Waan ka xumahay
The English phrase 'sorry' is expressed in Somali as Waan ka xumahay.
Waan ka xumahay is a versatile phrase used both to apologize for a mistake and to express sympathy or condolences regarding someone's misfortune.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I am sorry from it' or 'I feel bad about it'. The component waan means 'I', ka is a prepositional particle and xumahay is the first-person singular form of the adjective xun, which means 'bad' or 'evil'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express sympathy for a specific event, you can follow Waan ka xumahay with a subordinate clause starting with inay (that it). For example, Waan ka xumahay inay kugu dhacday means 'I am sorry that it happened to you'.
Did you know?
- In Somali culture, apologies for serious social transgressions are often not just verbal but involve a traditional mediator or elder to ensure the 'sorry' is accepted by the community.
- The root word xun in Waan ka xumahay can describe anything from a bad smell to a morally evil person, showing that 'sorrow' and 'evil' share the same linguistic root.
- While Waan ka xumahay expresses regret, a formal apology for a mistake often uses the word raalino, which implies seeking a state of being 'satisfied' or 'content' with the apology.
Examples in context
- Waan ka xumahay inaan soo daahay.I am sorry that I am late.
- Waan ka xumahay, ma ku caawin karaa?I am sorry, can I help you?
Example conversation
Abdirashid accidentally broke Sagal's favorite mug.
- AbdirashidSagal, waan ka xumahay, weelka ayaa jabay.Sagal, I am sorry, the vessel broke.
- SagalWaa dhib la'dahay, Abdirashid.It is no problem, Abdirashid.
- AbdirashidMa mid cusub ayaan kuu soo iibiyaa?Should I buy a new one for you?
- SagalHaa, fadlan waad ku mahadsantahay.Yes, please, thank you.
