How to say "What is your name?" in Somali
Both checked beginner courses use Magacaa? when asking one person for their name.
The wording and examples were checked against the listed sources, but a named Somali reviewer has not yet certified dialect, register, and pronunciation. Check important communication with a qualified speaker.
Context
How the checked sources present it
Both checked beginner courses use Magacaa? when asking one person for their name.
Keep the conversation going
Documented reply
You say
Magacaa?
What is your name?
A possible reply
Magacaygu waa Yuusuf.[2]
My name is Yusuf.
This exact answer follows Magacaa? in the Somali Textbook.
Variation
Related documented forms
Adigana magacaa?[1]
And what is your name?
The beginner lesson notes use this form to return the question.
In conversation
Examples in context
Content provenance
References checked
These references were checked while preparing this learning page. They do not replace review by a named Somali language specialist.
- [1] Beginner's Somali - Lesson Notes, Unit 1 (Morgan Nilsson) →
Unit 1 repeatedly models Magacaa? followed by Magacaygu waa...
- [2] Somali Textbook, Chapters 1-5 (Zorc and Osman) →
Chapter 3 contains dialogues asking and answering a person's name.
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