)
perseverance n. - didhaa-ni
person n. - nama-i
perspire v. - damfa-fita

persuade v. - beesisa-sifta; gunadha-natta; hababbala-lta
pester v. - gorteefadha-fatta; nyagisa-gifta
pestle n. - urgumeessa-i
petal n. - gurra-i

petition n. kadhaa Dubraa; sagadaa-ni
phone call n. - silkii-ni (Amh.); simuu (Swa.)
photograph n. - footoo-ni (Ital.); misilii-ni (Amh.)
pick at v. - funaana-nta
pick open v. - qirqita-qitta; filadha-latta
pick out v. - foo'a-ta

pickaxe n. - sururuu-ni; doomaa-ni (Amh.)
picture n. - footoo-ni (Ital.); misilii-ni (Amh.)
piebald (two-colored) v. - shooma-mta
piece n. - (small) huuba-i; bu'a; qoraachii-ni (Amh.); cinna-I;
pieces, be in v. - bututa-tutta; n. cinnoo-ni; gumaa-ni; bututa-i
pierce v. - borossa-sita; dira-dirta; qilxipha-xiphta; ura-urta; waraana-nta
pig n. - boyyee-ni; (bush pig) boyyee-ni
pigeon n. - saphaliisa-i
pile n. - tuulaa-ni
pile together v. - oobla-blita
pile up v. - tuula-lta

59



P



piles (enlarged blood vessels) n. - qormaddee-ni

pill n. - kiniina-i (Ital.)

pillage v. - saama-mta

pirnple n. - finiisa-i

pin n. - binkii-ni

pincers n. - qadhabaa-ni

pinch v. - qimmiita-miitta

pipe n. - gaayyaa-ni

pistol n. - bastoolaa-ni (Ital.); sheguti (Amh.)

pit n. - boola-iti

pith n. - dhu'a-ti

pity n. - naasuu-ni; v. - naasisa-sifta; v.- kililla-ta

place n. - fullaa-ni; v. - ka'a -keeta

placenta n. - akkaa -ni; dilluu-ni; ; (retained) dheekamtuu-ni

plain (barren) n. - qolqola-i; batala-ti

plain n. - batala-ti; diida, ataa-ni

plain, be v. - busha'a-shoofta

plainly (adv.) - diideese

plait v. cibra-rita; n. cibra-i

plaits n. - taabboo-ni

plan v. - maladha-lattta; mariadha-riatta; yaada-yaadda

plane v. - kolkola-lta; saaka-saatta

planet n. - urjii-ni

plaster v. - diba-dibda; laqalaqa-laxxa (Amh.)

plastic (things) n. - lailoonii-ni; lastigii-ni

plastic bag n. - kartasii-ni

plate n. - baqulii-ni (Swa.); sahanii-ni (Swa.)

plateau n. - dirre-ni

play v. - cuqqisa-qifta; taphada-taphatta

playful, be v. - buraaqa-raaxxa; sambaaba-bda

plead for help v. - dhibaafhadha-fatta; hababbala-lta; sobadha-batta;

waakha-waatta
pleasant, be v. - miyawa-yoofta; adj. kilimphee
plentiful, be v. - bokora-rta; guddo; hedduu
plenty n. - birrii-ni; coonii-ni
plenty (adj.) - xuxxuphe
pleuropneumonia n. - sombeessaa-ni
pliers n. - qadhabaa-ni
plod v. - sirriqa-riixxa; sirnya-nyita
plodding n. - sirnyaa-ni
plot v. - maladha-latta
plover n. - wiixuu-ni
plow handle n. - irfli-ni (Amh.)
plow n. - marashaa-ni (Amh.)

60



P



plow oxen n. - qotiyoo-ni

plow v. - qota-tta; shalashala-lta (Amh.);

plowing n. - qotii-ni; qotiisa-i

pluck v. - dhibissa-bifta

plug v. - cufa-cufta; cuqqaala-lta; qadaada-dda; - suxa-suxxa; duucha-chita

plum n. - mululacha-i

plunder v. - sakaba-bda

plunge v. - lixa-lixxa

pocket n. - kiisii-ni (Amh.)

pocketknife n. - seentii-ni

pods (of acacia) n. - urbuu-ni

point (of knife) n. - abrii-ni

point n. - (high place) dirra-i;

point to v. - akeeka-akeetta

pointed (something) n. - luffee-ni

pointed, be v. - ulufa'a-foofta

poison n. - suunkii-ni

poisonous n. - boraara-i (refers to a specific plant).

pole n. - dongoraa-ni (for the walls of a house); moloogaa-ni (Amh.)

police n. - polisii-ni; foolissii-ni

polish v. - riga-ridda

polishing n. - rigansa-i

politician n. - bolitikaa-ni (Ita.)

politics n. - bolitikaa-ni (Ital.); si'aasaa-ni

pond n. - harroo-ni; harra-ti

ponder v. - dhindisa-sita; qulquula-lta; yaada-dda; kumuda-dda

ponderous person or animal n. - tomborra-i

pool n. - garba-i; dambalaa-ni (not permanent); malalbaa-ni; naqata-i;

qachaachaa-ni
poor - (adj.) qullaa
poor, be v. - hiyyooma-mta; hiyyoomadha-matta;

(person) hiieessa-i, hiyyeettii-ni
pop out v. - qulqulba-bta
Pope n. - phaphaasa-i (Ital.)
porcupine n. - dhaddee-ni
pore n. - lima-i

porridge n. - buluqa-i; uujii-ni; faafaa-ni
porter n. - kulii-ni; baatuu-ni
portion n. - gamma-i; goomolee-ni; moggaa-ni
possess v. - horra-horta; qaba-qabda
possessions n. - sabba-i
possible, be v. - dandaha-deeta
possibly (adv.) - gaafiini
post office n.- postaa-ni (Ital.)

61



P



postpone v. - tindhisa-dhifta; tura-turta

pot n. (clay) - okotee-ni; (cooking) - eelee-ni; diftii-ni; disti-ni

potato n. - dinichaa-ni

pot-bellied child n. - ruurii-ni

potsherd n. - banisoo-ni

pound v. - tuma-tumta

pour v. - buusa-buufta; (a little) v. -qica-qicca; lollaha-laata; naqa-naxxa

poured out v. - dhangalaha-laata; - harcaha-caata

poverty n. - beela-ti; qullaa-ni

powder v. - fiitaha-toofta

powdery, be v. - buka'a-koofta

powdery, become v. - burquqa-quxxa

power n. - forsaa-ni (Ital.); guddina-i; irree-ni; maftii-ni (Amh.)

practice v. - barradha-ratta

praise oneself v. - faarfadha-fatta

praise v. - dhaada-dhaadda; faarsa-sita; n. faaruu-ni; saada-saadda;

pray v. - kadhaa -katta; kadhadha-kadhatta; sagada-gadda (Amh.)

prayer n. - kadhaa -ni; eebba-eebbiti; sagadaa-ni

praying mantis n. - ekeraa galaa; qaanjibuu harree

precede v. - (in rank) caala-lta

preceding (prep.) - dura

predict v. - faga-fadda; mora-morta; raaga-raadda

prediction n. - mora-i

prefer v. - foo'a-ta

preferable (adj.)- wayya

pregnancy n. - rimaha-i; rimaya-i

pregnant (adj.) - ulfa, ulfo, ulfo

pregnant animal n. - rimeesa-i

pregnant, be v- rima-rimta (of animals and humans); garaachaha-coofta

pregnant, make v. - dalca-cita; (for unmarried girl) caphana-nta

preoccupied, be v. - yaala-lta

prepare - v. tolcha-chita; dhaaba-dhaabda; qopheessa-sita; kurfeessa-sita;

taaba-taabda
prepared (adv.) - kurfo
present n. - gumaata-i; v. kenna-kennita
presently (adv.) - amma
preserve v. - dandama-mta
press down v. - humna-nita
press together v. - dhandooma-mta
press v. - cumfa-fita; mudda-muddita
prestigious, be v. - macha'a-choofta
presume v. - se'a-seeta

pretend v. - buxuula-lta; cocana-nta; dhokadha-katta; soba-bda-sosoba-bda
prevail v. - danqa-qita

62



P



p



prevent v. - dallamsa-sita; dhowwa-dhowwita;

dhowwarta-dhorta; ittisa-ittifta; kuta-kutta; rara-rarta;

sima-simta; simana-nta
prevent from falling v. - qoba-qobda
prevention n. - dallamsaa-i
price n. - gatii-ni

prick v. - qilxipha-xiphta; waraana-nta
prickles n. - biilaa-ni
prickling (feeling) v. - qarqarsa'a-soofta
prickly-pear n. - gambooraa-ni
pride n. - uflaala-ni ; koora-i
priority n. - matooma-i

prison n. - jeelaa (Eng.); mana hidhaa/ hindaansaa; wnakii-ni (Amh.)
privacy n. - qoomnii-ni; qoomi-ni
prize n. - shelemaatii-ni (Amh.); galata
problem n. - adaaba-i; sarrii-ni; sharrii-ni; dhiba; rakkoo; nartii-ni (Amh.);

haafaa-ni (Swa.); hooloo-ni; qataaraa-ni; xaaxaa-ni; raraha-i; sababba-i
proclaim v. - lalabba-bda
procure v. - bita-bitta
produce v. - dhala-lta; firawa-firofta
profit n. - bu'a; tirfii-ni (Amh.); faidaa-ni (Swa.)
profound (adj.)- dheera
prohibit v. - seera-rta

promise v. - qodha-qota; dhabadha-batta; n. - dhangaa-ni; kakuu -ni; dhabuu-ni;
prompt, be v. - aariifadha-fatta
promptly (adv.) - burunto (Ital.); hure
pronounce v. - jedha-jetta
proof n. - hubachaa-ni
prop n. kiboo-ni; kaala -ni
prop up v. - kiba-kibda; utuba-utubda
property n. - halaala-i; horii-ni

prophecy n. - mora-i; himanna-i; himansa-i; raaguma-ti
prophesy v. - raaga-raadda
prophet n. - raaga-i; yuuba-i
prosper v. - fira-firta; horra-horta
prosperity n. - badhaadha-ni; bultuma-i
prostitute n. - sharmuxa-i (p.) sharmuxolee-ni
protect v. - cibra-rita

protection n. - simaa-ni; simana-i; dhibayyuu-ni

protrude v. - gooraha-rata; quuqa-quuxxa; quuqawa-qoofta; ulufa'a-foofta
protrusion n. - quuqaa-ni; ulufa-i
protuberance n. - kolkolee-ni; konoona-i; funaani
proud, be v. - balda-dita; koora-rta
proverb n. - mamaassa-i

63



provocation n. - aggachaa-i

provoke v. - aggadha-gatta; bittisa-tifta; gaalla-lta

pubescent, be v. - bumbunsa-sita (said only of boys)

pubic hair n. - saphii-ni

publish v. - lalabba-bda

puckered, become v. - burdawa-doofta

puddle n. - caancoo-ni; diriba-i; kolbaa-ni; naanaha-i

puff adder n. - buutii-ni

puff up v. - xillibba'a-boofta; buufa-fta; buufa-fta; bakisa-kifta

pull in (the stomach) v. - qoloonfadha-fatta

pull v. - tirsa-sita

pulse v. - dhudhukadha-katta; n. dhudhukachaa-ni; dhikee-ni; idhata-i

pulverize v. - hurrawa-roofta; urba-urbita

pulverized thing n. - bulaa-ni

pumpkin n. - bododda-i

punch v. - tantooma-mta

puncture n. - iddanaa-ni

punctured v. - busuqa-suxxa

punish v. - itti mura-rta

punishment n. - adaaba-I; gatii-ni; qitaatii-ni (Amh.)

pupil (of the eye) n. - agartaa-ni;

pupil (student) n. - barata -ni

puppy n - cuquu-ni

purchase n. - bitaachaa-ni; bita-bitta

pure (person) n. - balchaa-ni

pure, be v. - qullawa-loofta; adj. qulqulloo

purge v. - fala-falta

purging n. - fala-i; falachaa-ni

purification n. - qulqullooma-i; qulqulloomaa-ni

purify v. - qulleessa-sita; qulqulleessa-sita

purity n. - balchaa; xintii-ni (Amh.); qulqulluma-mti

purpose n. - didhaa-ni

purr v. - korisa-rifta

purse n. - borsaa-ni (Ital.); iftee-ni (made from sisal thread)

pursue v. - reeba-bda

pursuit n. - bu'aa-ni; reebuu-ni

pus n. - malaa-ni

push v. - darba-bita; dhiiba-bda; mida-midda; gussa-gussita; hulfa-fita;

sulcha-chita; ukhukuba-bda; wirsa-sita
push down v. - humna-nita
pushing n. - dhiibansa-i
put v. - teessisa-sifta
put aside v. - hambisa-bifta; ka'a -keeta
put away v. - massa-sita; suuqa-suuxxa

64



P



put down v. - buufadha-fatta

put in a good place v. - massa-sita

put in order v. - sokoladha-latta

put on v. - keeyyadha-yatta

put out v. - afa-afta

put together v. - coonca-cita (usually + walti); faafa-fta

putrefy v. - tortora-rta

python n. - jawwee-ni



quail n. - cuuquruu-ni; n. - gororii-ni; caaqarrii-ni; qirqicii-ni;
qoocoo-ni (Amh.)

quandry n. - wajaga-i; be in a v. wajaga-jadda;

quantity n. - haga-i; raphtaa-ni

quarrel n. - waraana-i; weeraa-ni (Amh.); falamaa-ni; lolla-lolta; lolla-i;

v. - dida-didda; falama-mta; falma-mita
quarrelsome n. - araadda-i
quarrelsome person n. - makharticha-i; lollee-ni
quartet n. - abraanuu
quaver (in speech) v. - loqoda-qodda
question v. - morma-mita; n. - dubbii-ni
queue up v. - coroora-rta; n. -oroofaa-ni
quick (adv.) - burunto (Ital.); dafi (Amh.); hurrisi; hure
quiet! - mureefadhaa!
quiet, be v. - waada-waadda
quiet, remain v. - callisa-lifta
quintal n. - kintaala-i
quintet n. - shananu
quit v. - lakkisa-kifta
quite (adv.) - - uma (suffix)



rabbit n. - hileensa-i

rabies n. - nyanyee-ni

rag n. - bututuu-ni

rage v. - romma-ita; wacifa-cifta

rain v. - bokaya-i; boka'a-bokeeni; (heavy) - tamna-i; n. - hareesa-i:

n. - rooba-i; n.- sa'eesa; light - ebeelee-ni

rain (heavily) v. - lollaha-laata; v. rooba-bda; sora-rta

rainbird n. - bararatoo-ni

rainy, be v. - ganna-gannita

raising n. - ka'iisa

ramrod n. - sangii-ni (Amh.)

rancid, become v. - bulungawa-goofta



65



P



Q



R



rank n. - shuuma-i

rash n. - suukii-ni

rat n. - hantuuta-i; kolissa-i

rat's nest n. - huuroo-ni

rattle n. - reeqisaa-ni

rattle on v. - hofomfoladha-latta

raven n. - haranqeessa-i

ravine n. - bohaa-ni; balee-ni; bowwaa-ni; horraa-ni

raw (adj.) dheedhi

razorblade n. - shigiree-ni (Amh.)

reach v. - dhaqaba-bda; dhufa-dhufta; gaha-geeta; ta'a-taata

react v. - boona-boonta

read v. - sooma-ta (Swa.); dubbisa-bifta

ready (adv.) - kurfo

ready, be v. - qopha'a-phoofta; make qopheessa-sita; kurfeessaa

ready? - -fi (suffix)

reality n. - dhugaa-ni

realize v. - hubadha-batta; ilaala-lta

rear end n. - eegee-ni

rear n. - dinqa-i (private part of Borana house.)

reason n. - qalbii-ni

receipt n. - darasanyii-ni (Amh.)

receive v. - qaba-qabda; with gratitude v. - sifeefadha-fatta

recently (adv.) - dhi'o; onaana

recognize v. - beeka-beeta

recoil v. - kontorfadha-fatta

reconcile v. - taasisa-sifta (cf. ta'a)

reconciliation n. - qoraa-i; qorsumaa-ni

recover v. - bayanadha-natta; filma-mita

recovery n. - lilanawaa-ni

rectum n. - bondee-ni; uduu-ni; munnee-ni; xeerii-ni

recuperation n. - lilanawaa-ni

red (adj.) - ( for horses and mules) daama

red (adj.) - diima; diimtu; diimo; arraha-i; (very red) dhille

redeem v. - fura-furta

redness n. - diimeena-i

reedbuck n. - borofaa-ni

reek v. - xira'a-roofta; ajaha

refer to v. - akeeka-, akeetta

refine v. - qunquma-mta

refusal n. - siriima-i

refuse (adv.) - barkati + jedha; barsiima + dha'a

refuse to respond v. - rincica-cicca



R



refuse v. - dida, didda; (refuse absolutely) barkati (adv.);

barsiima (adv.); guula-lta; qiriba-bda; waakadha-katta
regain strength v. - lilanaha-noofta
registration n.- masagaba-i (Amh.)
regret v. - gaabba-bita; ufi gaabba-bita; ooda-oodda; oodaha-doofta
reinforce v. - gonoofa-fta

reject v. - dida-didda; finqila-lta; qiriba-bda; tuffadha-fatta
rejoice v. - gammada-madda; qilixama-mta; gammada-dda
rejoin ( a bone) v. - tabba-bita

relationship n. - sumsuma-i; (family) - fiixooma-i; (joking) n. - qoosaa-ni
relative n. - fiixaa-ni; kin - aanaa; (on mother's side) eesuma-i
relax v. - fura-furta; kufa-kufta
release v. - baqa, baxxa; fura-furta; gadhiisa-dhiifta;

n. - dhiifama-i; dhiisama-i
released v. - baqa-baxxa; dhiifama-mta
reliance n. - hirkachaa-ni
religious leader n. - qaalluu-ni
relish v. - dhandhama-mta
rely on v. abda, abdita; hirkadha-katta
remain v. - haffa-hafta; ola-olta; taa'a-teetta; tura-turta
remainder n. - gaggaa-ni
remains n. - bu'aa-ni; daadaa-ni
remember v. - qaabadha-batta; faaqa-faaxxa
remove v. - futa-futta ; salqa-qita
rent n. - kiraa-ni; v. kireefadha-fatta
repair v. - erba-erbita; maxansiisa-sifta; midhaassa-sita; qaba-qabda;

tolcha-chita; erba-erbita
repaired, be v. - midhaaga-dhaadda
repairing n. - maxansaa-ni
repeat v. - jalaa qaba-qabda; lammeessa-sita
repeat v. - unta-untita
repetition n. - hogaa-ni
replacement n. - fulkaaya-i; fulka'a-i
reply n. - hogaa-ni
report n. - himachaa-ni; himachuu-ni
representation n. - shuumanoota-i
repugnance n. - lolochiaa-ni
reputation n. - gurra-i
request v. - kadhaa -katta
rescue v. - baasa-baafta; qusa-qucca; qusadha-satta
resemble - akeeka, akeetta, wol fakkaata; fakkaadha-kaatta
reserve v. - dandama-mta; kaladha -latta; kuusa-kuucha; hambisa-bifta;

n. - qusachaa-ni; qusee-ni
reservoir n. - facana-ti



67



R



reside v. - ola-olta

residence n. - mana-i

resign v. - lakkisa-kifta

resignation n. - obsa -i; obsaa-ni

resin n. - hamphee-ni; haanchaa-ni

resist v. - morma-mita

resistance n. - morka-i; morkachaa-ni; mormaa-ni; morooma-ni

respect n. - fokoo-ni; ceera-i; saala-i ; sadeeta-ti

respect v. - daada-daadda; dhedha-dheta; sarma-mita; v. saalfadha-fatta;

respected (adj.) - ulfa, ulfo, ulfo

respectful speech n. - seeda-i

respectful, be v. - ceera-rta; fokifadha-fatta

respond v. - owaadha-owaatta

responsibility n. - baallii-ni

rest v. - boqodha-qotta; ciisa-ciifta; forfadha-fatta (Amh.);

hafura baafadha-atta (Orom.); rafa-rafta
restaurant n. - mana nyaata; hotelii-ni (Swa.);

albergoo-ni, mana nyaata, mana sagale
resting place n. - cicciisa-i
restless, be - aara-rta; qaanjiba'a-boofta.
restrain v. - tindhisa-dhifta
restrict v. - dhoora-rta
restricted n. - dhooroo-ni
resurrection n. - ka'iisa
retarded, be v. - mujuja-mujujja
retch v. - qooqifadha-fatta
retire v. - yuuba-bda
retreat v. - kontorfadha-fatta; dhedha-dheta

return v. - dachaha-chaata; gargala-ta; home v. - gala-galta

return, make v. - rara-rarta

returning home n. - galchuma-i

revelation n. - mullachaa-ni

revenge n. - kootoo-ni; haaloo; haaloo-ni; tiiqii-ni (Amh.)

revered (person or thing) n. - wayyaa-ni;

(person) n. - qaallicha-i; qallitti-ni
revolt v. - ka'a -kaata
revolve v.- gargala-ta
rhinoceros n. - warseesa-i
rib n. - cinaacha-i
rice n. - ruuzii-ni (Amh.)
rich (adj.) - dunfura-rta
rich, become v. - durooma-mta
riddle n. - hiiboyaa-ni; (answer) hibriqqa
ridge n. - goobsoo-ni; gooroo-ni; kukuba ; luufa-ti

68



R



ridicule v. - caacursa-sita; goyyeessa-sita; kobla-koblita;

kofalta; seessa-sita; seessefadha-fatta; n. seessa-i
rifle n. - boosa (Amh.); qawwee-ni
right (adv.) - qubo; dhugaa; (side) n. - mirga-i
right now (adv. ) - ammumma
rightly (adv.) - sirri; dhugaa
rigid, be v. - sibra-brita
rim n. - fitee-ni; qarree-ni; ginrangia-i
rinderpest n. - daadhii-ni

ring (clothes) v. - borcha-chita; qilisa-lifta; qileesa-i
ring (for) finger n. - qubee-ni
ringworm n. - robbii-ni
rinse (the mouth) v. - lulluqahda-qatta
rinse v. - lolaha-laata
rinsing n. - lulluqoo-ni
rip v. - buta-butta
ripe n. - buleessa-i
ripe, be v. - bilchaadha-chaata
ritual manners n. - addaba; jila-ti
rival n. - orma-i
rival v. - morka-kita
rivalry n. - morka-i; morkachaa-ni
river n. - galaana-i
riverbed n. - (seasonal) laga-i
road n. - kara -ni

roar v. - barooda-rootta; n. barooduu-ni; gooha-goota; itana-nta
roast - v. akaawwa -akoofta or akaha-akoofta; guba-gubda; koosa-sita;

ruruuqa-xxa; wadda
rob v. - hata-hatta
robber n. - hattuu-ni; sargoo-ni
robbery n. - hanna-i
robust n. - barbara-i; bodhee-ni; v. budulaha-loofta; furda, furdo, furdo;

jabaa, jabduu, jaboo; (pi.) jajjabaa; (adj.) - wadalla
robust (something) n. - yabbuu-ni; n. - kotoola-i
robust person n. - bodhee-ni
robust, be v. - budulaha-loofta; siba'a-boofta
rock n. - dhagaacha-i; dhakaa-ni
rod n. - harchumee-ni
roll v. - borbooradha-ratta
roll down v. - konkolada-laata
roll in the dirt v. - borbooradha-ratta
roll up v. - mamara-ta; mara-rta
roll v. - okonkoladha-latta
rolled up v. - mookadha-katta

69



R



roller (bird) n. - anahaarqaa-ni

roof (thatched) n. - gasarree-ni (Amh.); eelicoo-ni;

mana guutuu; gubbaa-ni
roof ridge n. - koofia-ni
roofing sheets n. - qorqooroo-ni
room n. - kifllii-ni
rooster n. - lukuu korma
root n. - (edible) caraanaa-ni; hidii; idda-i
rope n. - haada-i; kiyoo-ni; madhaa-ni

(for bell) - korsiisa-i
rope n. - (of sisal) funnoo-ni; (of sisal) cea-i
rot v. - shama-mta; tortora-rta
rotten (adj.) - batti , bakti
rotten, be v. - hooraha-roofta
rough (adj.) - jalla, jalla, jallo; - qarchacha
rough n. - kakatee -ni
rough, be v. - kolkolaha-loofta; quuqa-quuxxa; quuqawa-qoofta;

saakarawa-roofta
roughness n. -karanchaa -ni
round and solid (thing) n. - kuukuu-ni
round up v. - naaneessa-sita
route n. - martoo-ni
row n. - gogeessa-i; leenii-ni (Eng.); oroofaa-ni

rub v. - riga-ridda; riiqa-riixxa strongly; sukuuma-mta

rubber n. - imbiraa-ni

rubbish n. - batti, bakti

rude (adj.) - jalla, jalla, jallo

rude (person) n. - baalagee-ni

rugged (adj.) - qarchacha

ruin v. - fita-fitta

ruined (adj.) - moofa, mooftu, moofoo

rule v. - fida-fidda; moha-moota

ruler n. - danyaa-ni (Amh.); bulchaa-i; mooticha (Guji); mohaa-ni

rumble v. - giria-sifta; gururia-rita; huursa-sita

rumour n. - lasiitii-ni

rumourmonger n.- odeessaa-ni

rump n. - hudduu-ni; rundee, teessuma; tafa-i

run v. - ce'a-ceeta

run (unsteadily) v. - bikiliisa-liifta

run after v. - reeba-bda

run away v. - dhedha-dhetta; soka-kita; dhoo'a-dhoota; gursumaha-moofta;

jala mura-rta
run fast v. - xinniqa-ixxa
run in rivulets v. - xuxxuruursa-sita

70



R



run unsteadily v - bikiliisa-liifta

run v. - finiina-nta; oria-orita; utaala-lta

runt v. - jinfaha- foofta

rush unsteadily v. - tittima-mta

rush v. - dhoo'a-dhoota; fiiga-fiidda; fulaaha-laata; oria-orita; orisaa-ni;

utaala-lta; wirsa-sita
rust v. - dandaha-doofta; n. - dandii-ni

rustle v. - shakhamiisa-miifta (make a rustling sound.); shawisa-wifta
rustle v. - sokorsa-sita



sack n. - kintaala-i; subba-i; qaraqaba; (goatskin) - qalqalloo-ni

sacrifice n. - sooriyoo-ni; v. sooria-rita; mosonsora-rta

sad, be v. - ooda-oodda; oodaha-doofta

saddle blanket n. - rarroo-ni

saddle v. - faa-faata; n. - kooraa-ni; n.- kooraa-ni

safety catch n.- (of a gun) - matabaqaa-ni

safety n. - nagaa-nageeni; nagaya

safflower n. - bordaa-ni

sagging, be v. - shoboka'a-koofta

salary n. - musaraa-ni; damooza (Amh.)

saliva n. - hanchufa-ti; (dried) - xanxammaa-ni

salivate v. - goroora-rta; lolochia-chita

salt n. - haya-i; muludee-ni; sooda-i; hacharuu-ni; (for livestock) kullaha-

salt v. - kura-kurta

salt-pan n. - herendeerii-ni

salvage n. - salbaajii-ni

salvation n. - baafama-i

sample n. - fakkeenna-i

sanctify v. - qulleesa-sita; qulqulleessa-sita

sand n. - maansa-i; v. - kolkola-lta; - saaka-saatta

sandal n. - buurankii-ni; kophee-ni; salala-i

sandflea n. - taffii-ni

sap n. - dhamma-ti; aniisaa-ni

Satan - Shexaana-i

satchel n. - marraa-ni

satiate v. - quubsa-sita

satiated, be v. - quufa-fita

satiety n. - quufa-i

satisfaction n. - quufa; kafuna-i (Som.)

satisfaction (sound of...) n. - aada

satisfied, be v. - conaha-noofta; badhaadha-dhaatta; furfuura-ta;

coneessa-sita; quubsa-sita
saturated, be v. - quufa-fita; (with butter) - leyaha-yoofta

71



R



s



s



Saturday n. - gebaya guddo; Kedame (Amh.)

sauce n. - koosara-i

savage beast n. - bineensa-i

save v. - dandama-mta; hambisa-bifta; kuusa-kuucha; qusa-qucca;

qusadha-satta
saved, be v. - baafama-mta
savings n. - qusachaa-ni; qusee-ni
saw n. - magaazi (Amh.); misumeenoo-ni
sawdust n. - hurraa-ni
say v. - baana-nta; jedha-jetta
saying n. - mamaassa-i
scab n. - qonyanyaa-ni
scabby, become v. - citta'a-toofta
scabies n. - hooxxoo-ni
scaffolding n. - hirrii-ni
scales n. - karanchaa -ni
scaly substance n. - reenjii-ni
scaly, become v. - citta'a-toofta
scar n. - kalabsuu; gadaniisa-i
scarcely (adv.) - laato; diqqeena-i
scarcity n. - beela-ti; hooloo-ni
scatter v. - bassa-bassita; firfirsa-sita; be firfirfama-mta; laaba-laabda;

harcaha-caata; facaha-caata;
scattered (adj.) - garum garaani
scent n. - marashii-ni; ulaa-ni; v. - suufa-fta
scissors n. - makasii-ni (Swa.)
scold v. - abaara-abaarta ; lolla-lolta; miidha-miitta
scoop n. - buduuqoo-ni

scorn n. - balfa-i; tuffii-ni; v. - burungaha-goofta; miidha-miitta
scorpion n. - qaanjibuu-ni
scrap n. - bu'a; qoraachii-ni (Amh.)
scrape clean v. - yuukha-yuutta
scrape out v. - holla-hollita; hooqa-hooxxa
scrape v. - (a hide) duuga-duudda; duguuga-guudda
scrape v. - haadha-haatta; aqooqa-qooxxa, araaba-bda;

cora-corta; harra-rta; hoooqa-hooxxa; hoqonqola-lta;

saaka-saatta; taa'a-taata; xuruura-rta
scraped, be v. - luqaha-qaata
scraps (of food) n. - qocoo-ni
scraps n. - gajaaja-i

scratch v. - aqooqa-qooxxa; haadha-haatta; habardooqa-dooxxa; hooqa-hooxxa
scratch open v. - qirqita-qitta
scrawny (people or animals) n. - ruboo-ni
scrawny (thing) n. - qonkaa-ni

72



scrawny, be v. - gonchoca-chocca

scream v. - carrisa-rifta; oa-oota; oa-ooti

screw v. - michira-rta

screwdriver n. - mutaa-ni;

scrub v. - aqooqa-qooxxa; riga-ridda

scrubbing n. - rigansa-i

sea n. - baarii-ni

seal n. - mataaba-i (Amh.)

seal v. - qadaada-dda

seam n. - cimtuu-ni

sear v. - ruruuqa-xxa

search v. - doogama-mta; joora- rta

season n. - (short rains) hagayya-geetti

season n. - mara-i

season n .- four seasons: adoleessa, ganna, hagaya, bona

seclusion n. - ulmaa-ni

second n. - lameessoo-ni

second-hand (clothing) n. - salbaajiii-ni (Eng.)

secondly n. - lameessoo-ni

secrecy n. - qiirsaa-ni

secret n. - haalaa-ni; waan dhossaa; mistirii (Eng.); v. - qiirsa-sita

secrete fluid v. - silla-sillita

secretly (adv.) - laana; (emph.) laanuma

section n. - mitaa-ni; gosa-i; mogoo-ni

sediment n. - daadaa-ni; gaggaa-i; ficaa-ni (Amh.); baaduu-ni

seduce v. - faraha-raata

seducer n. - farahaa-ni

see v. - arga-gita; laala-laalta

seed n. - firee-ni (Amh.); senyii-ni; midhaani; (of fruit) - miciraani

seep through v. - shila-a-laata (Amh.)

seer n. - raaga-i; yuuba-i

segregate v. - fila-filta

seize each other v. - wal qaba-qabda

seize v. - birdifadha-fatta; habardooqa-dooxxa; qadhaba-bda; tindhisa-dhifta

seize violently v. - buta-butta

self (pron.) - ufi

self-esteem n. - uflaalaa-ni

self-reliant v. - kontooma-mta; jinjimadha - matta

sell v.- gurgura-rta

semi-solid n. - suphee-ni

send v. - erga-gita

sending n. - ergaa-ni

senile n. - raatuu-ni; raqa-i

sentence v. - mura-murta; n. qoraa-ni; qorsumaa-ni

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separate oneself v. - cinaatta'a-toofta

separate v. - baafadha-fatta; bassa-bassita; buqifadha-fatta; dhoosa-sita;

fila-filta; firfita-fitta; foo'a-ta; golla-gollita; halagadha-gatta
separately (adv.) - gargari
series n. - gogeessa-i

serious (adj.) - guddaa, guddoo, guddoo; jabaa, jabduu, jaboo; (pi.) jajjabaa
serious trouble, have v. - lubbaha-boofta
servant n. - boii-ni (Eng.)
servitude n. - harumaa-ni; garbumaa
set free v. - baasa-baafta; fura-furta
set v. - ka'a -keeta

settle a matter v. - taasisa-sifta (cf. ta"a); qora-qorta
settle v. - qubadha-batta; teessisa-sifta
seven n. adj. - torba
sever v. - faceesa-sita

sew v. - gooda-goodda; hodha-hodhita; waraana-nta
sexually attracted v. - dhangofadha-fatta
shack n. - gomphee; gojoo- (Amh.)
shade n. - gaadisa-i; gaasa-i
shady (place) n. - qaballee-ni
shaft (of spear) n. - soma-eti; somaya-i
shaft (of well) n. - kururuu-ni
shaft n. - soma-eti; somaya-i
shake v. - cuqqisa-qifta; bubbisa-bifta; gingilcha-iifta; holladha-latta; leleqa

lexxa; raasa-fta; roraasa-raafta; socoha-coota; chocoha-coota;

(oneself) birbirfadha-fatta; buuba-bda;

(continuously) - dhufissa-fta

shake (part of the body) v. - wila-wilita
shake (with anger) v. - roqooma-ta
shake v. (violently) harguffa-fta
shame n. - fokoo-ni; ceera-i
shameful (thing) n. - fokadhaba-i

shameful, do something v. faffaha-faffoofta

shameless person n. - fokadhabaa-ni

share v. - jifa-jifta; n. jifuu-ni; moggaa-ni

sharer n. - mogoo-ni

sharing n. - qooda-i

sharp (something) n. - lufee-ni

sharpen v. - qara-qarta; qara'a-raata

sharpness n. - qara-ti; abrii-ni

shave v. - haada-haadda; moyeessa-sita; cira-rta

she (pron.) - isiini

she who - ta (fern, form of the relative and possessive pronoun)

sheath n. - qalqala-ti

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sheep n. - hoola-ni, hooliyee-ni; abloo-ni; (female) -karsoo ;

(male) - eleemoo-ni; hoola-ni
sheepskin n. - qoola-i
shelf n. - miiljaloo-ni
shell n. - balkii-ni ; galaba-ni; qola-i
shelter from v. - qobadha-batta
shelter n. - bafta-i; bultii-ni; da'oo-ni; dhoqooba-i; gaadisa-i; gaasa-i;

goomphee-ni; hoosa-i; waaba-i ; gossee-ni
shelter v. - haffa-hafta
shield n. - wantee-ni
shift position v. - siqa-sixxa
shifting n. - siqansa-i
shimmy v. - cuqqisa-qifta

shine v. - calalaqa-laxxa; billiqa-lixxa; fiila-fiilta; ibsa-sita
shiny (adj.) - culluu
ship n. - markaaba-i
shirt n. - ubaara-i; qolloo-ni
shiver (with anger) v. - roqooma-ta

shiver v. - holladha-latta; - siblalaha-loofta; n. hollachaa-ni
shock n. - rifanoota-i

shock v. - makharsa-sita; rifachiisa-chiifta
shocked, be v. - bakaka-katta
shoddy (things) n. - qacalee-ni
shoe n. - kophee-ni
shoe polish n. - qalaamii-ni (Amh.)
shoot v. - tokkosa-kofta
shop n. - suuqii-ni (Amh.); duka (Swa.)

short (adj.) - gabaaba, gabaabdu, gabaabo; murqicha, murqitti, murqicha
short (and stocky) (adj.) - qura; (stature) - turquma
short and wide (adj.) - bakila
short distance n. - ejata-i
short n. - (person) haara-i
short time ago (adv.) - reefu
short, be v. - qudhaama-mta
shortage n. - diqqeena-i; hanqoo-ni
short-legged (adj.) - gica; geelabba-i
shortly (adv.) - dhi'o; diqqoo
shortness n. - gabaabina-i; hayuma-i
shorts n. - gomfaa-ni; hidaa-i; boggee-ni (Amh.)
shot glass n. - malakkaa-ni (Amh.)
shot n. (of gun) - tussii-ni
should (aux. v.) - silaa
should not v. - himmalle
shoulder - of people) n. gurmuu-ni; of animals - agooda-I

75



s



shoulder blade n. - ceekuu-ni; baleensuu-ni

shout v. - alalaasaa-sita; dhuqisa-qifta; iya-iyita; n. iyana-ti; lalabba-bda

shout angrily v. - riita'a-toofta

shove v. - hulfa-fita; kuunka-kita

shovel n. - ankaafaa-ni (Amh.), bawaa-ni (Amh.); bawwee-ni

show v. - akeeka-akeetta; - baana-nta

show off v. - baleela-lta; shooba-bda; n. - shoobaa-ni; shoobduu-ni

show oneself v. - mulladha-latta

shower n. - bukiyee-ni; furmaata-i; v. didiga-dididda

showing off (adj.) - surto

shrew n. - humbii-ni

shriek v. - oa-oota; n. oa-ooti

shrink (adv.) - hamussa+jedha

shrink v. - moggaasa-gaafta; qamaacha'a-chaata ;

qanchoradha-ratta; risa-rifta or richa
shrivel v. - qamaacha'a-chaata; qanchoradha-ratta; v. - risa-rifta
shriveling n. - qanchora-i
shut v. - qadaada-dda
siblings (pi.) n. - obboleeyyaani
sick, be v. - bukana'a-noofta; dhukkuba-bda
sick, feel v. - lilikha-litta
sickle n. - haamtuu-ni

sickness n. - dukkuba-i; dalaa-ni; himatoo-ni; (recurring) qassoo-ni
sickness n. (of camels) - kororaa-ni
sickness n. - dhukkuba-iSide (of body) - sobaa-ni
side by side n. - laakummaani

side n. - gamma-i; gombisa-i; goomolee-ni; moggaa-ni; roga-i; giraaba-i
sieve n. - meemee-ni

sieve v. - dhimbiiba-bda; n. dhimbiiboo-ni
sift v. - socoha-coota
sight n. - ila-ilti; mullii-ni
sign n. - firma (Ital.); guba; milikeeta-i (Amh.)
sign v. - farama-mta

signature n. - sainii-ni (Eng.); firma (Amh.)
silence n. - caqalii-ni
silent, be v. - callisa-lifta
silly (adj.) - gowwa
silver n. - qarsii-ni
similarity n. - wal fakkeenna-i
simple (adj.) - kasso
sin n. - baasa-i; cubbuu-ni; daba-i; lufa-i
sin v. - lufa-lufta; wallaala-lta; yakka-kita
since (conj.) - haga
sinewy n. - ribicha-i; ribittii-ni

76



S



s



sing v. - dhawwa-dhoofta; faarsa-sita; sirba-bita

singing n. - dha'icha-i; sirba-i

single n. - gumaa-ni; takka

sink v. - lixa-lixxa

sinner n. - haraamticha-i; lufticha-i; luftitii-ni

sinuous, be v. - daba-dabda

sip v. - durduura-rta; fiiqisa-qifta; una-ta; lacadha-catta; una-ta; xuuxa-xuuxxa

sisal n. - algee-ni, cakkee

sister n. - obboleettii-ni; (pi) obboleeyyaani

sister-in-law n. - sayyuu-ni; wasiila-i

sit down v. - taa'a-teetta

sit, make v. - teesissa-sifta

sitting n. - teessuma-ti

situation n. - fullaa-ni

six n.+ adj.- ja'aa

sixth n. -ja'eesso-ni

sixtieth n. - jaatameessoo-ni

sixty n.+ adj. - jaatama-i

sizzle v. - shifisa-fifta; shifisiisa-siifta

skill n. - ogumaa-ni

skilled, be v. - ogooma-mta

skin n. - gogga-ni; v. - qunchiisa-chiifta

skinned, be v. - quncaha-caata

sky n. - waaqa-i

slander n. - hammachaa-ni; xoophee-ni

slander v. - cocana-nta; hammaadha-maatta

slash v. - qu'a-quuta

slaughter v.- qala-qalta; n. qalachaa-ni; qalicha-i

slave n. - garbicha-i; garbitti-ni; garboota-ti; tisse-ni

sledgehammer n. - madoshaa-ni (Amh.); burisa

sleep v. - ciisa-ciifta; rafa-fta; caus. rafisa-fifta

sleepiness n. - hirriiba-i; muusoo-ni

sleepy, be - v. - hirriiba-bda; muusaha-soofta

slender (adj.) - huqqaa, huqqoo, huqqoo; qalla, qallo, qallo

slide v. - loha-loota ; mucucaha-coofta; mucucaadha-caatta;

sirinqadha-qatta;
slim (adj.) - qalla, qallo, qallo
slimy v. - hodanaha-noofta

slip v. - mucucaha-coofta; mucucaadha-caatta; sirinqadha-qatta;
slippery, make v. - mucuceessa-sita
slit v. - dira-dirta
slither v. - loha-loota

slope (of hill) n. - tarbee-ni; (downward) goodoo-ni; kofee-ni
slouch v. - qucaha-coofta

77



slow down v. - kosa-kocca; tirra-tirta

slowly (adv.) - laana; (emph.) laanuma; leeke; shonaani; sonaani; surto

small (adj.) - baaku; dhipha, dhipho, dhipho; diqqaa, diqqoo, diqqoo;

gabaaba, gabaabdu, gabaabo; yara, yartu, yaroo
small (fruit, grain) n. - qaracha-i

small (something or someone) n. - koloochoo-ni; kochora-i
small (thing) n. - burkee-ni; quucoo-ni; saara-i; ruphaa-ni; boocha-i; tuca-i
small and new n. - nyaraqaa-ni; nyarree-ni
small pieces n. - billee-ni
small pox n. - bagaa-ni

small, be v. - kushuma-mta; qeeta'a-toofta; n. (thing) qeetii-ni

small, become v. - luha-lutta ; moggaasa-gaafta

small, short n. - qurqucuu-ni

smart (adj.) - qaro

smash v. - carassa-sita

smear cowdung v. - faala-lta

smear v. - diba-bda; faala-lta

smell v. - ciinca'a-cofta; ajaa-jofta; urga'a-gofta; suufa-fta; dhawwa-dhoofta;

suufa-fta
smell badly - v. ajaha, ajoofta

smell n. - bad - bulaa-ni; xiraa-ni

smell n. - ulaa-ni
smell nice v. - foolaha-loofta
smelly (mouth of animals) n. - afajoo-ni
smelly, be v. - sussa'a-soofta
smile v. - qumaada-dda; seeqadha-qatta
smiling n. - seeqachaa-ni
smoke n. - aara-i

smooth v. - halaga-ladda; kolkola-lta; luceesa-sita; riga-ridda;
snake n. - illama-i; bofa-i
snake skin n. - muuxa-i
snap v. - qartammiisa-miifta
snatch v. - saama-mta
sneaky, be v. - ofadha-fatta
sneer - v. arabsa - sita
sneeze v. - hatisa-tifta
sneezing n. - hatisoo-ni
snide (thing) n. - haalaa-ni
snore v. - huursa-sita
snot n. - furroo-ni
snout n. - humbii-ni; oddoo-ni
so (conj.) - akkasi; eegi;
so and so n. - -faa (suffix); ebeluu-ni; abaluu-ni
so that (conj.)-akka

78



S



soak v. - dikiida-dda

soaked (adj.) - jiidajiitu, jiido

soaked, be v. - coollaha, loofta

soap n. - sabuna-i (Swa.); samunaa-ni (Amh.); andarqii-ni (Som.)

soapstone n. - hilintoo-ni

sob v. - hirqifadha-fatta

society n. - uumata-i

sock(s) n. - kharsii-ni (Amh.); shuraabii-ni (Amh.)

socket n. - boolee-ni

soda n. - magaadoo-ni

sodden, be v. - dabana-nta

soft (fruit, grain) n. - qaracha-i

soft (thing) n. - kachuu -ni; marduufa-i

soft, be v. - buka'a-koofta; somba-bita; dabana-nta

soft, become v. - dhi'a-diita; saamphala'a-loofta;

xaxxacha'a-coofta; xexxepha-phta
soft, wet substance n. - borxoxxee-ni
soften v. - riiqa-riixxa

softly (adv.) - laana; (emph.) laanuma; suuta
softness n. - laafma-i; luucaa-ni
soggy, be v. - coollaha, loofta
soil n. - lafa-ti; biyyee-ni; xura'a-roofta
soil (hard) n. - kokomicha-i; konkomicha-i
soil (loose) n. - ruruma-i; ruusoo-ni

soil (red) n. - ruussoo-ni; sorooroo-ni; (red or white) shiilaa-ni; shiiluu-ni
soldier n. - watadarii-ni (Amh.); xoorsaraawwitii-ni (Amh.)
sole n. - ganaa-ni; faan-ti
solid (adj.) - jabaa, jabduu, jaboo; (pi.) jajjabaa
solidify v. - coomphaha-phoofta; -jijima- mta
solitary (adj.) - kopha

solitude n. - kophaa-ni; qoomnii-ni; qoomi-ni
slide v. - soloola-lta; sololaha-laata
Somali n. - Safara-ti;

some (adj.) - tokko; takka; gari; - wa; wa'ii
someone n. - ebeluu-ni; abaluu-ni
something n. - wa; wa'ii; womaa; womu; homaa
something above n. - kurree-ni
something small n. - saara-i
something small, be v - qachacha-chita
son n. - ilma-i

song (of young girls) n. - mossii-ni
song n. - haagarroo-ni; waa farsiti; sirba-i
soot n. - qaqaa-ni
soothe v. - qabana'a-noofta

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s



sooty, become v. - qaqa'a-qoofta

sore n. - abdaraa-ni, mada

sore throat n. - saqara-i; silisa-sita

sore throat, have v. - silisa-sita

sores, have v. - madaha-doofta; madaa-ni

sorghum n. - misingaa; mashilaa-ni (Amh.); bobee-ni

soul n. - hafuura-i; lubbu-ni

sound n. - qonqo-ni; (splashing) dibiqa-i

sour, be v. - haddhawa-dhoofta

sour, become v. - bulungawa-goofta

south n. - bitaa-ni

sown v. - facaha-caata

space n. - (front of door) cichaa-ni

spacious (adj.) - bala, balo, balo

spaghetti n. - paastaa-ni (Ital.)

spark n.- qaanqaa-ni

spark v. - fmiina-nta; calalaqa-laxxa; bibiliqa-lixxa; ibsa- ibista

spatter v. - tiifa-fta

speak v. - cuuqqisa-qifta; baana-nta; jedha-jetta

speak constantly v. - xaxxisa-fta

speak wrongly v. - dogongora-rta

speaker n. - falqa-i

spear n. - eboo-ni; woraana-i

spear v. - waraana-nta;

special (adj.) - kopha; qofa (Gab.)

specialist n. - ogeesa-i; ogeettii-ni

speck n. - huuba-i; daadaa-ni

speckles n. - suukii-ni

speech n. - dubbii-ni; seeda-i

spell (evil) n. - murma-i

spend the day n. - ola; olmaha-i

spend the night v. - bula-bulta

sperm n. - jissaa-ni

sphincter n. - xannee-ni

spider (small, grey) n. - sarrii-ni; orbobiisa-i; sarrii-ni

spider web n. - saaphuphaa-ni; raaphuphaa-ni

spill v. - cunqursa-sita; nanaqa-naxxa; yaa'a-yaata

spilled v. - harcaha-caata; dhangalaha-laata

spine n. - birii-ni

spiral n. - dagalee-ni

spirit n. - ekeraa-ni; hafuura-i; lubbuu-ni; naphsee-ni

spit out v. - cirrifadha-fatta

spit up v. - alqadha-qatta ( used only for small children); didiga, bulgafadha

spit v. - biifa-fta; tiifa-fta; tufa-fta

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spittle n. - hanchufa-ti; tufaa-ni

splash v. - fifita-tta

spleen n. - rajeejii-ni

splice v. - takhaala-lta

splinter n. - filida-i; v. filideessa-sita

split up v. - fotoqa-toxxa

split v. - baqaqa-qaxxa; bargafadha-fatta; basaqa-saxxa; caba-bda;

falaxa-xxa (Amh.)
split, be - cita-citta; falaana-nta; tarsa'a-saata
splotched (thing) n. - botolee-ni bobotolee-ni
spoil v. - babadeessa-sita; dadara-rta; gata-gatta; hammaadha-maatta;

marqa-qita; meexa-meexxa; miidha-miitta
spoiled v. - midhika-dhitta
spoiler n. - qunqumicha-i; qunqumittii-ni;
spoiling n. - qunquma-i; qunqumaa-ni
sponge n. - huruffee-ni
spongy n. - hoffee-ni
spoon n. - kaasoo -ni(Som); mooqaa-ni
spot (white) n.-kalabsuu -ni

spot n. - biduu-ni ; karanchaaa -ni; ciira-i; hodolee-ni
sprain n. - buqa'-ni
sprain v. - midhisa-sita

sprained v. - midhika-dhitta; buqa'a-qaata; meeladha-latta
sprawl v. - calaala-ita; dhangalaha-laata; bakaafa-fta
spray v. - didiga-dididda; firfirsa-sita; tufa-fta
spread out v. - dagaaga-gaadda; afa, afta; diriirsa-sita
spread the legs v. - bargefadha-fatta
spread v. - cubussa-sita; facha-caata; labba-labda
spring (of water) n. - burqaa-ni; maddoo-ni; madda-iti
spring (of wire) n. - shiboo-ni (Amh.)
spring n. - baleessa-i
spring v. - ce'a-ceeta
sprinkle n. - buffee-ni; (ritual sprinkling) mooca-moocca; fifita; firfirsa;

biifa-fta; bilbila-lta; fifita-tta; firfirsa-sita; tiifa-fta
sprinkling n. - tiifuu-ni
sprout v. - arareesaha-soofta, biqila-lta; barduma-mta; biqila-lta; caleefa-fta;

latta-latta; n. latta-i; qunxa-xita; tusa-tucca; tucha-chita
spur (chicken, cattle, goats) n. - koronchoo-ni
spurfowl n. - wakarraa-ni
spurn v. - qiriba-bda
spurt v. - xinniqa-ixxa
spy v. - haaxeefadha-fatta; - dooyadha-yatta; gaada-gaadda;

n. xoqaamii-ni (Amh.); haaxoo-ni;
squash n. - bododda-i

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s



squash v. - tuma-tumta; uka-ita

squat v. - quphana-nta

squatting n. - teessuma-ti

squeak v. - xiixa-xiixxa

squeeze v. - cumfa-fita; dhandhooma-mta; kuucha-kuucca; macarsa-sita; miica

miicca; mudda-muddita
squirrel n. - tuqaa-ni
stab v. - waraana-nta
staff n. - orooroo-ni
stagger v. - daaqa-axxa; batatisa-tifta
stain v. - halla-lita; xura'a-roofta
stale, become v. - qamansa-sita
stalk n. - (of millet or sugar cane) aalaa
stallion n. - farda korma
stammer v. - gigisa-siifta
stamp n. - mataaba-i (Amh.)
stand up v. - eja-ejita; ka'a -kaata
star grass n. - sardoo-ni
star n. - urjii-ni; (bright) n. - bakalcha-i
starling n. - cuquliisa-i
start n. - qabaa-ni; qabiisa-i; yayyaba-i
start v. - jala qaba-qabda
startled, be v. - dammaqa-maxxa; rifadha-fatta
starvation n. - koolee-ni; koolawaa-ni
starve v. - bobossa-sita
status n. - shuuma-i
statute n. - seera-i
stay away from v. - miira-miirta
stay v. - majeefadha-fatta; majaha-joofta; ola-olta; qubadha-batta; taa'a-teetta;

tura-turta
steal v. - hata-hatta
steam n. - aara-i
steam v. - damfa-fita; finiina-nta
steep place n. - toronjii-ni
step n. - faanoo-ni
sterile (cow) n. - dhankaaka-i

sterile (woman) n. - masseena-i; harkuu-ni; v. hawa-hawita
sterile, become v. - goga-godda
sterility n. - masseenumaa-ni
sternum n. - laphee-ni
stick (ceremonial for women) n. - siiqee-ni
stick (for digging) n. - komfii-ni
stick n. - bonjaa-ni; bordaa-ni ; harchumee-ni; moroolee-ni ; qo'ee-ni;

salata-i; ulee-ni

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stick out v. - gooraha-rata; quuqa-quuxxa; quuqawa-qoofta;

ulufa'a-foofta
stick together v. - coomphaha-phoofta; lula-lulta
stick v. - maxana-nta
sticky v. - hodanaha-noofta
stiff (neck) n. - amjalloo-ni
stiff, be v. - sibra-brita
stiff, become v. - qorqooraha-roofta
stiffness n. - koteessa-i
stifle v. - uka-ita
stile n. - yaabdoo-ni

still (conj.) - ammalle, ammoo; immoo; immooye
still, be v. - ka'a -kaata
sting n.- ilkee-ni

sting v. - buqata-qatta; nyaadha-nyaata; qartammiisa-miifta
stingy, be v. - xiixa'a-xoofta

stink - v. ajaha-joofta ; bula'a-loofta; xira'a-roofta; ajaha; n. xiraa-ni
stinking (adj.) - batti; bakti
stir up v. - walti naqa-naxxa
stir v. - (a fire) goola-lta

stir v. - bulbula-lta; gargala-ta; irba-bita; kokorsa-sita; laaba-laabda; marqa-qita
stitch v. - gooda-goodda; hodha-hodhita
stitching n. - xiyyoo-ni
stocky (adj.) - tiira
stolen livestock n. - dhiiroo-ni
stomach n. - garaa-ni; garacha-i; qochumaa-ni
stone n. - dhagaacha-i; dhakaa
stone (of fruit) n. - kilee-ni
stone n. - dhakaa-ni
stones (small) n. - qurqura-i
stony (place) n. - kurkuruu-ni; bulee-ni
stool n. - marchumaa-ni; barchumaa-ni
stoop v. - duufa-fta; goba-bda; gomphoola-lta

stop v. - cufa-cufta; dhiisa-dhiifta; eega-eedda; indhisa-dhifta; tura-turta
stop it - laki!; diisi!
stop over v. - takkaara-rta
stop up v. - duucha-chita

stop v. - ittisa-ittifta; dallamsa-sita; dhaaba-dhaabda; eega-eedda;
storeroom n. - magazina-i (Ital.)
stork n. - babohaloona-i
storm n. - karfafuu -ni

stout (adj.) - furda, furdo, furdo; gabba, gabbo, gabbo
straight (adj.) - qajeela, qajeeltu, qajeelo; looko
straight (adj.) - looko

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straight, be v. - diriira-rta; sooyaha-yoofta; (adj. sooyama

straighten v. - qunquma-mta

straightness n. - huriisa-i

strain v. - gingilca-chita

stranger n. - Sidaama-ti; orma-i; mataqoo-ni (being ill at ease)

strangle v. - hudha-ta

strap (of leather) n. - bungee-ni; fannoo-ni; gaadi-ni; haada-i ;

mishibii-ni; qabatoo-ni; qundhii-ni; seemsaa-ni
straw n. - cidii-n (Amh.); dhuyyuma-ti
stray v. - miliqa-lixxa
stream v. - xuxxuruursa-sita
street n. - kara -ni

strength n. - forsaa- ni (Ital.); humna-iti; irree-ni; onnee-ni
strengthen v. - da'eesa-sita; gonoofa-fta
stretch v. - afa, afta; diriirsa-sita; fada-fadda; hiitadha-tatta;

(a skin) dhissa-dhifta
stretcher n. - wasaasaa-ni
stride (of camel) n. sodhoboo-ni
stride v. akabsadha-satta; n. - sadhaba-i
string (of leather) n. - dhi'ee-ni
string (of sisal) n. - ilkoolee-ni; miseensa-i

strip v. - follosa-sita; fofollosa-sita; qunchiisa-chiifta; xuruuradha-ratta
striped (adj.) - daammi
striped, be v. - mumura-ta
stripes n. - barruu-ni; muramura-i

stripped v. - quncaha-caata; folloqa-loxxa; folloqa-i - (something stripped bare)
strips n. (wood) filxii-ni (Amh.)
strive v. - carraaqa-raxxa; dogoma-mta; qolcha-cita
stroke v. - hoosa-sita
strong (adj.) - wadalla; baara, baartu, baara; (pi.) babaaro;

addu (of animals) -; jabaa, jabduu, jaboo; (pi.) jajjabaa; mooti;

furda, furdo, furdo
strong (person or animal) n. kootee-ni; korkoree-ni
strong (person) n. - qommicha-i; qeericha-i
strong n. - kotoola-i

strong, be v. - jabaadha-baatta; ribaha-boofta; make v. - ribeessa-sita

stubble n. - qunxaa-ni

stubbornness n. - siriima-i

stubby, be v. - jirma -jirmita

student n. - barratu-i; (pi.) baratoota-i

study v. - barradha-atta; tamaara-rta (Amh.)

stumble v. - gatantara-rta; mucucaha-coofta; mucucaadha-caatta

stunted (adj.) - tuura

stunted, be v. - ukura'a-roofta; qanchara-rta

84



stupid (adj.) - gowwa

stupid n. - gadareesa-i; daallee-ni; gadaaricha-i; roodaa-ni;

monyii-ni (Amh.)
stupid, be v. - daalaha-loofta
stupidity n. - daaleessaa-ni; daaluma-ti
stutter v. - gigisa-siifta
stuttering n.- gigee-ni
substance n. - nafa-i
substitute n. - gayyaa

succeed v. - itti ba'a-baata ; milkawa-koofta
successful, be v. - dabra-barta
suck v. - dhunguga-gudda; hodha-hoota; lefadha-fatta; xuuxa-xuxxa;

xuuxadha-xatta
sucker n. - hijinjii-ni

suckle v. - hodha-hoota; qarchaasa-chaafta
suddenly (adv.) - tassa
sufficient, be v. - gaha-geeta
suffocate v. - hudha-ta
suffocation n. - hudhansa-i

sugar n. - sukarii; sha'ii; sokortii-ni; sukaara-ti (Swa.)
sugarcane n. - shonkoraa-ni (Amh.)
suitable, be v. - ta'a-taata
suitcase n. - saatinaa-ni (Amh.)
summit n. - gubbaa-ni
Sunday n. - Sambata (Orom.); Dilbata
sundown n. - gumaani ya bu'e
sunflower n. - suufii-ni (Amh.)
sunken, be v. - dhaamaha-moofta; modhoka-dhotta
sunlight n. - caama-i
sunrise n. - biiftuu-ni
sunset - aduun ya dhiite
superior (adv.) - ola-olitti
support n. - kala -kalta

support n. - lamsa-i (Guji); irree-ni; kalchaa -ni
support v. - fida-fidda; hirba-hirbita; hirkadha-katta;

kiba-kibda; qarqaara-rta; gargaara-rta; saaba-bda; utuba-utubda;

se'a-seeta; n. hirkoo-ni; n. kiboo-ni
suppress v. - uka-ita
suppurate v. - malaha-loofta
suppuration n. - malaa-ni
sure! (adj. + adv.) - mirkanna!
surely (adv.) - silaaftu
surpass v. - caala-lta; dabra-barta
surprise n. - mama-i

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surprised, be v. - mama-mamta

surround v. - marsa-sita

surrounded, be v. - gingeesa-sita

survive v. - nyaraaqa-raxxa; qodadha-batta

survivor n. - ba'eessa-i; ba'eettii-ni; fiiga-i

suspect v. - ciicadha-catta

suspend v. - fanafadha-fatta

suspended, be v. - raraha-raata

suspicion n. - (wal) se'achaa-ni; birraa-ni

suspicious, be v. - suufa-fta

sustain v. - soora-rta

swaggering n. - buuphaa-ni

swallow n. - raaree-ni

swallow v. - liqimsa-sita

swamp n. - caffaa-ni

swap v. - jijjira-ta;

sway v. - daaqa-axxa; fanafadha-fatta; fuutisa-tifta; roraha-ta;

socoha-ta; roraasa-raafta
sweat v. - damfa-fita
sweater n. - shuraabii-ni (Amh.)
sweep v. - harra-rta; haxaha-xata; sossa-sita
sweeping n. - harma-miti

sweet, be v. - urga'a-goofta; miyawa-yoofta; qunxulaha-loofta
sweeten v. - qunxuleessa-sita
sweets n. - karamellaa -ni
swell v. - bokoka-kotta; bukisa-kifta; buqacha'a-choofta; burdawa-doofta;

buupha-phta; dhussaha-soofta; furfuura-ta; itaha-toofta; kulkula-lta;

tiibba'a-boofta; xillibba'a-boofta
swelling n. - dhussoo-ni; iitoo-ni; kursoo-ni; quunyoo-ni ; waciba-i;

dirmamuu-ni
swerve v. - cilaafadha-fatta
swindler n. - malticha-i; maltittii-ni
swing v. - cuqqisa-qifta; furiisa-riifta; raasa-fta; rootisa-tifta; roraha-ta;

socoha-ta
switch v. - milisa-sita

swollen v. - bota'a-toofta okholadha-latta; dhofaha-foofta; dhodhoofaha-foofta
swollen (adj.) - raba; xili
swollen eye n. - bokkoo-ni
swollen throat, have v. - silisa-sita
sword n. - gorraadee-ni- aflameeda-i (double-bladed); seeftii-ni;

sheeftii-ni (Som.)
syphilis n. - falxaataa-ni



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table n. - tarapheezzaa-ni (Amh.)

taboo n. - habra-i; haraama -i (Arb.); laguu-ni

tail n. - eegee-ni

take (ahead of time) v. - simta-tita

take an interest v. - yaala-lata

take away v. - baasa-baafta; baafadha-fatta; fageessa-sita

take care of v. - salfa-fita; fida-fidda; eegadha-gatta

take from v. - baafadha-fatta

take off v. - buufaadha-fatta; faaqa-faaxxa; buufadha-fatta;

mulqa-qita; salqa-qita; irraa mura-rta
take out v. - baasa-baafta; futa-futta
take over v. - dhaala-lta
take turns v. - marreessa-sita
take v. - fuudha-fuuta; geesa-sita; qaba-qabda; qola-qolta;

simta-tita; (one by one) gurteesa-sita
take! - hoo!; hoodhi!; (pi.) hoodhaa
talk v. - dubbadha-batta
talk much v. - ogisa-ogifta
tall (adj.) - daaqa, daaxu, daaqo; dheera
tall (person) n. - qoortii-ni
tamarind (tree) n. - rooqaa-ni
tame adj. - kasso
tame v. - matassa-sita
tamp v. - sibrisiisa-siifta
tan (adj.) - magaala
tapeworm n. - minnii-ni
tar n. - renjii-ni (Amh.)
tarpaulin n. - sharaa-ni (Amh.)
tassel n. - handaara-i
taste v. - dhandhama-mta; una-ta
tasteless v. - busha'a-shoofta
tawny (adj.) - daallu

tax n. - damooza (Amh.); gibira-i; koodii-ni (Swa.)
tea (black) n. - strungii-ni (Saw., Eng.)
tea (leaves) n. - sha'ii; majaanii (Swa.)
teach v. - barsiisa-sifta; lenjisa-jifta; tamarsiisa-siifta
teacher n. - barsiisaa-ni; barsiiftuu-ni; astamaarii-ni (Amh.)
teaching n. - barnoota-i; barsiisaa-ni; tamaarii-ni
team n. - gollii-ni
teapot n. - moqoqoraa-ni
tear open v. - qirqitadha-tatta
tear v. - buta-butta; cira-cirta
tearful, be v. - nyonyooka-yootta
tears n. - imimaan



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tease v. - caacursa-sita; goyeessa-sita; qalada-ladda (Amh.);

taphadha-phatta
teasing n. - tapha-i
teat n. - gurruu-ni; mucha-i
teff n. - xaaafii-ni Amh.)
tejj n. - daadhii; xajjii-ni (Amh.)
telephone n. - silkii-ni (Amh.); simuu (Swa.)
tell v. - hima-himta; odeessa-sita
temperament n. - miira-i
temperature n. - qandhoo-ni
temptation n. - ilaalachaa-ni
ten n.+ adj.- kudhani
ten (group) n. - kurnya-i
ten birr note n. - bondii-ni (Eng.)
tendon n. - maceera-i; morgaha-i; ribuu-ni
tense, be v. - dallana-nta
tent n. - waaroo-ni
tenth n. - kudhaneessoo-ni
termite n. - limoo-ni; abbalimo-ni
terrified, be v. - giddaha-doofta; murgama-mta
terror n. - murgama-i
test n. - fatana-i (Amh.)
testicles n. - gungumaa-ni
testimony n. - dhugeessaa-ni
thankfulness n. - galata-i
that (pron.) - ka-ta

that (pron.) - kuni; tuni; kunini; tunini; suni
thatch v. - kaba -kabda
theft n. - hanna-i
them (pron.) - isaani

then (adv.) - duuba; eegi ; jennaani; lama; yoosi
there, over there (adv.) - achi
therefore (adv.) - eegi ; tanaafl; yoosi
these (pron.) - kuni; tuni; kunini; tunini
they (pron.) - isaani; jarra-i
thick, be v. - kantara -rta; bora-borta; gobba-bita
thick, become v. - bora-borta
thicken v. - itita-ititta
thickset (adj.) - furda, furdo, furdo
thief n. - hattuu-ni
thigh n. - luka-lutti, (back of thigh) albaaquu-ni; uduuda-ddi; gudeeda-i;

mudanmuddii
thin (adj.) - goollo; huqqaa, huqqoo, huqqoo; qalla, qallo, qallo; become

- qalla-qalta; bonqooqa-i; qafiifa; happhi

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T



:hin person n. - bonqooqa-i

:hin, be v. - bobossa-sita; gaagaama-mta; labaha-boofta; gandaha-doofta;

gonnadha-natta; goodhaha-dhoofta; haffalaha-loofta
hin, become v. - haaladha-latta; qerebadha-batta; xaxxacha'a-choofta
hings n. - miha-i

hinness n. - gandii-ni; gandisaa-ni; huqquu-ni
hird n.+ adj. - sadeeni
hirst n. - dheebuu-ni

hirst v. - (livestock only) saldaqa-daxxa; dheeboodha-boota; laphisa-phifta
hirty n. - sodooma-i

his (pron.) - kuni; tuni; kunini; tunini; (accus.) tana (fern.); kana (masc.)
his (one) (pron.) - tuni; tunini; kuni; kunini; kama-tama
histle n. - sokoruu-ni
hong n. - dhi'ee-ni; - haadimuu-ni
horn (hooked) n. - ogoraa-ni; goraa-ni

horn n. - qoraati-ni; (small) qilxiphee-ni; ogoraa; ragaada-i; (many) shilkii-ni
hose (pron.) - kuni; tuni; kunini; tunini
houghts n. - ribuu-ni
housand n. - kuma-i
hread n. - kirii-ni; lilaana-i
hreat n. - dhangaa-ni; farroo-ni

hreaten v. - aggadha -gatta; dorsisa-sifta; farrifadha-fatta; sodaachisa-chifta
hree n. - sadi; sadeeni
hresh v. - bonkisa-sita (Amh.); baasa-sita
hreshing floor n. - oobdii-ni (Amh.)

hroat n. - gomaraa-ni; liqimsaa-ni; lubbuu-ni; qooqee-ni; hookoo-ni
hrob v. - dhawwa-dhoofta; dhudhukadha-katta; n. dhudhukachaa-ni
hrough (prep.) - keessa, ke
hrow v. - darba-bita; finiinsa-sita; hadha-daata

hrow away v. - gata-gatta; - foonkolcha-chita; dabarsa-sita; hadarsa-sita
hrust v. - hulfa-fita

hunder n. - dibbeesa-I; dibbiisaa-ni; mandia-ita; n. - mandiaa-ni; mandiisuu-ni
rhursday n. - Kamisa; Hamuusi
ick n. - cinnii, dirandisa; silmii-ni; bunuunii-ni; dirandisa-i; bununi;

dakhoo-ni; yaaqala-i
icket n. - kiraa-ni
ickle v. - qirqirsa-sita; qirqirsaa-ni

ie v. - ca'a-ca'ata; duudha-ta; gudunfa-fita; hidha-hiita; mara-rta;xurisa-rifta
ight (adj.) - dhipha, dhipho, dhipho
ight, be v. - xiixa'a-xoofta
ighten v. - mudda-muddita
ightness n. - qataaraa-ni
ill (conj.) - haga
ill v. - obra-obrita

89



tilt v. - kofisa-fifta

time n. - bara-i; haga-i; sa'aatii-ni (Amh.); aduu-ni, yeroo, gafa;

(Amh.) gizee-ni; bara; jabanna-i; hojjaa-ni; mara-i; yeroo-ni;

-marroo-ni; next takaa tana

time(s) n. - yo; yoi; yeroo

time (for moving) n. - quftuma-i

timid, be v. - daafana-nta; ceera-rta

timidity n. - fokoo-ni

tin (1 litre) n. - xaasaa-ni (Amh.)

tin can n. - bibii-ni

tingling (feeling) v. - qarqarsa'a-soofta

tinkle v. - qilisa-lifta; n. qileesa-i

tiny n. - burke-ni (of seeds or grain); bit n. - xuunee-ni

tip n. - mataa-ni; fiixee-ni; ilkee-ni

tire n. - goomaa-ni (Ital.)

tired, be v. - dadhabba-bda

tired, become v. - dhi'a-dhiita

tiredness n. - sombaa-ni

to - -fi (suffix); gara

to you - sii

toad n. - raacha-i

toadstool n. - abbaa marqoo-ni; marqoo-ni; shoobaa-ni

toast v. - akaawwa-akoofta or akaha-akoofta

tobacco n. - sabala-i; tamboo-ni; bachoo-ni; hobossa-i

today n. - ardhaa-ni

toddler n. -da'ima-i

toddling n. - galifoo-ni

toe n. - quba-i

together n. - shanacha-i; wal; wol

tolerance n. - obsa-i; obsaa-ni

tolerate v. - baadha-baata; obsa-obsita

tomato n. - nyanyaa-ni (Swa.)

tomb n. - irreesa-i

tomorrow n. - borii-ni

tongs n. - qadhabaa-ni

tongue n. - arabba-i

tonight n. - edana

tonsure n. - bantii-ni

too (adv.) - ammalle

tooth (teeth) n. - ilkaani; ma'eela-i

toothbrush n. - rigaa-ni

top n. - mataa-ni; fiixxee-ni; gubbaa-ni; kurree-ni

torch n. - batterii-ni (Eng.)

torment v. - gama-gamta; makharsa-sita; mudda-muddita

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torn, be v. - cita-citta; tarsa'a-saata

torrent n. - lollaa-ni

torso n. - agooda-i (of people), upper ( of animals) agooda-i;

torso - qoma, laphee
tortoise n. - qocaa-ni
total n. - cufa

totter v. - daaqa-axxa; gatantara-rta; leleqa-lexxa
touch v. - tuqa-tuxxa
towards (prep) - gara
trace n. - faana-ti
trachea n. - qooqee-ni
track n. - faana-ti
track v. - hordooffa-fta
trade v. - dilaala-lata (Amh.); daldala
trader n. - gurguraa naqaa
tradition n. - aadaa
trailer n. - gareetaa-ni

train v. - lenjisa-jifta; barsisa-sifta; matassa-sita
traitor n. - kaadaa -ni(Amh)
trample v. - dhiita, dhiitta; looba-bda
tranquility n. - caqali-ni
transfer v. - jijira-ta; qayarama-ta (Amh.)
transgress v. - takkaarfadha-fatta
translator n. - turjubaana-i; afinaqii-ni (Amh.)
transparent, become v. - saamphala'a-loofta; xaxxacha'a- coofta
trap n. - xuruuraa; qambara-i (Amh.); v. - xuruura-rta
travel food n.- wareega; sinqii-ni (Amh.)
traveler n. - ideemaa-ni; ideemtuu-ni
tray n. - sahaniiyaa-ni
tread on v. - dhiita-dhiitta
treat carefully v. -karkarsa -sita

treat medically v. - walaana-nta; medical treatment n. - walaansa-i
tree n. - muka-i
trek n. - kunna-i
tremble v. - holladha-latta; hollachaa-ni; reeqisa-qifta, socoha-coota;

chocoha-coota
tribe n. - saabaa-ni; gosa
trick v. - soba-sobda
trigger n. - qaataa-ni (Amh.)
trim v. - qunquma-mta; quruuxa-ruuxxa
tripod n. - gulichaa-ni
trot v. - sussuka-sutta
trouble n. - adaaba-i



91



T



T



trouble n. - baqaa-ni, rakoo-ni; ciqicciqii-ni (Amh.); bakaakaa-ni;

dhiba; nartii-ni (Amh.); dhindhisaa-ni; dhiphuu-ni; hooloo-ni;

qashihi'aa-ni
trouble v. - dhiba-dhibda; maassa-sita
trouble, have v. - gaargala-lta; bakaka-katta; yaala-lta
troubled, become v. - muddadha-datta

troublemaker n. - jallaa-ni; quufenyaa-ni (Amh.); kakarii -ni (Amh); karmura -i
trough n. - gomboo-ni; nannigaa-ni
trousers n. - hidhaa-ni; bolalee-ni (Amh.)
truant n. - algala-i
true (adv.) - qubo; dhugaa
true! - mirkanna!
truly (adv.) - dhugumaa
trumpet n. - magalata; xurumbaa-ni (Amh.)
trumpet v. - maraasa-sita
trunk (elephant) n. - oddoo-ni; humbii
trust v. - amana-nta
trust n. - dhugeefachaa-ni
truth n. - dhugaa-ni; jeemfa-i

try v. - halaaqadha-qatta; moqora-rta (Amh.); itti gama
trypanosomiasis n. - (sleeping sickness) - (camels) dhukaana-i;

(cattle) awarsa, gandii, luuxaa
tsetse fly n. - kitaana-i

Tuesday n. - gebaya diqqo; Maksenyo (Amh.)
tuft n. (of hair) - guutuu-ni
turban n. - malakeena-i
turban (dark) n. - ruufa-ti; (white) - surree-ni
turn (take turn) v. - taraa-ni (Amh.); marroo
turn back v. - rara-rarta
turn over v. - gombisa-bifta
turn v. - gargala-ta; jiiroo-ni; qonyee-ni
turn-off n. - gorsumaa-ni; jiroo
turtle n. - qocaa-ni

tusk n. - ilka arba; kalaadii; ilka-ilkiti
tweezers n. - baasaa-ni
twenty n. - didama-i
twice (adv.) - yo lama
twin n. - lakuu-ni

twine v. - ca'a-ca'ata; - michira-rta
twinkle v. - calalaqa-laxxa
twist n. - dagalee-ni; foloqa-i
twist v. - borcha-chita; mamara-ta; mara-rta; maxxaaria-rita; michira-rta;

midhisa-sita; ca'a-ca'ata; caasa-caafta
twisted, be v. - midhika-dhitta; daba-dabda; meeladha-latta

92



two n. - lacuu-ni; lama; lamaanuu-ni
two-colored v. - shooma-mta
type n. - gosa-i



u



udder n. - gurruu-ni; qalaamee-ni

ugliness n. - koroomaa-ni

ugly (adj.) - gonjoba; n. - dhanqalee-ni

ugly, be v. - homforoqa-roxxa

ulcer n. - gilindee-ni

ululate v. - ililisa-lifta

umbilical cord n. - handhura-ti

umbrella n. - xilaa-ni (Amh.)

unable, be v. - abeeba, bda

unable, become v. - silala-ta

unapproachable, be - mandiida-dda

unattractive (adj.) - gonjoba; dhanqalee-ni

unattractive, be v. - hommforoqa-roxxa; koroomaha-moofta; busha'a-bushoofta

unbind v. - hiika-hitta

uncle n. - abbuyaa; abba diqa

unclean n. - haraama-i (Arab.)

unclear (word) n. - mooda-i

unconscious, be v. - wagaggaha-goofta

uncooked (adj.) - dheedhi

uncountable n. - kunkii-i

under (prep.) - jala; jalaa

underdone (adj.) - dheedhi

undershirt n. - shamisii-ni (Fr.)

underside n. - jala-i

understand v. - agara-rta; arga-gita; beeka-beeta; dhagaha-geetta;

hubadha-batta; qorqoradha-ratta
understanding n. - beekumaa-ni
undertake v. - jalqaba-bda
uneducated (person or animal) n. - mooga-i
uneven (place) n. - toronjii-ni
uneven n. - kakatee-ni
uneven, be v. - golompadha-fatta; quuqa-quuxxa; quuqawa-qoofta;

saakarawa-roofta
unevenness n. - karanchaa -ni
unexpectedly (adv.) - lafiifo; tassa
unfair, be v. - riiqa-riixxa
unfasten v. - hiika-hitta
unfold v. - diiga-diidda
unhappy, be v. - ooda-oodda; oodaha-doofta; luuxaha-xoofta

93



uniform(ly) (adj and adv..) - qixxee

unimportant n. - (person) haara-i

uninhabited (area) n. - raassaa-ni

unintelligent n. - gadareesa-i; daallee-ni

unity n. - obbolumaa-ni; obboleeyyuma-ti; walumaa-ni

unkempt, be v. - huuraha-roofta

unknowingly (adv.) - lafiifo

unlawful n. - haraama-i (Arb.)

unless (conj.) - malee

unmarried girl n. - galtama; foodoo-ni (Gab.)

unmoving v. - sibra-brita

unpleasant (thing or condition) n. - bohee-ni; bangee-ni

unpleasant, be v. - koroomaha-moofta

unrefined (adj.) - qarchacha

unripe (adj.) - bargoo-ni; qaracha-i

unripe v. - bargaha-goofta; magarra-rta

unsteady (child) n. - galilfoo-ni

unsure, be v. - tnatamaha-moofta

untended (adv.) - hadiyoo

untidy n. - adayyuu-ni, a disorganized, slovenly person;

(housewife) - bosaha-i, adayyuu; onticha-i; shufuroo-ni (Amh.)
untidy, be v. - hoxxaha-xoofta

untie v. - fura-furta; gadhiisa-dhiifta; hiika-hitta; mulqa-qita
until (prep. + conj.) - haga
untrained, be v. - mandiida-dda
up (adv.) - ola-olitti
upon (prep.) - irra
upper arm n. - uduuda-ddi
upright (adj.) - looko
uproar n. - caara-i; wacaa-ni
upset v. - laaba-laabda
upset, be v. - mufadha-fatta
urge v. - ejachiisa-ciifta; n. - araadda -i
urinate v. - fincaha-coofta
urine n. - fmcaani
us (pron.) - nu
useful (thing) n. - doobla-i
useless (adj.) - dootu; goofoo
useless ! - bilash! (Amh.);

useless (adj.) - (Amh.) bilash; waan muyoo; muyoo; baaku; duwwa;
useless (person) n. - bozonee-ni ; duriyyee-ni (Amh.); algala; midissaa-ni;
useless, be v. - seseega-seseedda; bufa-fita;

v. become muyadha-yatta

uterus n. - saaba-i

94



U



V



vaccinate v. - kataba-bta

vaccination n. - kitibaatii; talalla-ni (Amh.)

vagabond n. - algalaa; ranjula-i

vagina n. - booda-i; muxee-ni; buqa

vague n. - coora-i

vague, be v. - huraha-roofta; tantamaha-moofta; wara'a-roofta

vagueness n. - tantammii-ni

valley n. - dareera-i; balee-ni

value n. - gatti-ni

vanish v. - cali + jedha

vantage (point) n. - doofii-ni

vegetable (leafy green) n. - raafuu-ni

vegetation (dense) n. rima-i

vein n. - gonnee-ni; idda-i; moola-i

venerate v. - sarma-mita; saalfadha-fatta

vertebrae n. (cervical) - horroo-ni

very (adv.) - guddoo

vest n. - shamisii-ni (Fr.); shisii-ni (Fr.)

view n. - mullii-ni

vigor n. - humna-iti

village n. - ollaa-ni; (ritual) - yaa'a; warra-i; warreena-i

violate v. - dadara-rta

virgin land n. - bajjii-ni

visage n. - fuula-i

viscera n. - marumaani

visible, be v. - mulladha-latta

visible, become v. - futisa-tifta

vision n. - daayyaa-ni

visit n. - (for business) imaltuu-ni

visiting n. - oolii-ni

visitor n. - ideemaa-ni; ideemtuu-ni; keessumaa-ni

voice n. - qoonqoo-ni; gollaa-ni; (weak) v. - mararisa-rifta

volcanic crater n. - boqee-ni

volcanic stones n. - booralee-ni

vomit v. - bulgafadha-fatta; didiga-dda; alqafadha; (repeatedly) haqisa-qifta;

voracious (person) n. - glutton - agarii-ni; want to qooqifadha-fatta

vow n. - kakuu -ni; didhaa-ni

vulgar, speak v. - laalifadha-latta

vulnerable parts n. - dhalluu-ni

vulture n. - alaatii-ni, sabooba-ni; simphira-ti; (hooded) - rummicha-i

vulva n. - (of animal) fagara-ti



95



w



waddle v. - bakaafa-fta

wage n. - musaraa-ni; damooza-i (Amh.)

wail v. - nyonyola-lta; oa-oota; wakala-ta

waist n. - hidhaansa-i; mudhii-ni

wait v. - eega-eedda

waiting n. - eegachaa-ni

walk (bent over, stooped over) v. - luluka-lutta

walk v. - dhaqa-daxxa;deema-mta; yaa-ta

walking n. - sadhaba-i

wall n. - edeeda-i; (Amh.) girgiddaa-ni

wander v. - algala-lta; labba-labda; qixisa-xifta

want v. - barbaada-badda; fedha-fetta; halcha-chita

war n. - waraana; weeraa-ni (Amh.); duula; lola; oolkii-ni (Amh.)

warm v. - koosa-sita; qaanqamadha-matta

warm, be v. - buluqa-luxxa; fuura-rta

warn v. - dhaama-mta

warning n. - dhangaa-ni

warren n. - dhukuu-ni

wart n. - kormomaani

warthog n. - goljaa-ni

wash v. - dhiqa-dhixxa

wasp n. - sonsa-i; sonsoha-i

wasted v. - harcaha-caata

watch v. - laala-laalta; qorqora-rta

watchman n. - qaafira-i (Som.); zebenya (Amh.); salfaa

water n. - bisaani; (salty) - kuroo-ni

water pipe n. - tubboo-ni; bomba-ni

water v. - obaasa- obaafta; oggaha-geeta

waterbuck n. - doomsoo-ni

waterfowl n. - dakiyee-ni

watering (of cattle) n. - obaa-ni

watering n. - limaalima-i (second day after )

watering of cattle n. - too'otii-ni; too'icha-i

waterpot n. - taarii-ni

watery v. - soolaha-loofta; (adj.) soolicha; soolitti

waxing, moon (shiny) n. - addii, addeesa-i

way n. - kara -ni

we (pron.) - nu

weak (adj.) - baaku; bakti; batti; dootu ; happhi ; muyoo;

v. become muyadha-yatta; qafiifa; yara, yartu, yaroo; dhedhanno

weak (person) n. - dannabaa-ni; midissaa-ni; mujujaa-ni; laacaa-ni;

(thing or person) n. - kochora-i; bullaa-ni
weak spring of water v. - adaha-adaata; n. madda-iti, adaadii- ni



96



w



weak, be - daafana-nta; dadhabba-bda; gaagaama-mta;

kammaha -maata; labaha-boofta; qodhabaha-boofta;

bufa-fita; dhokadha-katta; gonnadha-natta; goodhaha-dhoofta;

mujuja-mujujja; qeeta'a-toofta; soonso'a-soofta; taadha'a-dhofta;

wara'a-roofta; wintaha-toofta; n. (thing) qeetii-ni;

weak, become v. - dhi'a-dhiita; haaladha-latta ; jinfaha-foofta;

seseega-seseedda; xexxepha-phta; abeeba-bda
weaken v. - taadheessa-sita
weakling n. - mucee-ni
weakness n. - koolee-ni; koolawaa-ni; laafina-i; lulama-i; lulamaa-ni; gandii-ni;

gandisaa-ni; huqquu-ni; leleqaa-ni
wealth n. - horii-ni; hormaata-i
wealthy, be v. - macha'a-choofta
weapon n. - dullaa-ni (Amh.); bokkuu
weave v. - hodha-hodhita; xaxa-xaxxa
weaving n. - dha'icha -i
web n. - saaphuphaa-ni
wedding n. - fuudha; oroosa-i (Swa.)
Wednesday n. - Robi; dabsu gebaya diqo
weed v. - araama-mta; weeding n. - araamaa-ni; golgaala-lta (Amh.);

keessaa guura
weep v. - boo'a-boota; qarcha'a-chaata
weeping n. - imimaan
weevil n .- daanoo-ni (Amh

weigh v. - mizaana-nta (Swa.); n. kiiloo-ni. (Ital.); mizaana-i (Swa.)
weighty (adj.) - ulfa, ulfo, ulfo

well (adj.) - baara, baartu, baara; (pi.) babaaro; sirri; dhugaa
well (adv.) - shonaani; sonaani
well (of water) n. - tulaa-ni; eela-i
well cooked v. - bilchaadha-chaata
well, be v. - fayya-fayyita
well-being n. - finna-i
well-informed n. - saricha-i; saritti-ni
well-mannered (adj.) - kasso
welt n. - dirmamuu-ni
wet (adj.) - jiidajiitujiido; dhedhanno

wet, be v. - coollaha-loofta; dabana-nta; faltaha-toofta; nyonyooka-yootta
wetness n. - dabana-i
what about? - ho?
wheat n. - dargayyee; qamadii-ni
wheedle v. - sobadha-batta

wheelbarrow n. - kareeta -i (Ita); gaarii-ni; gareetaa-ni
wheeze v. - xiixa-xiixxa
wheezing n. - xiixaa-ni

97



w



when (adv. + conj.) - adoo, atoo; gaafa; haga

when? - yoomi?

whence - eessaa?

where - eessa; yo + u tense

where (?) - gara; garami? me?

where from? - eesaa?

where is it (he)? - mere?

where then? - mere?

where? - eessa

whey n. - dhamma-ti

which (pron.) - ka-ta

which way? - eessa?

which? - which one? - kami ?,tami?

while ( conj. + adv.) - adoo, atoo

whine n. - boo'a-boota

whinny v. - imimisa-sita

whip n. - halangee-ni (Amh.); qacee-ni; lichoo-ni; harcumee-ni

whip v. - dhaana-nta; facisa-cifta;

whir v - burisa-rifta

whisper v. - hasaasa-hasaafta; hasaasaa-ni

whistle v. - phiiphisa-phifta; fiissa-sita; gently v. - shawisa-wifta

n. phiiphiisa-i; fiiquu-ni; fulidoo-ni; fiissa-i
white (adj.) - adii (kallaate); calqi ; boroora (for horses and mules)
white, become v. - addaadha -datta; n. whiteness- addeenna
who (pron.) - ka-ta
who(m)? - eennu?
who?- kami?,tami
wholesome n. - sifaa-ni sifeesaa-ni
whom (pron.) - ka-ta

whooping cough v. - yiika'a-koofta; n. yiikee-ni
whose (pron.) - (fern. )ta; (m) ka
wick n. - kirii-ni
wickedness n. - qasihi'aa-ni
wide (adj.) - bala, balo, balo
widen v. - diriirsa-sita; fada-fadda
wife n. - niitii-ni; nadheeni;
wild animal n. - busawwa-i; bineensa-i
wild dog n. - sarree diidaa; ya'ii-ni; yayii-ni
wild, be v. - mandiida-dda
will n. - fedhii-ni
win v. - curda-dita; jaarsa-sita
wind n. - (strong) bubbee-ni; (normal) qileensa
windpipe n. - lubbuu-ni; qoonqoo-ni
windy and cold v. - qiida'a-doofta; n. qiidaa-ni



w



wink v. - qisa-qicca

winner n. - qolchaa-ni

wipe (out) v. - sossa-sita; haaqa-xxa; haxaha-xata; xuruuradha-ratta

wiped out v. - mutuqa-tuxxa; (adj.) - muiuuqi

wire n. - shiboo-ni (Amh.)

wisdom n. - qarumaa-ni; jeemfa-i

wise (adj.) - qaro

wise person n. - qafa-i

wish v. - fedha-fetta; fedhii-ni

wishing n. - bagga-i

witchdoctor n. - murmicha-i, murmittii-ni

with (prep.) - bira

with you - siini

withdraw v. - dachaha-chaata; dhedha-dheta

withdrawn, be v. - sulfaama-mta; ulfaama-mta

wither v. - kokotaha-toofta; qamaacha'a-chaata; qanchoradha-ratta;

risa-rifta; xoolaga-laadda
within (prep.) - keessa, ke

without (prep.) - adoo, atoo see - agara-rta, arga; malee
without, be v. - koomadha-matta

witness n. - dhugeessaa-ni; nama dhugaa; misikirii-ni( (Amh.)
witness v. - dhugaa taha; naqasa-naqafta
wobble v. - batatisa-tifta; fuutisa-tifta; leleqa-lexxa
woman n. - uwwa-iti; (married) n. - niitii; nadheeni
womanhood n. - uwwa-iti

women n. - beera-ti (usually used in the plural); nadheeni
wood n. - muka-i
wood strips n. - filxii-ni (Amh.)
woodpecker n. - tumaaddissa-i
word n. - dubbii-ni
work n. - hujii-ni; hojjaa-ni (Oro.)

work v. - hojjadha-atta; (slowly) hiriha-rita; goodha-dhatta (Shoa)
world n. - lafa-ti

worm n. - raamoo-ni; (nasal) - furudoo-ni

worn (adj.) - dullacha, dullatti, dullacha; moofa, mooftu, moofoo; rapha; raqa-i
worn out v. - bututa-tutta; goblola-lta; hacimpheera-rta; hofoofa-foofta;

kotota-totta; subuqa-buxxa
worn-out cloth(es) - wadaaree-ni
worried, be v. - luuxaha-xoofta
worry v. - na'a-naata; carraaqa-raxxa; dhindhisa-sita;; nyaraha-raata; yaada-dda;

n. - moosaa-ni; dhindhisaa-ni
worthless (adj) - muyoo; - yara, yartu, yaroo;

v. become muyadha-yatta

n. (person or thing) - hoxxee-ni

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v would - silaa

v wound v. - dira-dirta; n. - madaa-ni

wounded, be v. - madaha-doofta

wreck v. - gasta-gatta

wrestle v. - wal qaba-qabda

wring v. - borca-borchita; kuucha-kuuccaa; michira-rta

wrinkle v. - risa-rifta or richa; v. minyeesa-sita; n. miinya-yiti;
nyoora-i; qanchora-i

write v. - barreessa-sita; qora-qorta; xaafa-fta (Amh.)

^ wrong, be v. - yakka-kita

^ wrong, do v. - giica-giicca

u wrongdoing n. - eebee-ni

w



v



x-ray n. - raajii-ni (Eng.)



yawn v. - amommadha-matta ^K

year n. - waggaa-ni; ganna; bara-i; (the past year) barana ^

w year after year n. - barbaraa-ni

w yell v. - carrisa-rifta; iya-iyita; n. iyana-ti

yellow (adj.) - birtee
w yellowish (adj.) - daallu

yes - yaa (m); yeh(f)

yes! - ee'ee

yesterday n. - kale; kaleesa -ni

yet (adv. + conj.) - ammalle

you (pron.) - isan; (voc.) isii; si; atini; sii (dative); siini (ablative)

young n. - ilmee-ni

young (animals/children) n. - lammacha-i; lammootta-i

young (thing) n. - cuqaa-ni

youngster n. - agooroo -ni; of animals or small children), (ijoollee agooro(

youngster n. - gurbaa-ni

youngsters n. - yarsuma-i

your (pron.) - kanke, tante, ke, te

your - (possessive pron.) keessani, teessani; (sing.) kanke, tante; keeti, teet

yourself (pron.) - ufi

youth n. - ka'ima-i; yarsuma-i

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