Phrases › Maasai
Phrases
Early draft: There was little reliable source material for this language, so some lines may be wrong. Check with a speaker before relying on them.
In Maasai, hello is Supa and thank you is Ashe oleng. Here are 13 everyday Maasai phrases with pronunciation, for travel and a first conversation.
How to say hello in Maasai · How to say thank you in Maasai · How to say goodbye in Maasai · How to say please in Maasai
| English | Maasai |
|---|---|
| Hello | Supa To one person; "Sopa" is also heard. Reply is the same word or "Sidai". |
| Goodbye | Sere "Ol sere" is also used; said when parting until next time. |
| Please | Siî siî Softens a request; often just added at the end. |
| Thank you | Ashe oleng "Ashe" alone also works; "ashe taa" is a fuller form. |
| Yes | Ee Also "Ipaye" or "Hoyia". |
| No | Aa a'a Said as two short syllables; also "aikó". |
| I don't understand | Maaning'u Negative (ma-) of "a-aning'u" (understand). |
| How much is it? | Kanyoo imirie? Also "Kaja impisai?" (how much money). |
| I'd like this, please | Ayieu ele, siî siî "a-yieu" = want, "ele" = this. |
| The bill, please | Iyakaki esiana Lit. "bring me the bill"; confirmed in a restaurant dialogue. |
| Where is …? | Kai etii …? Fill the gap with the place name, e.g. "Kai etii sipitali?" = Where is the hospital? |
| Help! | Tareto! Confirmed: DICTIONARY: Maa-English Dictionary (Payne & Ole-Kotikash, Univ. of Oregon Maa Language Project, online edition). "help" attested. |
| Can you help me? | Iindim atareto? Confirmed: DICTIONARY: Maa-English Dictionary (Payne & Ole-Kotikash, Univ. of Oregon Maa Language Project, online edition). "help" attested. |
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