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 



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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 



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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 



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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 



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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 



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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 

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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 



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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 

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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 



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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 



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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 



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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 



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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 



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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 



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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 

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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 



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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 



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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 



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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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 

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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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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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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 

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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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: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 

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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 

 Source: Internet Archive