Subject -u / -i

Definite Nouns as Subjects

Level 2

Compare bisadda → bisaddu and the modified subject bisadda yari.

How It Works

Standard written Somali marks an unfocused subject phrase. When its final word has a determiner ending in a, that vowel becomes u: bisadda → bisaddu. Forms in -aha become -uhu. Demonstrative endings not ending in a take i, as does an inflecting final adjective.

Only the phrase’s final word carries subject marking. Compare bisaddu with bisadda yari: the adjective now carries it. Derived adjectives ending in -e, -eed, -ood or -aad do not take this adjective ending. The cat subjects below remain feminine singular and use huruddaa. Focused subjects lack subject marking and take reduced predicates. Bare subjects can show tonal distinctions invisible in ordinary spelling. Casual usage, particularly in southern regions, frequently omits subject marking.

Examples (4)

  1. Bisaddu way huruddaa.

    The cat is sleeping.

    Simple definite subject with feminine singular agreement.

  2. Waxaan arkay bisadda.

    I saw the cat.

    The definite object retains its non-subject form.

  3. Bisadda yari way huruddaa.

    The little cat is sleeping.

    The final adjective carries subject marking.

  4. Bisaddani way huruddaa.

    This cat is sleeping.

    The demonstrative ending takes subject -i.

How It Connects

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Subject -u / -iLevel 2Definite Nouns as Subjects

Learn This First

Recognize the ordinary masculine and feminine articles before contrasting their subject forms.