Convenience Store

1. Dukaanka goorma la xiraa?

   When does the shop close?

   Usage

   To check the closing time at a small local shop.

   Grammar Note

   Dukaan (shop) takes the article -ka: dukaanka. Goorma la xiraa is "when is it closed", with la as an impersonal subject. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

2. Caano ma haysaa?

   Do you have milk?

   Usage

   To ask a shop assistant for milk. Caano also covers milk from camels and other animals.

   Grammar Note

   Ma opens a yes/no question and haysaa is "do you have". The item comes first. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

3. Biyo qabow ma haysaa?

   Do you have cold water?

   Usage

   To ask for cold drinking water on a hot day.

   Grammar Note

   The adjective follows the noun: biyo qabow is "cold water". This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

4. Hal rooti ii sii

   One bread, please.

   Usage

   For buying one loaf of bread at a shop.

   Grammar Note

   Before a noun "one" is hal, not kow. Ii sii is the command "give to me". This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

5. Sokor ma haysaa?

   Do you have sugar?

   Usage

   For finding sugar for tea or coffee.

   Grammar Note

   Sokor is a feminine noun; the definite form is sokorta. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

6. Wax kale ma rabtaa?

   Anything else?

   Usage

   What the shop assistant asks before you pay. If you are done, answer "Maya, mahadsanid".

   Grammar Note

   Wax kale is "something else" and rabtaa is "do you want". This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

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