oo + relative clause

Adding a Relative Description

Level 3

Oo links additional indefinite modifiers and introduces descriptions after names or personal pronouns.

How It Works

A relative description follows its head noun. After an indefinite head with an existing modifier, oo normally introduces the next modifier. After a name or personal pronoun, it also introduces the first description. With a definite referent, it can add parenthetical information about the situation.

If the head performs the relative action, use a reduced verb without repeating a short subject pronoun: oo heesaya “who is singing.” If another participant performs it, express that subject and use the appropriate dependent form: oo aan akhriyo “that I read.” Neither relative pattern takes a main-clause sentence particle.

Additional identifying modifiers after definite heads typically use ee. When a relative verb ends a standard subject noun phrase, final short -a/-o becomes -aa. The example phrases here are objects, so that subject marking does not apply.

Examples (3)

  1. Waxaan arkay wiil yar oo heesaya.

    I saw a little boy singing.

    The boy performs the relative action; heesaya is reduced.

  2. Waxaan haystaa buug cusub oo aan akhriyo.

    I have a new book that I read.

    Aan expresses the reader, distinct from the head noun buug.

  3. Waxaan maqlay Hodan oo qosleysa.

    I heard Hodan laughing.

    Oo introduces a situational description after a name. Qosleysa uses the accepted ey spelling of the diphthong in feminine reduced progressive qoslaysa.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

oo + relative clauseLevel 3Adding a Relative Description

Learn This First

Recognize noun modification, reduced affirmative agreement for head-subject relatives, and full subjunctive forms for relatives with a separately expressed subject before interpreting relative clauses with oo.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.