Electronics

1. Telefoon

   Telephone

   Usage

   The phone itself. The dictionary also lists the spelling taleefan.

   Grammar Note

   A masculine noun; the definite form is telefoonka. A loanword from English telephone in Somali spelling.

2. Kombiyuutar

   Computer

   Usage

   For a computer. The dictionary defines an electronic device that stores data and answers requests.

   Grammar Note

   A masculine noun, a loanword from English computer; Somali has no p, so it is spelled kombiyuutar.

3. Raadiye

   Radio

   Usage

   The radio set. The dictionary defines an electronic device that receives broadcasts, and also a broadcasting station.

   Grammar Note

   A masculine noun; the definite form is raadiyaha.

4. Nal

   Light

   Usage

   The electric light in a room. The dictionary covers both the lamp and the light it gives when power arrives.

   Grammar Note

   A masculine noun; the definite form is nalka and the plural is nalal.

5. Koronto

   Electricity

   Usage

   Electricity itself. The dictionary describes power used to light and heat a house.

   Grammar Note

   A feminine noun; the definite form is korontada.

6. Fadlan nalka shid

   Please turn on the light.

   Usage

   To ask for a light to be switched on. The dictionary gives lighting a lamp as a sense of shid.

   Grammar Note

   Shid is the imperative of the verb to light or switch on. The object (nalka, the light) comes first. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

7. Fadlan nalka dami

   Please turn off the light.

   Usage

   To ask for a light to be switched off. It matches the dictionary example "nalka naga dami".

   Grammar Note

   Dami is the imperative of the verb to put out a fire or light. Naga dami would add "for us". This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

8. Sawir

   Photo

   Usage

   A picture or photo. The dictionary defines an image made by hand or by an instrument.

   Grammar Note

   A masculine noun; the definite form is sawirka. A second dictionary sense is a fool, so do not apply it to a person.

Browse all TravelPhrases languages