Grammar
Asking Questions
Master the art of asking questions in Oromo.
Asking Questions
Afan Oromo has question (interrogatives) words like who, what, where, etc. These are among the most important words to memorize.
| Question | Afan Oromo |
|---|---|
| How much is it? | Meeqa inni? |
| How much? | Meeqa? |
| How many? | Hammam? / Hangami? |
| How? | Akam? / Karaa kamiin? |
| In what way? | Akkamitti |
| What time is it? | Sa'atiin meeqa? |
| What? | Maal? |
| What happened? | Maal ta'e? / Maaltu ta'e? |
| When? | Yoom? |
| Where? | Eesa? |
| To where? | Garam? |
| Which/ Which one? | Kam/Kami? / Isa kami? |
| Who? | Eenyu? |
| For whom? | Eenyuuf? |
| Whose? | Kan eenyu? |
| Why? | Maalif? |
| Yes/No | Eeye / Miti |
Within the sentence structure, it is simple to make a YES/NO question. One can change the verb into a question just by changing the vocal intonation. Also, as you see in the first example below, of then the object (it) is unspoken.
Statement: You like (it). - Ati ni jaalatta.
Question: Do you like (it)? (m) - Ati ni jaalattaa?
Statement: He has coffee. - Inni buna qaba.
Question: Does he have coffee? - Inni buna qabaa?
Statement: They are from Oromia. - Isaan Oromiyaa irrahi.
Question: Are they from Oromia? - Isaan Oromiyaa irrahii?