bariis
bariis is the Somali word for rice.
This noun refers to the seeds used as food.
Meaning: seeds used as food (noun)
Did you know?
- The Somali word bariis is a loanword from the Persian word 'birinj'.
- If you are eating bariis in a traditional setting, it is customary to use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
- Despite the popularity of bariis, it is often considered a more 'modern' or urban staple compared to traditional maize or sorghum.
Examples in context
- Waxaan rabaa bariis.I want rice.
- Bariis ma haysaa?Do you have rice?
- Bariiska waa macaan.The rice is delicious.
Example conversation
Farah and Nimco are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- FarahMaxaan cunnaa caawa, Nimco?What shall we eat tonight, Nimco?
- NimcoAan karsano bariis.Let's cook rice.
- FarahMa haysaa bariis ku filan?Do you have enough rice?
- NimcoHaa, waxaan haystaa bac weyn.Yes, I have a big bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rice” translations and entries bariis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bariis, CC BY-SA 4.0.