about

ku saabsan

approximately, maybe more or less

EXAMPLE: I want to buy a new car, but I'm not sure how much it will cost. It think new cars cost about $20,000.

be responsible for

masuul ka noqo

to be the person who has to pay for something

EXAMPLE: The tenant broke the window, so he is responsible for having it repaired.

brand

sumad

a product that is made by a particular company

EXAMPLE: Which brand of toothpaste do you use?

malfunction

cillad

to not work right

EXAMPLE: Sometimes the starter on my car malfunctions. When this happens, I have to ask someone to jump start it.

handyman

qof karti u leh ama shaqaaleysiiyay inuu sameeyo dib-u-habeyn guri

someone who is good at repairing things

EXAMPLE: When two of my appliances started malfunctioning, I hired a handyman to fix them.

either . . . or

midkoodna . . . ama

use this when you are giving a choice of two or more things

EXAMPLE: Either call me tonight, or I will speak to you tomorrow in class.

EXAMPLE: For dinner, there is either chicken or fish.

I get it.

Waan gartay.

I understand.

EXAMPLE: I don't like having to pay for some of the repairs in my apartment. But I get it. I am responsible if I cause damage.

load a dishwasher

makiinada dharka dhaqda

put dishes and silverware into a dishwasher

EXAMPLE: Tonight it is my daughter's turn to load the dishwasher. My son will wipe down the table and countertops.

normal wear and tear

caadi ahaan xiro iyo jeexitaan

damage from regular use

EXAMPLE: My sofa is not new anymore. We have been careful with it, but it is showing signs of normal wear and tear.

properly

si sax ah

correctly

EXAMPLE: When you load a dishwasher, be sure to do it properly. Rinse off the plates in the sink before you put them in the dishwasher.

service call

wicitaanka adeegga

an appointment with a repair person

EXAMPLE: I needed to get my garage door opener fixed. I called the company and scheduled a service call.

That's a relief!

Taasi waa deganaan!

I am no longer worried!

EXAMPLE: When she heard that her father was no longer sick, she said, "That's a relief!"