Iska warran
Iska warran is the Somali way to say hello how are you.
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of iska (about/self) and warran (tell/report/news), literally meaning 'tell [me] about yourself' or 'give me your news'.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you Iska warran, a common response is Fiican, mahadsanid (Fine, thank you). Another very common and concise way to respond is Nabad, which literally means 'peace' but functions as 'I am well'.
Did you know?
- In many regions, a simple 'how are you' is just the start of a long social ritual that may include detailed questions about your livestock.
- While Iska warran is common, it is often preceded by the Arabic Assalamu alaykum to follow Islamic tradition and show proper respect.
- The phrase Iska warran uses the particle iska, which suggests an action performed independently or to oneself, framing the greeting as a request for a report on one's own affairs.
Examples in context
- Iska warran, saaxiib.How are you, friend.
- Iska warran, ma ladan tahay?How are you, are you well?
- Iska warran, sidee tahay?How are you, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Omar meets Yasmin at a local market.
- OmarIska warran, Yasmin.How are you, Yasmin.
- YasminWaan ladanahay, mahadsanid.I am well, thank you.
- OmarMa soo dhowaatay magaalada?Have you arrived in the city?
- YasminHaa, hadda ayaan imid.Yes, I just arrived.
