ilmo
The Somali word for baby is ilmo.
ilmo refers to a very young human being. To specifically refer to a tiny baby or an infant, you can use the phrase ilmo yar.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Which one should you use?
Adding the adjective yar after ilmo creates the phrase ilmo yar, which means "little baby".
Did you know?
- In traditional Somali society, the concept of the ilmo is deeply tied to the kinship system. A child is not just the baby of two parents but is seen as belonging to a wider lineage or clan from birth.
- In many Somali dialects, the word ilmo can also be used to refer to a group of children, functioning more like the English word 'offspring' than a single 'baby'.
- While ilmo yar means 'little baby', the word yar is often used as a term of endearment for children of all ages, not just infants, similar to how 'little one' is used in English.
Examples in context
- Ilmo yar ayaa soo jeeda.A small baby is awake.
- Ilmo cusub ayaa dhashay.A new baby was born.
Example conversation
Farah and Sagal are visiting a relative's home.
- FarahFiirso, ilmo yar ayaa hurda!Look, a small baby is sleeping!
- SagalWaa uu qurux badan yahay.He is very beautiful.
- FarahMa qaban kartaa ilmo kan?Can you hold this baby?
- SagalHaa, waan qabanayaa.Yes, I will hold him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ilmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
