laab
[ˈlɑ̄ɑ́ʔ͡p]
The English word "breast" can be translated into Somali as naas or laab.
Meaning: milk-producing organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Somali | IPA |
|---|---|
| laab | [ˈlɑ̄ɑ́ʔ͡p] (narrow) |
| naas |
The term refers to the milk-producing organ of the body.
Which one should you use?
naas is the standard and most common term for a breast. While laab can mean breast in certain contexts, it more commonly refers to the chest or the thorax area.
Did you know?
- While naas is the specific word for the organ, laab is often used metaphorically to describe the heart or the seat of emotions in Somali poetry.
- In Somali oral traditions, referencing the laab can signify a person's courage or strength, as the chest is viewed as the center of bravery.
- The word laab shares a common origin with the Proto-Cushitic word for 'diaphragm'.
Example sentences for Somali are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Yasmin is talking to Mustafa about feeding their baby.
- YasminMustafa, ilmaha ayaa raba inuu nuugo laabta.Mustafa, the baby wants to nurse from the breast.
- MustafaMa u baahantahay caawimo, Yasmin?Do you need any help, Yasmin?
- YasminMaya, kaliya i sii barkinta.No, just give me the pillow.
- MustafaWaa kan barkintaada.Here is your pillow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breast” translations and entries laab, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laab, CC BY-SA 4.0.
