election debate

doodda doorashada

a discussion between two politicians who want the same position in government

EXAMPLE: The two candidates for governor participated in an election debate. The viewers got to hear their opinions on many issues.

elect

dooro

(verb) to choose someone for a position by voting

EXAMPLE: The people voted. They elected a new mayor.

crisis

qalalaase

a situation or time that is extremely dangerous or difficult

EXAMPLE: The city has run out of clean water. This is a crisis! Where will people find water to drink?

force

xoog

(verb) to make someone do something that they do not want to do

EXAMPLE: The mugger forced me to give him my wallet.

lack of

la'aanta

not having something, or not having enough of something

EXAMPLE: If there is a lack of clean water, people will want to move away from our city.

impose a tax

canshuur saar

to officially order that a tax will happen

EXAMPLE: The new government has imposed a car tax on the people. Every year, people will have to pay 1% of their cars' value to the government.

opponent

kasoo horjeedka

someone who disagrees with you

EXAMPLE: Samuel's political opponent asked him to participate in an election debate.

tax break

cashuur dhaaf

a change in the law that lowers one kind of tax

EXAMPLE: The mayor decided to stop making residents pay a city tax. The people were very happy to get this tax break.

in a big way

hab weyn

a lot

EXAMPLE: Thank you for helping us move. You really helped us in a big way.

issue

arrin

a subject or problem that people are thinking about and talking about

EXAMPLE: One of the big issues right now is inflation. People are worried about the rising prices of essentials, like milk and eggs.

private

gaar ahaaneed

only for one person or group, not for everyone

EXAMPLE: A private company is a company that wants to make a profit. Public institutions are available for everyone!

unlike

ka duwan

not the same, different from

EXAMPLE: Unlike you, I am not a good singer.

vacant lot

banaan badan

an empty space in a city where someone could build

EXAMPLE: I have seen a lot of broken glass on the vacant lot. I don't let my kids play there because it wouldn't be safe.

entrepreneur

ganacsade

someone who starts their own business

EXAMPLE: My son had a great idea for a new business. He is going to ask the bank for a loan so he can start it with his business partner. My son is an entrepreneur.

incentive

dhiirigelin

something that encourages a person to do something

EXAMPLE: My boss said he would give me a large bonus if I completed the project by the end of the month. The bonus is a huge incentive. I'm going to work very hard to meet the deadline, so I can earn the bonus.

prohibit

mamnuuc

to not allow something officially

EXAMPLE: The teacher prohibits the use of cell phones in the classroom. My son leaves his at home now.

project

mashruuc

a piece of planned work or activity that is finished over a period of time

EXAMPLE: My next project is decorating the kitchen.

trouble

difficulty, a hard time

EXAMPLE: She was laid off from her job. Now she is having trouble paying her bills.