Cooking & Markets

1. Kan sidee loo kariyaa?

   How is this cooked?

   Usage

   A question about how a dish is cooked. Kan means 'this one'.

   Grammar Note

   'Loo kariyaa' is the impersonal passive of kari (to cook by boiling), asking 'how is it cooked' without naming a cook. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

2. Xawaash maxaa loo baahan yahay?

   What spices are needed?

   Usage

   A question about which spices a dish needs.

   Grammar Note

   Xawaash is the plant or spice used to flavour food. Maxaa is 'what' and 'loo baahan yahay' is 'is needed' (impersonal). This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

3. Ii bar sida bariiska loo kariyo

   Teach me how to cook rice.

   Usage

   A request to be taught how to cook. Bariis is rice.

   Grammar Note

   'Ii bar' means 'teach me' (ii = to me, bar = teach). Sida is 'the way (to)'. A request needs no particle such as fadlan. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

4. Saliid yar ku shub

   Add a little oil.

   Usage

   An instruction to add a little oil while cooking. Literally 'pour a little oil in'.

   Grammar Note

   Ku shub is the imperative 'pour in'. It addresses one person; the plural imperative has a different form. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

5. Cuntadu si wanaagsan ayaa loo kariyay

   The food has been cooked well.

   Usage

   A way to compliment a dish that has been served.

   Grammar Note

   Cunto is feminine (subject form cuntadu). Ayaa focuses 'si wanaagsan' (well). The past tense ends in -ay. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

6. Waan jeclahay inaan bariis kariyo

   I like cooking rice.

   Usage

   A way to say that you like cooking.

   Grammar Note

   Waan is waa + aan (I). Jeclahay means 'like'. 'Inaan + verb' is 'that I ...'. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

7. Dab yar ku kari

   Cook on low heat.

   Usage

   An instruction to cook over a small flame. Dab means fire.

   Grammar Note

   The particle ku means 'with/on' here. The adjective yar (small) follows the noun dab. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

8. Digsi i sii

   Give me a pot.

   Usage

   What to say when you need to borrow a pot for cooking.

   Grammar Note

   'I sii' is the imperative 'give to me'. The object (digsi) comes before the verb. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

9. Cusbo

   Salt

   Usage

   A one-word request for salt while cooking or at the table.

   Grammar Note

   Cusbo is feminine; with the article it is cusbada.

10. Sokor

    Sugar

    Usage

    A one-word request for sugar or a way to name the ingredient.

    Grammar Note

    Sokor is feminine; with the article it is sokorta.

11. Basbaas

    Chili pepper

    Usage

    A one-word name for hot chili pepper, usable when asking about spiciness.

    Grammar Note

    Basbaas is a masculine noun for the plant and its hot fruit.

12. Saliid

    Oil

    Usage

    A one-word name for cooking oil.

    Grammar Note

    Saliid is feminine; with the article it is saliidda.

13. Khal

    Vinegar

    Usage

    A one-word name for vinegar, used when naming a seasoning.

    Grammar Note

    Khal is masculine; with the article it is khalka.

14. Bur

    Flour

    Usage

    A one-word name for flour, the powder used for bread and similar foods.

    Grammar Note

    Bur is masculine; with the article it is burka.

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