What are the most useful Kyrgyz phrases for a beginner?

Three things get you through almost any first encounter: салам to say hello, рахмат to say thank you, and one sentence explaining that you are learning Kyrgyz. That last one buys you patience, and people give it generously.

How do you say hello in Kyrgyz?

Салам, for friends and people your own age. With someone older, use ассалоому алейкум — it is the fuller, more respectful greeting, and reaching for it is noticed.

Is it worth speaking Kyrgyz if people also speak Russian?

Yes, and the reason is not practical. Russian will get your meaning across. Kyrgyz changes the temperature of the conversation — and outside the cities it is simply the language people are more at home in.

Useful Kyrgyz phrases for beginners

Greetings and courtesy

Салам!: Salam!Hello!
Кандайсыз?: Kandaysyz?How are you? (polite)
Жакшы, рахмат.: Jakshy, rakhmat.Good, thank you.
Рахмат.: Rakhmat.Thank you.
Сураныч.: Suranych.Please.
Кечиресиз.: Kechiresiz.Excuse me / sorry.
Кош болуңуз.: Kosh boluñuz.Goodbye.

When you are learning

Мен кыргызча үйрөнүп жатам.: Men kyrgyzcha üyrönüp jatam.I am learning Kyrgyz.
Түшүнгөн жокмун.: Tüshüngön jokmun.I did not understand.
Кайталап коёсузбу?: Kaytalap koyosuzbu?Could you repeat that?
Жайыраак сүйлөй аласызбы?: Jayyrak süylöy alasyzby?Could you speak more slowly?
Бул эмнени билдирет?: Bul emneni bildiret?What does this mean?

Everyday questions

Бул канча турат?: Bul kancha turat?How much does this cost?
Даараткана кайда?: Daaratkana kayda?Where is the restroom?
Мага жардам керек.: Maga jardam kerek.I need help.
Ооба / Жок.: Ooba / Jok.Yes / No.

How to use this list

Choose three phrases, say them aloud and reuse them in a short imagined exchange. Politeness and wording can vary with the relationship and situation, so listen to how local speakers answer and adapt your phrase instead of treating transliteration as exact pronunciation.

FAQ

Common questions

What are the most useful Kyrgyz phrases for a beginner?: Three things get you through almost any first encounter: салам to say hello, рахмат to say thank you, and one sentence explaining that you are learning Kyrgyz. That last one buys you patience, and people give it generously.
How do you say hello in Kyrgyz?: Салам, for friends and people your own age. With someone older, use ассалоому алейкум — it is the fuller, more respectful greeting, and reaching for it is noticed.
Is it worth speaking Kyrgyz if people also speak Russian?: Yes, and the reason is not practical. Russian will get your meaning across. Kyrgyz changes the temperature of the conversation — and outside the cities it is simply the language people are more at home in.

Turn phrases into a steady routine.

Read the full learning guide