English–Kyrgyz Phrasebook

FAQ

Kyrgyz or Kirghiz — which is correct?

The same language: “Kyrgyz” is the official form from the native name, “Kirghiz” an older transliteration. Phrases and pronunciation are identical.

How is the phrasebook different from the course?

The phrasebook is a reference: find a phrase, listen, repeat. The learn.kg course teaches you to speak on your own — flashcards with spaced repetition, dialogues, quizzes. Start with the free demo.

How are ө, ү and ң pronounced?

Three special Kyrgyz sounds: ө — “e” with rounded lips, ү — “ee” with rounded lips, ң — a nasal “n” as in English sing. The course teaches them in the very first module.

How do I find a phrase fast?

Type the word into the English–Kyrgyz translator: it searches every phrase of the course, not just the topics collected here. The most common words have their own page with audio — for example thank you in Kyrgyz or hello in Kyrgyz.

What do makul, jakshy, kanday and rahmat mean?

These are words you will hear all the time. «Макул» (makul) — “okay, agreed”; «Жакшы, рахмат» (jakshy, rahmat) — “fine, thanks” (the reply to “how are you?”); «Кандай?» (kanday?) — “how are things?” (short, informal), politely «Кандайсыз?» (kandaysyz?); «Рахмат!» (rahmat!) — “thank you!”, «Чоң рахмат!» (chong rahmat!) — “thank you very much!”. All of them are in the sections above, with audio.

What language do they speak in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz is the state language and Russian has official status. Where each language is spoken is covered, with 2022 census figures, in what language do they speak in Kyrgyzstan.