gabar
The Somali word for "girl" is gabar.
gabar refers to a young female person.
Meaning: young female person (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that the girl is a youth, the adjective dhalinyaro (youthful) is often used alongside the noun, as seen in the phrase gabar dhalinyaro ah (a young girl).
Did you know?
- In Somali poetry, a girl or young woman is often metaphorically compared to a 'gazelle' to highlight her grace and beauty.
- The word for 'daughter' and 'girl' is the same, meaning that in a family context, you cannot distinguish between the two without adding extra words like 'my' or 'our'.
- In traditional Somali society, a gabar who is skilled in poetry is highly respected, as oral art is a primary way of communicating social and political ideas.
Examples in context
- Gabar yar ayaa halkaan joogta.A little girl is standing here.
- Gabar ayaa guriga imaanaysa.A girl is coming to the house.
Example conversation
Abdirashid and Hodan are talking about a neighbor's child.
- AbdirashidMa aragtay gabadha cusub?Did you see the new girl?
- HodanHaa, aad ayey u qurux badan tahay.Yes, she is very beautiful.
- AbdirashidWaa gabar aad u xariif ah.She is a very clever girl.
- HodanWaan ku raacsanahay, Abdirashid.I agree with you, Abdirashid.
