maxaad samaynaysaa?
To ask "what are you doing?" in Somali, use maxaad samaynaysaa?
This phrase is used to inquire about the specific activity a person is currently performing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of maxaa (what), aad (you) and samaynaysaa (are doing).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb samaynaysaa is used in the continuous aspect, which indicates that the action is currently in progress.
Did you know?
- The word aad in this phrase is a pronoun, but in other contexts, it can function as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'much'.
- The verb samayn means 'to do' or 'to make', but it is also used in Somali to describe the act of creating or fabricating a story or a lie.
- While maxaad samaynaysaa? is a literal question about an action, a Somali speaker might use a similar structure to mean 'What is happening?' in a general sense, much like 'What's up?' in English.
Example conversation
Yasmin calls Abdirashid to see if he is busy.
- YasminAbdirashid, maxaad samaynaysaa?Abdirashid, what are you doing?
- AbdirashidWaxaan akhrinayaa buug.I am reading a book.
- YasminMa i caawin kartaa?Can you help me?
- AbdirashidHaa, diyaar baan kuu ahay.Yes, I am ready for you.
