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Reviewed August 6, 2026Review record: Codex source audit
This entry has been checked against the references below, but a named Somali reviewer has not yet certified its dialect, register, and natural usage. Verify important communication with a qualified speaker.
Translation
Somali meanings
qoys[1]
A group of related people
Useful combinations
Common phrases with family
Real usage
Example sentences
Grammar
Grammar notes
Qoys, reer, and qaraabo
Qoys is a general word for family. Reer can refer to a household or extended family, while qaraabo refers to relatives. The best choice depends on context.[2]
Accuracy
Common mistakes
Confusing qoys and reer
Use: Qoys for family, reer for a household or extended family.[1]
Do not treat qoys and reer as exact equivalents in every context; qaraabo is useful when you mean relatives.
Keep learning
Related Somali words and phrases
Questions
Questions about family in Somali
How do you say family in Somali?
Family is qoys in Somali. Extended family is reer or qaraabo.
Evidence
References checked
[1] Somali-English Dictionary (R. David Zorc)
Checked qoys, reer, and qaraabo as family-related vocabulary and reviewed the learner examples.
Open source ↗[2] Somali Textbook, Chapters 1-5 (Zorc and Osman)
Checked basic noun agreement and possessive patterns used in the entry.
Open source ↗
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