Reading Kyrgyz phrases
Kyrgyz uses a Cyrillic alphabet with 36 letters, including ң, ө and ү. Each phrase keeps its original spelling so you can try saying it or show it to the person you are speaking to.
The Latin line below the Cyrillic is a simple reading aid. It cannot represent every detail of pronunciation. Start by noticing doubled vowels: hold these longer than a single vowel.
The Latin line is an approximate reading aid. u sounds like oo in food; ı is an unrounded back vowel. y sounds like y in yes, j like j in jam, ng like ng in sing, ch like ch in chair and sh like sh in shop. For ö and ü, round your lips while trying to say eh and ee. Double vowels are held longer. Bold type in the reading aid marks the stressed syllable. One-syllable words and words whose stress has not been confirmed are left unmarked.
Starting a conversation
Greet the person, then ask one short question. If you do not understand the reply, ask them to repeat it or show you the numbers. Use the phrase you need rather than reading through a whole list.
- Hello! (polite)
- Саламатсызбы! [Salamatsızbı!]
- How are you? (polite)
- Кандайсыз? [Kandaysız?]
- I’m well, thank you.
- Жакшы, рахмат. [Jakshı, rakhmat.]
- My name is …
- Менин атым … [Menin atım …]
- I didn’t understand.
- Түшүнгөн жокмун. [Tüshüngön jokmun.]
- Please speak more slowly.
- Жайыраак сүйлөңүзчү. [Jayıraak süylöngüzchü.]
- Goodbye! (said by the person leaving)
- Жакшы калыңыз! [Jakshı kalıngız!]
- Goodbye! (said to the person leaving)
- Жакшы барыңыз! [Jakshı barıngız!]
For advice on choosing a language, see communicating in Kyrgyzstan. Read about the development of teaching materials and writing in our profile of Kasym Tynystanov. For the country’s name and its spelling, see our guide to Kyrgyzstan’s name.
For further practice, use the Peace Corps Kyrgyz language manual. Its old prices and transport examples should not be used to plan a journey.
Share on social media
If you found this guide useful, share it on social media. It takes a moment and helps more travellers discover the project. Thank you!
Anything to add?
Share your experience, leave a comment or suggest an improvement.