Language/Somali/Vocabulary/Clothes
Hi Somali learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn the vocabulary for clothes in Somali. Clothes are an important part of culture and identity in Somalia. Somali traditional clothing is very colorful and unique. Men usually wear a sarong-like garment called Maawis while women wear a dress called a Guntiino. Let's get started!
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Fruits and Vegetables, Family and Relatives, Numbers 1 20 & Seasons.
Clothing vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Here is a list of Somali vocabulary related to clothes:
| Somali | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| jilbaab | /dʒɪl.baːb/ | abaya |
| hijaab | /hi.ʒaːb/ | headscarf |
| baati | /baː.ti/ | dress |
| ma'awiis | /ma.ʕa.wiːs/ | wraparound skirt for men |
| guntiino | /ɡʊn.tiː.no/ | dress for women |
| tuugo | /tuː.ɡo/ | shawl |
| hooyo | /ho.yo/ | wrap for the head |
| tabelaayo | /tæ.be.læ.jo/ | socks |
| lambaada | /lam.baː.da/ | coat |
| beelahaan | /beː.la.haːn/ | shoes |
| kaftan | /kæf.tæn/ | caftan |
| shirwiik | /ʃir.wiːk/ | shirt |
| kabiskuud | /kæ.biʃ.kuːd/ | trousers |
Examples[edit | edit source]
Here are some examples of these words in context:
- Person 1: Ma'awiisku waa mid kala duwan men. (The ma'awiis is a different garment for men.)
- Person 2: Haa, waad aragteen Muna. (Yes, you saw it with Muna.)
- Person 1: Waxaan isticmaalaa hooyo si aan raaco dantii. (I use a hooyo to wrap my hair.)
- Person 2: Haa, waan arkayaa kuxigtaada. (Yes, I saw it in your profile picture.)
- Person 1: Halaawe ma rabaa jilbaabkeeda noqotay? (Don't you want to wear your abaya today?)
- Person 2: Hooyadii gebilmayaa baan noqday. (My mom said I don't have to.)
Fun fact[edit | edit source]
Did you know that traditional Somali clothing is worn in the Horn of Africa, such as in Somalia, Djibouti or Ethiopia? Somalis are proud of their heritage and love to display it when they can.
To improve your Somali Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Animals
- How to say Good Bye?
- Feelings and Emotions
- Weather
- Drinks
- Colors
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Family and Relatives
- Fruits
- Fruits and Vegetables
Sources[edit | edit source]