Aasiyaan
The English word "asian" can be translated into Somali as Aasiyaan.
The term is an adjective used to describe something of, relating to or from Asia.
Meaning: of, relating to or from Asia (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South Central Somali, the term Asyaan is used to refer to Asians.
Did you know?
- The Latin script used to write Aasiyaan was a result of a political decision in 1972 to replace the Arabic script, which had been used for centuries to write Somali.
- The suffix '-yaan' in Aasiyaan often functions to denote people or inhabitants, similar to how 'English' can denote 'the English' in other languages.
- There is no single Somali word that perfectly captures the nuance of 'Asian' as a racial identity, often relying on Aasiyaan for geographic or ethnic description.
Example conversation
Abdirashid and Sagal are talking about their favorite travel destinations.
- AbdirashidSagal, ma rabtaa inaad booqato dal Aasiyaan ah?Sagal, do you want to visit an Asian country?
- SagalHaa, aad ayaan u rabaa inaan tago.Yes, I really want to go.
- AbdirashidAniguna waxaan rabaa inaan barto dhaqanka Aasiyaan.And I want to learn about Asian culture.
- SagalWaa fikrad aad u wanaagsan, Abdirashid.That is a very good idea, Abdirashid.
