Language/Somali/Vocabulary/Telling-Time
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will delve into the topic of telling time in Somali. The ability to tell time is an essential skill in any language, as it allows us to coordinate our daily activities and communicate effectively with others. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently ask and answer questions about time in Somali, including hours and minutes. So let's get started!
Somali Time System[edit | edit source]
The Somali time system follows a similar structure to the international 24-hour clock system. However, it is important to note that in spoken Somali, the 12-hour clock system is commonly used in everyday conversations. In this lesson, we will focus on both systems to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of telling time in Somali.
Hours[edit | edit source]
Let's start by learning how to express hours in Somali. In Somali, the word for "hour" is "saac". To ask someone about the time, you can use the phrase "Waa maxay saacada?" which translates to "What is the time?" Here are some examples of how to express different hours in Somali:
| Somali | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| waxtii saacada | wakhtee saacada | one o'clock |
| laba saac | laba saac | two o'clock |
| saddex saac | sad-deh saac | three o'clock |
| afar saac | a-far saac | four o'clock |
| shan saac | shan saac | five o'clock |
| lix saac | leex saac | six o'clock |
| toddoba saac | tod-doh-ba saac | seven o'clock |
| siddeed saac | sid-deed saac | eight o'clock |
| sagaal saac | sa-gaal saac | nine o'clock |
| laba sagaal saac | laba sa-gaal saac | ten o'clock |
| kow iyo toban saac | kow ee-yo to-ban saac | eleven o'clock |
| kow iyo toban iyo laba saac | kow ee-yo to-ban ee-yo laba saac | twelve o'clock |
It's worth mentioning that when referring to the exact hour, Somali speakers often use the Arabic numbers. However, when speaking in more general terms, they tend to use the Somali words for numbers.
Minutes[edit | edit source]
Now let's move on to expressing minutes in Somali. In Somali, the word for "minute" is "daqiiqo". To express minutes, we use the following structure: <hour> iyo <number> daqiiqo. Here are some examples to help you understand:
| Somali | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| saddex iyo laba daqiiqo | sad-deh ee-yo laba daqiiqo | three minutes past |
| afartan daqiiqo | a-far-tan daqiiqo | four minutes |
| laba iyo toban daqiiqo | laba ee-yo to-ban daqiiqo | twelve minutes past |
| sagaal iyo saddex daqiiqo | sa-gaal ee-yo sad-deh daqiiqo | nine minutes to |
| laba iyo toban iyo saddex daqiiqo | laba ee-yo to-ban ee-yo sad-deh daqiiqo | twelve minutes to |
When expressing minutes, it is important to note that the word "daqiiqo" takes a singular form when followed by the number one, and a plural form when followed by any other number.
Asking and Answering Questions[edit | edit source]
To ask someone about the time, we can use the phrase "Waa maxay saacada?" which translates to "What is the time?" Here are some examples of how to ask and answer questions about time:
Asking the question:
- Waa maxay saacada? - What is the time?
Answering the question:
- Waa saacadaha wax ka beddelan. - The times are changing.
- Waa saacadahii wax ka beddelan. - It is the time that has changed.
- Waxa saacada saddex iyo laba daqiiqo. - It is three minutes past.
- Saacadu waa lix iyo toban saac. - The time is ten o'clock.
- Saacadu waa sagaal iyo saddex daqiiqo. - The time is nine minutes to.
- Saacadu waa laba iyo toban iyo saddex daqiiqo. - The time is twelve minutes to.
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
In Somali culture, time is viewed and valued differently compared to Western cultures. Punctuality is not as strict, and it is common for events and meetings to start later than the designated time. This cultural norm is rooted in the importance placed on relationships and social interactions. Somali people prioritize spending time with others and building connections, which sometimes translates into a more relaxed approach to timekeeping.
Additionally, it is important to note that the Somali calendar follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months. This calendar is used to determine the dates of Islamic holidays and observances, such as Ramadan and Eid. As a result, the dates of these holidays vary each year according to the lunar cycle.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Here are some exercises to help you reinforce your understanding of telling time in Somali:
Exercise 1: Translate the following phrases into Somali: 1. It is six o'clock. 2. The time is two minutes past. 3. What is the time? 4. The time is seven minutes to.
Exercise 2: Answer the following questions in Somali: 1. Waa maxay saacada? (What is the time?) 2. Saacadu waa kow iyo toban saac. (The time is eleven o'clock.)
Exercise 3: Complete the following sentences with the appropriate time in Somali: 1. Waa saacadahii wax ka _____ daqiiqo. (The time is three minutes past.) 2. Saacadu waa _____ daqiiqo. (The time is four minutes.)
Exercise 1 Solution: 1. Waa lix saac. 2. Saacadaha waa laba daqiiqo oo la soo baxay. 3. Waa maxay saacada? 4. Saacadaha waa toddoba daqiiqo oo la dhacay.
Exercise 2 Solution: 1. Waa saacadaha wax ka beddelan. 2. Waa saacadaha saddex iyo laba daqiiqo.
Exercise 3 Solution: 1. Waa saacadaha wax ka beddelan. 2. Saacadu waa afartan daqiiqo.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the lesson on telling time in Somali. You have learned how to express hours and minutes, ask and answer questions about time, and gained cultural insights into the importance of time in Somali culture. Keep practicing and applying your knowledge in real-life situations to become more confident in using Somali time expressions. Well done!
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Somali Telling Time Flashcards | Quizlet
- Week 2 of loving Somali: Time and greetings – Loving Language
- Learn Somali - Teach Yourself Somali (Beginners Audio Book) by ...
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Numbers 1 20
- Drinks
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Express Surprise
- Education
- Clothes
- Directions and Locations
- Family Members
- Basic Greetings
- Animals
| ◀️ Numbers 1-20 — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Noun Gender and Plurals ▶️ |