Oromo, also known as Afaan Oromo, is a Cushitic language predominantly spoken in Ethiopia and parts of Kenya. It’s the third most spoken language in Africa. Learning Oromo can enhance your cultural understanding and interactions within Oromo-speaking communities. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Oromo to facilitate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Akkam” / “Nagaa”
• Good morning – “Akkam bultii”
• Good afternoon – “Akkam guyyaa”
• Good evening – “Akkam galgala”
• Goodbye – “Nagaatti” (informal)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Maqaan koo [name].”
• This is [name]. – “Kun [name].”
• I am from [country]. – “An [country] irraa dhufe.”
• I live in [city/place]. – “An [city/place] keessa jiraadha.”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “[Place] eessa jira?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “[Place] akkamittiin deema?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Kun tarkaanfi [place] ittiin deemudha?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Kaartaa irratti naaf agarsiisuu dandeessa?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Dhiifama, ani hin hubanne.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Yoo dandeessan, sana irra deebi’aa?”
• I mean… – “Ani jechuun…”
• What does [word] mean? – “[Word] jechuun maal jechuudha?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Booda si arga”
• Take care – “Of eeggadhu”
• Have a good day – “Guyyaa gaarii qabaadhu”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Kutaa tokko buufachuun barbaada.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Manni nyaataa argachuun danda’aa?”
• I am vegetarian. – “An nyaata midhaanii qofa nyaadha.”
• The bill, please. – “Bilii yoo ta’e naaf kenni.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Kun meeqa?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Kana ka’umsa biraa keessatti qabdaa?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Qofa ilaala jira, galatoomi.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Kaardii dhaan kaffaluu danda’aa?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Ati bareedduu dha.” / “Ati mi’eessoo dha.”
• I miss you. – “Si yaadha.”
• I love you. – “Si jaalladha.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Waliin ba’uu feetuu?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Gargaarsa!”
• Call the police! – “Poolisii waamii!”
• I need a doctor. – “An doktara barbaada.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Hospitaalli dhihoo eessa jira?”

These phrases provide a foundation for basic communication in Oromo. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Oromo media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of the Oromo language.