How to Say “Nephew” in Somali

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wiil uu adeer u yahay
The English word nephew is translated into Somali as wiil uu adeer u yahay.
The phrase wiil uu adeer u yahay is used when referring to a nephew on the paternal side of the family.
Meaning: fraternal or sororal nephew (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase literally translates to 'a boy who is a nephew to a paternal uncle'.

Which one should you use?

While wiil uu adeer u yahay refers to a nephew on the paternal side, you should use wiil uu habar u yahay to describe a boy who is a nephew to a maternal aunt.

Did you know?

  • The word wiil, meaning 'boy', may be linguistically related to the Oromo word wa'ela, which means 'bastard'.
  • In Somali culture, the specific term used for a nephew signals the exact lineage and clan connection of the child.

Example conversation

Nimco and Omar are looking at a family photo.

  1. Nimco

    Kani waa kuma?
    Who is this?
  2. Omar

    Kani waa wiil uu adeer u yahay.
    This is my nephew.
  3. Nimco

    Waa uu weynaaday!
    He has grown up!
  4. Omar

    Haa, waa wiil aad u caqli badan.
    Yes, he is a very smart boy.

Sources

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Rachel Jessie
Rachel JessieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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