Question Words

1. Çi?

   What?

   Usage

   A one-word request for clarification when you did not catch something

2. Li ku?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a location. Point at a map or photo while you say it

3. Kengî?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks for a time or date — useful for departure times

4. Kî?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who someone is or who is in charge

5. Çima?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason. It can sound blunt, so soften it with a smile

6. Çawa?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks how to do something — ticket machines, for instance

7. Çend?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. Ev çend e?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard price question. In markets ask them to show the number on a calculator

9. Kîjan?

   Which one?

   Usage

   For choosing between options — use it while pointing

10. Ev çi ye?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product to ask what it is

11. Tuwalet li ku ye?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions of any trip. Works in shops, stations and hotels

12. Saet çend e?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful when your phone is dead

13. Heye?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    A short way to ask about stock or availability while pointing at something

14. Dibe?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — card payment, changing money and so on

15. Ev bi pere ye?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Checks for an extra fee — luggage storage, Wi-Fi and the like

16. Ev belaş e?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free of charge — water or refills, for example

17. Baş e?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Nabe?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Tu baş î?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Dibe?" which asks permission

20. Rastî?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Tu bawer î?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Reconfirms a fact; a firmer check than "Rastî?"

22. Tu ji ku yî?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. Navê te çi ye?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

24. Tu çend salî yî?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age, especially a woman's or a stranger's, can be considered impolite. Best reserved for once you know someone or as a mark of respect toward elders

25. Em dikarin bi hev re wêne bikişînin?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission

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