Slang

1. Temam

   OK

   Usage

   The most-used colloquial acknowledgement — safe with anyone

2. Baş e

   Fine / all right

   Usage

   A word of agreement — safe with anyone

3. Xweş e

   Nice

   Usage

   For praising food, a view or music — an all-purpose compliment, safe with anyone

4. Aferîn

   Well done

   Usage

   Praise for someone's effort — fine for children and adults

5. Malava

   Bless you / thanks

   Usage

   Literally "may your house prosper" — a casual thank-you for help, and never rude

6. Wele

   Honestly / I swear

   Usage

   A colloquial intensifier — for friends your age, not for formal settings

7. Ez qurban

   My dear / anything for you

   Usage

   A set phrase of affection for family and close friends — not for a first meeting

8. Kekê min

   Brother (to a man)

   Usage

   A warm way to address an older man, related or not — never used to a woman

9. Bira

   Bro (to a male friend)

   Usage

   For male friends your age — not for women or elders

10. Lo

    Hey (to a male)

    Usage

    A vocative particle for a male; for a female it is "lê". Only with close peers — rude to an elder or a stranger

11. Çi xebere?

    What is the news?

    Usage

    A casual greeting between friends, literally "what news?" — with a stranger use "tu çawa yî?"

12. Ax

    Sigh / oh

    Usage

    A sigh of tiredness or letdown — close to talking to yourself, so safe anywhere

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