jaalle
The Somali word for yellow is jaalle.
jaalle is an adjective used to describe something that has the color yellow.
Meaning: having yellow as its color (adj)
Did you know?
- In a political context, the word jaalle can function as a title meaning 'comrade' rather than just a color.
- In older Somali poetry, describing something as jaalle (yellow) can sometimes be a metaphor for something that is withered, dried up, or losing its vitality, such as a leaf or a plant.
- In some Somali dialects, jaalle is not used for colors but as a term of endearment or to describe a close companion, similar to the English word 'pal'.
Examples in context
- Dharkaas waa jaalle.That clothing is yellow.
- Waxaan rabaa qalin jaalle ah.I want a yellow pen.
Example conversation
Yasmin and Abdirashid are looking at paint samples for a room.
- YasminAbdirashid, ma jeceshahay midabka jaalle?Abdirashid, do you like the yellow color?
- AbdirashidMaya, aad ayuu u iftiimayaa.No, it is too bright.
- YasminLaakiin waa midab farxad leh.But it is a happy color.
- AbdirashidWaxaan doorbidayaa midab kale.I prefer another color.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jaalle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
