Photography

1. Halkan ma sawiri karaa?

   Can I take photos here?

   Usage

   The basic question to ask before photographing here, especially people or buildings.

   Grammar Note

   Sawir is a noun ('picture') and a verb ('photograph, draw'). Note that the noun can also mean 'fool' in another sense. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

2. Ma i sawiri kartaa?

   Can you take my photo?

   Usage

   What you say when asking a passer-by to photograph you.

   Grammar Note

   I is 'me'. Kartaa is the 2nd person ('you can'). A plural addressee takes another form. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

3. Ma ku sawiri karaa?

   May I take your photo?

   Usage

   Asking permission before photographing a person; always ask first.

   Grammar Note

   Ku is 'you' (object). Karaa is the 1st person ('I can'); the same form asks permission. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

4. Sawirku aad buu u fiican yahay

   The photo turned out very well.

   Usage

   A way to praise a photo that has been taken.

   Grammar Note

   'Aad buu u fiican yahay' is the set frame for 'very good'. Buu is baa + uu (masculine subject). Sawir (masculine) has the subject form sawirku. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

5. Halkan sawirid waa mamnuuc

   No photography here.

   Usage

   What staff say at a no-photo place, or the meaning of such a notice.

   Grammar Note

   Sawirid is the verbal noun of sawir ('to photograph'). Mamnuuc is an adjective meaning 'forbidden'. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

6. Ha i sawirin

   Please don't take my photo.

   Usage

   A clear way to refuse being photographed.

   Grammar Note

   A negative imperative is ha + object + verb stem + -in: 'ha i sawirin' is 'don't photograph me'. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

7. Mar kale i sawir

   Take another one of me.

   Usage

   What you say to ask for one more photo.

   Grammar Note

   Mar kale means 'once more'. The imperative sawir addresses one person. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

8. Iftiinku aad buu u fiican yahay

   The light is very good.

   Usage

   A comment on how good the light is for photos.

   Grammar Note

   Iftiin means light or brightness. It is masculine, with the subject form iftiinku. This sentence is composed from verified words and regular grammar; it is not quoted from a text.

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