hooyo
[ˈhɞ̄ɞ́ˈʝɞ́]
The Somali word for mother is hooyo.
hooyo is a noun used to refer to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Did you know?
- Somali is a Cushitic language, meaning the word hooyo belongs to a language family that is entirely different from the Arabic often spoken in the region.
- The word hooyo is etymologically linked to the Somali word hoy, which means 'home' or 'shelter'.
- In Somali culture, the term hooyo is often used as a term of endearment or respect for older women, even if they are not the speaker's biological mother.
Examples in context
- Hooyo waa qof naxariis badan.A mother is a very kind person.
- Hooyo ayaa cuntada soo karkarisay.Mother cooked the food.
- Hooyo waxay ku jirtaa qolka.Mother is in the room.
Example conversation
Hodan and Farah are talking about their family.
- HodanXaggee joogtaa hooyo?Where is mother?
- FarahHooyo waxay joogtaa jikada.Mother is in the kitchen.
- HodanMa u baahan tahay caawimo?Does she need help?
- FarahHaa, fadlan caawi hooyo.Yes, please help mother.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries hooyo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hooyo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
