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Reviewed August 4, 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
biyo[1]
A clear liquid essential for life
Useful combinations
Common phrases with water
Real usage
Example sentences
Grammar
Grammar notes
Plural form
Biyo is a plural noun in Somali, even when referring to water in general. Verbs and adjectives agree with the plural form: biyuhu waa qabow (the water is cold).[2]
No singular counterpart
Unlike English, biyo does not have a commonly used singular form. You cannot say biyo kaliya to mean one water unit — use koob biyo ah (a glass of water) instead.[2]
Keep learning
Related Somali words and phrases
Questions
Questions about water in Somali
How do you say water in Somali?
Water in Somali is biyo. It is a plural noun and always used in plural form.
Is biyo singular or plural?
Biyo takes plural agreement in Somali, including plural forms for related verbs and adjectives.
How do you ask for water in Somali?
You can say Biyo ma heli karaa? (Can I have water?) or Fadlan biyo i sii (Please give me water).
Evidence
References checked
[1] Somali-English Dictionary (R. David Zorc)
Checked biyo as the Somali lexical entry for water and its plural behavior.
Open source ↗[2] Somali Textbook, Chapters 1-5 (Zorc and Issa)
Checked basic noun agreement and sentence-pattern explanations.
Open source ↗
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