Greetings

1. Merheba

   Mer-he-ba

   Hello

   Usage

   The common Kurdish greeting, used across Kurdish regions in Turkey, Iraq, and Iran

   Grammar Note

   Arabic-derived greeting. In Kurmanji dialect, "Xweş hatî" (welcome) is also used

2. Spas

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common expression of gratitude in Kurdish (Kurmanji dialect)

   Grammar Note

   Can also be said as "Spas dikim." In Sorani dialect, "Supas" is used

3. Bi xatirê te

   Bi xa-ti-rê te

   Goodbye

   Usage

   The Kurmanji Kurdish farewell phrase

   Grammar Note

   Literally "with your favour/leave"; xatir means favour or regard and is used in this fixed farewell. "Xwedê hafiz" (God protect you) is also a common farewell

4. Erê / Na

   E-rê / Na

   Yes / No

   Usage

   Basic Kurmanji Kurdish words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   In Sorani dialect, "Belê" (yes) and "Na" (no) are used

5. Çawa yî?

   Ça-wa yî?

   How are you?

   Usage

   The Kurmanji Kurdish way to ask how someone is doing

   Grammar Note

   Reply "Baş im" (I'm fine). "Baş" means good/well in Kurmanji

6. Xweş hatî

   Xweş ha-tî

   Welcome

   Usage

   A warm welcome expression used when receiving guests or visitors

   Grammar Note

   Literally "you came well". Kurdish hospitality culture values welcoming guests warmly

7. Navê min ... e

   Na-vê min ... e

   My name is ...

   Usage

   Introducing yourself by stating your name

   Grammar Note

   nav (name) takes the ezafe -ê to become navê. min is the oblique form of ez (I), meaning "my"

8. Bibore

   Bi-bo-re

   Excuse me / Sorry

   Usage

   A versatile expression used to get attention or to apologize

   Grammar Note

   Imperative of borîn (to pass/spend). bi- is the imperative prefix in Kurmanji

9. Ji kerema xwe careke din bibêje?

   Ji ke-re-ma xwe ca-re-ke din bi-bê-je?

   Could you please repeat that?

   Usage

   Politely asking someone to repeat what they said when you did not understand

   Grammar Note

   ji kerema xwe is the polite request formula. "Say it once more" is careke din bibêje; the polite plural is careke din bêjin. axivî is a past form of axaftin, not an imperative

10. Ez tênagihêm

    Ez tê-na-gi-hêm

    I don't understand

    Usage

    Essential phrase when you cannot understand what is being said

    Grammar Note

    Negative 1st person present of têgihîştin (to understand). na- is the negation prefix placed before the verb. "Ez fam nakim" is also used with the same meaning

11. Destavxane li ku ye?

    Des-tav-xa-ne li ku ye?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Essential Kurdish phrase for asking where the bathroom is

    Grammar Note

    "Destavxane" is a compound: dest (hand) + xane (house/room) = "hand-washing place"

12. Ez nikarim bi Kurdî biaxivim

    Ez ni-ka-rim bi Kur-dî bi-a-xi-vim

    I can't speak Kurdish

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you cannot speak Kurdish

    Grammar Note

    "nikarim" is the 1sg negative of karîn ("can"); nikare would be 3sg, "he/she cannot"

13. Ez ê dîsa werim

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop

14. Gelek xweş derbas bû

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Used when saying goodbye

15. Spas, heta dîtinê!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual way to say goodbye

16. Şev baş

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to bed, e.g. at a guesthouse or homestay; follows the same pattern as "Roj baş" (good day)

17. Ez derdikevim

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Casual phrase said when leaving the house

18. Ez vegeriyam malê

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to the house/guesthouse

19. Bibore, divê ez herim

    Excuse me, I need to get going

    Usage

    Polite way to excuse yourself when leaving before others

20. Tiştek nîne

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Response to "Spas" (thank you); literally "it's nothing"

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