馃嚫馃嚧 Somali phrases

How to Say "I'm sorry" in Somali

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Waan ka xumahay
"I'm sorry" in Somali 路 say it like waan kah khum-hah-yee

The most natural way to say "I'm sorry" in Somali is Waan ka xumahay. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Waan ka xumahay aad
Used to express a deeper level of apology
Raali ahow
More formal way to say sorry, often used in official contexts

When to use it

Use this phrase when you want to apologize for a mistake or an inconvenience. It can be used in both casual and formal situations. It's a polite way to express regret and show empathy towards someone's feelings.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I'm sorry" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Somali

SomaliEnglish
Waan ka xumahay, ma aanan ogayn in aad ku xanuunsan tahay.I am sorry, I did not know that you were unwell.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Waan ka xumahay' with 'Waan ku faraxsanahay', which means 'I am happy'.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Waan ka xumahay, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Somali with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Waan ka xumahay'?

You should use it whenever you need to apologize for something you did or said.

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