commute

socdaal

the drive or ride to work or school

the drive from work or school back home again

EXAMPLE: My commute is 40 minutes! I need to get a job closer to my home.

cost of living

kharashka nolol maalmeedka

the level of prices (high or low?)

EXAMPLE: I just moved to Chicago. The cost of living there is much higher than it was in Iowa.

job seeker

shaqo raadiye

someone who is looking for a job

EXAMPLE: There were many job seekers at the job fair.

standard of living

heerka nolosha

how much money and comfort someone has

EXAMPLE: My standard of living has improved since I got a promotion and a raise at work. My family has more money now.

take into account

gal koontayda

consider, think about

EXAMPLE: I want to move to a new apartment. I need to take the cost into account. The rent will be higher. Can I afford that?

tourist

dalxiise

someone who visits a different state or country for fun

EXAMPLE: The tourist was new to Minneapolis. He got lost and asked me for directions.

affordable housing

guryo la awoodi karo

a home you can afford

EXAMPLE: My rent was increased. It is too high! I need to look for affordable housing.

consider

tixgalin

think about

EXAMPLE: Before you choose a new car, consider all of the options. There are many kinds and colors to choose from.

create

abuur

to make something new that never existed before

EXAMPLE: When you paint a picture, you create something beautiful!

extremely

aad

very very

EXAMPLE: I have been sick for a week and can't sleep at night. I am extremely tired.

factor

shay

one of the things that is important

EXAMPLE: I want to buy a new car. There are many factors to think about. Do I want a new or used car? How many people should it carry? What color? I need to consider these factors.

make ends meet

lacag kufilan qaadasho

have enough money to pay for food and housing

EXAMPLE: Bob can't find a job. He does not earn any money and can't make ends meet.

occupation

shaqo

job, profession

EXAMPLE: I just met my new neighbor, but she didn't say where she works. Next time we meet, I will ask her about her occupation.

relocate

guurid

to move because of a job

EXAMPLE: Yasmin just got a job offer with very high pay. Unfortunately it is in another state. She will have to relocate if she wants to accept it.

rise

kicid

go up

EXAMPLE: When inflation is high, prices rise. Everything becomes more expensive.

suburb

nawaaxigeeda

cities around a major city

EXAMPLE: No, I don't live in Minneapolis. I live in one of its suburbs. I live in Burnsville.

vary

kala duwan

(verb) change OR be different

EXAMPLE: The weather in Minnesota changes every day. The temperature can vary from cold to warm in one afternoon.

EXAMPLE: Prices vary from store to store. They are higher at Kohls and lower at Walmart.

cost an arm and a leg

aad qaali u ah

IDIOM - be very expensive

EXAMPLE: I love my new car, but it was very expensive. It cost me an arm and a leg!

dirt cheap

raqiis

IDIOM - very inexpensive

EXAMPLE: There's a new store near my house. I love it because everything there is dirt cheap! I'm going to save a lot of money!

feel like a million bucks

IDIOM - feel great

EXAMPLE: I just got a promotion at work and I am very happy about it. I feel like a million bucks!

foot the bill

biilka bixi

IDIOM - to pay for something

EXAMPLE: We want our daughter to go to college and we are happy to pay her tuition. We will foot the bill.

get ahead

ka soco

(phrasal verb) to be successful in the work that you do

EXAMPLE: I just started an entry level job. My plan is to work very hard so I can get ahead. Hopefully I will get a promotion by this time next year!