Basic Words

1. Erê

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic yes. Often enough on its own to keep a transaction moving

   Grammar Note

   This data is Kurmanji Kurdish in Latin script, the system used in Turkey and northern Syria.

2. Na

   No

   Usage

   The basic no. Pair it with a head shake to make refusal unmistakable

3. Ji kerema xwe

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request, including when you order by pointing at something

4. Spas

   Thank you

   Usage

   For anything you receive or any help you get. The single most-used word of a trip

5. Bibûrin

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger's or staff member's attention, or to squeeze past someone

6. Min bibore

   Sorry

   Usage

   An actual apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake, not for getting attention

7. Tiştek nine

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both "no harm done" when someone apologises and a soft "no thanks" to an offer

8. Ez fêm nakim

   I don't understand

   Usage

   When you did not follow what was said. It usually prompts the other person to rephrase

9. Min fêm kir

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms the explanation landed. Clearer than just nodding

10. Qediya

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals a meal, payment or procedure is complete — also used to have plates cleared

11. Ji kerema xwe bisekinin

    Please wait

    Usage

    To ask someone to hold on while you dig out luggage or paperwork

12. Kêliyekê

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A lighter, shorter hold-on for a brief pause at a till or before a photo

13. Yek kesê mezin

    One adult, please

    Usage

    For ticket desks and entrances where adult and child prices differ

14. Rezervasyona min tune

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Rezervasyona min heye

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it on arrival, then give your name to speed things up

16. Ji kerema xwe alîkariya min bikin

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or an emergency. It is fine to say this loudly

17. Ji kerema xwe careke din bêjin

    Once more, please

    Usage

    When you missed what was said — handy for prices and room numbers

18. Ji kerema xwe hêdî biaxivin

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem. Works well combined with "once more"

19. Ez hindik diaxivim

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Sets expectations early so the other person switches to simpler wording

20. Hûn bi Îngilîzî diaxivin?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when communication stalls. Usually works at hotels and airports

    Grammar Note

    Use the plural hûn with strangers; tu is for people you know well.

21. Ev

    This

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand

22. Ew

    That

    Usage

    For pointing at something near the other person

23. Li vir

    Here

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

24. Li wir

    There

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

25. Ez

    I

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

26. Tu

    You

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

27. Bi hev re

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone

28. Zêdetir

    More

    Usage

    For asking for a larger amount

29. Hinekî

    Just a little

    Usage

    For asking for a smaller amount

30. Hemû

    All

    Usage

    For saying you want the whole lot

31. Bes e.

    That's enough

    Usage

    For stopping a refill or an offer

32. Niha yekser

    Right now

    Usage

    For conveying urgency

33. Yek kes

    One person

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

34. Du kes

    Two people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

35. Sê kes

    Three people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

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