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{{Somali-Page-Top}}
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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Somali|Somali]]  → [[Language/Somali/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Somali/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Common Prepositions</div>
Understanding the role of prepositions is crucial in mastering any language, including Somali. Prepositions are the unsung heroes of grammar; they help us make connections between words, phrases, and clauses, providing clarity and context. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most common prepositions in Somali and how to use them effectively in sentences.
This lesson will not only introduce you to the vocabulary of prepositions but also demonstrate their usage through practical examples. By the end of this lesson, you should feel more confident in incorporating these prepositions into your everyday Somali conversations.
Here’s how we’ll structure our lesson:
== Introduction to Prepositions ==
=== What are Prepositions? ===
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. They usually indicate relationships of time, place, direction, and manner. In Somali, like in English, prepositions help paint a clearer picture of the action being described.
=== Importance of Prepositions in Somali ===


<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Somali|Somali]]  → [[Language/Somali/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Somali/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Prepositions and Conjunctions → Common Prepositions</div>
Using the correct preposition can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Understanding prepositions will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Somali, whether you're giving directions, describing a location, or discussing time.


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As a Somali language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I am excited to help you learn the most common Somali prepositions and how to use them in sentences. Understanding how to use prepositions is essential to mastering Somali grammar and achieving fluency in the language. In this lesson, we will cover the most common prepositions used in Somali.
== Common Somali Prepositions ==
 
In this section, we will explore 20 common Somali prepositions, their meanings, and how to use them in sentences. Each preposition will be accompanied by examples to illustrate its usage.
 
=== List of Common Prepositions ===
 
{| class="wikitable"


! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English


<span link>Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: [[Language/Somali/Grammar/Gender|Gender]] & [[Language/Somali/Grammar/Possession|Possession]].</span>
|-
== What are prepositions? ==


Before we delve into the common Somali prepositions, let's briefly discuss what prepositions are. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. They indicate things like location, time, direction, and manner. Here are some examples of prepositions:
| ku || ku || in, at, on


* With
|-
* At
* On
* In
* From


In Somali, prepositions are placed before a noun or pronoun to show the relationship between that noun or pronoun and the rest of the sentence.
| ka || ka || from, out of


== Common Somali Prepositions ==
|-
 
| ilaa || ilaa || until, to
 
|-
 
| dhex || dhex || between, among
 
|-
 
| hor || hor || in front of
 
|-
 
| gadaal || gadaal || behind
 
|-
 
| kor || kor || above, over


Here are the most common Somali prepositions:
|-


* Ilaa - Until/to
| hoos || hoos || below, under
* Marka - When
* Kaddib/ Kudheceysa/ Dhawaan - After
* Ka - To
* Gudaha - Inside
* Horay - Before
* Koonfur - South of
* Kudhawaa - Beside
* Jidka - Under
* Midig - Middle of
* Laga soo - Around
* Ka baxsan - Near


Let's take a closer look at each preposition and some examples of how they are used in sentences.
|-


=== Ilaa - Until/to ===
| ag || ag || near, by


"Ilaa" means "until" or "to" in English. This preposition is used to indicate the endpoint of an action or a time period.
|-


Here are some examples:
| la || la || with


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Waxaan arki doonaa filimka iibka ilaa sanadkan. || waan ar-ki doo-naa fil-im-ka iib-ka ilaa sa-naad-kan || I will watch the movie from the beginning to the end of the year.
 
| aan || aan || without
 
|-
|-
| Aanu ku yimaado ilaa iyo maalintii shanaad. || Aa-nuu ku yi-maa-do ilaa iy-o maalin-tii shan-aad. || We will stay here until the seventh day.
|}


=== Marka - When ===
| ka dib || ka dib || after


"Marka" means "when" in English. This preposition is used to indicate a point in time when a particular event takes place.
|-


Here are some examples:
| ka hor || ka hor || before


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Marka cabashada la socdaa. || marka ca-bash-ada la soc-daa || When the food is ready.
 
| dhexda || dhexda || in the middle of
 
|-
|-
| Aniga marka asaga tago. || a-nig-a marka aa-sa-ga ta-go || When I leave.
|}


=== Kaddib, Kudheceysa, Dhawaan - After ===
| xagga || xagga || towards


"Kaddib," "Kudheceysa," and "Dhawaan" all mean "after" in English. These prepositions are used to indicate the time after another event occurred.
|-


Here are some examples:
| ilaa iyo || ilaa iyo || from...to


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Kaddibna waxaan ku dhuftay dukaamada. || Kad-dib-na waa-xaan ku dhuftay dukaa-ma-da || After that, I slammed the door.
 
| ka sokow || ka sokow || besides, apart from
 
|-
|-
| Waxaan lasoco kaddib markii aan ku kulmay cicilka. || waan la-so-co kad-dib markii aan ku kuul-may ci-cil-ka || I saw her after I met the girl.
|}


=== Ka - To ===
| u || u || for, to


"Ka" means "to" in English. This preposition is used to indicate movement or direction toward a specific location or destination.
|-


Here are some examples:
| xitaa || xitaa || even


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Waxaan ka soo jeedinayaa hawl kale. || waan ka soo jee-di-nayaa hawl ka-le || I am moving to another job.
 
| ku xusan || ku xusan || according to
 
|-
|-
| In ka baxsan, waxaan kuu dhiibaa. || in ka bax-san, waan kuu dhiibaa || I will find you if you are nearby.
 
| ku dhawaad || ku dhawaad || about, approximately
 
|}
|}


=== Gudaha - Inside ===
=== Example Sentences ===


"Gudaha" means "inside" in English. This preposition is used to indicate location inside a particular object or building.
Let’s take a look at how each of these prepositions is used in sentences:


Here are some examples:
{| class="wikitable"


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Waan ku faraxsanahay. || Waan ku faraxsanahay. || I am happy with you.
|-
|-
| Ninkaas gudahooda ka jooga waa dhashay. || nin-kaas gudahoo-da ka joo-ga waa dha-shay || The man inside is sleeping.
 
| Booqashadayda ka timid magaalada. || Booqashadayda ka timid magaalada. || My visit is from the city.
 
|-
|-
| Waxaan ku dhacaa gudaha xafada. || waan kuu dhacaa gu-daha xa-fa-da || I am within the boundary of the market.
|}


=== Horay - Before ===
| Waxaan sugayaa ilaa berri. || Waxaan sugayaa ilaa berri. || I will wait until tomorrow.


"Horay" means "before" in English. This preposition is used to indicate time before another event.
|-


Here are some examples:
| Buugga wuxuu dhex yaalaa miiska. || Buugga wuxuu dhex yaalaa miiska. || The book is between the tables.


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Horay in dhakhtarku kusoo dhameeyo, wuxuu ka dhexeeyaa gurigoodii. || ho-ray in dhakhtar-ku ku-soo dhamee-yo, wuxuu ka dhexeeyaa guri-goo-di-i || Before the doctor arrives, he unites with his family.
 
| Guri hor yaal. || Guri hor yaal. || The house is in front.
 
|-
|-
| Qofkii horay u awooddey dib u heshiiyaa. || qofkii ho-ray u a-wooddey dib u hes-hiiyaa || The person who prepares beforehand enjoys the outcome.
|}


=== Koonfur - South of ===
| Waan joogi doonaa gadaal. || Waan joogi doonaa gadaal. || I will be sitting behind.


"Koonfur" means "south of" in English. This preposition is used to indicate location in the southern direction of another object or place.
|-


Here are some examples:
| Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. || Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. || The plane is flying above.


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Magaalada Garoowe waxaa ku yaala koonfurta dalka. || magaa-la-da garoo-we waxaa ku yaa-la koon-fur-taa dal-ka || The city of Garowe is located south of the country.
 
| Kalluunka hoos ku jira. || Kalluunka hoos ku jira. || The fish is below.
 
|-
|-
| Koonfurta arooska waxaa jiray caruur iyo walaashaa. || koon-fur-ta a-roos-ka waxaa ji-ray ca-ruur iyo wa-laa-shaa || South of the wedding, there were children and women.
|}


=== Kudhawaa - Beside ===
| Waxyaabaha agteeda. || Waxyaabaha agteeda. || The things are near it.


"Kudhawaa" means "beside" in English. This preposition is used to indicate proximity or location next to another object or place.
|-


Here are some examples:
| Waan la joogaa asxaabtayda. || Waan la joogaa asxaabtayda. || I am with my friends.


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Wiilasha kudhawaa ayaa u gudbiyey xayeysiinta. || wiilasha ku-dha-waa ayaa u gud-bi-yey xa-yey-siin-ta || The nearby boys have thrown stones.
 
| Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin. || Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin. || There is nothing to talk about without.
 
|-
|-
| Jirka kudhawaa ayaa dhashay baabuurta. || jir-ka ku-dha-waa ayaa dha-shay ba-buu-rta || The elderly man next to the bus has fallen.
|}


=== Jidka - Under ===
| Ka dib, waxaan u safri doonaa. || Ka dib, waxaan u safri doonaa. || After that, I will travel.


"Jidka" means "under" in English. This preposition is used to indicate location below another object or place.
|-


Here are some examples:
| Ka hor, waxaan u baahanahay. || Ka hor, waxaan u baahanahay. || Before that, I need.


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Wiilasha jidka ayaa ka qoslaa saaran koraheyda. || wiilasha jid-ka ayaa ka qos-laa saaran kor-ah-ey-da || The boys under the bridge are walking together.
 
| Wuxuu dhexda ku jiraa. || Wuxuu dhexda ku jiraa. || He is in the middle of.
 
|-
|-
| Qofka jidka ayaa ku dhexmaray karuurta. || qof-ka jid-ka ayaa ku dhex-ma-ray ka-ruur-ta || The person hiding under the bed is hiding the children.
|}


=== Midig - Middle of ===
| Waxaan u socdaa xagga magaalada. || Waxaan u socdaa xagga magaalada. || I am going towards the city.


"Midig" means "middle of" in English. This preposition is used to indicate location at a point equidistant from boundaries or surrounding objects.
|-


Here are some examples:
| Waxaan ka imid ilaa iyo Muqdisho. || Waxaan ka imid ilaa iyo Muqdisho. || I have come from...to Mogadishu.


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Dukaamada dalka waxaa lagu jiro midig. || dukaa-ma-da dal-ka waxaa la-gu ji-ro mi-dig || The market of the country is located in the middle.
 
| Waxyaabaha ka sokow, waxaan jecelahay. || Waxyaabaha ka sokow, waxaan jecelahay. || Apart from those things, I like.
 
|-
|-
| Wiilasha midig ayaa ku weyneyd baabuurta lagu qabtay. || wiilasha mi-dig ayaa ku wey-neyd baabuur-ta la-gu qab-tay || The boys in the middle have boarded the bus.
|}


=== Laga soo - Around ===
| Waxaan u dirayaa farriin u ah. || Waxaan u dirayaa farriin u ah. || I am sending a message for.


"Laga soo" means "around" in English. This preposition is used to indicate proximity or location near or surrounding another object or place.
|-


Here are some examples:
| Xitaa waxaan rabaa inaad tagto. || Xitaa waxaan rabaa inaad tagto. || I even want you to go.


{| class="wikitable"
! Somali !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Laga soo dhacay gurigii ayaa ka dhigta taariikhdii aan duleelayn. || la-ga soo dha-cay gu-ri-gii ayaa ka dhi-gta taa-riikh-dii aan dulee-layn || The house around which the historical event took place is still there.
 
| Ku xusan buugga. || Ku xusan buugga. || According to the book.
 
|-
|-
| Waxaan soo dhaweeyay muddo laga soo hadlaya qofkaas. || waan soo dhaw-ee-yay mud-do la-ga soo had-la-ya qof-kaas || I met the person around whom they were talking for some time.
 
| Ku dhawaad 10 maalmood. || Ku dhawaad 10 maalmood. || About 10 days.
 
|}
|}


=== Ka baxsan - Near ===
== Practice Exercises ==
 
Now that we’ve covered the prepositions and their usages, let's put your knowledge to the test! Here are some exercises for you to practice.
 
=== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ===
 
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition from the list provided: '''ku, ka, ilaa, dhex, hor'''
 
1. Buugga wuxuu _____ miiska yaalaa.


"Ka baxsan" means "near" in English. This preposition is used to indicate proximity or location close to another object or place.
2. Waan ku faraxsanahay _____ asxaabta.


Here are some examples:
3. Waxaan sugaa _____ berri.


{| class="wikitable"
4. Guri wuxuu _____ magaalada yaalaa.
 
5. Waan joogi doonaa _____ dhinaca.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 1 ===
 
1. Buugga wuxuu '''dhex''' miiska yaalaa. (The book is between the tables.)
 
2. Waan ku faraxsanahay '''ku''' asxaabta. (I am happy with my friends.)
 
3. Waxaan sugaa '''ilaa''' berri. (I will wait until tomorrow.)
 
4. Guri wuxuu '''hor''' magaalada yaalaa. (The house is in front of the city.)
 
5. Waan joogi doonaa '''gadaal''' dhinaca. (I will be sitting behind the side.)
 
=== Exercise 2: Translation Challenge ===
 
Translate the following sentences into Somali using the appropriate prepositions:
 
1. The cat is under the table.
 
2. I am with my family.
 
3. He arrived after the meeting.
 
4. The park is next to the school.
 
5. She is from Hargeisa.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 2 ===
 
1. Bisaddu hoos bay miiska ku jirtaa. (The cat is under the table.)
 
2. Waan la joogaa qoyskayga. (I am with my family.)
 
3. Wuxuu yimid ka dib kulanka. (He arrived after the meeting.)
 
4. Beerta waxay agteeda tahay iskuulka. (The park is next to the school.)
 
5. Waxay ka timid Hargeysa. (She is from Hargeisa.)
 
=== Exercise 3: Create Sentences ===
 
Using the following prepositions, create meaningful sentences in Somali:
 
1. kor
 
2. ka hor
 
3. la
 
4. dhexda
 
5. u
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 3 ===
 
1. Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. (The plane is flying above.)
 
2. Ka hor intaanan tagin, waxaan u baahanahay in aan cuno. (Before going, I need to eat.)
 
3. Waan la joogaa qaraabadayda. (I am with my relatives.)
 
4. Wuxuu dhexda ku jiraa. (He is in the middle of.)
 
5. Waxaan u dirayaa farriin u ah saaxiibkay. (I am sending a message for my friend.)
 
=== Exercise 4: Identify the Preposition ===
 
Read the following sentences and identify the preposition used:
 
1. Waxaan ka imid Muqdisho.
 
2. Buugga wuxuu dhex yaalaa miiska.
 
3. Waan ku faraxsanahay.
 
4. Guri hor yaal.
 
5. Wax walba waa ka sokow.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 4 ===
 
1. ka (from)
 
2. dhex (between)
 
3. ku (with)
 
4. hor (in front of)
 
5. ka sokow (apart from)
 
=== Exercise 5: Matching Exercise ===
 
Match the Somali prepositions with their English translations:
 
1. kor
 
2. hoos
 
3. la
 
4. hor
 
5. ag
 
| Somali | English |
 
|--------|---------|
 
| A. kor | 1. above |
 
| B. hoos | 2. under |
 
| C. la | 3. with |
 
| D. hor | 4. in front of |
 
| E. ag | 5. near |
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 5 ===
 
1. A - 1 (kor - above)
 
2. B - 2 (hoos - under)
 
3. C - 3 (la - with)
 
4. D - 4 (hor - in front of)
 
5. E - 5 (ag - near)
 
=== Exercise 6: Contextual Usage ===
 
Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) using at least three different prepositions correctly.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 6 ===
 
Sample paragraph: "Waan ku faraxsanahay in aan la joogaa asxaabtayda. Waxay agteeda leedahay guri weyn. Waxaan ka imid magaalada si aan u booqdo."
 
=== Exercise 7: Word Scramble ===
 
Unscramble the following prepositions:
 
1. ag
 
2. la
 
3. hoos
 
4. dhex
 
5. kor
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 7 ===
 
1. ag
 
2. la
 
3. hoos
 
4. dhex
 
5. kor
 
=== Exercise 8: Sentence Correction ===
 
Identify and correct the mistakes in the use of prepositions in the following sentences:
 
1. Waan joogi doonaa ka hor.
 
2. Kalluunka dhex yaala.
 
3. Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin.
 
4. Waxaan ka imid ag magaalada.
 
5. Diyaaraddu waxay hoos taagan tahay.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 8 ===
 
1. Waan joogi doonaa hor. (I will be sitting in front.)
 
2. Kalluunka dhex yaalaa. (The fish is between.)
 
3. Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin. (There is nothing to talk about.)
 
4. Waxaan ka imid magaalada. (I have come from the city.)
 
5. Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. (The plane is flying above.)
 
=== Exercise 9: Fill in the Correct Preposition ===
 
Choose the correct preposition from the options given to complete the sentences:
 
1. Waan joogi doonaa _____ (ku, ka, la) asxaabta.
 
2. Guri wuxuu _____ (hoos, dhex, kor) yaalaa buugga.
 
3. Waxaan sugayaa _____ (ilaa, ka, ag) berri.
 
4. Waxaad _____ (u, ka, la) socotaa magaalada.
 
5. Waan ku faraxsanahay _____ (hor, dhex, ag) qoyskayga.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 9 ===
 
1. Waan joogi doonaa '''la''' asxaabta. (I will be sitting with my friends.)
 
2. Guri wuxuu '''hoos''' yaalaa buugga. (The house is under the book.)
 
3. Waxaan sugayaa '''ilaa''' berri. (I will wait until tomorrow.)
 
4. Waxaad '''u''' socotaa magaalada. (You are going to the city.)
 
5. Waan ku faraxsanahay '''ag''' qoyskayga. (I am happy near my family.)
 
=== Exercise 10: Create a Dialog ===
 
Create a short dialog between two people using at least five different prepositions.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 10 ===
 
Sample dialog:
 
'''Person A:''' "Kan ma ku yaalaa ag guri?"
 
'''Person B:''' "Maya, wuxuu ku yaalaa dhexda magaalada." 
 
'''Person A:''' "Waan ka imid Hargeysa." 
 
'''Person B:''' "Waxaan la joogaa saaxiibaday." 
 
'''Person A:''' "Ka hor, aan booqano." 
 
== Conclusion ==
 
Congratulations! You have now learned the most common prepositions in Somali and how to utilize them in sentences. This foundational knowledge will greatly enhance your ability to express yourself in Somali, making your conversations richer and more meaningful. Practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to use these prepositions in your daily communication.
 
{{#seo:
 
|title=Somali Grammar | Common Prepositions
 
|keywords=Somali, Prepositions, Grammar, Language Learning
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn the most common Somali prepositions and how to use them effectively in sentences.
 
}}


{{Somali-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}
{{Template:Somali-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}


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[[Category:0-to-A1-Course]]
[[Category:Somali-0-to-A1-Course]]
[[Category:Somali-0-to-A1-Course]]
<span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-3.5-turbo></span> <span temperature=1></span>
<span openai_correct_model></span> <span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-4o-mini></span> <span temperature=0.7></span>
 
==Sources==
* [https://polymath.org/somali_prepositions.php Somali Prepositions | POLYMATH.ORG]
* [http://learn101.org/somali_grammar.php Somali Grammar | LEARN101.ORG]
* [http://morgannilsson.se/BeginnersSomaliGrammar.pdf BEGINNER'S SOMALI GRAMMAR]
 
 


==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/Somali/Grammar/Adjective-Agreement|Adjective Agreement]]
* [[Language/Somali/Grammar/Adjective-Agreement|Adjective Agreement]]


<span class='maj'></span>
 
==Sources==
* [https://polymath.org/somali_prepositions.php Somali Prepositions | POLYMATH.ORG]
* [http://learn101.org/somali_grammar.php Somali Grammar | LEARN101.ORG]
* [http://morgannilsson.se/BeginnersSomaliGrammar.pdf BEGINNER'S SOMALI GRAMMAR]


{{Somali-Page-Bottom}}
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{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"  

Latest revision as of 21:42, 1 August 2024

◀️ Relationships — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Conjunctions ▶️

Somali-Language-PolyglotClub.png
Somali → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Common Prepositions

Understanding the role of prepositions is crucial in mastering any language, including Somali. Prepositions are the unsung heroes of grammar; they help us make connections between words, phrases, and clauses, providing clarity and context. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most common prepositions in Somali and how to use them effectively in sentences.

This lesson will not only introduce you to the vocabulary of prepositions but also demonstrate their usage through practical examples. By the end of this lesson, you should feel more confident in incorporating these prepositions into your everyday Somali conversations.

Here’s how we’ll structure our lesson:

Introduction to Prepositions[edit | edit source]

What are Prepositions?[edit | edit source]

Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. They usually indicate relationships of time, place, direction, and manner. In Somali, like in English, prepositions help paint a clearer picture of the action being described.

Importance of Prepositions in Somali[edit | edit source]

Using the correct preposition can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Understanding prepositions will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Somali, whether you're giving directions, describing a location, or discussing time.

Common Somali Prepositions[edit | edit source]

In this section, we will explore 20 common Somali prepositions, their meanings, and how to use them in sentences. Each preposition will be accompanied by examples to illustrate its usage.

List of Common Prepositions[edit | edit source]

Somali Pronunciation English
ku ku in, at, on
ka ka from, out of
ilaa ilaa until, to
dhex dhex between, among
hor hor in front of
gadaal gadaal behind
kor kor above, over
hoos hoos below, under
ag ag near, by
la la with
aan aan without
ka dib ka dib after
ka hor ka hor before
dhexda dhexda in the middle of
xagga xagga towards
ilaa iyo ilaa iyo from...to
ka sokow ka sokow besides, apart from
u u for, to
xitaa xitaa even
ku xusan ku xusan according to
ku dhawaad ku dhawaad about, approximately

Example Sentences[edit | edit source]

Let’s take a look at how each of these prepositions is used in sentences:

Somali Pronunciation English
Waan ku faraxsanahay. Waan ku faraxsanahay. I am happy with you.
Booqashadayda ka timid magaalada. Booqashadayda ka timid magaalada. My visit is from the city.
Waxaan sugayaa ilaa berri. Waxaan sugayaa ilaa berri. I will wait until tomorrow.
Buugga wuxuu dhex yaalaa miiska. Buugga wuxuu dhex yaalaa miiska. The book is between the tables.
Guri hor yaal. Guri hor yaal. The house is in front.
Waan joogi doonaa gadaal. Waan joogi doonaa gadaal. I will be sitting behind.
Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. The plane is flying above.
Kalluunka hoos ku jira. Kalluunka hoos ku jira. The fish is below.
Waxyaabaha agteeda. Waxyaabaha agteeda. The things are near it.
Waan la joogaa asxaabtayda. Waan la joogaa asxaabtayda. I am with my friends.
Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin. Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin. There is nothing to talk about without.
Ka dib, waxaan u safri doonaa. Ka dib, waxaan u safri doonaa. After that, I will travel.
Ka hor, waxaan u baahanahay. Ka hor, waxaan u baahanahay. Before that, I need.
Wuxuu dhexda ku jiraa. Wuxuu dhexda ku jiraa. He is in the middle of.
Waxaan u socdaa xagga magaalada. Waxaan u socdaa xagga magaalada. I am going towards the city.
Waxaan ka imid ilaa iyo Muqdisho. Waxaan ka imid ilaa iyo Muqdisho. I have come from...to Mogadishu.
Waxyaabaha ka sokow, waxaan jecelahay. Waxyaabaha ka sokow, waxaan jecelahay. Apart from those things, I like.
Waxaan u dirayaa farriin u ah. Waxaan u dirayaa farriin u ah. I am sending a message for.
Xitaa waxaan rabaa inaad tagto. Xitaa waxaan rabaa inaad tagto. I even want you to go.
Ku xusan buugga. Ku xusan buugga. According to the book.
Ku dhawaad 10 maalmood. Ku dhawaad 10 maalmood. About 10 days.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we’ve covered the prepositions and their usages, let's put your knowledge to the test! Here are some exercises for you to practice.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition from the list provided: ku, ka, ilaa, dhex, hor

1. Buugga wuxuu _____ miiska yaalaa.

2. Waan ku faraxsanahay _____ asxaabta.

3. Waxaan sugaa _____ berri.

4. Guri wuxuu _____ magaalada yaalaa.

5. Waan joogi doonaa _____ dhinaca.

Solutions for Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

1. Buugga wuxuu dhex miiska yaalaa. (The book is between the tables.)

2. Waan ku faraxsanahay ku asxaabta. (I am happy with my friends.)

3. Waxaan sugaa ilaa berri. (I will wait until tomorrow.)

4. Guri wuxuu hor magaalada yaalaa. (The house is in front of the city.)

5. Waan joogi doonaa gadaal dhinaca. (I will be sitting behind the side.)

Exercise 2: Translation Challenge[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences into Somali using the appropriate prepositions:

1. The cat is under the table.

2. I am with my family.

3. He arrived after the meeting.

4. The park is next to the school.

5. She is from Hargeisa.

Solutions for Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

1. Bisaddu hoos bay miiska ku jirtaa. (The cat is under the table.)

2. Waan la joogaa qoyskayga. (I am with my family.)

3. Wuxuu yimid ka dib kulanka. (He arrived after the meeting.)

4. Beerta waxay agteeda tahay iskuulka. (The park is next to the school.)

5. Waxay ka timid Hargeysa. (She is from Hargeisa.)

Exercise 3: Create Sentences[edit | edit source]

Using the following prepositions, create meaningful sentences in Somali:

1. kor

2. ka hor

3. la

4. dhexda

5. u

Solutions for Exercise 3[edit | edit source]

1. Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. (The plane is flying above.)

2. Ka hor intaanan tagin, waxaan u baahanahay in aan cuno. (Before going, I need to eat.)

3. Waan la joogaa qaraabadayda. (I am with my relatives.)

4. Wuxuu dhexda ku jiraa. (He is in the middle of.)

5. Waxaan u dirayaa farriin u ah saaxiibkay. (I am sending a message for my friend.)

Exercise 4: Identify the Preposition[edit | edit source]

Read the following sentences and identify the preposition used:

1. Waxaan ka imid Muqdisho.

2. Buugga wuxuu dhex yaalaa miiska.

3. Waan ku faraxsanahay.

4. Guri hor yaal.

5. Wax walba waa ka sokow.

Solutions for Exercise 4[edit | edit source]

1. ka (from)

2. dhex (between)

3. ku (with)

4. hor (in front of)

5. ka sokow (apart from)

Exercise 5: Matching Exercise[edit | edit source]

Match the Somali prepositions with their English translations:

1. kor

2. hoos

3. la

4. hor

5. ag

| Somali | English |

|--------|---------|

| A. kor | 1. above |

| B. hoos | 2. under |

| C. la | 3. with |

| D. hor | 4. in front of |

| E. ag | 5. near |

Solutions for Exercise 5[edit | edit source]

1. A - 1 (kor - above)

2. B - 2 (hoos - under)

3. C - 3 (la - with)

4. D - 4 (hor - in front of)

5. E - 5 (ag - near)

Exercise 6: Contextual Usage[edit | edit source]

Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) using at least three different prepositions correctly.

Solutions for Exercise 6[edit | edit source]

Sample paragraph: "Waan ku faraxsanahay in aan la joogaa asxaabtayda. Waxay agteeda leedahay guri weyn. Waxaan ka imid magaalada si aan u booqdo."

Exercise 7: Word Scramble[edit | edit source]

Unscramble the following prepositions:

1. ag

2. la

3. hoos

4. dhex

5. kor

Solutions for Exercise 7[edit | edit source]

1. ag

2. la

3. hoos

4. dhex

5. kor

Exercise 8: Sentence Correction[edit | edit source]

Identify and correct the mistakes in the use of prepositions in the following sentences:

1. Waan joogi doonaa ka hor.

2. Kalluunka dhex yaala.

3. Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin.

4. Waxaan ka imid ag magaalada.

5. Diyaaraddu waxay hoos taagan tahay.

Solutions for Exercise 8[edit | edit source]

1. Waan joogi doonaa hor. (I will be sitting in front.)

2. Kalluunka dhex yaalaa. (The fish is between.)

3. Waxba ma jiraan aan ka hadlin. (There is nothing to talk about.)

4. Waxaan ka imid magaalada. (I have come from the city.)

5. Diyaaraddu waxay kor taagan tahay. (The plane is flying above.)

Exercise 9: Fill in the Correct Preposition[edit | edit source]

Choose the correct preposition from the options given to complete the sentences:

1. Waan joogi doonaa _____ (ku, ka, la) asxaabta.

2. Guri wuxuu _____ (hoos, dhex, kor) yaalaa buugga.

3. Waxaan sugayaa _____ (ilaa, ka, ag) berri.

4. Waxaad _____ (u, ka, la) socotaa magaalada.

5. Waan ku faraxsanahay _____ (hor, dhex, ag) qoyskayga.

Solutions for Exercise 9[edit | edit source]

1. Waan joogi doonaa la asxaabta. (I will be sitting with my friends.)

2. Guri wuxuu hoos yaalaa buugga. (The house is under the book.)

3. Waxaan sugayaa ilaa berri. (I will wait until tomorrow.)

4. Waxaad u socotaa magaalada. (You are going to the city.)

5. Waan ku faraxsanahay ag qoyskayga. (I am happy near my family.)

Exercise 10: Create a Dialog[edit | edit source]

Create a short dialog between two people using at least five different prepositions.

Solutions for Exercise 10[edit | edit source]

Sample dialog:

Person A: "Kan ma ku yaalaa ag guri?"

Person B: "Maya, wuxuu ku yaalaa dhexda magaalada."

Person A: "Waan ka imid Hargeysa."

Person B: "Waxaan la joogaa saaxiibaday."

Person A: "Ka hor, aan booqano."

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have now learned the most common prepositions in Somali and how to utilize them in sentences. This foundational knowledge will greatly enhance your ability to express yourself in Somali, making your conversations richer and more meaningful. Practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to use these prepositions in your daily communication.

Table of Contents - Somali Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Greetings and Introductions


Pronouns and Verbs


Numbers and Time


Nouns and Adjectives


Family and Relationships


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Food and Dining


Somali Customs and Traditions


Questions and Negation


Travel and Transportation


Somali Geography and History


Adverbs and Expressions


Weather and Seasons


Somali Art, Music, and Literature

Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



◀️ Relationships — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Conjunctions ▶️

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